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HomeMy WebLinkAbout11.24.08 EDA Packet . AGENDA ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY November 24,2008 -7:00 p.m. City Council Chambers. City Hall 1. Call Meeting to Order (7:00 n.m.) 2. Pledge of Allegiance 3. Approve Agenda 4. Citizens CommentslPresentations 5. Consent Agenda (see attached) a. September 22, 2008 Minutes b. September Bills c. September Budget Details d. October Bills e. October Budget Details Members Chair David Pritzlaff Vice Chair Christy Jo Fogarty David McKnight Kevan Soderberg Steve Wilson 6. Public Hearings (None) :.itv Staff ReDresentatives ... Peter Herlofsky City Administrator 7. Continued Business a. Industrial Park Expansion - Update (Tina) b. Downtown Advertising Sign (Lisa) c. Wal-Mart Correspondence 8. New Business a. Business Development Grant Application, Vinge Tile & Stone (Lisa) b. FY09 CDBG Application (Tina) c. Year in Review Presentation (To be presented at the meeting.) 9. City Staff Reports, see attached a. Economic Update b. Downtown Idea Exchange (Nov. 1 & Nov. 15,2008) c. Statewide Downtown Issues Survey, Conducted by Pine City, MN d. "Power of Community Building" Audioconference Info e. Pioneer Press article: "If you've seen one mall, you've seen 'em all" f. Pioneer Press article: "In these shops, 'mall' is afour-letter word" g. Star Tribune article: "A bucolic life in Mayberry, but where 's the h. Wdl-Mart?" 1. ECM Post Review article: "First person collects on NB economic referral program" J. Neighborhood Stabilization Fund - Foreclosures verbal update , 10. Adjourn The Farmington EDA's mission is to improve the economic vitality of the city of Farmington and to enhance the overall quality of life by creating partnerships, fostering employment opportunities, promoting workforce housing and by expanding the tax base through development and redevelopment. \t-jR,;:.\",FnA\R()_~J<f) /\GFNDAS\2008 Ronni Agcilc1[_~~;\11..2,c:1jnZ\J 1240;3 Ef)A agenda Tina Hansmeier Economic Development Specialist Lisa Dargis Administrative Assistant 430 Thrid Street Farmington, MN 55024 Phone: 651.463.7111 http://www.cLfarmington.mn.us f e. . . MINUTES ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY Regular Meeting September 22, 2008 1. Call Meeting to Order The meeting was called to order by Chairperson Pritzlaff at 7:00 p.m. Members Present: Pritzlaff, Fogarty, McKnight, Wilson Members Absent: Soderberg Also Present: Lisa Dargis-Administrative Assistant, Lisa Shadick-Administrative Services Director 2. Pledge of Allegiance 3. Approve Agenda MOTION by McKnight, second by Wilson to approve the agenda. APIF, MOTION CARRIED 4. Citizen's Comments/Presentations Ann Carlon, president of the Farmington Economic Growth Committee spoke regarding the work that they have been focused on recently. They have been working with the Counties of Dakota and Scott on an east-west corridor study in order to increase partnerships with businesses, counties and cities. The EGC has met with officials from Dakota County and Lakeville. They have discussed how to increase passage between Highway 169 and Highway 52 to make it a stronger corridor. They are in the preliminary stages but are working to develop partnerships and involve businesses. 5. Consent Agenda a. July 28, 2008 EDA Meeting Minutes b. July Bills c. July Budget Details d. August Bills e. August Budget Details f. Buds & Bytes Business Development Grant Agreement g. Request to use McVicker Property MOTION by Fogarty, second by McKnightto approve the consent agenda. APIF, MOTION CARRIED. 6. Public Hearings None 7. Unfinished Business a. Industrial Park Expansion Process Update Staff provided an update regarding the process of expanding the industrial park. The consultants have met with all of the identified landowners and have received positive EDA Minutes June 23, 2008 Page 2 .. feedback. At this point they are compiling cost estimates to develop a preliminary concept plan and address access for utilities. Member Wilson asked at what point expenditures by the City of Farmington would cease and another developer would take over. He is concerned about the City getting very heavily invested in this project. Staff stated that many of the details will be dependent upon how the negotiations with the