Loading...
6.0 EDSR 12-08-2008~j City of Elk -~-, River REQUEST FOR ACTION To Item Number Economic Develo ment Authori ~ , Agenda Section Meeting Date Prepared by December 8, 2008 Jeff Gongoll, Communi Develo ment Director Item Description Reviewed by Consider Approval of Hoisington Koegler Group, Inc. Contract & Scope of Work for 1715[ Focused Area Study Reviewed by Action Requested The EDA is asked to review and approve the attached Contract For Services from the Hoisington Koegler Group, Inc., to conduct the 1715[ Focused Area STudy (FAST), including the public workshop option to facilitate open houses, at $4,000. Background/Discussion At the November 10, 2008, the EDA agreed to engage the Hoisington Koegler Group, Inc. (HKGi) to perform the FAST land use study surrounding the Northstar Commuter Rail Station. Since then, Planning Manager Jeremy Barnhart and I met with Paul Paige to discuss the proposed scope of work and determine possible modifications to the program. The result is a revised list of the tasks which have consequently provided a $4,000 reduction to the overall fee (primarily by the elimination of the 2°`~ workshop). These modifications should not adversely affect the intent and scope of the work that HKGi presented to the EDA and was subsequently agreed to as most favorable to completing this study. The proposed scope includes one meeting with property owners, specifically the three adjacent to the Gateway business park. Other than public meetings when the project is discussed with the EDA, the scope does not include provisions to obtain direct feedback from other property owners. As a result of our discussion, HKGI offers an Optional Service (at $4,000) to facilitate an "open house" meeting for the property owners and stakeholders in the secondary areas of the study to review and discuss the plans to date with HKGi. Staff recommends the EDA accept this option, as public input at early stages will help property owners accept the final plan. Further information regarding these workshops will be provided at the meeting. Bruce Chamberlain and Paul Paige of HKGI will attend the meeting to present their scope of work for review and discussion. Financial Impact The revised contract is for a NTE fee of $55,600 (with the open house option at an additional $4,000). It will be paid out of the EDA Professional Services category and reserves. Attachments ^ Contract for Services with Hoisington Koegler Group, Inc. Action Motion by Second by Vote Follow Up December 4, 2008 Jeff Gongoll Community Development Director City of Elk River Elk River City Hall 13065 Orono Parkway Elk River, MN 55330 Re: Focus Area Study Dear Jeff This letter outlines a Scope of Services, Fee Schedule and other elements which together constitute an agreement between the City of Elk River, hereinafter referred to as the CLIENT, and Hoisington Koegler Group Inc., hereinafter referred to as the CONSULTANT for Focus Area Study, hereinafter referred to as the PROJECT. The CLIENT and CONSULTANT agree as set forth below: A. BASIC SERVICES Task 1-Project Kick Off 1.1 Conduct kick-off meeting with Economic Development Authority, Planning Commission and City Council: At this meeting we will focus on two aspects: 1) overview of the project and planning process and 2) discussion on project objectives, opportunities and constraints. L2 Conduct kick-off meeting with City Staff: The intent of this meeting is to commence the project with a review of the work plan, to gather missing base information, collectively identify opportunities and constraints and to tour project area. 1.3 Project Administration: This task will include preparing and maintaining a project schedule and coordinating the advisory panel participation. Deliverables: ^ Project contract and detailed project schedule ^ Database of relevant background reports/studies/data Task 2-Conduct Site Analysis 2.1 Prepare base mapping: We will assemble key context mapping data including current aerial photography, property ownership, natural resource base, development constraints, pipelines/easements, potential contamination sites, utility corridors, adjacent land uses, geological features.. 2.2 Identify opportunities and constraints: We will prepare a graphic that illustrates potential opportunities and constraints based on the physical and natural characteristics of the site, land use and development patterns, utility corridors and transportation systems. City of Elk River FAST project December 4, 2008 Page 2 Deliverables: ^ Opportunities and constraints graphic ^ Summary report documenting existing conditions Task 3-Conduct Workshop 1-listen, collaborate, explore -This will be a staff level workshop conducted over approximately lh day at the offices of HKGi. The workshop will include the following components: 3.1 Orientation meeting with staff and core HKGi team: present site analysis and walk through logistics of the workshop outlining various rolls and participation. 