09-06-2008 EDA MIN - Laserfiche WebLink

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Economic Development Authority Minutes Page 2 September 8, 2008 time line and would estimate 6 -12 months to complete. He noted that a time limit could be set by the EDA. Commissioner Touchette asked if there was a reason to sell quickly. Mr. Gongoll stated no. He stated that their main focus was the 1715[ Avenue corridor area. He discussed existing development in the surrounding area. President Dwyer suggested that staff request proposals, bring them back to the EDA, and then they could look at establishing a timeline. Commissioner Farber stated that he did not want to lose businesses in the process of completing the study. Mr. Gongoll stated that it is not the intent to drag out the process, since the goal is to market the property. President Dwyer noted that the city has an agreement for the land previously owned by Cargill that it would not be developed. Commissioner Zerwas stated that it may be cost-effective to take the Cargill property out of the study area. Commissioner Morin stated that the agreement on development expires in approximately 14 years, and that it might be good to have a plan for the future, and that bringing Ulysses Street down to 165~h Avenue would affect the Cargill property. Commissioner Tveite concurred. He stated that both ashort-term and long-range plan would be helpful and he would encourage the proposals to state a firm time line. He stated that whoever submits proposals should explore what has and has not worked in other cities with transit stations, such as Seattle. Commissioner Klinzing stated that she would anticipate doing the study in parts, looking at the 1715 Avenue corridor first. She agreed that the non-city owned Cargill property should be in the long range plan. She stated that any plan will be their "best guess", since the EDA does not know what the market will bring. President Dwyer stated the following items need to be considered: 1) what is the EDA looking for out of the study; 2) how long will it take; 3) visioning for property that won't be available for some time; and, 4) cost. Commissioner Klinzing noted that since Elk River is Energy City, developments should "tie in" with LEED standards. Mr. Gongoll noted that there are a number of other cities along the Northstar Corridor that have done studies. He suggested looking at these studies to see what they have found and bring this information back to the EDA. Discussion followed regarding the boundaries of the study area. Commissioner Morin asked if the study area will include west of the railroad tracks, from 175 Avenue to where Highway 10, Highway 169 and 101 meet. He asked if west of Highway 10 will be left out. Mr. Gongoll stated that most of the property west of Highway 10 is spoken for, except for a couple of lots. Mr. Touchette stated that they need to know the scope of the larger study area and then look at individual pieces of it. President Dwyer stated that the areas north and south would be considered more long-term for development. Commissioner Touchette stated that these properties are empty today and he would hate to miss an opportunity for development. 6. Update on Entertainment Center Proposal Mr. Gongoll stated that the city received a memo from Energy Entertainment Enterprises, LLC, withdrawing their proposal, and stating that they are open to meeting with city. He noted that they have also asked that their $5,000 tax abatement application fee be refunded.