Loading...
6.3 EDSR 10-19-2015 Request for Action River- To Item Number Economic Development Authority 6.3 Agenda Section Meeting Date Prepared by General Business October 19, 2015 Amanda Othoudt, EDD Item Description Reviewed by Director's Report Cal Portner, City Administrator Reviewed by Action Requested Information presented for discussion only in effort to keep the EDA updated development activity. Background/Discussion BUSINESS VISITS To date, our staff has conducted 13 Business Retention and Expansion (BR&E) visits.We are in the process of scheduling six more before the end of the year. Staff will keep you informed on upcoming BR&E visits. DEVELOPMENT ACTIVITY Ryan Companies I met with a representative from Ryan Companies to discuss development and re-development opportunities in Elk River. The road tour went extremely well.We discussed data center development, industrial development and downtown redevelopment.They were genuinely interested in the three construction projects that are currently in progress.These developments spurred conversation around local incentives and our municipal approval process. I left them with a site map of the city outlining our development opportunities, swag bag,information regarding local incentives,including our revolving loan fund programs and commercial/industrial blighted properties program. Joplin Property—Ebert Construction We continue to work with Ebert Construction on the development of the Joplin and Highway 10 property. We are working with our attorneys on the draft purchase agreement for the property. GROUND BREAKINGS/RIBBON CUTTINGS Morrell Companies Ground Breaking Event Colleen, CM Wagner, and Cal attended the ribbon cutting event at Morrell Trucking hosted by the Decklan Group. Terry Morrell explained how Morrell Trucking started and where they are today and the need for the new building. The event was well attended and brought out members of the HRA, council, Sherburne County, the chamber, and the Bank of Elk River,who played a crucial role in the expansion. It also included a ground breaking photo opportunity with all the various dignitaries in attendance. NATURE MISCELLANEOUS Realtor Day One of the goals the EDA has set for this year is to facilitate a Realtors Day.As in the past,we are partnering with MNCAR on the CE credits and the Executive Director of MNCAR will open the event with a welcome and introductions. Please mark your calendars for Wednesday, October 21' from 8:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.This is our time to showcase Elk River and to highlight what sets us apart from other communities. The Elk River Realtor's forum aims to provide local realtors with information about the City development processes, commercial,industrial, and residential property,and quality of life advantages that may be an interest to future and present clients. Learning Objectives: The Elk River Realtors Forum has the Following Objectives: • Learn information from city staff,what questions they can answer, and contact information. • Learn the layout of the community,city departments,plans for the present and future,and how that effects current and future development. • Review current housing, commercial, and industrial markets in Elk River;the evolution of those markets in the city, and plans for the future. • Learn about economic development goals,incentives to be considered for your clients when buying a property, and understanding how strong business communities are the basis for everything else in the city. • Learn the importance of the city's brand and how it reflects the positive aspects within the community. • Learn about building codes,building permits and other ordinances within the city. • Learn about the Comprehensive Plan, zoning ordinances,planned developments, and downtown plan. • Overview and understanding of the energy conservation efforts of Elk River, Energy City, Project Conserve, organics,and the High Five Program. Countywide BR&E Centralization meeting Sherburne County will host a meeting with Greater MSP and the Greater St. Cloud Development Corporation to develop a strategic plan for countywide collection of information on BR&E visits.Your feedback is welcome! The meeting will be held on October 27th at the Government Center. Community Partnership Meeting The next Sherburne County Community Partner meeting is scheduled for October 28th at the Brick Yard in Clear Lake from 2:30 p.m. —4:30 p.m. Scheduled speakers include representatives from the Minnesota Extension Office, Central Minnesota Jobs and Training and the Sherburne County National Wildlife Refuge.Your attendance at this meeting is welcomed. MN Manufacturing Week Colleen met with Debbi from the Chamber to discuss upcoming manufacturing week events. Last year the city, school district and chamber facilitated tours of three manufacturing businesses with policy makers. This year we talked about focusing on