3.2 Review Draft Assumptions: HKGi team will present our overall project assumptions for discussion with staff, seek input, and develop additional assumptions as needed. 33 Develop Draft Project Objectives: HKGi will work with staff to generate a list of core project objectives related to district identity, marketing, role of project in broader community, role of transit, etc. 3.4 Brainstorming session with staff: The consultant team will present the site analysis to staff in order for them to develop a strong understanding of the project area, and potential opportunities and constraints. The team will then conduct a brainstorming session on ideas and possibilities for the future of the project area focusing on such topics as economic development, mixed use, transit oriented development, public finance and alternative energy sources. This session will include case studies and precedents that offer lessons learned and innovative approaches as experienced by the HKGi team on other similar projects. 3.5 Develop (3) General Design Concepts: As part of the workshop, HKGi will brainstorm the foundation of (3) general design approaches to the project. The concepts will be diagrammatic in nature, but will each provide a unique approach to achieving overall project objectives. Deliverables: ^ Coordination of workshop ^ Agenda preparation and workshop facilitation ^ Draft Assumptions and Objectives ^ Presentation materials ^ Summary of workshop results Task 4-Refine Concepts 4.1 Refine land use concept diagrams: Based on the findings from the workshop and more detailed follow up design, HKGi will refine the alternative land use diagrams that illustrate various patterns of land use and development form. These land use patterns will be generally quantified to understand development quantities; however, the focus of this exercise will be on developing broad patterns. The patterns of land use will include private land use patterns and public spaces/open space diagrams. 4.2 Prepare roadway connection diagrams: Each concept will include a depiction of transportation infrastructure as it relates to movement through the site, access to Highway 10 and connectivity to key features such as the Northstar Transit Station. 43 Prepare public improvement/site amenities diagrams: A palette of public amenities will be prepared to demonstrate amenities relevant to the various land use patterns City of Elk River FAST project December 4, 2008 Page 3 and roadway types and the desired character of each. The pallet will include photos and sketches along with general cost ranges. 4.4 Prepare precedent photos boards displaying finish materials and design parameters: Architectural detail and finish materials will be demonstrated with precedent photos and will be aligned to the appropriate land use concepts. 4.5 Quantify development potential (Jobs/HH/Market Value): Establish assumptions to quantify potential development magnitude and prepare general forecasts for jobs, households and market value associated to each concept. 4.6 Assemble concepts in report and presentation form: The concepts will be presented in a report form with presentation summary boards for future review. 4.7 Conduct review session with staff at HKGi offices: We anticipate up to two separate meetings with city staff to review the progress and participate in concept development. It is anticipated that these review sessions will equip city staff with the ability to provide periodic updates to EDA/PC/CC members as concept development progresses. 4.8 Conduct Key Landowner meetings. Three Key landowners will be met with individually to allow direct input into the design alternatives prior to the development of a preferred plan option. The meetings will ideally occur at the landowners business, or alternatively at City Hall or the Library. The meetings will be casual and will promote a dialogue with the landowners that focuses on how each of the concepts may or may not "fit" with their vision for their land. 4.9 Conduct review session with EDA/PC/CC: Once all concepts are fully prepared, HKGi will review the concepts and analysis in a joint work session with the EDA/PC and CC. 4.10 Conduct Optional Additional Landowner group meetings if required. See Item B for additional information. Deliverables: ^ A series of maps, diagrams and vignettes illustrating concepts for future development of the project area including roadway network, public improvement/amenities, and development quantities. ^ A report documenting analysis findings and