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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMay 12, 1993 o 0 8 .~ CITY of ANDOVER ANDOVER ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE - MAY 12, 1993 MINUTES The Monthly Meeting of the Andover Economic Development Committee was called to order by Mayor Jack McKelvey on May 12, 1993, 7:33 p.m., at the Andover City Hall, 1685 Crosstown Boulevard NW, Andover, Minnesota. Members present: Robert Nowak, Larry Dalien, Kevin Martin, Gregg Kroll, Mike Auger, Lyle Muehlbauer Members absent: Howard Neisen, Bill Coleman, Mike Knight, Rebecca Pease Also present: City Planner, Dave Carlberg COMMERCIAL PARK LOT PURCHASE DISCUSSION Mr. Carlberg reviewed a proposal from "For Kids Only" Inc., which is presently located in the Brooks' Crosstown Square, to purchase a lot in the Andover Commercial Park. Their present location is not suitable because of the traffic and the parking lot, but they have a lease until 1995. They are looking at either Lot 3 or Lot 4 of Block 1. It was Mr. O Carlberg's suggestion that Lot 3, Block 3 would be a much better location because it provides a buffer between the industrial and residential districts, there is less commercial traffic and less noise, and it is more secluded. The traffic and noise could become a greater factor once Commercial Boulevard is extended to the east. The Committee discussed the proposal and generally were in favor of a child care center in the Commercial Park. They agreed with Mr. Carlberg's suggestion that the best location might be Lot 3, Block 3, or possibly Lot 5, Block 2, possibly even Lot 2, Block 3. They suggested Mr. Carlberg discuss those options with the Child Care Center again and possibly do some negotiating of the extra costs that would be involved on the somewhat larger lot of Lot 3, Block 3. If they are still interested in the lots on Block 1, the Committee will discuss it further at the next meeting. PURCHASING OF AUTO RECYCLING/JUNKYARDS Mr. Carlberg stated he talked with Bob Pears yesterday, owner of the property for Andover Auto Parts over which the City will be acquiring an easement for the construction of Commercial Boulevard. He also indicated to Mr. Pears that the Committee would be discussing the possibility of acquiring the entire parcel. Mayor McKelvey stated Mr. Pears indicated to him a desire to sell the o entire parcel. Also, he has learned that Mom's Auto Parts would like to sell their property next spring, as Mrs. Heidelberger would like to retire and her sons do not want to continue the business. The City Attorney has stated the City could float a bond for the purchases, and now would be the time to do it because of the low interest rates. with , \ \__) U Andover Economic Development Committee Meeting Minutes - May 12, 1993 . Page 2 , J (Purchasing of Auto Recycling Junkyards, Continued) the purchase of Mom's Auto Parts, the Commercial Park could be extended eastward. There is a problem with acquiring the next portion to the east of Mom's Auto Parts until it is cleaned up, as it is currently designated an EPA Superfund Site. There is also a possibility that Best Auto Parts would be willing to sell. Very few employees would be displaced with the City's purchase of these businesses. Mr. Carlberg stated because that entire area is zoned Industrial, the EPA will be cleaning up the soils to an industrial level. The question is does the AEDC feel the City should pursue the purchase of the auto recycling/junkyards in this area. This is the Tax Increment Financing Redevelopment District. The Committee discussed the various businesses, those areas with soil contamination, the logical expansion of the Commercial Park, and the TIF financing. Mr. Carlberg stated the existing TIF funds will be used for the construction of Commercial Boulevard from Jay Street to Hanson Boulevard and from Jay Street east to the western edge of the present Andover Auto Parts. The general consensus was the object has always been to redevelop the \ area; and if some of the businesses are willing to sell, the City should ) purchase them for redevelopment. It was agreed the matter should be brought to the City Council to explore offers to those businesses indicating a willingness to sell to the City, specifically Mom's Auto Parts, Andover Auto Parts, and possibly Best Auto Parts. It was also suggested the City Attorney be invited to the next meeting to discuss the different financing methods. There was some discussion as to whether or not all the businesses in the TIF District should be asked in writing whether or not they are interested in selling, the intent being to purchase as many as possible at this time. It was decided that perhaps the three already mentioned would be the only ones available at this time, as some have already indicated they do not want to sell and others cannot be purchased until the soils corrections are completed. It was agreed to bring the item to the Council first, then discuss the financial matters with the City Attorney prior to contacting any businesses. (Mr. Martin left the meeting at this time; 8:30 p.m.) MARKETING BROCHURE DISCUSSION Mr. Carlberg indicated the City does not have an attractive marketing brochure for the Andover Commercial Park, plus he has just used the last ) of the residents' guides which were printed several years ago. He gets quite a few calls from people asking for information about Andover. Some cities go to great lengths to market their City and commercial areas, but Andover doesn't have anything to provide at the various commercial conferences and seminars. He asked the Committee to discuss ,t ) Uf . '--- Andover Economic Development Committee Meeting Minutes - May 12, 1993 \ ) Page 3 (Marketing Brochure Discussion, Continued) the need for a marketing brochure for economic purposes and a residents' guide with general information about the City and a community profile. There is only $1,000 in the budget for publishing, which he realized doesn't go very far. The Committee generally felt that a marketing brochure for the Commercial Park and a residents' guide is important to have. After some discussion, Mr. Knoll suggested having a nice embossed folder printed with various inserts. That would provide the flexibility to change, to provide photos of the specific area to be marketed, and to update inserts as needed, and about hundred could probably be done within the budget . Committee members generally liked the idea of an embossed folder with inserts. Mr. Knoll also stated he has the plates of the residents' guide, which could be updated and rerun at a nominal cost. Mr. Carlberg agreed to discuss the ideas further with Mr. Knoll and report back at the next meeting. OTHER BUSINESS The Committee agreed to set the next meeting for Wednesday, June 9, ~ ,) 1993, 7:30 p.m., at the Andover City Hall. Mayor McKelvey declared the meeting adjourned at 9:00 p.m. Respectfully SUbmitt:d, / \(~\~ ~~~ M~ella A. Peach Recording Secretary \ )