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HomeMy WebLinkAbout11-23-10City of Lakeville Economic Development Commission Regular Meeting Agenda Tuesday, November 23,201o, 4:30 p.m. City Hall, 20195 Holyoke Avenue Lakeville, MN 1. Call meeting to order 2. Approve September 28, 2010 meeting minutes 3. Final Review and Recommendation of 2011 -2013 Strategic Plan for Economic Development. 4. Review and Recommendation of 2011 CDBG Application 5. Director's Report 6. Adjourn Attachments: October, 2010 Building Permit Report October Foreclosure Update Commercial Real Estate, hot property, Argonne Village StarTribune, November 8, 2010. $40 million phase set for Cedar Avenue Bus Rapid Transit Finance & Commerce, November 12, 2010 Open land at issue in company's expansion, StarTribune.com, November 17, 2010 Neighbors fretting property easement in Lakeville TwinCities.com, November 11, 2010 Lockheed to close Eagan plant; 1,000 lobs affected StarTribune, November 19, 2010 item r - 4oa o� City of Lakeville Economic Development Commission Meeting Minutes September 28, 2010 Marion Conference Room, City Hall Members Present: Comms. Matasosky, Longie, Tushie, Vlasak, Schubert, Emond, Starfield, Smith, Ex-officio member City Administrator Steve Mielke, Ex- officio member Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Todd Bornhauser. Members Absent: Comm. Brantly. Others Present: David Olson, Community & Economic Development Director; Adam Kienberger, Economic Development Specialist. 1. Call Meeting to Order Chair Matasosky called the meeting to order at 4:30 p.m. in the Marion Conference Room of City Hall, 20195 Holyoke Avenue, Lakeville, Minnesota. 2. Approve June 22, 2010 Meeting Minutes Motion 10.09 Comms. Tushie / Longie moved to approve the minutes of the June 22, 2010 meeting as presented. Motion carried unanimously. 3. Review Draft-2011 -2013 Strategic Plan for Economic Development Dave Olson reviewed - the draft 2011 -2013 Strategic Plan for Economic Development. It was noted that this is the first Strategic Plan to be formulated amidst a recession, so that has had an impact on the number and types of goals outlined in the draft. Comm. Longie asked if any additional money has been budgeted in the 2011 budget for new initiatives in this draft plan. Are there any grants available for marketing plans or other economic development efforts? Mr. Olson responded that additional funding is not included in the proposed 2011 budget and that staff will research the availability of economic development grants for developing a marketing plan. Mr. Olson added that it will be important for the EDC to define a scope for a marketing plan as the range in costs can be significant. Comm. Emond and Comm. Longie noted that it is important to have available funding to implement a marketing plan or it won't be worth much. Economic Development Commission Meeting Minutes September 28, 2010 Comm. Brantly and Chair Matasosky added that the EDC will have to prioritize and thoroughly analyze what it wants to accomplish. Goals need to be identified and then assigned an approximate dollar cost. Comm. Matasosky suggested that EDC should consider formulating a subcommittee to address this strategy and work on identifying marketing goals and costs. Comm. Tushie agreed and stated that he would rather do a marketing strategy the right way and have it fully funded than attempt to do something haphazardly. Mr. Olson concluded that the draft 2011 -2013 Strategic Plan for Economic Development would be forwarded to the City Council for discussion at an upcoming joint work session. 4. Review of Itasca Project Regional Economic Development Entity (REDE) Mr. Olson reviewed a proposal currently in development by the Itasca Project to formulate a REDE for the 13- county Twin Cities Metropolitan Area and western Wisconsin. Steve Mielke added that the Dakota County CDA recently gave a presentation on this project and will likely participate in providing funding to the Itasca Project REDE. He added that while there have some attempts in the past to formulate a regional economic development entity for the Twin Cities, this one is being largely funding by private industry. Ex- officio Member Bornhauser added that it is tough for businesses to deal with Minnesota's corporate tax rates. He added that it is currently very difficult for Minnesota to compete with other regional economic development entities because economic development in Minnesota is severely underfunded. This could be a fundamental shift in how Minnesota and the Twin Cities markets itself. Comm. Tushie noted that it is difficult for a city to fight larger issues that are out of our control. Mr. Olson added that the REDE will market the Twin Cities as a region to help attract businesses to the area. Lakeville has not yet been approached to contribute financially to the project, but if we are, the request will likely be for $25,000 per year based on our population. 5. Director's Report Mr. Olson reviewed the Director's Report. October 25 — 29 is Minnesota Manufacturing Week and Lakeville will once again be hosting a Manufacturers Reception to thank the businesses for being a part of the 2 Economic Development Commission Meeting Minutes September 28, 2010 Lakeville business community. The event is scheduled for Tuesday, October 26 at 4:30 p.m. at the Lakeville Holiday Inn and Suites. Chair Matasosky mentioned that if they are able, EDC members should help call the businesses and encourage them to attend the event this year. 6. Adjourn Chair Matasosky adjourned the meeting at 5:45 p.m. Respectfully submitted by: Attested to: Adam Kienberger, Economic Development Specialist R. T. Brantly, Secretary 3 �s No. 3 City of Lakeville Community and Economic Development Memorandum To: Economic Development Commission From: David L. Olson, Community and Economic Development Director Copy: Steve Mielke, City Administrator Adam Kienberger, Economic Development Specialist Date: November 23, 2010 Subject: Review and Approval of 2011 -13 Strategic Plan for Economic Development Attached is the proposed 2011 -13 Strategic Plan for Economic Development that was reviewed by the EDC at the regular September meeting and at a Joint Meeting with the City Council on October 25 A copy of the draft minutes from the Joint Meeting are also attached. As the minutes indicate, there was a considerable amount of discussion between City Council members and EDC members, however there were no recommended changes to the draft Strategic Plan. It was suggested at the September meeting that a subcommittee be established to work specifically on the marketing plan element of the Strategic Plan in particular, to work with staff to develop a scope and estimated budget for the preparation of the marketing plan. Suggest would request that composition of this subcommittee be determined at this meeting so that work can commence as soon as possible. In the past, subcommittees have consisted of 3 -4 members. As the next agenda item indicates, staff is already attempting to identify possible funding sources even though the scope and budget has yet to be determined. In the case of CDBG funds, we have to identify the activity at least six months in advance of the funds actually becoming available. It is anticipated that additional funds beyond what is being recommended in the 2011 CDBG application will have to be identified and secured. Action Requested: Recommend City Council approval of the attached proposed 2011 -13 Strategic Plan for Economic Development. ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION STRATEGIC PLAN FOR ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT 2011 -2013 Approved by City Council: Pending 2011 -2013 Strategic Plan for Economic Development History of the EDC's Strategic Planning Efforts The Economic Development Commission has a history of planning for the economic future of Lakeville dating back to the first Strategic Plan completed in 1995. The EDC continues to undertake a Strategic Planning process every three years. This process includes reviewing the City's progress on the previous plan's goals, examining the current issues facing the community, and drafting a new Strategic Work Plan. The 2011 -2013 Strategic Plan for Economic Development continues that tradition of thoughtful and organized planning for the economic future of Lakeville. Strategic Plans have enabled the City to focus its efforts and accomplish tangible results. Activities that are now considered a standard part of Lakeville's Economic Development program were conceived through earlier strategic planning processes. Participants in the Process The Strategic Plan for Economic Development is a three -year plan that guides the work of the Economic Development Commission and Economic Development staff in achieving the economic development objectives of the City of Lakeville. In order to develop a living /working plan it is imperative to have open communication between the Mayor and City Council and the EDC to establish agreed -upon priorities. The process of developing a new plan for 2011 -2013 began in August 2010. The following elected and appointed officials and staff committed their time and energy to creating the proposed strategic plan: Holly Dahl, Mayor Mark Bellows, City Council Member Laurie Rieb, City Council Member Kerrin Swecker, City Council Member Kevin Miller, City Council Member Jack Matasosky, Economic Development Commission Chair Gary Tushie, Economic Development Commission Vice -Chair Bob Brantly, Economic Development Commission Secretary Jim Emond, Economic Development Commissioner Sheila Longie, Economic Development Commissioner Jeannie Schubert, Economic Development Commissioner Tom Smith, Economic Development