landowners progress. Staff stated that discussions with the consultants have been focused on the layout for the area remaining very flexible and determining what solution will work best for the City and the landowners involved. Chair Pritzlaff stated that the marketing folder needs to be sent out to corporations to market the City of Farmington. Staff stated that there will be a specific marketing plan created for the area. Member Fogarty stated that she would like to have further discussion about how to approach the marketing of the City. Member Pritzlaff stated that he would like to know who is developing industrial land in Lakeville and how the City is approaching it. Member Wilson stated that he would like to see City Staff work with surrounding communities to determine what approaches for development are working for them. b. 308 Elm Street Hazardous Materials Abatement Estimate Staff provided the EDA Members with the estimate from Peer Engineering for the abatement that would need to be done on the site. Possible outcomes for the site and cost estimates were provided. Member McKnight stated that he would only support abating the building at this time. He does not support demolition of the building without . a plan for the subsequent use or redevelopment of the site. Member Fogarty stated that she would be in favor of abating the building and demolishing it. She would be comfortable with making the site green space until it sells. Member Wilson stated that he would concur with Member McKnight. Chair Pritzlaff stated that he would agree with Member Fogarty that the building should be demolished. He stated that he feels that the cost of bituminous on the estimate seems high. Staff stated that the engineering staff member estimated 5 feet of bituminous around the building pad in his estimate. Chair Pritzlaff stated that he would like the space to provide additional parking in the downtown. Member Wilson asked how many inquiries we have received regarding this site. Staff stated that there had been one inquiry recently. Member Wilson stated that he would like to see the property listed for sale as is. Member Fogarty stated that the property should be marketed. All of the EDA members were in favor of abating the building. Mr. Jeff Thelen asked how extensively the building would be damaged by the abatement. Staff stated that the location of the hazardous material is listed in the Peer review. Staff will provide the members with the copy of the Peer Review Report and list the property as for sale with a '"For Sale" sign. The Members agreed that a '"For Sale" sign should be posted on the site and the topic of what to do with the building will be brought back to the next EDA Meeting. 8. New Business a. Business Development Grant Application - Anna's Bananas . .- . . EDA Minutes June 23, 2008 Page 3 Anna's Bananas Daycare and Preschool has applied for a Farmington Business Development Grant. The business will be relocating to a new facility on Highway 3 just north of the new Allina Medical Clinic. Anna's will be nearly doubling their number of employees. Staff is recommending approval ofa grant in the amount of$15,000. Ms. Anna Achtenberg stated that she is very pleased to be able to continue to do business in Farmington and she is very excited about the grant program. They will be utilizing the funds for the playground area of the facility. MOTION by Fogarty, second by Wilson to approve the grant funding. APIF, MOTION CARRIED. b. CnBG Allocation Funds Transfer Staff is recommending transfer of$30,000 from the Riste Building CDBG account into the Business Development Grant CDBG account. Staff feels that with the recent popularity of the grant program, this transfer would allow the program to continue on an ongoing basis for a longer period of time and both funds are low/moderate income benefit accounts. Staff is also recommending setting a cap on the grant award for business relocation and expansion of$15,000. MOTION by Fogarty, second by McKnight to transfer the CDBG funding and cap the grant award amount at $15,000 for business expansion and relocation use. APIF, MOTION CARRIED. c. Activity/Marketing Updates Staff provided an update on the ongoing activities that are not on the agenda. Staff is working to solicit vendors for the