workforce and the challenges manufacturers are facing with an aging population.The city and chamber are working on hosting an economic/workforce summit • in January which will focus on workforce, offer break-out sessions and in turn could lead into quarterly roundtable discussions. The city and chamber are planning on delivering thank you cards and balloons to all manufactures on October 23`d. The activity reinforces what the city started last year when it delivered thank you gift baskets to all the manufactures. Workforce Initiative & Collaboration I met with Patrick Brama and CM John LeTourneau from the City of Ramsey to discuss workforce development initiatives and opportunities to collaborate on.John also represents the Anoka County Chamber of Commerce.We discussed their Manufacturing Cohort Initiative and efforts to develop a region-wide process to attract labor force to the area. They are proposing to develop a process to connect with the local technical colleges,high schools, and workforce centers to help assist manufacturers with recruitment. I mentioned to both CM LeTou.rneau and Mr. Brama that I will be attending the Workforce Strategies session at the IEDC conference this week and will come back to our group with suggestions on implementing new strategies to assist in attracting the workforce with the desired skillset to our area. IEDC Conference I attended the International Economic Development Council (IEDC)workforce strategies sessions at the annual conference this past week. There were a lot of great take-a-ways from this conference,including presentations that focus on workforce programs that currently leverage federal, state and local financial resources to support workforce development. Other great presentations included discussions on what communities can accomplish through collaborative programs to build the workforce pipeline and upgrade the skills of our community's existing workforce. Other presentations and discussion topics included the emerging demand-driven model in workforce development, sector strategies for targeted industry clusters, K-12 development and integration,and occupational analysis. The IEDC conference itself focused on programing and tours revolved around four tracks: government and economic resiliency, framework for a robust private sector,value proposition of NGO's and nonprofits, roles and institutes of higher learning in economic development. Some of the great takea- ways from this conference were strategies to increase entrepreneurship within our community,attracting workforce from abroad and how to implement successful redevelopment strategies in our communities. Financial Impact None Attachments Realtor's Day Agenda Elk River REALTORS®Forum October 21,2015 8:30a.m.— 1:00p.m. Timed Course Outline Breakfast and Networking 8:30-9:00 30 minutes Welcome and Introduction 9:00—9:15 15 minutes Matt Anfang,MNCAR Executive Director&Mayor John Dietz Planning and Zoning (9:15—9:45 30 minutes) Zach Carlton,Planning Director • Common Home purchaser and developer questions 9:15—9:30 15 minutes a. Setbacks, fence rules,other code issues 9:30—9:45 15 minutes Building Code Information (9:45—10:15 30 minutes) Bob Ruprecht,Building Official&John Cunningham,Fire Chief • Getting permits&Ordinances 9:45 - 10:00 15 minutes • Permit Issuance Stats 10:00- 10:15 15 minutes Break 10:15—10:30 15 minutes Parks and Recreation (10:30—11:00 30 minutes) Michael Hecker,Parks and Recreation Director 1. Recreation and activity opportunities 10:30-10:45 15 minutes a. Overview of parks and activities 10:45—11:00 15 minutes Economic Development (11:00—11:30 30 minutes) Amanda Othoudt,Director of Economic Development • Business programs,Financial Incentives,and current projects 11:00—11:15 15 minutes • Redevelopment projects 11:15—11:30 15 minutes Energy City of Elk River (11:30—12:00 30 minutes) Kristen Mroz,Environment Technician&Tom Sagstetter,Conservation and Key Accounts Manager 1. Residential Programs a. Energy Efficiency Programs&Organics 11:30- 11:45 15 minutes b. Benefits to homeowners 11:45—12:00 15 minutes Wrap up, appetizers,Q&A,and networking 12:00— 1:00 60 minutes Amanda Othoudt,Economic Development Director Elk River REALTORS® Forum October 21, 2015 Course Description: The Elk River Realtor's forum aims to provide local realtors with information about the City Development Processes, commercial,industrial,and residential property,and quality of life advantages that may be an interest to future and present clients. Learning Objectives: The Elk River Realtors Forum has the Following Objectives: • Learn information from City Staff,what questions they can answer, and contact information. • Learn the layout of the Community, City Depatunents,plans for the present and future, and how that effects current and future development. • Review current housing, commercial,and industrial markets in Elk River; the evolution of those markets in