Commissioner Glenn Starfield, Economic Development Commissioner Dan Vlasak, Economic Development Commissioner 2 Jerry Erickson, Economic Development Commission Alternate* Todd Bornhauser, Ex- Officio Economic Development Commissioner; Executive Director - Lakeville Area Chamber of Commerce Steve Mielke, Ex- Officio Economic Development Commissioner; City Administrator David Olson, Community & Economic Development Director Adam Kienberger, Economic Development Specialist *Longtime EDC member Jerry Erickson passed away in July of 2010 Looking Back Lessons learned: • We need to be prepared for whatever may happen • We can be too hard on ourselves • What can we really control? o Limited influence on outside forces • Don't get complacent • Economic factors: o Too prepared for "business as usual" o Need to change expectations o Forced us to reprioritize o More was "out of our control" Looking Ahead What should the next Strategic Plan do /be? • It should provide a road map to achievable goals • Prioritize goals and objectives • Be flexible enough to adapt to economic changes • Measurable and demonstrable • Guide EDC and staff • Include activities and actions targeted to the "decision- makers" perspective Vision "Lakeville is recognized as a unique and attractive community where people of all ages want to live, learn, work and enjoy and where businesses choose to locate due to an attractive business climate." Mission "The EDC develops strategies and communicates benefits that will make Lakeville the best choice for decision - makers considering business location and expansion." 3 Internal Analysis Opportunities (next 3 -5 years): • I -35 commercial corridor • East /west corridors • Expanded telecommunication options • Retention /expansion efforts • Communication and marketing • Better positioned for industrial development • Higher education Challenges: • Retention /expansion of existing businesses • Lack of a compelling /distinguishing feature o "what sets us apart" • Location (southern edge of Twin Cities) • Regulations o Not necessarily City • Do we understand our audiences? o Business decision makers • Funding Weaknesses: • Aggressiveness • Lack of a "story" • Lack of incentives amidst increasing competition • Lack of State economic programs • Housing (variety /affordability) • Telecommunication service issues (real or perceived) • Communication with businesses Strengths: • Location /transportation • Twin Cities suburb /proximity • Transportation infrastructure • Quality of life /sense of place • Infrastructure • Trained and educated workforce • Land availability • Sound fiscal management /low City taxes • City government • Quality of local school system 4 • Track record • Existing critical mass of businesses 2011 -2013 EDC Goals 1. Create a marketing plan that has a clear message, is flexible, adequately funded, creative, aggressive, and targeted that communicates Lakeville's values, is broad and sector specific based on good information. a. Year 1 - broad plan b. Year 2 - sector - specific plan 2. Create a toolbox of incentives that includes /are: • Objectives that are based on public benefit • Can demonstrate return on investment for the City • Innovative and creative in their approach and can be tailored to the specific needs of a business • Fiscally responsible to the public • Targeted at specific business groups /sectors • Proactive • Create partnerships • Fair /equitable to everyone seeking assistance • Low -risk financially for the City 3. Advocate for: • Better access to I -35 o Third lane southbound to County Road 50 • East -west corridor connections • Airlake Airport runway extension • Sufficient transit funding but not at the expense of other transportation goals 4. Monitor and encourage: • Expanded telecommunication services • Better regulatory environment • Remain in the lower 1/3 tax rates for City property taxes in Dakota County • More State funding for the development of workforce housing 5 2011 -2013 Work Plan The Work Plan for each year of the three -year Strategic Plan will be developed and prepared as a separate document. The Work Plan for each year will be based on available staff and budgetary resources for the coming year. The Work Plan will be prepared by staff and presented to both the EDC and City Council. In addition to the actual work program, it is important that the City and the EDC effectively communicate on an on -going and regular basis the vision, mission, as well as goals and desired outcomes of the Strategic Plan. This will allow for residents and business owners to understand and hopefully support the City's Strategic Plan for Economic Development. C. Minutes Lakeville City Council Joint meeting with the Economic Development Commission and City Council Work Session October 25, 2010 5:30 p.m. In attendance: Mayor Holly Dahl Council Member Mark Bellows Council Member Laurie Rieb Council Member Kerrin Swecker Council Member Kevin Miller Economic Development Commissioners: Jack Matasosky Jeanne Schubert Sheila Longie Robert Brantley Jim Emond Gary Tushie Tom Smith Staff: Steve Mielke, City Administrator Dave Olson, Community and Economic Development Director Adam Kienberger, Economic Development Specialist Judi Hawkins, Deputy City Clerk The meeting was called to order at 5:30 p.m. by Mayor Dahl. ITEM #1 - Joint meeting with EDC to discuss Draft 2011 -13 Strategic Plan for Economic Development Community and Economic Development Director Dave Olson introduced the Draft 2011 -13 Strategic Plan for Economic Development. The EDC held a strategic planning work session on August 19, 2010 with an outside facilitator and discussed the attainment of the current strategic plan's goals as well as the vision, mission and goals to be incorporated into the next strategic plan. The document outlines long -term issues being faced including how the current economy has impacted the City's economic development perspective. The proposed plan has four main goals. The first is the development of a marketing plan to promote the city as a place for businesses to establish themselves or expand. Costs associated with development of a marketing plan have not been included in the proposed 2011 budget. The second goal is development of a toolbox of incentives to attract new businesses or support the City Council /EDC Work Session Minutes October 25, 2010 Page -2- expansion of existing businesses. The third and fourth goals are to advocate for businesses and to monitor and encourage their success. The three -year plan being proposed for adoption will provide for additional time for implementation. Many forces beyond the control of the City have had an effect on the current plan since its adoption. EDC members feel it is important not to become complacent but to re- prioritize and establish goals which are adaptable to the economic conditions. Jack Matasosky stated that businesses need to capitalize on opportunities. Gary Tushie added that the creation of a toolbox for development will allow new businesses to know what resources are available for them through the City. Council Member Swecker asked what kind of assistance or resources the EDC feels businesses are specifically looking for. Jack Matasosky responded that it is the hope of the EDC that the toolbox will be able to determine appropriate responses to a variety of businesses' needs and encourage new businesses to settle in Lakeville. Sheila Longie added that a "Grow Minnesota" survey has been conducted in the industrial areas to determine the economic outlook of existing Lakeville businesses. Responses were received from both Chamber and non - Chamber businesses. Dave Olson stated that the EDC vision and mission has remained basically consistent over the years with just a few "updates ". With increased competition for businesses some cities are enticing businesses to settle there. However, many features and opportunities, such as close proximity to the 1 -35 corridor, set Lakeville apart from other communities. There was discussion between EDC members and City Council members regarding some of the challenges in developing land in Lakeville which include federal, state and local regulations regarding wetlands, etc. Some financial incentives that cities might offer include Tax Increment Financing, Tax Abatement, land, etc. In order to consider offering these or any other incentives the city needs to look at the return on the investment. Other more simple incentives could be to allow higher densities or reduced setbacks. Companies are also requiring expanded telecommunication services and are requesting bandwidth and fiber technologies. Affordable workforce housing and public transit will also be needed to support new and existing businesses. The schedule for adoption of the Strategic Plan is to incorporate any changes suggested at tonight's work session, bring the document back to the EDC one more time in November, and then bring it to the Council's first meeting in City Council /EDC Work Session Minutes October 25, 2010 Page -3- December for consideration. This schedule would allow the plan to take effect in January 2011. Council reviewed the various aspects of the document with the EDC and staff and directed that the plan be put on the agenda for consideration at their December 6, 2010 meeting. #2 - Subsurface Treatment Systems (SSTS) Ordinance Amendment Ther are between 300 and 400 properties in the city, mostly in non - urbanized areas, hich are not connected to City sanitary sewer and instead have on -site sewage atment systems. The Minnesota PCA developed new rules and regulations o protect public health and general welfare. Dakota County adopted the ew state rules into their Subsurface Sewage Treatment System (SSTS) Ordinanc 113 about a year