farmer's market and investigating locations. The American Legion has submitted a letter proposing to be the location for the market. The Second Street parking lot is also being considered. The Economic Update and Business Guide have continued to receive positive response and local businesses are now contacting staff in an effort to be included in the publications. The City of Farmington website is going to be redesigned in 2009 and staffwill be working to make economic development information more accessible. Member Wilson stated that he would like to see the Council members invited to accompany staff on business visits. Chair Pritzlaff asked when the Farmer's Market would potentially begin. Staff stated that they are hoping to have the market starting in 2009. Member Wilson asked if Economic Development staff have been working on the former City Hall site. Staff stated that they have not received any new direction sine the City Council workshop on that topic. d. Information Request - EDA Member Wilson Member Wilson requested information regarding consultant fees. Staff provided the requested information. Member Wilson asked if the Strategic Planning Session follow- up document is kept up to date. Staff stated that the document has been used in the past to benchmark ongoing activities against the results of the Strategic Planning Session. It EDA Minutes June 23,2008 Page 4 -. was last updated before Craig Rapp provided his follow-up presentation. Member Wilson would like to see staff provide this report monthly and he feels that staff should provide an update on the old City Hall site. He would like the report to be sent to the EDA prior to their meeting. He would also like to see the farmer's market added. 9. City Staff Reports a. Dakota County Market Study Presentation Staff received information from the Dakota County Community Development Agency regarding the results of their market study. They have volunteered to attend the November EDA meeting to provide a PowerPoint presentation about the study. b. Economic Update Information received. c. Downtown Idea Exchange Information received. Chair Pritzlaff asked Administrative Services Director Shadick is staff is still monitoring watering restrictions this late in the year. He stated that using a full size pick-up to perform the monitoring did not seem economical. He stated that he did not feel that it was cost effective to do this monitoring this late in the year. Staff will look into the enforcement . procedures. 10. Adjourn MOTION by Fogarty, second by McKnight to adjourn. APIF, MOTION CARRIED. 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'" Ie N \l! .. ~ " ~ a: ~ jj :!! 1\ w :!l ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ a -" ~i .~c o ~ !~ H ~~ o o o .: CD ~ 1!l '" L6 ri '" " .. -f----/l 8 0" ~- ~.; . .... al 'C C " .. U. ! . City of Farmington 430 Third Street Farmington, Minnesota 651.280.6800 . Fax 651.280.6899 www.ci.fannington.mn.us TO: EDA Members FROM: Tina Hansmeier, Economic Development Specialist SUBJECT: Industrial Park Expansion - Update DATE: November 24, 2008 INTRODUCTION IDISCUSSION Direction was provided to obtain cost estimates from the Industrial Park Consultants regarding the costs for concept planning, budgeting and scheduling information. Please see the attached proposal. . ACfION REQUESTED Provide direction to staff on how the EDA wishes to proceed. Respectfully submitted, -;JlALJ2;l~CL~'T'C;..a Tina Hansmeier, Economic Development Specialist . 2335 Highway 36 W St. Paul, MN 55113 . Tel 651-636-4600 Fax 651-636-1311 www.bonestroo.com November 19, 2008 .. Bonestroo Mr. Peter J. Herlofsky, Jr. City Administrator City of Farmington 430 Third street Farmington, MN 55024 Re: Farmington Industrial Park Expansion City of Farmington Bonestroo File No.: 000141-08304-0 Dear Peter: Pursuant to the City's request, incorporated herein is a proposal to provide concept planning, budgeting and scheduling information in regard to the proposed expansion of Farmington's Industrial Park west of Pilot Knob Road. . The project team will consist of City Attorney Joel Jamnik, Bruce Maus of Grubb & Ellis/Northco, several planning and engineering professionals at Bonestroo, and City staff. Based on our meetings with City staff regarding the desired scope of services, we