relationship of concepts to project objectives. ^ Summary presentation materials and coordination materials for workshop. ^ Agendas and facilitation of meetings. Task 5-Conduct Advisory Panel Workshop 5.1 The Advisory Panel Workshop will focus on applying the outside expertise of the panel toward concept evaluation, refinement and initial implementation strategies. This workshop will include an orientation meeting with staff, followed by the advisory panel critique/review, followed by an EDA/PC/CC debriefing meeting. The primary difference in workshop 2 will be the focus of the Advisory panel. At this point in the process, we will use the project analysis, assumptions, and key objectives to assess the viability of each concept. 5.2 Follow up meeting with City staff at HKGi offices to review the findings of the Advisory Panel Workshop. Deliverables: ^ Coordination of workshop ^ Agenda preparation and workshop facilitation ^ Presentation materials ^ Summary of workshop results ^ Summary of staff review meeting City of Elk River FAST project December 4, 2008 Page 4 Task 6-Refine concepts to a preferred plan 6.1 Refine concepts and prepare the preferred plan: As an outcome of the Advisory Panel Workshop and EDA and staff review, we will refine the concepts into a preferred plan. This task includes preparing the first draft of the plan document emphasizing the preferred concept. 6.2 Prepare impact analysis (traffic and infrastructure demand) for the preferred plan: At a general level, we will evaluate demand for roadway capacity and infrastructure (sanitary sewer and water) that can be used by the City Engineer to help identify long term infrastructure improvement needs. HKGi will rely on the City Engineer for existing infrastructure capacity information. 6.3 Prepare implementation mechanisms: We will use materials generated in previous tasks, and the creative discussions generated through the workshops and joint EDA/PC/CC meeting to develop implementation strategies focused on the following topics: 1) regulatory tools which may affect zoning and subdivision regulations or involve preparation of design guidelines 2) marketing strategies 3) development strategies (phasing, timing of public improvements, financing, environmental reviews and other "value" added strategies). 6.4 Review meetings with staff to review draft materials and discuss implementation strategies. 6.5 Conduct review meeting with EDA/PC/CC: A final joint meeting with the advisory boards and City Council would be held to present the full draft plan for comment. 6.6 Refine draft plan: Based on the outcomes of review meetings we will refine the plan and submit a final draft to the City. Deliverables: ^ We will deliver three hard copy bound plans and 1 CD for reproduction of the plan at its Draft Stage (after task 6.3) and again at its Final Draft Stage (after task 6.6). ^ Agendas and facilitation of review meetings. Task 7-Finalize plan and seek approvals 7.1 Attend City Council meeting: HKGi staff will attend to present and answer questions for the final meeting seeking approval of the plan. 7.2 Plan revisions and modifications: HKGi will prepare one final set of revisions following the final approval of the plan. Deliverables: ^ Final plan: We will deliver three hard copies and one CD of the final plan. ^ Electronic files: HKGi will provide the City with all CAD files as well as all graphics and text documents to close out the project. B. OPTIONAL SERVICES Optional Task 1.0 The incorporation of a series of area stakeholder meetings. The project area would be broken down into a maximum of (4) sub-areas, identifying landowners that may have similar land-use related issues based on the location of their City of Elk River FAST project December 4, 2008 Page 5 land within the project area. As an optional service, HKGi will facilitate meetings in an open house format for each sub-area group to attend and discuss the status of the project. The meetings would occur at City Hall, early in the concept design stage to allow the stakeholders an opportunity to see the general approach to the project and still have time to provide timely feedback to the plan direction. C. ADDITIONAL SERVICES The CONSULTANT and the CLIENT may agree in writing to amend this Contract for additional services related to the PROJECT and compensation for such services. The following services have not been requested by the CLIENT but are available upon written authorization. 1. Meetings in addition to those specified in Paragraph A above. 