ago, making the County's ordinance more restrictive than th MPCA's requirements. The City of Lakeville wishes to be consistent with the unty's ordinance and is required to adopt the MPCA rules. Existing systems are not i pacted by this change unless or until the properties are altered in some way s h as development of the area, sale of the property, etc. Inspections are require t the time of application for a building permit, or if a complaint is received rega ing a suspected failing system. Failing systems must be upgraded within 10 mon s. Some of the new requirements include a State compliance inspection repor o be completed by a MPCA licensed inspector on all for -sale properties. St f continues to monitor and work with property owners on a case by case bas . Council members asked if there are specifi areas in the City where these several hundred septic systems exist and felt iTVould be helpful to receive a map showing concentrated areas. Council dir ted staff to place the revised ordinance on a future Council agenda. ITEM #3 - Malt -O -Meal Expansion Review Shortly after Malt -O -Meal purchased the Hearth Technolo s site, they also purchased an additional 4.5 acres of adjoining property to t east which was owned by New Morning Windows. The northern 155 feet of the ew Morning Windows property contains a conservation easement which was ranted to the City by the owners of New Morning Windows when they purchase e property in 1995. The conservation easement does not allow for development improvements to be constructed on the property. Malt -O -Meal is lookin o the future at plans to remodel 29,000 square feet of office space in their existin building to accommodate an additional 100 employees and is also anticipate a future second building on their property. Current parking areas will need to b . No. . u City of Lakeville 00 Community and Economic Development Memorandum To: Economic Development Commission From: David L. Olson, Community and Economic Development Director Adam Kienberger, Economic Development Specialist Copy: Steve Mielke, City Administrator Date: November 23, 2010 Subject: 2011 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Application The City is required to submit its 2011 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) application to the Dakota County CDA by December 15, 2010. It is anticipated that the City will receive $138,400 in 2011 which is the same amount received in 2010. The CDA is continuing its requirement that 50% of a City's activities to be funded with CDBG funds involve activities that benefit Low - Moderate Income (LMI) households. One of the more commonly identified LMI activities in other cities in Dakota County is the Home Rehabilitation Loan program (residential rehab) administered by the Dakota County CDA. Preservation of the existing residential neighborhoods adjacent to the Downtown has been identified as a goal of the City Council approved Downtown Development Guide. Due to the increase in home foreclosures and economic hardships, this program will likely remain active and will potentially see an increase in demand. Over the past five years, Lakeville has done 37 residential rehab loans. Through the end of September, there is approximately a $10,800 balance available in the current program budget. Attached is a copy of a CDA brochure that describes this program in greater detail and also includes the current income guidelines for the program. Staff would recommend a funding level increase for this program of $110,720 for 2011. One of the main goals of the proposed 2011 -2013 Strategic Plan for Economic Development is the creation and development of a marketing plan. Lakeville can allocate up to 20% of its 2011 CDBG allocation towards a 'planning" activity similar to how funding was provided for the Downtown Development Guide in 2005. Staff would recommend a funding level of 20% or $27,680 to create a new planning activity for a marketing plan study. The other activity previously funded with the City's 2010 allocation is the Downtown Code Improvement Program. This activity currently has a balance of $233,350 from funding in previous years. It is recommended that no additional funding be sought for this program in 2011. HUD guidelines have made this program more challenging to administer and less effective in terms of the assistance able to be provided to a Downtown building owner. It is recommended that this program balance be maintained at its current level for the time being. If a project is not identified in 2011, we may need to consider reallocating some of these funds to a different activity. 2011 Funding Recommendations Staff recommends the following activities to be funded with the City's 2011 CDBG allocation. Home Rehabilitation Loan Program $110,720 Marketing Plan Study $27,680 Requested Action Staff requests the EDC discuss these recommendations and forward its recommendation to the City Council. 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O !D °� -0 a) ai O' 0 m y n to Q CD T Ln ry tD O M �A a3 CL n t6 at O Q O + �t iQ + o 0 o s h r v o N 3 o ro v a s v c m o n o tat (jy 0 cr °+ m 3 y r < r v S FD* o �. 3 '* n CR . � N ar ® ro o a s i � a s i � item No. 5 City of Lakeville '1E Q—- - Community and Economic Development Memorandum To: Economic Development Commission From: David L. Olson, Community and Economic Development Director Copy: Steve Mielke, City Administrator Adam Kienberger, Economic Development Specialist Date: November 23, 2010 Subject: November Director's Report The following is the Director's Report for November, 2010. Malt -O -Meal Expansion Plans Attached are two articles that have appeared in both the Pioneer Press and the StarTribune in the past week regarding Malt -O- Meal's proposed expansion plans and how they could potentially impact a conservation easement located on the 4.5 acres that the company purchased from New Morning Windows after they purchased the former Hearth Technologies building. The City Council was informed of this request at their October 25 Work Session and instructed staff to work with Malt -O -Meal to solicit input from the adjacent residential property owners. Malt -O -Meal is hosting a neighborhood meeting on Tuesday, November 23 City staff will be attending this meeting. As the articles accurately indicate, this will be a policy decision for the City Council as to whether preserve a privately owned natural area in the Fairfield Business Campus, or provide for future expansion of a major local business. It is not anticipated that the Council will consider this issue until sometime after the first of the year. Building Permit Report The City issued building permits with a total valuation of $47,902,421 through the end of October. This compares to a total valuation of $60,730,023 during the same period last year. The City total valuation of commercial and industrial permits through October was $3,660,000 which compares to $7,051,500 through October of last year. The City also issued permits for 114 single family homes through October with a total valuation of $31,314,000. This compares to permits for 104 single family homes with a total valuation of $29,030,000 through October of last year. Development Updates The City has recently received a Sketch Plan application from Airlake Development for a proposed new industrial development to be called Airlake 70. This proposed development consists of approximately 60 acres of industrially owned land located east of Cedar Avenue and south of what will be an extension of County Road 70. Because of the size of this proposed development exceeds 450,000 square feet of warehousing or light industrial facilities, Airlake Development will need to complete an Environmental Assessment Worksheet (EAW) prior to submitting a preliminary plat application. This is a State of Minnesota requirement. The City has also received a preliminary plat application for the development of a 25,000 square foot retail building on 3.6 acres immediately north of Harry's Cafe near the Lakeville Family Theatre. Initial review comments have been provided to the developer. A public hearing at the Planning Commission has not yet been scheduled. Foreclosure Update Attached is a copy of the October Foreclosure Update from the Dakota County CDA. There were 24 Sheriff Sales in Lakeville during the month of October which is down from the previous month. There have been a total of 281 Sheriff's Sales in Lakeville through October of this year. This is higher than the 257 Sheriff' Sales through all of 2009. Downtown Lighting Ceremony The Downtown Lakeville Business Association is hosting its annual Downtown Holiday Lighting Ceremony on Tuesday, November 23, 2010 at 5:30 p.m. (immediately after the EDC meeting.) EDC members are encouraged to attend this event. Advisory Appreciation Event A reminder to RSVP if you have not already to this year's Advisory Appreciation Event which is being held on Tuesday, December 7 at the Lakeville Area Art Center. You can contact Judi Hawkins at 952 - 985 -4403. Recognition of Jerry Erickson's 21 years of service on the EDC will be part of the program that night and Martha has indicated that she will be attending the event. LO O O O O O O w O 0 0 0 A c 5 N • Cn O O O O O �-• O w 0 �1 N 0 0 0 0 0 �- Q\ O �- � '-- �••• N '-- w C) -P w 0 0 a a ~ CA o0 00 .- o C, � J N W tv c £ 0 N O O 00 00 0 0 0 0 CN O O oo �C O O A O oo O O O w 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 O O O O O O C f o o o CrJ o? 