recommend that the City budget $25,000 to $30,000 for this effort. The scope of services for this budget range includes: . Four meetings between the City and the project team, three with City staff, and one with the EDA. The meetings with City staff are to obtain gUidance during the concept planning process. The meeting with the EDA will occur once the concept is in the final draft stage to present the concept and receive approval to complete the final documents. . Preparation of two concept plans. The first concept plan will incorporate conventional design standards. The second will incorporate Low Impact Development (LID) principals, to the extent desired/possible relative to the City's intended industrial park design standards. . Infrastrudure and land budget estimates. This item includes the layout and cost estimates for the infrastructure associated with the concept plan(s). This work will commence once the concepts are identified as "approved." This task also includes a discussion with the City's appraiser to determine a budget estimate for the land costs. Formal appraisals would be recommended in the future as the project moves forward. . Final documents. The final document will include concept renderings, infrastructure layout, budget information, and the identified schedule for the project. . aty of Farmington Farmington Industrial Park Expansion Page 2 November 19,2008 After the City has a chance to review this letter, if the scope generally outlined above is acceptable, we will proVide a more detailed description of the work for final approval. The City may wish to consider a meeting between the project team and the EDA to refine the scope of services before a final cost estimate to complete this work is determined. Also, in the course of the work outlined above, there may be benefit to adding a meeting to kick~off the concept planning process with the EDA to receive their input up front. The project team looks forward to assisting Farmington with this exciting project. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have questions regarding this proposal. Sincerely, BONESfROO ~~ Lee M. Mann, P.E. Principal cc: file Bruce Maus, Grub & EllisjNorthco Joel Jamnik, Campbell Knutson . . . . . . City of Farmington 430 Third Street Farmington, Minnesota 651.463.7111 . Fax 651.463.2591 www.ci.farmington.mn.us TO: EDA Members FROM: Lisa Dargis, Administrative Assistant SUBJECT: Downtown Sign Request for Proposals - Responses DATE: November 24, 2008 INTRODUCTION Staff has received seven responses to the request for proposals that was issued to replace the current Downtown Business Sign with an LED message board. DISCUSSION Attached are the estimates received for replacement of the Downtown Business Sign. City Planning Staff prefer the use of monument style signs whenever feasible, however some responses received are for pylon signs. Of the signs submitted, most would require minor modifications to adhere to the Farmington City Code requirements for monument signs. Attached is a synopsis of the City Code inconsistencies of the submittals as provided by the Planning Department. As has been previously discussed, a text amendment to the City Code will be required to allow a billboard of this type. The estimates range from $28,401 to $55,084. Of the submitted responses, staff feels that the design most consistent with the existing City signs is the submittal by SDDI Sign Systems with a cost estimate of $33,414.38. This submittal also incorporates placement of service organization insignia on the sign as was requested in the RFP. Minor modifications to the base of the sign to make it conform to the City Code would be required. BUDGET IMPACT The addition of an LED message center allows the City to advertise programs, meetings, events and educational messages in a format the can be updated on a daily basis if necessary. Currently, the City utilizes the billboard located on Pilot Knob Road to advertise recycling education, water restrictions, and parking restrictions, to name a few. The cost for billboard advertising is $575 for initial ad design plus approximately $500 per month. Staffhas assessed interest from various departments in advertising on the Downtown Business Sign and they are in favor of adding this option to their