2. Services or Deliverables not specifically identified in Paragraph A above. D. FEES FOR PROFESSIONAL SERVICES The CONSULTANT agrees to complete the scope of work contained in Paragraph A in exchange for professional fee compensation as noted below. The CLIENT agrees to pay the CONSULTANT for services rendered as follows: 1. For the CONSULTANT'S Basic Services described in Paragraph A above, a fee based on the CONSULTANT'S current hourly rate schedule (see Attachment B) for a not to exceed fee of Fifty Five Thousand Six Hundred Dollars ($55,600.00). 2. For the CONSULTANT'S Optional Services described in Paragraph B, a fee based on the CONSULTANT'S current hourly rate schedule for a not to exceed fee of Four Thousand Dollars ($4,000.00). 3. For the CONSULTANT'S Additional Services described in Paragraph B, a fee based on the CONSULTANT'S current hourly rate schedule plus incidental expenses or a negotiated fee. 4. Statements will be submitted to the CLIENT on a monthly basis as work is completed and shall be payable within 30 days in accordance with this Agreement. 5. The CONSULTANT reserves the right to suspend services if the CLIENT is delinquent in making payments in accordance with this Agreement. D. CLIENT'S RESPONSIBILITY The CLIENT shall be responsible for the following: 1. Assembly of background information . 2. Assembly of electronic mapping. 3. Reproduction and distribution of all PROJECT reports. E. INSURANCE CONSULTANT shall maintain insurance of the kind and in the amounts shown below for the life of the contract. Certificates for General Liability Insurance should state that the CLIENT, its officials, employees, agents and representatives are Additional Insureds. The CLIENT reserves City of Elk River FAST project December 4, 2008 Page 6 the right to review CONSULTANT's insurance policies at any time to verify that contractual requirements have been met. 1. Commercial General Liability Insurance $1,000,000 per occurrence $1,000,000 general aggregate $50,000 damage to rented premises $5,000 medical expenses 2. Umbrella Liability $1,000,000 per occurrence $1,000,000 general aggregate $10,000 self-insured retention 3. Worker's Compensation and Employer's Liability a. Worker's Compensation per Minnesota Statutes b. Employer's Liability $500,000 per accident; $500,000 per employee; $500,000 per disease policy limit. 4. Professional Liability Insurance $1,000,000 per claim $2,000,000 annual aggregate F. COMPLETION SCHEDULE The services of the CONSULTANT will begin upon CLIENT approval and will, absent of causes beyond the control of the CONSULTANT, be completed by June 30, 2009. At the beginning of the PROJECT, the CONSULTANT will prepare an overall PROJECT schedule identifying meetings, task completion dates, etc. The CONSULTANT will continually update the PROJECT schedule throughout the course of the work G. NONDISCRIMINATION The CONSULTANT agrees not to discriminate by reason of age, race, religion, color, sex, national origin, or handicap unrelated to the duties of a position, of applicants for employment or employees as to terms of employment, promotion, demotion or transfer, recruitment, layoff or termination, compensation, selection for training, or participation in recreational and educational activities. H. EQUAL OPPORTUNITY During the performance of this Contract, the CONSULTANT, in compliance with Executive Order 11246, as amended by Executive Order 11375 and Department of Labor regulations 41 CFR Part 60, shall not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment City of Elk River FAST project December 4, 2008 Page 7 because of race, color, religion, sex or national origin. The CONSULTANT shall take affirmative action to insure that applicants for employment are employed, and that employees are treated during employment, without regard to their race, color, religion, sex or national origin. Such action shall include, but not be limited to, the following: employment, upgrading, demotion, transfer; recruitment or recruitment advertising; layoff or termination, rates of pay or other forms of compensation; and selection for training, including apprenticeship. The CONSULTANT shall post in conspicuous places available to employees and applicants for employment notices to be provided by the Government setting forth the provisions of this nondiscrimination clause. The CONSULTANT shall state that all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. The CONSULTANT shall incorporate the foregoing requirements of this paragraph in all of its subcontracts for program work, and will require all of its subcontractors for such work to incorporate such requirements in all subcontracts for program work. I. INDEMNIFICATION CLIENT agrees to indemnify, defend and hold CONSULTANT harmless from and against any and all claims, liabilities, suits, demands, losses, costs and expenses, including, but not limited to, reasonable attorneys' fees and all legal expenses and fees incurred through appeal, and all interest thereon, accruing or resulting to any and all persons, firms or any other legal entities on account of any damages or losses to property or persons, including injuries or death, or economic losses, arising out of the PROJECT and/or this Agreement, except that the CONSULTANT shall not be entitled to indemnification to the extent such damages or losses are found by a court or forum of competent jurisdiction to be caused by CONSULTANT's negligent errors or omissions. J. TERM, TERMINATION, SUCCESSORS AND/OR ASSIGNS 1. The Term of this Agreement shall be concurrent with the work authorized and shall be in accordance with the schedule to be established between the CLIENT and the CONSULTANT. 