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CD p_ CD �. cp 5 OQ r CD n p CD 'O CD M J A cn cn O C OO Cn OO ( N A O to �O W C O cn is O C O Cn l O C C O O O O C O O O O C N r� J A S N J N LA C ON O 00 C O�c O (ON --A cn 0 0 0 �O 0 0 0 0 0 in O O O O to O O O O J O LA O J A A A OO OO N cn O \.0 C O O W W O O C 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 O C O O O O O O O O O O v O O O O O O O O O O cn 4A W C N C Vl C O C O O O C O O O O O O O P C O ; P w O N C N O O O Vi C cn 0 0 0 O C O O O O O C O O O O C O O O O O O O OI U Cn C O cn C w C O O C O C �1 W W W O\ C O O O O C N O O C O O C O C O O O O C O C O O O O O O C O O O O C O C O O O O C O N O N W O Q\ N N OO O O O cn O O, O C = N W t1i J O J O C w :n O O O O --• O O O O C Cn N N W in O O C C C 7 0 0 0 C 0 O O O C O W VD N C W J O 00 � ao O U N J O OO O O C O O w O C C O O C O C O O O O C C O O O O C O O O O C O O O O C O O O O C O O O O C O C O O C O O O O C O O O O C J N d, Cn a1 O W W r� W J to O O, J \O IO In O D, O, \O j cn cn cn C O OO cn C * cn a\ A N A CN C C = C C N cn O C O O O C 7 0 0 0 C C C O O C O O O ICI C C ICI C C C C C C C ICI C C C C C C C C C C C C O C O O C 0 0 0 0 x C C C C C C C C C CA CA W N J O N W �7 � O W cn A N w w O V C J A W J O Cn O� O O J 0o A N Cn O N N �-- 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 O O O O C O 0 0 0 O O O O C O 0 0 0 J N ? w N in in �D J O� 01 to O O O O OI O O O OI O O O O O O O O O O O O O C O O O O O O\ W N W N W N 4 J O O O O OI O O O O O O O OI O O C OI O O C O O O C O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O C I P O O O C O O O N �] Y Y o CD C Q � A o � c a ro £ 5 °o as y J N ? w N in in �D J O� 01 to O O O O OI O O O OI O O O O O O O O O O O O O C O O O O O O\ W N W N W N 4 J O O O O OI O O O O O O O OI O O C OI O O C O O O C O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O C I P O O O C O O O CDA Dakota County Community Development Agency 000006000*060006*09900 To: Dakota County Cities From: Dan Rogness, Director of Community Revitalization Date: November 17, 2010 Re: Foreclosure Update A ' Bank of America Foreclosure Freeze Update In October, Bank of America implemented a foreclosure sale freeze in all 50 states while they conducted a review of foreclosure documents. Ten days after this announcement, Bank of America said that the review was complete in 23 states. Those 23 states are judicial foreclosure states (where the foreclosure must be approved by the court). The freeze remains in effect for the 27 non - judicial foreclosure states, which include Minnesota. While the freeze continues, a sheriff sale will not be held, but the foreclosure process will continue to move forward so the borrower will likely still receive foreclosure - related notices. Bank of America anticipates that during the course of the review, less than 30,000 foreclosure sales will be delayed. The initial assessment also continues to show that the basis for past foreclosures was accurate in both judicial and non - judicial states, according to Bank of America. The official press release can be read in its entirety at http: / /homeloanheIp .bankofamerica.com /en/ foreclosure - sales - halt- announcement.htm1 With two months left in the year, Dakota County is only 19 sheriff sales away from reaching the 2009 total of 1,860. In addition, six of the I I cities listed on page 3 already have total sheriff sales greater than their respective 12 -month totals. In contrast, none of the cities have Notice of Pendency filings that are yet greater than those total figures from 2009. October's 156 sales were a decrease of 60 compared to September, which is likely due in part to Bank of America's foreclosure freeze. In fact, three months during this year had a decrease in sales from the same months in 2009, as shown in the chart below. Month # of Sales 2010 # of Sales 2009 Percent Change February 169 177 -5 June 152 158 -4 October 156 214 -27 CDA Dakota County Community Development Agency 00*0000*000000000000*0 Dakota County Stats — October 2010 • # of Sheriff Sales in October — 156 (compared to 214 in October 2009) • Total Sheriff Sales for 2010 — 1,841 (compared to 1,563 in Jan.- October, 2009) • # of Notices of Pendency Filed in October — 275 • Total Notices of Pendency Filed for 2010 — 3,224 A Notice of Pendency is filed by a mortgage company's attorney as official notification that the foreclosure process has begun. Not all of these result in Sheriff Sales. Pages 3 and 4 of this PDF file have Sheriff Sale and Notice of Pendency statistics for each city. Mapping Using Dakota County GIS http://gis.co.dakota.mn.us/website/dakotanetgis / The Dakota County Office of GIS is updating the 2010 Foreclosures and Notice of Pendency layers on a monthly basis. If you need assistance using this Web page, please call Randy Knippel or Mary Hagerman with the Office of GIS at (952) 891 -7081. In The News Provided in this PDF file are a few notable foreclosure articles that were published in the last month. Among the points of interest: • A story featuring various homeowners from across the Twin Cities area who are "stuck" in their homes, whether from owing more than the home is worth, or lack of interest from potential buyers. • Minnesota's home foreclosure rate was 25`' in the country in the third quarter of 2010 according to RealtyTrac's U.S. Foreclosure Market Report. • After Bank of America and GMAC partially lifted a foreclosure freeze, the White House rejected the idea of a nationwide foreclosure moratorium, but said they would continue government investigations into foreclosure practices that may be in violation of law. • Wells Fargo admitted that it made mistakes in the paperwork of thousands of foreclosures and said they would fix those mistakes. However, they do not believe those foreclosures would not have occurred otherwise. • Foreclosure activity (including default notices, scheduled auctions and bank repossessions) fell in the Twin Cities market in the third quarter of 2010 compared with the same timeframe in 2009. If you have any concerns, please call me at (651) 675 -4464 or send me an e-mail at drogness (&dakotacda.state.mn.us a%D O M co O% c% ul U • C , N M %0 N 1� Ln M M O Ln M Ln^ Q • O %a O O N N N N — — — N • C C • C Ln • M 4J O O% O CO I-- 'D O}'• N N M C: O U N £V 0U. Vn 3 � H O bl G7 LL y N O a%D O M co O% c% ul O I-. N M %0 N 1� Ln M M O Ln M Ln^ O %a O O N N N N — — — N — C Ln — M N O O% O CO I-- 'D ec N N M N— N V d O Z O N N V Ln _ N — Ln th O N Ln 4 aM — Ln M o.o {A N M N M -- M -- N to Q N M N r-, �O N 0�p N Ln O N N M D _ M %o CO N 3 N N N 0 % O% N O O �n p — 1f1 l� M M N N M M d' N M O� Q N N N -- M N N M M ` N N N O N ^ N N �O N — N U. 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DO L � > =JEcc .v H 3 0�0 d 0 co W U. c L N N O o 0 Z �E 0) C a O (A - N � a� d V L O � L � d L � 7 N E O m N ). L �+ .° U d V j L O L V a+ � C O U a O aJ L- 0 d C T � c oU ed o N � c 0 L 0 t � N fV N C � � C E �. O c cd� CL v c ao d L O � E O fd V O o Z a� a= o �o v L o o o N 3 N IV Z 0 y O ° T Z E � �^ N W — O v 5 Z �U u N C O V N C C O Uv d LA s .o N N — C Ln O C w = C V O L I O N Q O U v U „ w � O u Y 3 ed O � 3 fd C O � R1 _N C O c a� O E L- 0 LL Format Dynamics:: C1eanPrint :: http:// www. startribune. com /lifestyle/homegarden/I047... Page 1 of 4 P ollillill, i 111111 1 mlt_ Stuck at home Joel Koyama, Star Tribune Now that his kids have left the nest, Mark Linde is ready to downsize. "It's time for me to start putting away more money for retirement," he said. Now that Leah and Stacy Isaak are parents, they yearn to move closer to relatives in North Dakota. "Family is the most important thing," Leah said. Linde and the Isaaks are at different ends of the parenting continuum, but they share the same problem: Their dreams will have to wait until they can sell their current homes. Many homeowners nationwide are in the same situation, stuck in a home they can't, or can't afford to, unload. Americans were able to take mobility for granted during the housing boom years, but now a struggling market is rewriting the rules. The U.S. mobility rate fell last year to its lowest level since World War II, according to demographers and U.S. Census data. The percentage of people who haven't changed homes in the previous year was 85 percent in 2009, up from 83 percent in 2006. Inside those statistics are frustrated individuals, like Linde, who feel anchored to a home that no longer meets their needs. He and his ex -wife had four school -age children when they built their house in Apple Valley, complete with five bedrooms and a lower - level game room for the kids. Now, 15 years later, he's divorced, his youngest is off at college, and Linde is living alone in a big, family -sized house. "Something smaller would fit me better," he said. 