the city, and plans for the future. • Learn about Economic Development goals,incentives to be considered for your clients when buying a property,and understanding how strong business communities are the basis for everything else in the City. • Learn the importance of the City's brand and how it reflects the positive aspects within the Community. • Learn about building codes,building permits and other ordinances within the City. • Learn about the City's Comprehensive Plan, Zoning Ordinances,Planned Developments, and Down Town Plan. • Overview and understanding of the energy conservation efforts of Elk River,Energy City, Project Conserve, Organics, and High Five Program. Elk River REALTORS® Forum October 21, 2015 Presenter Bios Mayor john Dietz: Mayor Dietz has 19 years of experience as an elected official in Elk River. He spent 16 years on the City Council from 1991 to 2006. In 2011,John became the Mayor of Elk River. John has also served on the Library Board and the Elk River Utilities Commission. Mayor Dietz has a Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration and Journalism from the University of St. Thomas and is employed as a controller at AME Red-E-Mix. John.Dietz@EllaiverMN.gov Matt Anfang Matt is currently the Executive Director for MM Commercial Association of Real Estate,MM Commercial Association of REALTORS®s, and MNCAR Exchange since January of 2013. Prior to his position,Mr.Anfang was the President for St. Paul Building Owners and Managers Association, Vice President for Insignia Development,Land Acquisition Manager for Centex Homes, Manager of Public Policy at St. Paul Area of Commerce, Grant Coordinator for Minnesota Department of Education, and AmeriCorps Volunteer for Habitat for Humanity. Matt is currently working on St. Paul's Upper Landing Project. Matt @MNCAR.org Michael Hecker: Michael Became the city of Elk River's second full-time Parks and Recreation Director when he was hired in October 2011. Prior to coming to Elk River,Mr. Hecker served the city of Mason, Ohio as their Parks and Recreation Director for 11 years where he transformed the Parks and Recreation Department from seasonal operation to a comprehensive year-round Parks and Recreation Program. Mr. Hecker also worked as the Parks, Culture and Recreation Director for the City of Unalaska, Alaska from 1996 through 2000 and then the Director of the Old Greenwich-Riverside Community Center in Old Greenwich, Connecticut for six years. Mr. Hecker holds a Master's degree in Recreation Administration from Indiana University and a Bachelor's degree in Operations Management from Brigham Young University,Provo Utah. He is a certified Park and Recreation Professional (CPRP) through the National Recreation and Parks Association. MHecker(a,ElkRiverMN.gov John Cunningham: John Cunningham is currently the Fire Chief in Elk River,Minnesota. He oversees the daily operations of the organization,including over 40 personnel at two strategically placed fire stations. In addition to serving as a Fire Chief,John is also the city's Emergency Management Director and Safety Program Coordinator. Prior to moving to Elk River,Minnesota in 2009,John was a volunteer District Chief in Greenwich,Connecticut. Beginning his career as a fire explorer at the age of 13, he quickly rose through the ranks,working alongside a dedicated contingent volunteer and career firefighters. During his time in Greenwich,he served on the department's Technical Rescue Team, Dive Team, and was a member of the State's Urban Search and Rescue Task Force (CT- TF1). He is a certified instructor and fire officer. John also has a background in information technology. Up until 2009,he ran a successful technology consulting company,developing secure web based applications for clients both public and private sector. John has a Bachelor's degree in Business Management from Fairfield University and is pursuing a Master's degree in Homeland Security Leadership from the University of Connecticut. JCunninghamaElkRiverMN.gov Amanda Othoudt Ms. Othoudt is currently the Economic Development Director since March of 2015. She has contributed a great success with City development projects,business outreach,expansion and more. Prior to coming to Elk River,Ms. Othoudt was the Community Development Coordinator for the City of Becker since August of 2012 and the Land Development Assistant for Trident Development from 2005-2012. In Becker, she focused mainly on economic development,where she worked to fill their industrial buildings through ongoing, active communication with the business community. While as a Land Development Assistant, she assisted in the acquisition, development, construction of income producing properties, managed site selection marketing,budgeting,and cost analysis for project development. Ms. Othoudt received a Bachelor's Degree from St. Cloud State University in Planning and Community Development, Magna Cum