Updates: Fall Networking Event, 167/47 Node, Old City Hall Development, Nordvick Property Demolition, Kuro Fitness RLF, 6745 Highway 10, CDBG Opportunity, EDA Board Structure/Timline, Pro Power Sports Property, 8019 146th Ave.

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Fall Networking Event
The EDA's Annual Fall Business Networking Event took place on Thursday, November 29.  Attendance was approximately 60 (as anticipated).  Speakers included Mike Mulrooney with Central Minnesota Development Company, Kerri Gorden with Allina Health and Jim Lundeen with RJM Enterprises.  Breakfast was provided by the EDA and served by Wells Catering.  The Alexander Ramsey Room served as the venue.  Overall, the event went off without a hitch and Staff received positive feedback from attendees/speakers.

167/47 Node
The commercial node located at 167th and St. Francis Boulevard (Highway 47) has been a topic of discussion with past and present City Councils.  This node has struggled to become economically viable for some time.  The City has conducted a number of studies on this area; and at one point considered funding a master planning effort.

Staff has received a number of inquires regarding this node.  The property owner of 6001 167th Ave (Super Value Building) is interested is pursuing a zoning change.  Additionally, two parties have stepped forward and expressed interest in using 6001 167th Ave.

Staff anticipates bringing a case forward to the EDA in January regarding this node; and to take direction on what involvement (if any) the City would like to pursue.  As more information is available on the potential users, further updates will be provided.

Old City Hall Development
The EDA and City Council have expressed interest in developing the old municipal center site, 15153 Nowthen Boulevard ("Subject Property") for a data center user(s).  The City is partnering with Connexus Energy to pursue this development opportunity.

As part of this effort, Staff was directed to complete the State's Shovel Ready program; which is anticipated for completion come spring.  Moving forward, the City will be considering a cost/benefit analysis of various development scenarios and what zoning regulations the City should consider for the Subject Property.  To aid this process, Staff has ordered development scenario sketch plans.  The City expects to receive said plans in the next few weeks.  NOTE: options will include a single family residential development.

8020 147th Ave, Building Demolition
The EDA purchased the property located at 8020 147th Avenue, known as the Nordvick Property ("Subject Property"), in the spring of 2012.  A portion of the Subject property was dedicated as right of way for the realignment of Armstrong Boulevard.  About one acre of developable land remains.

The Subject Property contained two structures, a parking lot and a number of other improvements.  The EDA ordered buildings on the Subject Property to be demolished and the site to be cleaned for future development at the October EDA meeting.

Besides seeding, demolition and cleanup of the Subject Property is complete.  Staff is working with the project contractor to make sure said work is completed.  More updates will be provided as information is available. 

At the November EDA meeting, it was decided to consider future development of the Subject Property in conjunction with surrounding parcels, as the City will likely attain adjacent properties.  Staff will bring forward a case regarding the future development of this parcel at the January/February EDA meeting.

Kuro Fitness RLF
The EDA and City Council approved an EDA Revolving Loan Application for Kuro Fitness in November.  Staff is working with the RLF applicant to close the approved said loan.  This process is on hold until Kuro Fitness is open and Staff has an opportunity to inventory collateral.  It's anticipated the store will open and the City's loan will be closed in the next three weeks.

6745 Highway 10 Lease
As part of the effort to realign Highway 10, the State enabled Cities to purchase properties located in future right of way with Revolving Acquisition Loan Fund (RALF) dollars.  The City of Ramsey owns a number of RALF properties along the north side of Highway 10.  One of those properties is 6745 Highway 10, known as Independent Auto ("Subject Property").

The Subject Property contains a small auto retail center (front) and a large cold storage facility (rear).  The front of the Subject property is rented by Independent Auto.  The rear cold storage portion of the property has remained vacant since October of 2012.

In November, the City Council approved a lease with Independent Auto for the cold storage area located in the rear of the Subject Property.  Additionally, the City approved a sublease between Independent Auto and First Choice Towing for the front portion of the Subject Property.

CDBG Opportunities
The Federal Government administers a grant program known as Community Development Block Grants (CDBG).  This program is versatile and provides a wide range of potential uses.  Staff would like input from the EDA on what projects the City should pursue CDBG funding.  This item will be included in the EDA's work-plan process, April 2013.

2013 EDA Officers
The City's EDA Chair (Chris Riley) and Vice Chair/Treasurer (Wayne Skaff) terms expire on December 31, 2012.  The EDA will need to appoint a 2013 Chair and Vice Chair/Treasurer at the January EDA meeting.

Due to recent elections, the EDA board will be down to five members come January.  The Council will make appointments for the two vacant EDA member seats come April.  The Mayor will make appointments for the two standing Councilmember EDA  positions come January (before the January EDAmeeting). 

Property Sale, 6781 Hwy 10
Update at meeting.

Property Purchase (City), 8019 146th Ave
Update at meeting.

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