advertising and public education budgets. The Municipal Liquor Store could also potentially benefit from this type of advertising. Historically, the sign has been available to local businesses as a means of advertising Staff would like to continue that practice and propose a rate of $20 per week (it was previously $35 for two weeks). While the initial cost of the sign is significant, there is the possibility of some cost sharing with service organizations that would desire to have their insignia affixed to the sign. In addition to benefiting local businesses, particularly those in the downtown, the sign would qualify as a source of revenue from the sale of advertising space. ACTION REQUESTED 1. Authorize staff to work with SDDI Sign Systems to modify their design to meet the City Code for a monument sign and install in the spring; and 2. Authorize staff to solicit commitment of funds from various City Departments and local Service Organizations and develop contracts for rental of private business advertising space and advertise it's availability. Respe~~.su~mi!!ed, . ~_:t"_::'~""""--.~,"". ~ -&--~'" ~\'"'--- ~ Lisa Dargis, Adm~tive Assistant . . . Aft=~ ..D~ d1P1tS ~~ SHOP ADDRESS 410 93rd Avenue NW Coon Rapids, MN 55433 Phone: (763) 786-5545 Fax: (763) 786-5520 ESTIMATE . ' .' . Sales Person: TIM OLSON ~ ~ o E-- 00 ~ U Date Name Address City, State, ZIP Phone number Fax number Attn. OCTOBER 1 2008 CITY OF FARMINGTON ...---....................-....................................-..,.-........................-.......--.......--..........--....-....- 430 THIRD STRRET -.--.--....-....--............................---..---....-.............-.-.....--,..-.....-.-..........- FARMINGTON MN --.--.........----..................-.....................--....--.--..'--"'-..- 651-463-1620 LISA DARGIS Qty Description Total 1 7' X 12' MONUMENT SIGN BACKGROUND TO BE DRYVIT MOUNTED ON ALUMINUM LETTERING TO ROUTED OUT OF ALUMINUM WITH BLUE PLEX MOUNTED BEHIND ALUMINUM BACK LIT WITH FLOURECENT LAMPS . LOGOS OF CITY ORGANIZATION ALUMINUM CUT OUTS STUD MOUNTED ON SIGN WITH 3M VINYL GRAPHICS ON FACE 30"X 9'5" RED LED READER BOARD SPECS INCLUEDED CUSTOMER WILL HAVE TO DECIDE ON HOW THEY WANT TO TRANFER DATA TO SIGN (WIRELESS OR WIRE ETHERNET) REMOVAL OF OLD SIGN REPLACE WITH NEW - City permits fees will be additional - Electrical connection to primary service is responsibility of client BID PRICE $28,401.00 NOTICE REGARDING MECHANIC'S LIENS (A) Any person or company supplying labor or materials for thIs improvement to your property may file a lien against your property if that person or company is not paid for the contributions. (B) Under Minnesota Law, you have the right to pay persons who supplied labor or material for this improvement directly and deduct this amount from our contract price, or withhold the amounts due them from us until 120 days after completion of the improvement unless we give you a lien waiver signed by persons who supplied any labor or materials for the improvement and who gave you timely notice I agree to pay as required by your terms until the balance has been entirely paid. I agree that title to and right at the possession of the merchandise shall remain in you, that I will not sell, remove, or encumber the same without your written consent that I assume and shall be responsible for all loss or damage to said goods, and that upon default of any payment or payments, you may, at your option take back the merchandise or affirm the sales and hold me liable for the full unpaid balance, and if buyer fails of the terms of this contract, Buyer will pay collection fees as set by a commercial agency and reasonable fees incurred in prosecution of suit. BALLAST AND TRANSFORMERS CONTAINED IN SIGNAGE CARRY A ONE YEAR WARRANTY FROM MANUFACTURERS STAMPED DATE.. LABOR FOR REPAIR AND INSTALLATION OF THESE BALLASTS AND TRANSFORMERS IS NOT INCLUDED IN THIS WARRANTY. . Price subject to revision when unforeseen obstructions such as excess rock, steel, cement, utilities or other unforeseeable foundation or wall conditions are encountered. BUYER DAKTRCJNICS - il' iii QUote # 314229.2 Rev 0 DAKTRCJNICS _. llIll Quote # 314229.2 Rev 0 DeMars Signs toe. Tim Olson 410 93rd Ave NW Coon Rapids. MN UNITED STATES 55433 Phone: 763-786-5545 Fax: 763-786-5520 