'Supporting a barn' In 2008, he put the house on the market, after investing about $12,000 in improvements designed to ensure a timely sale, including new carpet, paint, appliances and granite countertops. It's been on the market almost continuously since then, with no offers, even though he's reduced the price from $468,000 to $418,500. "It used to be, this neighborhood was a hot seller," said Linde. "It's shocking. For people of our generation, it used to be, you buy a house, it grows in value, it's your main investment. Then you downsize and pull money out for retirement." But so far, it's not working out that way for him. "I'm supporting a barn. I would be able to do more things if I felt more financial Print Powered B namics http: / /www.startribune.com/templates /fdcp? 1287004010590 10/13/2010 Format Dynamics:: C1eanPrint :: http:// www. startribune. com /lifestyle/homegarden/1047... Page 2 of 4 � m 4 t _j freedom," he said. Margie Vigoren is another empty- nester ready for a smaller nest. She and her husband bought their three - bedroom house in Maple Plain 26 years ago when their eldest was 1. "It was our child - raising house," she said. After their youngest daughter graduated three years ago, they started looking for something smaller and closer to the urban core. They bought a small fixer -upper in St. Louis Park, renovated it and finally put their Maple Plain house on the market in September. In the first three weeks, they had only one showing, Vigoren said, despite their agent's active efforts. "It's driving my husband crazy; he has tools in two different places," she said. For now, their daughter, a college student, is living in the St. Louis Park house. But Vigoren is eager to move there herself. "I would certainly be taking advantage of the bike trail," which runs through the back yard, she said. "I can see myself and my husband biking to the fanners market on Saturday morning." And she's ready to become part of a new community. "We've been visiting some of the churches there," she said. Maple Plain was a great place to raise kids, but she feels less connected now that her children have left home. "Our sense of community is disappearing because it revolved around them, their school and their activities," she said. Loss of faith While many people feel "stick" in their homes, it's far from a universal situation, according to real estate broker /associate Dennis Libby of Re /Max Results. In many parts of the seven - country metro area, the "average days on market until sale" actually decreased from August 2009 to July 2010, according to the Minneapolis Area Association of Realtors (www.mplsrealtor. com). Libby is concerned that skewed data and unfounded fears are keeping buyers on the sidelines, despite low interest rates and ample inventory. "For people who still have money, this is a golden opportunity," he said. "But public confidence is not very high, and it deprives people of making prudent, quick decisions. We are all victims of not a lot of faith in the economy." Robert Lang, director of Brookings Mountain West, University of Nevada -Las Vegas, agreed Print Po By :4 ynarnics, http: // www .startribune.com /templates /fdcp? 1287004010590 10/13/2010 Format Dynamics:: C1eanPrint :: http: / /www.startribune.com /lifestyle /homegarden/1047... �qi mlt_ hap =_11 Page 3 of 4 that some markets remain active. But in general, "a lot of [buyers] are holding back," he said. "People are risk- averse. There's a greater hesitancy to leverage yourself." Wary buyers aren't the only factor keeping people in homes that no longer meet their needs. Some who would like to move haven't even put their home on the market because they know its current market value is less than what they owe. No easy way out Leah and Stacy Isaak didn't have children when they bought their Apple Valley townhouse three years ago. They had just lost their firstborn, an infant son, and were grieving, not focused on the future, Leah said. But now they have a 2- year -old daughter and are eager to move closer to Stacy's family in North Dakota. "I want her to have a close relationship with my husband's mom. It's killing her that she can't be with [her only grandchild]," Leah said. "We go every other month, but it takes eight hours." Stacy, a North Dakota native, is ready to return. "The older I get, and now having a little one, the draw to go back near family is more important," he said. He'd love to have relatives and friends over for barbecues and holiday gatherings, and hunt and fish on his family's land. But as much as the Isaaks would like to move, they haven't even tried to sell because they know they'd lose a lot of money. So for now, they're waiting. In two years, if their home's value hasn't recovered, they may rent out the townhouse and move to North Dakota anyway. "These things aren't as important as being with family," Leah said. "I do love Minnesota. But without the house, we would go." Jim Hutchcroft also is ready to leave Minnesota. "The winters are brutal," he said. "My wife is from the South, and she's never gotten used to it." The couple would like to move to a milder climate. But they owe more on their Maplewood home than it's currently worth, he said. They bought an older home eight years ago, and updated everything, using a second mortgage. "Had we not done that, we could sell, but the second mortgage takes us over the top. We know [listing the house] is not worth doing." They won't walk away from the mortgage, he P Pow Z € !' http://www.startribune.com/templates/fdcp?1287004010590 10/13/2010 Format Dynamics:: C1eanPrint :: http:// www. startribune. com /lifestyle/homegarden/1047... Page 4 of 4 flifl- =Ji said. Instead, they're waiting -- and dreaming. "Someday," Hutchcroft said. Kim Palmer • 612- 673 -4784 Print Powered By + Dynamics http: / /www.startribune.com/templates /fdcp? 1287004010590 10/13/2010 Report: Minnesota comes in 25th for Q3 foreclosure rate - Minneapolis / St. Paul Busines... Page 1 of 1 Minneapolis / St. Paul Business Journal - October 14, 2010 /twi ncities /stories /2010 /10/11 /daily47. html Thursday, October 14, 2010, 2:42prn CDT I Modified: Thursday, October 14, 2010, 2:50pm Report: Minnesota comes in 25th for Q3 foreclosure rate Minneapolis / St. Paul Business Journal - by Chris Newmarker Staff writer There are a lot of states where it's better; there are a lot of states where it's worse. Minnesota's home foreclosure rate was 25th in the country in the third quarter, according to a report released Thursday by an online marketplace for foreclosed homes. RealtyTrac's U.S. Foreclosure Market Report showed 9499 Minnesota homes, or one out of ...................... every 245 housing units in the state, receiving a foreclosure notice in the quarter ended Sept. 30. Foreclosure activity was up 5.56 percent from the previous quarter, but down 10.56 percent from the third quarter of 2009. Across the country, default notices, scheduled auctions and bank repossessions were reported on 930,437 properties in the third quarter. It was a nearly 4 percent increase from the second quarter of 2olo, but was down 1 percent from last year's third quarter. Minnesota's foreclosure rate pales in comparison to the states with the highest rates. The top state, Nevada, had one out of 29 homes going into foreclosure. The second - highest state, Arizona, had a one out of 55 rate, and Florida came in third with one out of 56. The foreclosure rate in the Twin Cities was worse than the state of Minnesota, according to RealtyTrac data. The 13- county metro area, which includes two Wisconsin counties, saw 8,739 homes, or one out of 154, go into foreclosure in the third quarter. It was an 8.59 percent increase from the second quarter, but a 10.53 percent decrease from the third quarter of 2009. Anoka County had the worst foreclosure rate in the metro area, one out of 87, while Isanti County had the best, one out of 933• Isanti County, though, seems to have worked through a great deal of troubled properties already; it had the steepest year- over -year drop in foreclosure activity in the Twin Cities, with foreclosure activity down 37.04 percent. cnewmarker @bizjournals.com 1 (612) 288 -2107 All contents of this site © American City Business Journals Inc. All rights reserved. http://www.bizjoumals.com/twincities/stories/2010/10/1 l /daily47.html ?iana= e_du _pub &... 10/15/2010 http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/39740300/ns/business-real Page 1 of 2 Federal agencies probing foreclosure problems White House says looking into allegations of widespread document errors msnbc.com news services 2 hours 34 minutes ago market, which has been battered by falling prices and foreclosures of nearly 3 million homes since January 2007. BREAKING NEWS WASHINGTON— The White House warned banks on Tuesday it would pursue them for any mortgage practices that violated the law, piling pressure on the financial sector after two institutions lifted their freezes on home foreclosures. Bank of America said on Monday it was partially lifting its foreclosure suspension, and GMAC Mortgage, one of the largest servicers of U.S. residential loans, followed suit. The moves followed two weeks of damaging accusations that financial institutions' use of shoddy paperwork caused some borrowers to be illegally evicted from their homes. The controversy, which has drawn public outrage and sparked government probes, has raised new fears about threats to bank earnings and the health of the fragile housing The White House has rejected calls for a nationwide moratorium on foreclosures, but it signaled on Tuesday that even as banks lift their freezes, government investigations would proceed. "As institutions are determining their next steps in addressing these issues, we remain committed to holding accountable any bank that has violated the law," White House spokesman Robert Gibbs said in a statement. "In addition to strongly supporting the investigation by the state attorneys general, the administration's Federal Housing Print Powered By http: / /www.msnbc.msn.com/ cleanprint /CleanPrintProxy.aspx? 1287506394458 10/19/2010 http://www.msnbe.msn.com/id/39740300/ns/business-real Page 2 of 2 Administration and Financial Fraud Enforcement Task Force have undertaken their own regulatory and enforcement investigation into the foreclosure process." On Monday, Bank of America said it plans to resume seizing more than 100,000 homes in 23 states next week. It said it has a legal right to foreclose despite accusations that documents used in the process were flawed. The move by the nation's biggest bank could give way to an industrywide effort to push ahead with a wave of foreclosures that have depressed the housing market. Bank of America Corp. says it is confident of its foreclosure decisions in a majority of its questionable cases. The bank is still delaying foreclosures in the 27 other states, which don't require a judge's approval. Its move comes two