2. Either party may terminate this Agreement by written notice to the other party at its address by certified mail at least ten (10) days prior to the date of termination. 3. Neither the CLIENT nor the CONSULTANT shall assign, sublet or transfer its interest in this Agreement without the written consent of the other. 4. The time schedule shall not apply and/or time extensions will be allowed for any circumstances beyond the control of the CONSULTANT. 5. This Agreement shall be governed by all applicable laws. 6. Upon termination, Consultant shall be entitled to fees earned through the effective date of termination. K. DISPUTES In the event the CLIENT and CONSULTANT are unable to reach agreement under the terms of this contract, disputes shall be resolved using alternative dispute resolution (ADR). L. REVOCATION If this agreement is not signed and accepted by both parties within 90 days of the contract date, it shall become null and void. City of Elk River FAST project December 4, 2008 Page 8 M. AUTHORIZATION IN WITNESS WHEREOF, The CLIENT and the CONSULTANT have made and executed this Agreement for Professional Services, This day of December, 2008 CLIENT City of Elk River Name Title Witnessed by: Name Title CONSULTANT Hoisington Koegler Group Inc. Name: Bruce Chamberlain Title: Vice President Witnessed by: Name: R. Mark Koegler Title: President INFORMATION city E t~.ver TO: FROM: DATE: SUBJECT: MEMORANDUM Economic Development Authority Catherine Mehelich, Director of Economic December 8, 2008 EDA Executive Director's Report Developmen In an effort to keep the EDA informed of various Economic Development Division activities that do not require action by the EDA, I will be providing an Executive Director's report periodically throughout the year. EDA Commissioners should feel free to bring up any questions or issues for discussion under the "Other Business" section of the Agenda. Northstar Rail As you are aware, Community Development Director Jeff Gongoll is coordinating the 171` Ave Focused Area Study with Hoisington Koegler Group, with assistance by Planning Manager Jeremy Barnhart. Attached is a copy of an article that appeared in the Star Tribune Sunday, November 30, 2008 regarding developments along the Northstar Commuter Rail line. Staff's conversations with employers over the years have indicated roughly 50% of employees commute from the metro area. In order to maximize the benefits of the line coming from the metro area to Elk River, Economic Development Division staff is drafting a brief survey to gauge the ridership interest of Elk River's largest employers and assess any obstacles for employees to make internal connections between the rail station and place of work in Elk River. Commercial/Industrial Property Inventory Annie and I have been utilizing the new MetroMSP website ~~-ww.metramsp.org to post available properties for sale or lease in Elk River. This link is available on the EDA's webpage. A concern has been raised by a member of the EDA Marketing Committee regarding the amount of vacant commercial/industrial lease space and a desire for a more aggressive marketing campaign. We are researching the issue and are awaiting the EDA's appointment of the Marketing Committee at its Annual Business Meeting in January, as well as the EDA's authorization for the committee to meet to discuss the issue. EDA Executive Director's Report EDA Meeting December 8, 2008 Page 2 of 2 Restaurant Marketing As reported at the October EDA meeting, following the Retail Trade Analysis presentation in January, Annie and I will focus on 10-15 restaurants to set up meetings and discuss the RTA results and specific locations to increase their interest in the City. Vacated Elk River Target Store Community Development Director Jeff Gongoll has been in contact with the broker and monitoring the status of any potential tenants for the vacated store. Broker/Developer Marketing Annie and I recently attended the 2°`' Annual MN Commercial Association of Realtors Expo. Staff was able to visit with