Emai!: tim@demars-signs.com Reference: City of Farmington Item #, Model AF-3500-16xB0-34-R-2V Matrix:; PixelPileh: LEQColor: FaeeConfiguralion: View Angle: CabinBl.Dlmensions: Max Power: Weight: GalaxyiID AF-3500 Outdoor Display Communication Kit Gafaxy@JGalaxyPro<!l External Temperature Sensor Venus@1500v4Software FREIGHT Service Plans G5G5 - Product Assurance Options 6/0ct!200B Quote vaUd for: 90 days Terms: 50% W/ORDER, 50% PSS Subject to Credit Review FOB: DAKTRONICS De\\very: 5-7 weeks Galaxy/GalaxyProiID Wi-Fl Communication Upgrade Kit Price Upgrade From Outdoor GalaxyfGaJaxyPro@ Communication Kit. Requires an existing WI-Fi access point device provided by customer. . WebinarVenu$@1500 Software Training Online softWare training hosted by Daktronics Description ... Services Opdons Installation Assurance Onsite verification of equipment installation. Adds 90 days Platinum onslte labor service to the Product Assurance Warranty QIy Price Galaxy@34mrn Monochrome Outdoor LED Matrix Dlsplay..J500 Series 16pJ:.:els high bV50 pixels Jong 34.00mm RED-40S6SHADES 2 View-Single Section so degrees Horizontal x 40 degrees Venleal 2' S. H X 9' S~WX 0' B" 0 (Approx. Dimensions) 440 Max Wattsfface Unpackaged 1S0lbsperfaee; Packaged 320 lbs perfac.s Installation Assurance Plus Advanced ensite support of equipment installation. Adds 90 days Platinum onsite labor service to the Product Assurance Warranty PXG5 - 109925 Platinum Service (9 month Extension) Extend Platinum to 12 months of Daktronics' onsite labor coverage on ane AF-35aa~16)(80~J4..R-2V. Requires purchase of an installation service. Choose One of the Following Communication Methods Wire Ethernet or Fiber Ethernet External Temperature Sensorwlth Quick Connect Ple.!lse reference TlSted ~Ies literature; 0013503B2,001361543,0013B9721,SL-0470J,sL-OSSSO,SL-oS65S,SL..oS766 VenuS\!l1500 v41nstallatlon CD-ROM With Ucensin!;j For One (1) PC. Refer to OD1361543 for OS requirements. Shipping to site Five (5) Year Gold Product Assurance Warranty TOTAL PRICE: $16,893,00 I Galaxy@Wireless Ethernet Bridge Communication Upgrade Kit Price Upgrade From Outdoor Galaxy~ Communication Kit Radio Set Includes: 1 SeNer (Sending) and 1 Client (ReceMng) 331 32nd Avenue Brooldngs, SD 57006 USA W...w.'.daktronics,com D.tU("TRONlCS Quote # 314229~2 Rev 0 D Quote # 314229-2 Rev 0 Page 2 of3 ~ 331 32nd Avenue Srookings, SO 57006 UsA www.daktronics.com Page1of3 DAKTRCJNIC9 Quote # 314229.2 Rev 0 ?:~;Li,';' Exclusions: This quote does not include Electrical Installation. Physical1Mechanicallnstallatlon. Structure, Foundation, Power. Holst, Technical Support/Installation Support, Engineering Certification. Signal Conduit. Labor to Pull Signal Cable, Applicable Permits. Duties, Taxes, Customs Clearance Urness expntssly stated otherwise in this Quote # 314229-2 Rev 0 or the attachments, if Daktronics perfonns InstaUation of the Equipment, the price quoted does not irdude the following selVices pertaininQ tc:I physical installations: digging of footings (Including dirt removall. any materials fabrication, instaPation of steel cages, rebar, or bott attachments, or pouring and firnshing of concrete footings, Those selVice may be provided for an additional cost beyond the quoted price. Purchaser shal be fully res)Xlnsible for any and ;all additional costs plus overhead in the event anything unexpected of any nature whatsoever is found while digging the footings including but are not limited to rock, water, utility lines, pipes or any other unforeseen circumstance. The. Purchaser acknowledges and agrees that It is fully responsible for all site conditions. Tfltms And Conditions: Tony Thomas PHONE: 605-692-0200 FAX: EMAIL: TDThomas@daktronics.oom The Terms Bnd Ccmditions v.rhlch applytll thi&; order available lln request. SL-D2375 Standard Terms and Conditions af Sale (_,d..ktrtlni~.oorn.llelms_oondlOOnsJSL-o:!375,pdl) SL~2374 Stsndard\Narranty and Limitation of Seller's I.!iIbAiIY ('JAW.',daktronics.c;omllerms_ccnditiClnsISl~:!3i".pdt) 6L~7862 Software llcann Agreement (Wf.w.d.k1lt1l'Oics.coml\elTl'l5_conditio~ISl-07aB2.pdf) 6l.10019 standard Terms and Conditions-Parts (l'oNM'.daktlllni!;s.~Clm!l.rms..condltions.lSt..10019.pdf) D013603B2 InmDation Auuran~ Services (v...........daktrcr.