02-11-2003 CC MIN - SPECIAL-JOINT

Home Browse Search

Special Joint Meeting Minutes Page 3 February 11, 2003 Planning Commissioner Dana Anderson asked if the park dedication fee is the only fee under discussion. Ms. McPherson stated that other fees such as water, sewer and land use application fees are also required, but that the park dedication fee is the fee which is often waived by cities. Ms. Duckor stated that developers are against park dedication fees, but that SAC and *VAC fees are generally accepted as a part of doing business. Mayor Klinzing asked what the attraction was for industrial development in Big Lake. Ms. Duckor stated that land is being offered for free. She also noted that elected officials often are present in negotiations with potential clients. Discussion followed regarding the possibility of industrial development in the gravel mining district when mining is completed. Councilrnember Tveite noted that there is an area near County Road 33 which may be available in as litde as five years. Councilmember Motto stated that the slowed economy would impact development. Ms. Duckor stated that the City needs to maximize what it currently has to offer. She feels that the park dedication fee needs to be reviewed, and full infrastructure needs to be provided (sewer and water). Mayor I4&inzing stated that she is aware that other cities build the infrastructure and also give away land to attract industrial development. She stated that the City needs to look at what the barriers are for both the city-owned land and private land. She stated that the Highway 169 corridor should be to be looked at, as well. Ms. Duckor stated that the City needs to keep supporting industrial development, but they also need to offer another client base, in order to provide a healthy mix of industrial development. Mayor IGinzing asked if partnerships with private landowners could be developed. Ms. Duckor stated that the problem is that private developers usually have their own contractors. Ms. Mehelich stated that the City is currently exploring ways to develop better partnerships with private developers. Mayor IClinzing stated that she feels the Planning Commission, City Council and the EDA need to get involved in talking to property owners to t-md out what the issues are. Ms. Duckor concurred. Ms. McPherson stated that the Planning Commission could discuss some general parameters at their March workshop meeting. EDA Commissioner Dwyer noted that if design standards are too high, tenants are not willing to pay the rent that would be required to recover the construction costs. Councilmember Motin noted that having good design standards should lock down the price of land. It was the consensus of the group that representatives of the City Council, EDA and Planning Commission should meet with Industrial/Business Park land owners to discuss issues of Concern. There being no further business, Chair Pederson adjourned the meeting of the Elk River City Council at 8 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Debbie Huebner