EDA

Blaine City Hall City of Blaine 10801 Town Square Dr Blaine, MN 55449 Anoka County, Minnesota Minutes - Final EDA The purpose of the Blaine Economic Development Authority is to increase the City’s commercial/industrial tax base, provide employment opportunities, undertake redevelopment to enhance and maintain neighborhood economic stability, and address special needs, such as senior housing. As authorized under Minnesota State statutes, the Blaine City Council also serves as the Blaine Economic Development Authority. Thursday, December 3, 2015 7:15 PM Council Chambers 1 Call to Order The meeting was called to order at 7:30 p.m. by President Ryan followed by the Roll Call. 2 Roll Call Quorum present. ALSO PRESENT: City Manager Clark Arneson; City Attorney Patrick Sweeney; Planning and Community Development Director Bryan Schafer; Public Services Manager Bob Therres; Finance Director Joe Huss; Police Chief/Safety Services Manager Chris Olson; Economic Development Coordinator Erik Thorvig; Communications Technician Roark Haver; Senior Engineering Technician Al Thorp; and City Clerk Catherine Sorensen and Recording Secretary Linda Dahlquist. Present: 6 - Comissioner Bourke, Comissioner Clark, Comissioner Herbst, President Ryan, Comissioner Swanson, and Comissioner King Absent: 1 - Comissioner Hovland 3 Minutes 3-1 MIN 15-35 November 5, 2015 EDA Minutes Moved by Commissioner Swanson, seconded by Commissioner Bourke that the Meeting Minutes of November 5, 2015, be approved. Motion adopted 5-0-1 (Councilmember Clark abstained due to his absence). Aye: 5 - Comissioner Bourke, Comissioner Herbst, President Ryan, Comissioner Swanson, and Comissioner King Abstain: 1 - Comissioner Clark 4 New Business City of Blaine Page 1 EDA Minutes - Final December 3, 2015 4-1 EDA RES 15-14 PUBLIC HEARING AND CONSIDERATION OF THE SALE OF EDA PROPERTY AT 2025 105th AVENUE NE Economic Development Director Thorvig stated the EDA purchased the property in 2009. He stated Invictus is willing to purchase the property for $298,995.84 which is $3.90 per square foot. He noted that the Anoka County assessed value for 2016 is $228,200.00. He stated that in the purchase agreement, there are several contingencies suggested by the buyer and he brought number five to the Council’s attention. He noted that the closing is set for April 30, 2016 and if the Spring Lake Park elementary school decides to locate near this site, the buyer may cancel the purchase agreement. He noted the Minnesota Amateur Sports Commission passed a resolution on November 18, 2015 identifying two school sites on NSC property, one north of 105th Ave adjacent to the EDA owned site and one south of 105th Avenue, and that the south site is the preferred site. He stated a letter was received from the Spring Lake Park school district identifying three sites and asked the Council to postpone voting on this motion tonight in order for the school district to further analyze the sites. President Ryan opened the public hearing at 7:31 p.m. Previn Solberg, Invictus Brewing Co., gave an overview of his proposal. He stated the City does not have an existing brewery and he believes they will draw people to the City. He stated the site is walking distance from the sports fields, provides visibility from 105th, is part of the 105th revitalization, offers good expansion possibilities, and has good access to highways and freeways. He stated Invictus will produce and serve beer in a sports-themed taproom with a limited menu restaurant and hold indoor/outdoor activities. He gave an overview of the site plans that include 7,500 square foot production distribution taproom and restaurant facility; seating up to 200; ample parking, outside patio; green space and gardens. He gave an overview of the estimated timeline of April 30, 2016 closing, May 2016 construction, September 2016 completion, October 2016 brewing, and November 2015 grand opening. He gave an overview of the economic benefit of the brewery which will increase the tax base; offer well-paying jobs; attract visitors to Blaine; possible future development by acquiring adjacent properties; and be a part of 105th revitalization. President Ryan closed the public hearing at 7:41 p.m. Commissioner Herbst commented he supports this project and the brewery will be a good fit. President Ryan stated the City has a chance to get land back on the tax rolls. He stated other cities have breweries and it is time for Blaine. City of Blaine Page 2 EDA Minutes - Final December 3, 2015 Commissioner Clark asked if changing the distance from 500 to 250 square feet could still work if the school chooses the property next to the site. Planning and Community Development Director Bryan Schafer replied it depends on where on the site the school chooses to build. Commissioner Clark asked if the school builds closer to 105th can the ordinance be modified. Planning and Community Development Director Bryan Schafer replied yes. Commissioner Bourke commented if the school wants to build on the property next door, they will have to meet the City’s ordinances. President Ryan asked if this business would be assessed for the road work done on 105th. Planning and Community Development Director Bryan Schafer replied he does not anticipate any assessments to this site. Commissioner Clark commented he expects a sidewalk to be constructed on that side of the road. Moved by Commissioner Swanson, seconded by President Ryan that Resolution 15-14, “Public Hearing and Consideration of the Sale of EDA Property at 2025 105th Avenue NE,” be approved. Motion adopted unanimously. Aye: 6 - Comissioner Bourke, Comissioner Clark, Comissioner Herbst, President Ryan, Comissioner Swanson, and Comissioner King 5 Other Business None. 6 Adjournment Moved by Commissioner Herbst, seconded by Commissioner Bourke, to adjourn the meeting at 7:48 p.m. Motion adopted unanimously. Aye: 6 - Comissioner Bourke, Comissioner Clark, Comissioner Herbst, President Ryan, Comissioner Swanson, and Comissioner King City of Blaine Page 3