03-14-2005 EDA MIN - Laserfiche WebLink

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Economic Development Authority Minutes March 14, 2005 5. Discuss 2004 Inquiry/Prospect Report Page 2 Director of Economic Development Catherine Mehelich reviewed the Inquiry/Prospect Tracking report for 2001-2004. She stated that the report indicates trends over the past four years in inquiry type, size and status. She stmmmarized that 84 total inquiries were made in 2004, and approximately one-half were industrial-related. She stated a total of 27 inquiries were strictly Light Industrial related and that three of those projects successfully located to Elk River, and 6 - 10 prospects remain active. Chair Gongoll asked where commercial service uses could be located. Ms. Mehelich stated that they could be located in Industrial Districts, and if there was no outside storage, in a multi-tenant building in the Business Park District. She noted that outdoor storage is allowed in the Decker budding with approval of a conditional use permit. Chair Gongoll stated that businesses with fleet vehicles have a difficult time siting their operations with the outdoor storage restriction. The Commission discussed the 2004 inquiries listed in the report. Chair Gongoll asked if the detailed report shows the acreage of sites for each of the inquiries. Ms. Mehelich explained that if an inquiry is for land only, this can be broken out, but if it is for a building, staff would have to figure out what size lot would be required based on the square footage that the prospects were looking for. 6. Consider Proposals for EDA Brown Property Development Ms. Mehelich provided background information which led to the Request for Proposals (RFPs) for development of the EDA Brown property. Ms. Mehelich stated that the RFP was sent on February 1, 2005 with a deadline for submission of March 1~. She stated that two proposals were received; one from Amcon and one from Duke Realty. She stated that two issues need to be addressed: 1) the development proposals received, and 2) the timing of the public improvements. She noted that the EDA has expressed an interest in having buildable lots available by Fall 2005. The City Engineer has detemmined that in order to meet this goal, City Council approval would be required in March/Apxi12005. Ms. Mehelich stated that staff is looking for direction from the EDA regarding interest in proceeding with the development proposals and public improvement process. Chair Gongoll stated that he was surprised at the number of proposals submitted. Sid Inman of Ehlers & Associates stated that both of the firms that submitted proposals are reputable and have done similar projects. He stated that he and staff will continue discussions with the developers to clarify the issues associated with the site. Mr. Inman reviewed the "side by side" proposal analysis. Commissioner Moon stated that he would like more information on the developers' concepts, but supports the EDA proceeding with improvements in order to have lots ready to build by fall. He also commented that Amcon has not met their current build-out of requirement in their East Business Park. Mr. Inman commented to his concern about that relationship to the EDA Park and its build-out time line would be another three to five years. Ms. Mehelich slated that the Duke concept does not include public improvements and that Duke feels private infrastrucnu-e costs could be borne by the end user. They felt they would be able to market the lots without the public improvements. She noted that Duke also was