~.ccm.'ertr$_eondition$IODl J60~2.pdl') "Service Options NOTE: This quote Is nat to be used as a purchase order/order fonn. PJease request a formal quote with specific options defined, from your Dalctronlcs representative, when you are ready to purchase. Daktronics wants to ensure that aU product users receive quality service. To achieve that goal, we are asking that the Purchaser make a choice on the final Quote whether Purchaser will be providing maintenanc;e service or asking Dalctrnnics to provide that service. The Platinum Service Clption is available exclusively to Purchaset$ who request that Oalctronic:s provide services, . 331 32nd Avenue Srookings, SO 57006 USA WINW.daktronics.com DAK-rnoNl= Quote # 314229-2 Rev 0 Page 30f3 D c O'l Vi ~ -=::t ~ Vl +J Vl o Q... :::: \0 ~ X :::: N ~ "'0 C :J o ~ O'l ::t= o ~ cY"l E :J C .- E :J -- CO CO +-'''''0 :::: Q) O+-, ~ C CO :J C .~ 0 o Q) E +-'+-, 0'> co ""0 .C E Z E Q) Vl ~ U vi" ~~O '+-+-,O'l o .- 0 >- ~ ~- +-'~- \.;""0<( b +-' :J o ""0 Q) ...... ::J o ~ b CVl......~ Q) Q) ~ ";: ~ .~ ~8.u8&.g~ ~~';~5f5.8 a~~'E~'>t: ~~Vi$~.~O.J ~O.l~~'cgt ;;;~~~~B~ ro~C')'~5~..Q -g E >'E-5 ~.~ ~~..o.='~~~ ~:5~~c::~ro - 0 :; ::J en IJ1 .. 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MN. 55448 PH 763-754-2899 I FX 763-767-7316 Project: City ID Sign Proposal Date: 10/8/08 Proposal To: City Of Farmington Salesperson: Bill Cragg Job Location: Farmington Mn. Albrecht Sign Co, Inc. proposes to furnish all labor and material as needed to fabricate and/or install the following sign: . Qty Description I Double Faced Illuminated Mounument Type Sign With EMC Message Center.Routed Aluminum Faces With Plexiglas Backers,Digital Vinyl Graphics For City Logo,& Orgainizations.Cabinet All Aluminum,Illuminated With Flouresent Lamps,Cold Weather Ballast,UL Labe1,Disconnect Switch,Paint CoJor To Be Decided By Customer. There Are 3 Different Layouts.The Price Will Be Good For Each.The Message Center Will Have Multicolor. :'., Total bid price: $ 45500..06' _ Permit(s) and Staff time fees are not included in bid price. _ Permit application(s) to be submitted upon receipt of down payment and signed proposal (if applicable). .: : Telms: 50% down; balance due upon completion I accept the prices, terms; conditions and or specifications listed here, and hereby authorize Albrecht Sign Co, Inc. to perform the work as specified. . Authorized signature from Albrecht Sign Company: Authorized signature from Customer: William A. Cragg , ~. 1 - aJ~ c"': iio2lOJ CllMOI -0 U\OC <lJ U'lC U'l 1l q I'C -D ~ 15 .Q ~ ~ ~ ~ Vl ~ ~ .~ .a 1j ~ V) '- ~ o2l~.o .....~Z!: u~ 'E 'E :0 ~ ..... 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C 1:; .- 2 ~ t::"':= CoIl 8 c: .x E ~ " -;;; ~fj." ~ . ~ d>. <:,..... '.. . c o ',p ttl > <IJ ill Q) -0 Vi . . Ii ~ .. B VI . Lisa Dargis . . Page 1 of 1 From: Greg Rendall [GregR@sign-source.com] Sent: Tuesday, October 07, 20082:08 PM To: Lisa Dargis Subject: Sign Estimates Attachments: Sign Source Estimate13337.pdf; Sign Source Estimate13499.pdf; Sign Source Estimate13500.pdf; City of Farmington.txt; City of Farmington.pdf Hi Lisa, Attached are three Estimates for your signs and a drawing Estimate #13337 sign with red message center--- Price $37,439.50 Estimate #13499 sign with color message center - Price $43,704.50 Estimate #13500 price to remove existing sign - Price $1400.00 Please let me know if you have any questions. Thanks, Greg Rendall President of the Minnesota Sign Association ~S....I.G.......N..SOUR(EO- ..~ 7660 Quattro Drive Chanhassen, MN 55317 Ph: 952.908.9130 Cell: 612.770.6361 Fax: 952.908.9131 www.sign-source.com w.wwJ~ch niQ[iDJ~net 1 {\/'7/"){\{\Q :I> :1>""'" ..." ""'" :::oc> ~~ M"1 l:::j :1>""'" = r-- l:::j~ :::oc> ..." M"1 M"1 ...,,~ c::: = ClCI :I> :s:: = :=;:i~ . . ".. ~ ~) ~ ~ ~ - ~ - f t = Q ~ ci' Q [ ~ = Q Q Q Q Q ~. i: ~. Q "'" '" '" '" '" '" '" '" - ~ '" " Ii>> 0 0 e G e w .... '" .... ~ = . . = =: . = .... ~ 10 10 10 ~. ::z: ~ ~ Ei . . ~ ~~ ;( il c:::: ~~ fi ::=0 :;;' t"""'\ = ~ I"T1 ~~ ~ - ~ ~ . . . rsiGNSQ~.