several metro area brokers and share information about the anticipated land use plan and development opportunities for the 171" Avenue focus area and Gateway Business Park. Several developers indicated to staff a high level of interest in keeping an eye on property in the northwest area and near the rail for future developments. We will be maintaining contacts with these people as the focus area study nears completion. Image /Marketing We realize the Focus Area Study is a first step toward discussion on this item which is in follow up to a few of the City Council's priority issues identified in the January 2008 planning workshops - "Image" and "Marketing for Commercial & Industrial Development". Additional discussion and direction on the following items may be appropriate during the anticipated joint Council, EDA and HRA workshops early in 2009 when the Strategic Plan for Economic Development is developed: 1) Identify the city's desired "target market" for specific types of commercial and industrial development. 2) Identify desired market focus/theme (e.g. Light Industrial Hub, Energy City, etc.) 3) Identify sites for commercial and industrial business park development to maintain a sufficient inventory. S:\EDA\AGENDA\Year2008\12.8.08 exec dir report.doc Fridley's plans for Northstar station are on fast track Page 1 of 3 '~~~t"Tt`~l1.;In@. GOt1'r I'~~III`1NE.AF'OLIS - ST. PAUL, I~+IIf~E aOTA Fridley's plans for Northstar station are on fast track By JIM ADAMS, Star Tribune November 29, 2008 Designers are hurrying to finish plans for the Fridley rail station, the most expensive and last station to be built before the Northstar Commuter begins running in November 2009. Northstar's first $2.6 million diesel locomotive already has been delivered to the line's maintenance facility in Big Lake on the northern end of the 40-mile line, and four more engines and 17 passenger cars are to arrive by spring. Most of the line's other stations are nearly complete. But the $9.9 million Fridley station, between East River Road and Main Street at 61st Avenue, was a late addition to the project, having been killed earlier because of a federal funding shortage. In late October, the Counties Transit Improvement Board, which oversees spending of the new quarter-cent transit sales tax approved this year by the state Legislature and five metro-area counties, decided to make the Fridley project one of its first funding priorities. It awarded the $9.9 million needed to revive the project. The Fridley station's specifications are due to be completed shortly, and officials hope to award bids in January so work can begin as soon as the ground thaws, said Tim Yantos, executive director of the Anoka County Regional Railroad Authority. Back from the brink The Federal Transit Administration, which is paying for about half of the $320 million line, had dropped the Fridley station from its funding after Northstar's costs increased above initial estimates. The federal agency allowed the station to be built only if it wouldn't delay opening of the line that will carry commuters from Big Lake to Minneapolis in less than 45 minutes. To keep the project alive, Fridley spent nearly $3.2 million for 10 acres, mostly for parking, on the east side of the station at 61st Avenue and Main Street, said Paul Bolin of the city's Housing and Redevelopment Authority. The money came from leftover tax increment revenues from three other projects, a source approved by the Legislature, Bolin noted. Anoka County's rail authority chipped in another $645,000 for parking space on the west side of the station by East River Road. The Fridley station will be the only one of six stops on the line to have a pedestrian tunnel under the tracks and three elevators that will carry passengers to the platform. The 400- foot-long platform will have three glass-enclosed heated shelters. http://www.startribune.com/templates/Print This_Story?sid=35239429 12/4/2008 Fridley's plans for Northstar station are on fast track Page 2 of 3 "It will be one of the most exciting projects to happen here in quite a while. It provides a lot of opportunity," Bolin said. After more than eight years of planning and seeking funding, "We are finally getting to the fun part of the whole project.... Ideally, it will be a catalyst for more retail and housing development." Other work nearly done Stations in Big Lake, Anoka and Coon Rapids already are largely complete and will get finishing touches in the spring, said Ken Stevens, a Northstar consultant. The $5 million Riverdale stop in Coon Rapids was built next to an existing park-and-ride Metro Transit parking lot off Northdale Boulevard behind the Riverdale Target. The station has afour-story bridge, with elevators at each