weeks after the bank began halting foreclosures nationwide amid allegations that bank employees signed but didn't read documents that may have contained errors. Story: Housing starts up unexpectedly in September "The basis for our foreclosure decisions is accurate," Dan Frahm, a Bank of America spokesman, said in announcing the bank's new approach. The company said it plans to resubmit documents with new signatures in the 23 states that require a judge's approval to restart the foreclosure process. It will delay fewer than 30,000 foreclosures. Bank of America was the only lender to halt foreclosures in all 50 states. Other companies, including Ally Financial Inc.'s GMAC Mortgage unit, PNC Financial Services Inc. and JPMorgan Chase & Co., have halted tens of thousands of foreclosures after similar practices became public. The Associated Press and Reuters contributed to this report. •. http: / /www.msnbc.msn.com/cleanpi int /CleanPrintProxy.aspx? 1287506394458 10/19/2010 Format Dynamics:: C1eanPrint :: http: / /www.startribune.com /business /105901938.html ?e... Page 1 of 2 M"t =I- Wells Fargo erred in thousands of foreclosures, promises to fix but won't halt seizing homes By ALAN ZIBEL , Associated Press Last update: October 27, 2010 - 11:25 PM WASHINGTON - Wells Fargo admitted Wednesday it made mistakes in the paperwork for thousands of foreclosure cases and promised to fix them.The San Francisco -based bank said it plans to refile documents in 55,000 of the cases by mid - November. The company said not all those cases included errors but didn't say how many thousands did.Wells Fargo described the mistakes as technical and said it has no plans to halt the foreclosure process, though filing new paperwork will cause some delays. "We don't believe that there are instances in which the foreclosures would not have occurred otherwise," said Teri Schrettenbrunner, a Wells Fargo spokeswoman. The documents are being refiled in the 23 states where a judge's approval is needed to complete a foreclosure.Wells Fargo & Co.'s CEO, John Stumpf, has declined to join Bank of America Corp., Ally Financial Inc.'s GMAC Mortgage and other banks in suspending foreclosures because of flawed paperwork that surfaced at several large banks.On a conference call with investors this month, Stumpf said the bank is "confident that our practices, procedures and documentation" are accurate.Depositions of two Wells Fargo employees have called the company's foreclosure practices into question. A Fort Mill, S.C. -based Wells employee said in a deposition taken last March that she signed between 300 and 500 foreclosure documents per dav,ln another deposition taken in May, another Wells employee said he verified only the dates on up to 150 foreclosure documents he signed daily and relied on co- workers to ensure that other information was correct.Bank of America is scheduled to meet Thursday with state officials investigating allegations the bank rushed the foreclosure process without properly reviewing documents.A person briefed on the matter confirmed the parties will have a preliminary discussion about issues related to the foreclosure documents. The person did not give details about the meeting or who will participate. The person, who spoke on condition of anonymity, was not authorized to speak publicly.Bank of America, based in Charlotte, N.C., said in a statement: "We have been cooperating with the attorneys general and continue to have dialogue and share information with these important stakeholders. "The bank resumed Print Powered C http://www.startribune.com/templates/fdcp?1288301149904 10/28/2010 Format Dynamics:: C1eanPrint :: http: / /www.startribune.com /business /105901938.html ?e... Page 2 of 2 L 44 1 MM I foreclosures this week after halting them temporarily to resubmit documents with a new process designed to correct any mistakes such as misspelled names or incorrect numbers.Attomeys general in all 50 states and the District of Columbia are jointly investigating whether paperwork and legal procedures were handled properly in hundreds of thousands of cases.Bloomberg News reported earlier in the day that state attorneys general were scheduled to meet with lenders this week on the foreclosure - document probe and had conference calls with several lenders, also known as loan servicers.Iowa Attorney General Tom Miller is leading the multistate probe. Geoff Greenwood, a spokesman for Miller, confirmed that a meeting is scheduled for Thursday. He declined to comment on which banks are expected to attend.Besides state regulators, banking regulators including the Federal Reserve are examining whether mortgage companies cut corners on their own procedures when they moved to foreclose on people's homes.Despite the problems, the Obama administration maintains there is no need to halt foreclosures in all 50 states.On Wednesday, Phyllis Caldwell, chief of the Treasury Department's homeownership preservation office, told a financial bailout watchdog panel that there was no evidence of risk to the financial system from the documents scandal — or from efforts by mortgage investors to force banks to buy back problem loans._A- P Business Writer Marcy Gordon contributed to this report. Print Powered By _ : „ Dynamics http://www.startribune.com/templates/fdcp?1288301149904 10/28/2010 Finance & Commerce > Print > Mixed results for Twin Cities' foreclosure activity Page 1 of 1 Finance & Com merce http: / /finance - com merce.com Mixed results for Twin Cities' foreclosure activity by Scott Carlson Published: October 28th, 2010 File photo Bucking the nation at large, foreclosure activity in the Twin Cities market fell 10.5 percent for the third quarter of 2010 compared with the same period a year ago, according to data released today by California -based RealtyTrac. That decline for Minneapolis -St. Paul - Bloomington runs counter to the trend affecting most major U.S. metro markets with populations of at least 200,000. Year - over -year, foreclosure activity rose in 65 percent of 206 U.S. metro areas surveyed by the online service for foreclosure properties. While the Twin Cities 8,739 foreclosure - related filings in the third quarter was a drop from the same quarter last year, that number represented an 8.5 percent increase compared with the prior quarter, RealtyTrac reported. The Minneapolis area ranked 76th out of the 206 U.S. metro markets for highest foreclosure filing activity, which includes default notices, scheduled auctions and bank repossessions. "The underlying problems that are causing homeowners to miss their mortgage payments - high unemployment, underemployment, toxic loans and negative equity - are continuing to plague most local housing markets," RealtyTrac CEO James Saccacio said in a statement. "These historically high foreclosure rates will continue until those problems are resolved." Eleven of the nation's 20 largest metro areas posted year- over -year increases in foreclosure - related filings. The Seattle- Tacoma - Bellevue market led the way with a 71 percent increase in foreclosure activity from the third quarter of 2009, RealtyTrac said. The Chicago - Naperville - Joliet E area was No. 2 with a 35 percent increase, followed by Houston -Sugar Land - Baytown with a 26 percent increase and Detroit - Warren- Livonia with a nearly 23 percent increase. ! Meanwhile, cities in California, Florida, Nevada and Arizona again accounted for all top 10 foreclosure rates in the third quarter among metro areas surveyed, RealtyTrac officials said. Complete URL: http: // finance - commerce.com/ 2010 /10/ mixed - results- for -twin- cities - foreclosure- activity/ http: / /finance- commerce. com /wp- contentlpluginsldmc_ sociable toolbar /wp- print.php ?p =2... 11/4/2010 w " • °z rD a M' 0 �F 0 o zz (D C2, r•r rD R o O w ID a 'b I (D V) On yr Y rD m o (D . 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O rD w m rD o H m p r p D� ,•+' d'O OQ O n On ° O fD M- W '�' y ry y �_ w �' O " rF rD F?y rD 0 p� '* 2 `9 C r rD rD m °o `C t3 is is w ° r , rD n r r C Cart pp��� 0 r�D rt n rD y rE FD rD 0 , O ti N rD P+ o fD rD ° � � rD +•o n o w � a. o y m :3 rD NJ Jj y �+ W 0 W rD to N °. O rD 0 O rp VQ p rD rD O " y 1+ rD ID W ° f3, rD b w z �i �t O w rD V rD cm V- F rD � 0 W rt y `0 Cx n �r r �i N rD rD w y o c k� p n N °O .yy r ry cn r) • ' rD ID > 00 d �•If m f�D 5 1 y y � � p hyi• N y p7 Q+ ^' rr�,,�� W N ��'• 3 y H z W O+ OC ::+ rD N W rn aQ ° oho `° rD rD M C rl rD ? rD rt rt rD o 0 ' 'r' r, rt 0 rt rD (D rD rD ti N (D rD 0 O �* �e rD O W y rD . �° � y P w o o o C - D il �r rD O = O (�D O rD o O w ID CD v o m w CL z -• a 3 w �n O VI .rDt o. 0 N C z rn W C N z U) d Finance & Commerce > Print > $40 million phase set for Cedar Avenue Bus Rapid Transit Page 1 of 2 Finance & Commerce http: / /finance - commerce.com $40 million phase set for Cedar Avenue Bus Rapid Transit by Brian Johnson Published: November 10th, 2010 Dakota County taking bids for 4.2 miles of roadwork I The $135 million Cedar Avenue Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) project offers a heap of construction opportunities for highway contractors and more transit options for residents in one of the fastest - growing parts of the state. Soon, more signs of that massive project will be evident along heavily traveled Cedar Avenue as Dakota County gears up for an estimated $40 million chunk of the BRT work. This phase of the project will begin in the spring and wrap up in fall 2012. Through Dec. 7, the county is accepting having to leave Cedar Avenue. (Submitted photo) bids for grading, bituminous milling, lighting and other project - related work on Cedar Avenue from 181st Street in Lakeville to north of 138th Street in Apple Valley. "This is the bus shoulder