HomeMy WebLinkAbout12-08-2011 MinutesHastings Economic Development and
Redevelopment Authority
6:00 pm Hastings City Hall
Minutes of December 8, 2011
HEDRA CommissionersPresent:Ron Toppin, Michael Kelley, Kurt Keena, and Danna Elling
Schultz
HEDRA Commissioners Absent: Dennis Peine, Pam Holzem and Tony Alongi
Staff present: Community Development Director John Hinzmanand Community Relation Specialist
Shannon Rausch.
Others present: Chuck Tombarge, Himle Horner
Q:
UORUM
A quorum was establishedand the meeting was called to order, by Chair Toppinat 6pm with four
members present.
I. M
INUTES
Commissioner Kelley motioned to approve the minutes from the November 9, 2011 meetings,
Commissioner Elling Schultz seconded the motion.
Motion approved 4-0
III.B
ILLS
Commissioner Keena moved to pay the bills. Commissioner Kelley seconded the motion.
Motion Passed 4-0
IV.B
USINESS
A. Presentation of Marketing Plan by Himle Horner
Communication Specialist, Shannon Rausch,introduced Mr. Chuck Tombarge from
Himle Horner who gavea 25 minute presentation on the final draft of the HEDRA
Marketing Plan.
Following the presentation the Commission was asked to approve the plan as
presented.
Commissioner Elling Schultz motioned to approve the plan as presented.
Commissioner Keenan seconded the motion.
Motion passed 4-0.
B. Authorize Signature - Met Council Grant Agreement Amendment - Block 16
Metropolitan Council has agreed to extend the grant agreement to fund construction of
the Block 16 Red Rock Commuter Parking lot until December 31, 2012.
The Commission is asked to Authorize Signature of the 1st Amendment to the Grant
Agreement.
Commissioner Keena motioned to approve Authorization of Signature of Agreement.
Commissioner Kelley seconded the motion.
Motion passed 4-0.
V.
R&I
EPORTSNFORMATION
A. Hudson redevelopment - Reuse Plan Discussion
The Commission discussed the recent findings of the Hudson Reuse Study conducted
by Stark Preservation. The Commission agrees that before anything can be done with
the Hudson site the market needs to be tested for variables and feasibility.
Also the Commission suggested that the Heart of Hastings plan be reexamined and
determine what the Community “wants”to do and what the “vision” isfor the site.
The Commission also understands, and wants the public to understand, that most
importantly everyone needs to bepatientwith this project. This is a huge site and a
great opportunity for the community. HEDRA doesn’t wantto just rush into things
unprepared.
HEDRA agreed that the first step most likely will be for the Commission toconsider
demolishingthe 1974 portion of the facility soonerrather than later based on the
understanding that this portion of the building holds no historic value or other value to
the site.A benefit of demolishing the 1974 addition nowwould be that the site could
then bepreparedto “show off”during any event surrounding the construction of the
new bridge.
The Commissioners also agreed that holdingonto the 1946 addition fornow and not
making any decision on keeping or demolishing it until a developer is on board would
be in the projects best interest. This way the developer is the one thatismakingthe
decisionsbased on actual market tests and feasibility studies.
The Commissioners agreed that HEDRAand the City brought the property into public
ownership so that more funding opportunities would be available.
HEDRA Chair Toppin suggested the Commissionschedule a workshop in mid-
February to discuss Hudson concepts as well as next steps with the marketing plan.
B. Hudson - Environmental Update
Everything is on track to be ready for spring environmental grant deadlines.
HPC has long recognized the Hudson Building's significanceto Hastings and they are
considering nominating the facility for the national historic registry. HEDRAwould like
to encourage the HPC to be patient.
C.Mixed Use Hard Wire Alarm Update
The installation of the Hard Wire Alarm Systems in mixed use building continues
moving along well and are about a third done with their installation.
D. Downtown Hastings -Block 1;
Senior Housing Developerhas shown interest in the site and has inquired as to what
price range HEDRA would be looking for on the property. Staff has estimated the value
of the site to be about $8/sq ft, but has not yet sought an official appraisal to be done
yet.
Staff reminded the Commission that there has been no marketing of the sitein the past
few years and questioned ifHEDRA isinterested in developing an RFP for this
company andothersto respond to?
Commissioners discussed and agreed that rental properties are barely coming back at
this time.
They suggested that staff compare multiple sitesaround townand decided if this is
where we want a senior housing developer to build? Do we want them in downtown, on
the river front? Perhaps suggest other sites that might fit their. budget.
E. 1101 Vermillion Street Demolition and Redevelopment
The houseat 1101 Vermillion Streethas now be demolished and the site along with the
brown house next door (next to the Dairy Queen,) the city-owned property that was
formerly 11th Street, as well as another residential site behind these, are all being
considered for a one acre development that would be a 24hourr fast-food drive-through
operation.
The commissions not excited aboutthis prospect and have concerns due to the
proximity to the residentialneighborhood directly behind this potential site.
A:
DJOURNMENT
Commissioner Elling Schultzmoved to adjourn at 7:15pm, Commissioner Keenaseconded.
Motion Passed 4 - 0
January 12, 2012
Next meetingis scheduled forat 6:00pm in the Council Chambers.
Shannon M. Rausch,
HEDRA Secretary