end, to take riders over the tracks to reach inbound trains. Work continues on the Minneapolis commuter station next to the new Twins ballpark, as well as at the Elk River stop, which will have 800 parking spots and has already attracted development. Elk River's three-story Pullman Place for people 55 and older stands across the street from where workers were pouring concrete for the station platform last week. More than 50 twin and town homes also have been built behind Pullman Place in the past few years, said Jeff Gongoll, Elk River community development director. The city set up Northstar Business Park near the station a few years ago, and another business opened there in October, he said. "That is big for us because it brings a lot of jobs," Gongoll said. The train service The Northstar line, operated by the Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railway, will make six round trips each weekday and three on weekend days. A typical train will consist of an engine pulling four coach cars, each with capacity to seat about 150 people. More than 5,200 passengers a weekday are expected to ride the Northstar, including 500 through the Fridley station alone. "I think you will see a lot more people get off the train in Fridley," Bolin said. He noted the city has 29,000 jobs, including many at Medtronic's world headquarters. Bolin said Medtronic and other employers have discussed providing shuttle service to Northstar station. Jim Adams • 612-673-7658 http://www.startribune.com/templates/Print This_Story?sid=35239429 12/4/2008 u~ t~I.DRC9y ~ i~ ~yt W S^'.~ 4F f ~ .,, 1 v _~ ~' ,,, ~ ~ ~~s~ ~ ;~~ ~~ t -~ Nodh A NEW STARTUP COMPANY, MAHNOMEN BAKED CHIPS, is building a manufacturing plant on six acres within the 80-acre Mahnornen Industrial Park. Located on the White Earth Indian Reservation, the 29,000-square- foot building is slated for completion in December. The $8.5 million facility will produce baked, stackable potato chips, which are a healthier alternative to fried stackable potato chips. The business will initially add 30 new jobs to the area, with plans to employ up to 100 people. The Minnesota Department of Ernployrnent and Economic Development (DEED) helped pay for equipment in the facility with Minnesota Investment Funds. THE IRON RANGE RESOURCES 60ARD APPROVED about $4.7 million in public works infrastructure grants for specific cities, townships and tribes in the Taconite Tax Relief Area. The grants will set the stage for construction projects totaling $82 million, much of it for housing. These projects provide a welcomed boost for the region's residential and commercial builders. Central DEED HAS AWARDED A $1.25 MILLION GRANT TO the city of Willmar to help pay for developing a bioscience research facility at the MinnWest Technology Campus. The funding for the Mid-Central Biosciences Center was awarded under DEED's Bioscience Business Development Public Infrastructure Grant Program. "The bioscience center will contain a research lab that the University of Minnesota and the Minnesota State Colleges and University system will use to assist local bioscience businesses," said DEED Commissioner Dan McElroy. "This facility will play an important role in our efforts to expand the bioscience business sector in Minnesota." The MinnWest Technology Campus is a 34-building, high-tech business incubator on the 100-acre site of a former state hospital in Willmar, about 80 miles west of the Twin Cities in Kandiyohi County. The DEED funding will pay for half of the $2.5 million cost to convert an existing building on the campus into the bioscience center. Other sources will provide $747,000 for initial equipment purchases and $1.9 million for a later phase of equipment purchases. .~ ,~, _;,~~ THE MINNESOTA SCHOOL OF BUSINESS IS BUILDING a~ new campus in Elk River. the 31,000-square-foot facility is scheduled for completion in May 2009. The school plans to offer a wide range of degree and diploma programs at the Elk River campus, including business, information technology and paralegal studies. With an anticipated enrollment of about 900 students, the school will begin recruiting both employees and students soon. The new campus facility will be located near Menards in Elk River. THE 153,600-SQUARE-FOOT GATEWAY BUSINESS CENTER NORTH 1 in Otsego is now 100 percent occupied. The industrial building is leased by two divisions of Otter Tail Corp. - T O. Plastics, Inc., a processor of plastic products, and BTD Manufacturing, a metal fabrication company. Twin Cities Metro ACIST MEDICAL SYSTEMS INC. HAS OPENED its expanded headquarters in Eden Prairie. The developer of injection systems for improving the quality of medical ~~~; ~Y~~= ~~: _o ~"' LL Z ..