08-08-1994 EDA MIN
MEETING OF THE ElK RIVER ECONOMIC DEVElOPMENT AUTHORITY
HELD AT THE ELK RIVER CITY HALL
MONDAY, AUGUST 8, 1994
Members Present:
President GongolL Commissioners Dwyer, Holmgren and Scheel
Commissioner Duitsman arrived at 6:12 p.m.
Commissioner Farber arrived at 6:23 p.m.
Members Absent:
Commissioner Dietz
Staff Present:
Bill Rubin, Executive Director
1. Call Meetina To Order
Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, the meeting of the Elk River Economic
Development Authority was called to order at 6:03 p.m. by President Gongoll.
2. Consider Auaust 8: 1994 EDA Aaenda
COMMISSIONER SCHEEL MOVED TO APPROVE THE AUGUST a, 1994 EDA AGENDA.
COMMISSIONER DWYER SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 4-0.
3: Consider July 11, 1994 EDA Minutes
COMMISSIONER DWYER MOVED TO APPROVE THE JULY 11, 1994 EDA MINUTES.
COMMISSIONER HOLMGREN SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 2-0-
2.. PRESIDENT GONGOLL AND COMMISSIONER SCHEEL ABSTAINED.
4. Ooen Mike
No one appeared for this item.
Bill Rubin reviewed the financial update prepared by Lori Johnson:
5. Financial Uodate
Micro-Loan Fund
The Mcro-Loan Fund had a cash balance of $140,449.53 as of July 31,1994. As
of August 8, 1994, all loans are current except Indy Lube and Beaudry
Convenience which have not made their August loan payments.
Block Grant Micro-Loan Fund
This fund had a cash balance of $8,054.19 as of July 31, 1994.
6. Consider Uodate on Interim Imorovements to EDA Main Street Site
Bill Rubin stated that the most popular plan for improving the EDA Main Street
site is the design that includes a plaza at the street level, terracing down to a
lower level near the river for some type of amphitheater. It has also been
suggested that the artesian well at the site could be used for some type of
landscaping or waterfall effect.
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August 8, 1994
Page 2
Bill noted that he will contact the owner of the cinema building to see if he is
considering improvements to the outside of his building next to the proposed
interim park. He stated that he will advise the cinema building owner of funding
resources that may be available to him.
7. Consider Update on Western Area Issues
Bill Rubin noted that the Western Area Improvements feasibility study was
approved following a public hearing at the July 25, 1994, City Council meeting.
On August 1, 1994, the Council approved plans and specs and ordered the
advertisement for bids. Bids will be received until 10:00 a.m. on August 24, and
considered by the City Council on August 29.
Bill emphasized the importance of finalizing land uses in the Western Area. He
noted that the Planning Commission recommended that the Country Ridge
Partnership 15-acre parcel be rezoned to Planned Unit Development (PUD),
rather th'an the requested Land Use Amendment and rezoning to allow
townhouses. The City Council also initiated rezoning from PUD (C-2 for
Government Center) to B-P, Business Park, for the following parcels: (a) the
Country Ridge Partnership tract bounded by the County Fairgrounds, U.S.
Highway 10, and the extension of Orono Parkway/183rd; (b) the Bill Gagne
parcel; (c) the County Government Center; and, (d) the Hoyt Partners tract
immediately west of the Government Center and bounded by U.S. Highway 10
and Waco Street. The Planning Commission will consider this item at its August
23rd meeting and the City Council hearing will be September 19th.
Discussion followed regarding previous rezoning requests for parcels in the area.
Bill Rubin stated that Council action at the August 1, 1994 meeting was an .
attempt to get the zoning map into conformance with the Comprehensive Land
Use Plan. Commissioner Holmgren noted that the existing Comprehensive Land
Use plan indicates the City's interest in having a Business Park in this area.
Bill Rubin stated that the Business Park Task Force is scheduled to meet on August
16th.
8. Task Force on Plan Review and Permittinq
President Gongoll explained that a task force was appointed in late 1993 to look
at the City's review and permitting process. The Task Force included Pat Dwyer,
Hank Duitsman, Bill Rubin, Pat Klaers and himself. President Gongoll explained
that their purpose is not to find fault with persons or issues, but look at the
process itself for possible improvements. He targeted the following gO,als as part
of the group's mission:
-providing customer-friendly service
-achieving a partnership between public and private sectors
-promoting proactive and creative staff, appointed and elected
officials
-total quality management
-support for training, education and workshops
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August 8, 1994
Page 3
President Gongoll stated that representatives from the small business and
industrial communities be involved, as well as the Chamber and Chairs from City
Commissions (i.e., Planning, Parks & Rec., Steering Committee).
Commissioner Dwyer explained that the idea for this task force originally came
as a result of problems experienced in on expansion project.
President Gongoll noted that he wanted it clear that the idea for this t.ask force
was started some time ago and has nothing to do with his current employment.
Commissioner Dwyer stated that one of the comments received from an EDA
customer related to the need to know everything up front, so that there were no
surprises.
Commissioner Holmgren emphasized that the task force could provide a place
for people to go to that have concerns. These concerns could then be
addressed and would result in some. type of finding.
President Gongoll explained that the intent is not to find fault with individuals,
but to review the actual process involved in permits, applications, fees, etc.
Bill Rubin noted that the review process has been improved in recent months.
He explained that site plans for commercial, industrial or residential projects that
do not deviate from City Code is done by City staff, rather than having to go
through the Planning Commission and City Council. The process, called
"concept review," is done by the city engineer and stoff from the planning,
building a'ld zoning, fire and police departments, and the park commission. Bill
commented that there are opportunities to improve customer service such as
bringing in speakers, workshops, continuing education, etc.
It was the consensus of the EDA to formulate an outline of objectives and
structure for a task force to study plan review and permitting procedures.
9. Consider the 1995 EDA Budaet and Levv
Bill Rubin reviewed line items in the proposed 1995 EDA budget.
COMMISSIONER FARBER MOVED TO APPROVE THE 1995 EDA BUDGET IN THE
AMOUNT OF $81,000. COMMISSIONER HOLMGREN SECONDED THE MOTION. THE
MOTION CARRIED 6-0.
COMMISSIONER FARBER MOVED TO ADOPT RESOLUTION 94-1, A RESOLUTION
ESTABLISHING THE TAX LEVY FOR THE ELK RIVER ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
AUTHORITY IN AND FOR THE CITY OF ELK RIVER, MINNESOTA. COMMISSIONER
HOLMGREN SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 6-0.
There being no further business, COMMISSIONER HOLMGREN MOVED TO
ADJOURN THE MEETING. COMMISSIONER FARBER SECONDED THE MOTION. THE
MOTION CARRIED 6-0.
The meeting of the Elk River Economic Development Authority adjourned at 6:55 p.m.
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August 8, 1994
Page 4
Respectfully submitted,
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Debbie Kleckner
Recording Secretary