Laude. AOthoudtaElkRiverMN.gov Tom Sagstetter: Tom Sagstetter is currently the Conservation and Key Accounts Manager for the Elk River Municipal Utilities. Tom is responsible for coordinating, designing, and implementing the electric and water conservation programs for the utility along with building and maintaining relationships with residential and commercial customers. Prior to coming to Elk River Municipal Utilities he worked at Xcel Energy and Great River Energy. At Xcel Energy,he worked in the areas of natural gas supply, and electric standards. While at Great River Energy he coordinated the conservation improvement programs for Great River Energy's 28 member cooperatives and Elk River Municipal Utilities. Tom is also the Vice Cahir for the Energy City Commission. TSagstetter(a,ElkRiverMN.gov Kristen Mroz Kristen is currently the Environmental Technician for the City of Elk River where she works on development projects to ensure an environmentally safe construction. She also is in charge of educating the public and business of community and environmental standards, scientific reports, and international studies, and city development requirements. Ms. Mroz coordinates the Energy High Five program, Energy Efficiency Program,and environmental standards alongside Tom Sagstetter. Ms. Mroz received her Bachelors of Science degree in Natural Resource Management and Policy from the University of Wisconsin-Steven's Point. Zack Carlton: Zack Carlton is the Planning Manager for the City of Elk River where he oversees the daily operations of the depatitnent. Prior to coming to Elk River Zack worked for the Anoka County Highway Department in their Planning and Engineering Departments where he assisted with grant applications, environmental documentation, and the design engineering phase of county highway projects. He worked for the MN Board of Water and Soil Resources where he inspected wetland restoration sites throughout the state, ensuring compliance with state and federal regulations. Zack also has an extensive background in residential landscape design and construction having worked in the industry for over seven years. He received his Master's Degrees in Urban and Regional Planning from the Humphrey School of Public Affairs, a Master's Degree in Landscape Architecture from the University of Minnesota, and a Bachelor's degree in Environmental Design from the University of Minnesota. Overview and understanding of the energy conservation efforts of the City of Elk River, Energy City, Organics, and High Five Program. Energy Efficiency and conservation is a primary driver of the Elk River Community. Since 1997 Elk River has also been known as Energy City. Elk River was selected from over 30 other Minnesota communities because of its central location and its commitment to energy efficiency and conservation,renewable energy,and sustainable waste management. Energy City is a collaborative effort between local government,utilities, and community businesses and residents. The Energy City Commission consists of eleven local representatives of are energy-related and community-oriented businesses. The Commission created and follows a 10-year action plan for city government and city-wide sustainable goals. In an effort to engage all businesses and residents,the city and local utilities participate in programs to raise awareness of energy use and water usage. There are many opportunities for community members to learn about how they can help the environment and save money on their monthly utility bills. Local utilities offer rebate programs for electric,gas, and water saving equipment that customers can install. The Economic Development Authority offers financing tools that can help businesses make energy efficient investments for the future. There is also a large initiative on the waste stream. Elk River has progressive measures in place to increase the amount of recycling of municipal solid waste and organics. The community was one of the first to offer curbside organic food waste collection and now participates in the Blue Bag Organics program with hundreds of residents taking part each week. Recycling rates continue to increase in the community with further education and opportunities.You will also find Big Belly solar trash and recycling compactors throughout the city,tying the energy and waste reduction goals together. The City has created the High 5 Rewards Program. This program was created to educate and promote environmentally sustainable home and business habits. The focus of the program is to educate customers on how they use and waste energy,how they can modify behavior within the home or business to cut down on waste of all kinds (energy,water, and trash). The program promotes competition within the home or business to reduce the impacts on the environment each home or business can follow along monthly to see their progress to more sustainable living practices.