~. Twin Cities Metro (continued) scans and X-ray images, Acist has built a 75,000-square-foot facility that encompasses its expanded corporate headquarters and a manufacturing plant. SOUTHWEST AIRLINES PLANS TO BEGIN serving the Twin Cities area in March 2009. The flights offered will be between Minneapolis/St. Paul International Airport and Chicago's Midway airport. The low-cost carrier will occupy three gates of the Humphrey terminal. THE NEW CUB FOODS GROCERY STORE IN ST. PAUL is the nation's first LEED-certified grocery store. The Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Green Building Rating System is a certification program for the design, construction and operation of high performance green buildings. The 62,900-square-foot grocery store has 42 skylights to illuminate 75 percent of regularly occupied space and asolar-powered GPS to track and redirect sunlight as needed. The floors of the store are designed to eliminate chemicals usually needed during cleaning. LED lights with a 40-year life span will light the parking lot and provide a 50 percent energy savings. The store's landscape requires 50 percent less water. Additionally, during construction of the store, 75 percent of the waste generated was recycled instead of being sent to landfills. HEALTHEAST CARE SYSTEM HAS COMPLETED alive-story, 89-room expansion at St. Josepf~'s Hospital in St. Paul. The expansion will provide more private rooms for patients. The top three floors of the expansion extend over 10th Street to connect with the older parts of the hospital. A DIRECT MAIL COMPANY IN CHANHASSEN, IWCO Direct, will close its plant in Elm City, N.C., and move all operations to its Minnesota facilities, adding 250 jobs in Minnesota. EDEN-PRAIRIE-BASED ADVANCED CIRCULATORY SYSTEMS was awarded a $1.5 million grant from the National Institutes of Health. The grant will be used to continue a study of two devices used to help people survive cardiac arrest. A privately held provider of circulation technologies, Advanced Circulatory Systems manufactures both of the devices in the study - a compression and decompression pump and a device that increases blood flow to the heart and brain during CPR. 3oulh EDEN-PRAIRIE-BASED CAMBRIA IS EXPANDING io Belle Plaine. The manufacturer of quartz building materials has purchased the former Excelsior-Henderson building for $5.7 million. Cambria plans to do manufacturing and warehousing in the building and phase in about 100 jobs over the next year with anticipated growth over the next several years. GiC; : F :',~_ ~;',0~~ Minnesota Departmenr of Employment and Economic De•:elopi~~e~it - .~ >~1,r~ i~s~tza . ~<~1, S~JIr CZU~ P~,~.'.. '.-,^~d '~~:101-1351 651 2~ 74~: ~~,~ t,~, ; .-' . 1Ti' L8QO6 ,= -~-~~~;' hos~,~,vel: ., r ~eso' ~,m Elk River FAST Study ~z~8~o8 Draft Schedule zoo8 zoo9 Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr May ~.~ Conduct kick-ofF meeting with Economic Development Authority, ~ 12 Jg Planning Commission and City Council ~.z Condud kick-off meeting with City Staff i.3 Project Administration • . z.~ Prepare base mapping z.z Identify opportunities and constraints 3.~ Hold orientation meeting with City StafF and core HKGi team 3.z Review Draft Assumptions 3.3 Develop Draft Project Objectives 3.4 Develop (3) General Design Concepts 4.~ Refine land use concept diagrams 4.z Prepare roadway connection diagrams 4.3 Prepare public improvement/site amenities diagrams 4.4 Prepare precedent photos boards displaying finish materials and design parameters 4.5 Quantify development potential (Jobs/HH/Market Value) 4.6 Assemble concepts in report and presentation form 4.7 Conduct review session with City Staff at HKGi offices ~..i3 Conduct Key Landowner meetings 4.9 Conduct review session with EDA/PC/CC • zl9 4.~o OPTIONAL SERVICE: Conduct Optional Additional Landowner 0 group meetings if required 5.~ Conduct Advisory Panel Workshop focused on applying the outside ~ expertise for the panel toward concept evaluation, refinement and ~ 3l9 inital implementation strategies followed by EDA/PC/CC 5.z Hold follow up meeting with City staff at HKGi offices to review the findings of the Advisory Panel Workshop 6.~ Refine concepts and prepare the prefer-ed plan 6.z Prepare impact analysis (traffic and infrastructure demand) for the preferred plan: 6.3 Prepare implementation mechanisms 6.4 Conduct Review meetings with City Staff to review draft materials d di i l i i an scuss mp ementat on strateg es 6.5 Conduct review meeting with EDA/PC/CC ~ 4h3 6.6 Refine draft plan -.. ... . 7.~ Present draft plan to City Council for review/approval 7.z Revise plan based on feedback and submit City Sta$ EDA/PC/CC O Landowner Meetings Advisory Panel City Council -n~cuf ~k~n..1~ ~~1~'~~~' ~~~ Hoisington Koegler Group Inc. ©~