10-18-2007 EDA MIN - Laserfiche WebLink

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Economic Development Authority Minutes October 8, 2007 Page 4 commercial piece and the city may wish to guide the ultimate development of this parcel. Mr. Clark stated that discussions should be held regarding whether or not the EDA is desirous of entering into the bidding process. 10. Co~ept Review -Fine Dining Prosper; Assistant Director of Economic Development Heidi Steinmetz presented her staff report. Abed Lawabni, Umbria La Cucina Italiana -presented his concept to bring a fine dining Italian restaurant to Elk Rivet He stated that their preferred site is located on Lot 1 Block 1 of Mulvaney Point located at the corner of Line Avenue and County Road 12 (the U.S. Post Office property). Ms. Steinmetz indicated that staff is requesting that the EDA provide staff with direction. She questioned if the EDA wishes to enter into the bidding process in an attempt to purchase the Post Office property. President Gongoll questioned what uses aze allowed on this site. Mr. Clazk stated that the site would allow a broad array of uses including office, auto repair, and manufacturing. He stated that he believes a restaurant would be allowed under a Conditional Use Permit but noted that the area could be rezoned if necessary. Cortunissioner Tveite questioned if the company would be seeking assistance from the city in the form of tax abatement or something similar. Mr. Lawabni stated that they ace in the early stages of planning and have not thought about tax abatement or SAC and WAC assistance yet. He explained that the location is what is important to them right now. President Gongoll also questioned if the EDA can legally enter into the bidding process. Mr. Clazk explained that he consulted with the attorney and state law allows an EDA to enter into closed negotiations on property. It was the consensus of the EDA to enter into the bidding process in an attempt to purchase the Post Office property. Ms. Steinmetz then questioned if the EDA is interested in entering into an agreement or submitting a letter of intent to Mr. Lawabni stating that the EDA would ultimately sell the property to Mr. Lawabni. President Gongoll indicated that he would like parameters included in the letter for both parties to ensure that if the property is sold to Mr. Lawabni's company the project is followed through with as proposed. It was the consensus of the EDA that they were interested in drafting a letter of intent to be brought back at the November EDA meeting. 11. C nsid .r Proposal from Recrauranr Broke s of Minn ota Assistant Director of Economic Development Heidi Steinmetz presented her staff report, including the proposal from Restaurant Brokers of Minnesota. It was the consensus of the EDA that winter is not the ideal time to enter into a three month agreement with a restaurant broker and that the proposal should be revisited early next year. 12. Aijjoumment