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HomeMy WebLinkAboutHEDRA 05-14-09 MinutesHastings EDRA Hastings Economic Development and Redevelopment Authority 6:00 p.m. Hastings City Hall Minutes of May 14, 2009 I. Called to order 6:00 HEDRA Commissioners, Pam Holzem, Kurt Keena, Dennis Martodam, Bob Hollenbeck, Danna Elling Schultz (arrived 6:30pm), and Ron Toppin (arrived 6:30pm) present Commissioner Anthony Alongi, absent Staff present: Hastings EDRA Director John Grossman, John Hinzman, David Osberg, and Community Relations Specialist Shannon Rausch, II. Approval of Minutes Minutes from the April 9, 2009 meeting were presented, Hollenbeck moved to approve the minutes with no changes. Keena seconded the motion; Motion passed 4-0 III. Bllls Commissioner Keena moved to pay the bills. Commissioner Martodam seconded the motion. Motion passed 4-0 IV. Business A. Proposal for Evaluation of Hudson Relocation: City Administrator, David Osberg provided background regarding the possible relocation of Hudson Manufacturing. Hudson is going to be disrupted during the bridge construction, as well as having their warehouse acquired. For sometime now the City and Hastings EDC/HRA have been looking to work with Hudson on relocating them to the Industrial Park. In the Middle of April, the City of Hastings met with Intek regarding their vacant property next to the Cal Ruedy Public Works Facility on Progress Drive which is for sale. The City is interested in exploring the possibility of moving Hudson Manufacturing to this facility. Hastings EDRA is asked to approve a contract with Sebesta Blomberg to evaluate the Hudson and Intek facilities to see if it would be a good fit and economically right for everyone involved. Commissioner Martodam asked what the turn around time would be for the study to be completed. City administrator Osberg answered 45 days, which coincides with Mn/DOT making their offer to Hudson (which is expected around July 1sl ) Commissioner Keena questioned if funds were available in the budget to do this study. Director Grossman indicated that there were. The Commission questioned what would happen to the current Hudson Facility in Downtown if Hudson were to move out to the Intek building, would the City take it over/acquire it? City Administrator Osberg said that more than likely it would be part of the deal that if the City/Hastings EDRA helped move Hudson, the City would then take Hastings EDRA: 05/14/09 ownership of the downtown facility. Hudson is not eager to move, but does recognize that this may be an opportunity to making a move without acquiring debt to do so. The Intek facility is 100,000 sq. ft. (with the possibility of a 30,000 sq. ft. warehouse addition being added if necessary.) The current Hudson facility is around 160,000 sq. ft. but not well utilized, because of its layout. Intek has put the property up for sale. Commissioner Keena moved approval of a contract with Sebesta Blomberg to evaluate the Hudson and Intek Facilities, Martodam seconded the motion. Motion passed 4-0 Commissioner Danna Elling Schultz arrived at 6:30 B. Block 29 Draft Preliminary Agreement Discussion was tabled on the Preliminary agreement with Stotko/Speedling until they have had a chance to review and agree to the proposed agreement. Commissioner Ron Toppin arrived at 6:45 C. Hastings EDRA Planning Workshop: Hastings EDRA Director, John Grossman proposed a variety of ideas for getting together and holding a planning workshop which could include; long range planning, the role of the EDRA, Goals/Issues for the Hastings EDRA to work on/towards. Staff will work on proposing a couple of topics and arrange a time when everyone can meet for about 3 hours some afternoon. V. Reports A. Dental Arts: Council Approved Hastings EDRA recommendation at their May 4l" meeting. Dental Art is now working on their site plan. B. 315 3ftl Street: Staff notified the Realtor for the House at 315 East 3ro Street that the Hastings EDRA is less interested in purchasing the property at this time because the Senior Center expansion has been put on hold and the asking price is too high. Staff will continue to monitor the situation to see if it sells, or if the price changes at all. C. Spiral Boulevard Improvements: Engineering has been working to revamp their improvement plans to lower the overall cost of the project and the amount being assessed to the business owners. They will be presenting the revamped improvement plan on May 18l" with a curb and ditch proposal. D. 23ftl Street Intersection Study: May 4l" Council accepted the proposal for services with S.E.H. to study the 23ro Street intersection. The scope will include: • Data collection including traffic counts, turning movements, and crash data. • Traffic forecasts • Traffic analysis • Intersection Control Evaluation Report for potential signalization • Backage road concept plans Expected to conclude in September and is not to exceed $40,000. E. Bridge Update: Mn/DOT has completed the Environmental Assessment for the Highway 61 Bridge. The comment period began on May 4, and will be accepted through June 17. A public hearing is planned for May 20, 2009 at the Hastings City Hall from 3 p.m. to 7:30 p. m. with presentations at 4 p.m., 5 p.m. and 6 p.m. Comment cards will be available at Hastings EDRA: 05/14/09 2 the public hearing for written input and a court reporter will be available to record verbal comments. F. Block 1: Block 1 which has been transferred to Hastings EDRA, has recently received a couple of inquiries, the first from Greenhouse Vi//age Property which does senior co-ops. They have checked whether or not it is still available, as well as another developer who also does senior apartments. No commitments or serious conversations at this time, just inquires. G. Vermillion Area: • Planning Director Hinzman informed the Hastings EDRA that the Salvation Army is considering the former Midtown Foods space in the Midtown Shopping Center for a Salvation Army Thrift Store. Even though this project would meet the zoning requirements for operation, staff has concerns about how donation drop-offs would be handled. The rear of the mall (on Eddy Street) has very limited space, and with residences in close proximity, could lead to a lot of issues. The owner has been informed that accumulation in the open of donated items is prohibited under City Code. Donation drop-offs (both during and after business hours) could not occur in open areas; an enclosed drop-off area for goods will be required, similar to what the Good will has. Ed Peterson Properties - 1300 Block -Staff met with Ed Peterson on May 13th to discuss potential development. He is still working through his options, but is now thinking he may be coming to the Hastings EDRA for assistance with the building improvements for new tenants. VI. AdJournment: Toppin moved to adjourn at 7:20 p. m., Keena seconded; Motion passed 6-0 Next meeting is scheduled for June 11, 2009 at 6:OOpm in the Council Chambers. Shannon M. Rausch, HEDRA Secretary Hastings EDRA: 05/14/09 3