Economic Development Authority

-+- BAXTER ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY MINUTES Wednesday, July 05, 2023 at 5:30 PM “A Growing Community” Baxter City Hall, 13190 Memorywood Drive, Baxter, MN CALL TO ORDER President Cross called the meeting to order at 5:30 p.m. ROLL CALL President Mark Cross, Vice President Zach Tabatt, Treasurer Connie Lyscio and members Jeff Phillips and Darrel Olson were present. Executive Director Brad Chapulis, Assistant Treasurer Jeremy Vacinek, and Secretary Kelly Steele. MINUTES 1. Approve EDA Minutes from April 4, 2023 MOTION by Treasurer Lyscio, second by Vice President Tabatt to approve the EDA minutes from April 4, 2023. Motion carried unanimously. OLD BUSINESS None. NEW BUSINESS 2. Approve the Transfer of Cedar Scenic Second and Northdale Sixth Additions to the City of Baxter Executive Director Chapulis explained earlier this year the EDA board elected to prepare the subdivision plats of Cedar Scenic Second and Northdale Sixth Additions with the goal to place the 20 lots on the market for sale this summer. Based on the title opinion completed by the city attorney, the landowner on the plats were identified as the City of Baxter. The county recorder’s office denied the recording of the plats on the basis that the owner of the properties was the Baxter EDA. After discussion with the city attorney, it was determined that the most effective solution is to transfer the ownership of the properties to the city. Though a transfer of ownership for legal purposes would not have any effect on the goal of selling the lots, sale proceeds would officially be the city’s rather than the EDA. Staff would encourage the proceeds be dedicated for its original intent, which was to further economic development opportunities in the city and reimburse the EDA for costs involved with the creation of the lots. The proceeds and costs, including the additional legal and recording fees for the ownership transfer, will continue to be tracked in the economic development fund. MOTION by Vice President Tabatt, seconded by Treasurer Lyscio to approve the transfer of Cedar Scenic Second and Northdale Sixth Additions to the City of Baxter. Motion carried unanimously. 3. Outlot B, First Addition of Baxter Industrial Park Discussion 7/5/2023 Economic Development Authority Minutes Page 2 Executive Director Chapulis explained a local company has expressed interest in acquiring the south 11 acres of Outlot B, First Addition of Baxter Industrial Park. Before entertaining an official offer from the company, staff would like to discuss the subject and surrounding properties to determine what parameters the board would consider subdividing the property. If Outlot B is subdivided to mirror the company’s interests, staff is of the option that the remaining EDA properties, including the northern portion of Outlot B, would leave the EDA with several small undesirable parcels that would be difficult to obtain the highest and best use of the properties. To achieve the best use would require re-platting the properties to create attractive parcels that would require realigning the public infrastructure. In addition to the current proposal of extending Evergreen Drive to Glory Road, some other realignment options that would be less impactful to the remaining property would include extending Evergreen Drive to Douglas Fir Drive or terminating Evergreen Drive with a cul-de-sac. The boards consensus is to support subdividing Outlot B for the sale of the 11 acres. EDA BOARD MEMBER COMMENTS AND DISCUSSION Comments received may be placed on a future meeting agenda for consideration. None. ADJOURN Motion by Treasurer Lyscio, seconded by Vice President Tabatt to adjourn at 5:46 p.m. Motion carried unanimously. Approved by: Respectfully submitted, _____________________________ Mark Cross Kelly Steele President Secretary