phase of the project," explained Tom Howard, assistant county engineer for Dakota County. "It's about 4.2 miles of roadwork:" The numbers are impressive. As crews dig into Cedar Avenue, they will need 67,000 cubic yards of aggregate base, 154,000 tons of bituminous mixture, 399,000 square feet of concrete walk and 317,000 square feet of bituminous walk, according to the bid notice. The project also demands copious amounts of excavation (158,000 cubic yards), modular block retaining wall (5,000 square yards), concrete curb and gutter (94,000 square feet), trees and shrubs (2,500) and more. "This is a huge piece of the project," Howard said. "We have already been taking quite a few contractor calls." In a nutshell, the project will widen lanes and allow for faster and more predictable bus service, with stops every 10 to 15 minutes between stations along the Cedar Avenue corridor. The Metropolitan Council describes bus rapid transit as "light -rail transit without the rails," and Dakota County says it "combines the flexibility of buses with the frequency, speed and reliability of light -rail transit." For example, the buses have the advantages of traffic signal priority, bus -only lanes and enhanced stations, all while operating on existing highways, the county noted. If Met Council projections come true, Lakeville, Farmington and Apple Valley - the core cities to be served by the project - will add 90,000 residents by 2030 and put additional pressure on a corridor that already sees 150,000 vehicles per day. Sam O'Connell, transit specialist with Dakota County, said the project's first phase started in 2009 with the opening of Park & Ride stations in Apple Valley, Lakeville and Eagan. http: / /finance - commerce.com /wp- content /plugins /dmc_ sociable toolbar /wp- print.php ?p =... 11/12/2010 This view of the Apple Valley Transit Station illustrates how buses will drive along Cedar Avenue in the shoulder lane and stop at the station without Finance & Commerce > Print > $40 million phase set for Cedar Avenue Bus Rapid Transit Page 2 of 2 °It really provides options within the corridor, so if you live in Apple Valley but work in Eagan you have high frequency and more options available to use transit," O'Connell said. The goal is to have "station -to- station" service up and running by fall 2012, she said, adding that such service will provide more predictable and reliable transit service - much like LRT. For example, Dakota County residents who want to see a Twins game will be able to drive to a nearby Park & Ride location, take the bus to the Mall of America stop, then transfer to the light rail line, which will take them to Target Field. Service will ultimately extend 16 miles from 215th Street in Lakeville to the 28th Avenue Park & Ride near the Mall of America, she noted. Future phases will bring additional station -to- station and express service. (Click to see supporting documents and an animation of the BRT in operation on Dakota County's web site Meanwhile, once construction starts, commuters who drive through that area may want to allow for a little more travel time. "We have staged construction to minimize impacts to traffic," Howard said. "But it will certainly have some impact. Two lanes of traffic will remain open in each direction through Apple Valley and one line in each direction in Lakeville." The Cedar Avenue BRT project has been in the works since the late 1990s. It got a major boost in 2007 when the federal government awarded a $133.3 million Urban Partnership Agreement grant to the state. The grant, along with a $50.2 million state match, is paying for a number of congestion - relief efforts, including the Cedar Avenue BRT project. Complete URL: http: // finance - commerce.com/ 2010/11/40m- phase- set - for - cedar - avenue -brt/ http: / /finance- commerce. com /Wp- contentlplugins /dmc_ sociable _toolbar /wp- print.php ?p =... 11/12/2010 Format Dynamics:: C1eanPrint :: http: / /www.startribune.com /local /south/l08041899.htm... Page 1 of 3 P::i [M I IrwX91A I I Open land at issue in company's expansion Malt -O -Meal has asked the Lakeville City Council to eliminate a conservation easement on its land that is an impediment to its plans. By JIM ADAMS, Star Tribune Last update: November 16, 2010 - 5:39 PM Malt -O -Meal Co. is expanding its Lakeville technology center and hopes to bring more jobs to town. But there's a catch. The company wants to add parking and maybe an office building on a 2.5 -acre parcel that is restricted by a conservation easement. The easement, signed by the city and the land's previous owner in 1995, is intended to preserve the prairie grass- covered land in its natural state "in perpetuity," according to the easement document filed with the county. That means no development on the site, part of a larger parcel that Malt -O -Meal bought when it moved to Lakeville in September 2009. The privately held company recently asked the City Council to exercise its right to cancel request, which is opposed by at least one neighbor, said Community and Economic Development Director David Olson. "The issue is whether it is in the public interest to preserve two acres of prairie grass or allow a local business to continue to expand," he said. A community meeting will be held Tuesday at Malt -O- Meal's offices, 20802 Kensington Blvd., to get input from the dozen neighbors living on nearby Jutland Place. The council will make a decision in the next month or two, Olson said. Council Member and Mayor -elect Mark Bellows said he didn't know enough yet to comment on the easement, enacted before he joined the council in 2000. Current Mayor Holly Dahl could not be reached for comment. At Malt -O -Meal headquarters in the IDS Tower in Minneapolis, spokeswoman Linda Fisher said the company is "very conscious of being a good citizen." Although not required to do so, she said, the company has invited the Jutland neighbors over to hear its plans and to voice any concerns. The plans could include a two -story office Advertisement i I rint Powered By http://www.startribune.com/templates/fdcp?1290005160809 11/17/2010 Format Dynamics:: C1eanPrint :: http: / /www.startribune.com /local /south/I08041899.htm ; ��, M, � Me MI r.X K 11 1 Page 2 of 3 building if the easement is removed. The company is remodeling part of the vacant building it bought to add 100 more office jobs that will require more parking. "We want to be good neighbors," Fisher said. "We create jobs and pay taxes. We are a clean industry." The company paid $190,000 in taxes this year on its 12 -acre site, tax records show. That is nearly half of the $390,000 paid to the city by seven businesses in the Fairfield Business Campus, Olson said. The city used tax increment bonds to develop the 40 -acre campus. Asked if the company had any concerns about eliminating the conservation easement, Fisher replied, "It is the decision of the governing body as to what happens with an easement." The Minnesota Land Trust is waiting to hear Lakeville's decision, said Walter Abramson, director of development and communications for the non - profit agency in St. Paul. The Trust oversees 407 land trusts set up to preserve natural areas around Minnesota. "It's never a good idea to terminate [a conservation] easement without a very compelling reason. That is a big deal," Abramson said. "We hope that the parties involved know what they are doing and can substantiate and document their actions in terms of conservation." He said it is an unusual case, and he didn't know whether Lakeville would set a precedent if it waived the easement. Abramson said cities might not be the best entities to enforce permanent conservation easements, as the makeup of city councils changes over the years. He said preserving land could be viewed as contrary to other municipal goals, such as a growing tax base. The trust has worked with cities as an agent to monitor easements for landholders who wanted to ensure that their land stays natural. Jim Reitter bought his Jutland Place home in 1999 and said he figured the conservation easement meant no development next door. Jutland homes range to about $400,000 in value. A few have backyard swimming pools within a stone's throw of the easement area. "It's hard to argue against jobs, but the city did make a commitment 15 years ago to enforce the conservation easement," said Advertisement http://www.startribune.com/templates/fdcp?1290005160809 11/17/2010 Format Dynamics:: CleanPrint :: http: / /www.startribune.com /local /south/108041899.htm Page 3 of 3 Reitter, standing amid the waist -high prairie grass next to his partly wooded back yard. He said Malt -O -Meal already has built a large berm on what he thought was part of the easement area. A berm would violate easement rules barring site changes except for city utility work. Olson asked the company to verify that the berm, about 10 feet high, is outside the 155 - foot -wide conservation easement. He said Friday a surveyor had just found the berm was partially in the easement area. Malt -O -Meal hired a contractor to build the berm with dirt from a large pile the company cleared to stage remodeling construction by its building, Olson said. The contractor has offered to correct the problem. The City Council will decide whether to order it moved or instead cancel the easement, Olson said. The easement covers more than half of the 4.5 acres the company bought from neighboring New Morning Windows. Olson said the easement area, which was excavated for a sanitary sewer in 1995, lacked significant natural features, and he's not sure why it was created. He surmised that city officials wanted a buffer between the window maker and residential land along Jutland Place. Would New Morning, which signed the original easement, care if it went away? General Manager Rhonda Pakkala replied, "I don't have any concerns if it goes back to business property." Jim Adams - 952- 707 -9996 Shortcuts To Links In Article 1. http: / /ezurl.co /5e61 Advertisement I Powered By http://www.startribune.com/templates/fdcp?1290005160809 11/17/2010 Format Dynamics:: C1eanPrint :: http:// www. twincities .com /localnews /ci_16591658 ?ncli... Page 1 of 2 TwinCitiesecom Neighbor fretting property easement in Lakeville By Jessica Fleming jfleming@pioneerpress.com Updated: 11/12/2010 12:18:20 AM CST When Jim Reitter built his Lakeville home in 1998, he knew the land abutted industrial property. But a 155 -foot strip of land behind him was under utility and conservation easements, so he didn't think development could move any closer. "The agreement states the land will be conserved 'in perpetuity,'" Reitter said. "I thought, 'This sounds like I'm safe.'" What he didn't realize was that included in that same sentence are the words "without the written consent of the city." The land adjacent to his was recently sold to Malt - O -Meal, which is considering eventually expanding onto that parcel. The Lakeville City Council saw a preliminary proposal for an eventual building and parking lot at a work session Oct. 25. The proposal would require the council to vote to vacate the easement. Malt -O -Meal representatives will meet with neighbors Nov. 23, but a date has not been set for the council to vote on the issue. "This is a policy decision," Community and Economic Development Director Dave Olson said. "The city council is going to be the ultimate decision - maker: Is it in more of the public interest to maintain the conservation easement, or is it more important to grow a business and the jobs that come with it ?" Reitter worries that in these tough economic times, conservation might take a back seat to jobs. "It's the city's job to honor this commitment," Reitter said. "They agreed to be stewards of the land." Malt -O -Meal says the current plan is just to expand its parking lot. The Minneapolis -based cereal maker is in the process of remodeling 29,000 feet of warehouse space into offices, and 100 more employees will need a place to park. The building currently houses 200 workers. "We don't have any plans to build on that property right now," Malt -O -Meal spokeswoman Linda Fisher said. "We are just looking ahead." The conservation easement was created in 1995 when the city sold a parcel to New Morning Windows, a business that still occupies the site. New Morning Windows sold 4.5 acres of its land, which includes the part that is under the easement, to Malt -O -Meal last year. The easement specifies that no construction of "anything made by man" should take place on the land. Olson said the city doesn't have any record of why the easement was created, and neither adjacent property has such an agreement. "It's kind of just this one island," Olson said. It's a unique situation, and I don't know that we have another one like it in the city." Advertisement The Dafty Deal 0% OF South Pier I Minneapolis t St Paul: $93 for One Might Stay in a Deluxe Waterfront Suite at South Pier Inn (Up to a $187 Value) Get this and ether Daily Deals at: Print Powered By http://www.twincities.com/fdcp?1289574079552 11/12/2010 Format Dynamics:: C1eanPrint :: http: / /www. twincities .com /localnews /ci_16591658 ?ncli... Page 2 of 2 TwinCit"iesecom Fisher said she hopes meeting with neighbors will help alleviate their concerns. "We want to be responsive to them and their concerns," she said. "We want to put up a very good line of trees and shrubbery and protect the sight lines." Mayor -elect Mark Bellows said he asked for more information before he forms an opinion on whether he would approve rescinding the easement. However, minutes from the Oct. 25 work session state that the council was encouraging to the company and wanted city staff members to work with them on "an appropriate long -range plan." Of the 155 -foot strip of land, 100 feet of it will remain under a public drainage and utility easement, Olson said. "That's a pretty sizable buffer there already," Olson said. "We have other places where office buildings are closer to residential areas than that." But for Reitter, it's still too close. "Malt -O -Meal came in here knowing about the conservation easement," Reitter said. "Then they said they want to ignore it." Jessica Fleming can be reached at 651- 228 -5435. Advertisement ':Print Powered e• : ' http://www.twincities.com/fdcp?1289574079552 1 11/12/2010 Format Dynamics:: C1eanPrint :: http: / /www.startribune.com /local /south/I09008324.htm... Page 1 of 3 [ 40 1 M 0 Lockheed to close Eagan plant, with 1,000 jobs on the line Lockheed Martin's Eagan facility About 650 of the Eagan plant's employees will be offered transfers to plants elsewhere in the U.S. The rest will be let go. By SUSAN FEYDER Star Tribune Last update: November 18, 2010 - 10:40 PM Lockheed Martin retiree Mike Wold says he'd gotten used to hearing about downsizing at the company's facility in Eagan in the past few years, but he admits he was taken aback Thursday when he heard about plans to close it for good. "I guess I thought and hoped they would maybe keep cutting gradually," said Wold, 66, who retired in 1 997. "It makes me sad, because there's been so much good work done there." Lockheed Martin announced Thursday it will close its Eagan facility, laying off or transferring about 1,000 workers by 2013. About 70 percent of the workforce consists of engineers who work on communications systems used on military ships and aircraft, including P -3 surveillance planes. By the end of the year, employees will find out if they have a future elsewhere with the Bethesda, Md. -based defense giant. The 1 ayoffs will be partially offset by the transfer of about 650 jobs from Eagan to Owego, N.Y.; Manassas, Va., and San Diego. Remaining employees will be let go. The only uncertainty at this point is the future of about 190 Eagan employees who work on air traffic control system software. No decision will be made on their futures until the Eagan complex is closed, according to company spokeswoman Anne Marie Squeo. Advertisement ? 1 rint Powered ; http: / /www.startribune.com /templates /fdcp? 1290176288306 11/19/2010 Glen Stubbe, Star Tribune Format Dynamics:: C1eanPrint :: http: / /www.startribune.com /local /south/I09008324.htm... Page 2 of 3 At a bar not far from the corporate campus, one longtime employee sharing beers with co- workers said he always assumed he'd be able to work for Lockheed in Eagan until it came time to retire. "Now that's changed. It flips the picture for you," said the worker, who declined to be named. "It's a pretty sad day for all of us." Plans for Christmas travel, fixing his car and gift spending are now all up in the air, he said. Gov. Tim Pawlenty sent a letter to the CEO of Lockheed asking for a meeting to discuss keeping the operation open. "I strongly believe the plant's location near the Minneapolis -St. Paul International Airport, the high quality of our workforce and the business- friendly environment in Minnesota are important considerations for continuing operations here," the governor wrote to CEO Robert Stevens. Pawlenty said he would encourage the next governor to consider recommending significant incentives to the Legislature to keep the Lockheed Martin plant in Eagan. The closing is a blow to Eagan, where Northwest Airlines' headquarters were closed after the airline was acquired by Delta. Those offices are still vacant. Squeo said Lockheed Martin plans to try to sell its 623,000- square -foot facility on 50 acres. Eagan Mayor Mike Maguire said he hopes to meet with Lockheed Martin officials in the next few weeks to ask them to reconsider their decision. He said he's not concerned about the impact on the city's tax base since either Lockheed or the property's new owner will continue to pay taxes. But he is concerned about employees and the impact on neighboring businesses like shops and restaurants. "It's a great site, though, and we're confident that, in time, it would be attractive to a major employer," he said. The Eagan facility has long been a huge source of pride for the state and was frequently visited by state and congressional delegates and showcased in the media for various high profile contracts. It opened in 1946 as a facility for Engineering Research Associates and was later home to the Univac division of Sperry Rand and Loral Corp. It became part of Lockheed Martin in 1996 when Lockheed Martin acquired Loral's electronics and systems - integration business. Peak employment during the time Lockheed Advertisement http://www.startribune.com/templates/fdcp?1290176288306 11/19/2010 Format Dynamics:: C1eanPrint :: http: / /www.startribune.com /local /south/109008324.htm... Page 3 of 3 P I rt T —V=o, i n - I Martin owned the facility was about 3,000 in the late 1990s. Lockheed said the moves are being done to trim costs and should save it about $150 million over the next 10 years. Dan McElroy, commissioner for the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development, said Lockheed's news "is not statistically a large loss. But it is a real blow to [employees]." The state will send people to the plant soon to help employees learn how to write resumes and brush up on interviewing and job search skills. He noted that those affected are very highly skilled and may not have trouble finding new jobs. Staff writers Dee DePass and Wendy Lee contributed to this report. Susan Feyder - 612- 673 -1723 Shortcuts To Links In Article 1. http: / /ezurl.co /107221 Advertisement http://www.startribune.com/templates/fdcp?1290176288306 11/19/2010