~fE' Sign Source, Inc. 7660 Quattro Drive Chanhassen, MN 55317 Ph: (952) 975-4940 FAX: (952) 975-9209 Email: randyh@sign-source.com Web: www.sign-source.com Page 1 of 1 Estimate #: 13337 Created Date: Last Modified: Salesperson: Email: Office Phone: Office Fax: Entered by: September 24, 2008 October 07,2008 Greg Rendall gregr@sign-source.com (952) 908-9130 (952) 908-9131 Greg Rendall Prepared For: Proof Due Date: Contact: Office Phone: Office Fax: Email: Address: City of Farmington September 25, 2008 Lisa Dargis (651) 463- 1620 (651) 463-1611 Idargis@ci.farmington.mn.us 325 Oak Street Farminaton, MN 55024 Description: Monument Sign with Red Message Center Subtotal Quantity Unit Price 1 1 Description:Manufacture illuminated Double faced sign per layout provided 10 Cabinet: U.L. construction Size: 4'x9'5" Faces: .080 routed aluminum back with blue acrylic Poles 5x5x5/16 with radius wrap Footing: 3'x8' Color: Dryvit 424A Honey Gold with sand pebble finish . (1) 48 in x 113 in x 20 in Cabinet Sign $6,029.00 $6,029.00 Quantity Unit Price Subtotal .2 $28,365.00 $28,365,00 Description:Daktronic Double Faced Message Center AF-3500-32x80-34-R Color: 4096 shades of RED Size: 4'3" x 9'5"x8" per face Max Power: 720 watts per face Lines of Copy: 4 Characters per line: 16 . 1x) Oak Unit Quantity Unit Price Subtotal 3 $3,045.50 $3,045.50 Description:lnstallation of sign and message center . Work At Address: 325 Oak Street Farmington Shipping & handling, if applicable, is additional. All estimated shipping & handling amounts are for reference only. Actual shipping & handling will be determined at time of shipment. Subtotal: Total: $37,439.50 $37,439.50 Terms: COD. Net 30 Account Setup Form Available From Salesperson Deposit Required: Remainder due COD. Please pay from invoice.: D CharQe mv credit card at shipment D I will mail a check prior to shippinQ. Please provide detailed invoice. $18,719.75 $18,719.75 Client Reply Request QUOTES AND ESTIMATE ARE GOOD FOR 30 DAYS UNLESS NOTED OTHERWISE Acceptance of Terms: All new customers will be required to pay by cash, check, money order or credit card, prior to the order being eelivered. Customers who would like to establish credit with our company should request a credit application from their salesperson. Once redit has been established, the customer will be billed on a Net 30 Day basis. On larger projects, we may request a down payment or a progressive payment schedule. D Estimate Accepted "As Is", Please proceed with Order. 0 Other: SIGN: Date: D Changes required, please contact me. Print Date: 10/7/2008 1 :39:48PM . rsiGN~ Sign Source, Inc. 7660 Quattro Drive Chanhassen, MN 55317 Ph: (952) 975-4940 FAX: (952) 975-9209 Email: randyh@sign-source.com Web: www.sign-source.com Estimate #: 13499 Page 1 of 1 . Created Date: Last Modified: Salesperson: Email: Office Phone: Office Fax: Entered by: October 07, 2008 October 07, 2008 Greg Rendall gregr@sign-source,com (952) 908-9130 (952) 908-9131 Greg Rendall Prepared For: Proof Due Date: Contact: Office Phone: Office Fax: Email: Address: City of Farmington October 08, 2008 Lisa Dargis (651) 463- 1620 (651) 463- 1611 Idargis@ci,farmington.mn,us 325 Oak Street Farminaton, MN 55024 Description: Monument Sign with Color Message Center Quantity Unit Price Subtotal 1 1 Description:Manufacture illuminated Double faced sign per layout provided ID Cabinet: U.L. construction Size: 4'x9'5" Faces: .080 routed aluminum back with blue acrylic Poles 5x5x5/16 with radius wrap Footing: 3'x8' Color: Dryvit 424A Honey Gold with sand pebble finish . (1) 48 in x 113 in x 20 in Cabinet Sign $6,029.00 $6,029.00 Quantity Unit Price Subtotal 2 $34,630.00 $34,630.00 Description:Daktronic Double Faced Message Center AF-3500-32x80-34-RGB Color: 4096 shades of 68 Billion Colors Size: 4'3" x 9'5"x8" per face Max Power: 1460 watts per face Lines of Copy: 4 Characters per line: 16 . 1x) Oak Unit . Quantity Unit Price Subtotal 3 $3,045.50 $3,045.50 Description:lnstallation of sign and message center . Work At Address: 325 Oak Street Farmington Shipping & handling, if applicable, is additional. All estimated shipping & handling amounts are for reference only. Actual shipping & handling will be determined at time of shipment. Subtotal: Total: $43,704.50 $43,704.50 Terms: COD. Net 30 Account Setup Form Available From Salesperson Deposit Required: Remainder due COD. Please pay from invoice.: o CharQe my credit card at shipment 0 I will mail a check prior to shippinQ. Please provide detailed invoice. $21,852.25 $21,852.25 Client Reply Request QUOTES AND ESTIMATE ARE GOOD FOR 30 DAYS UNLESS NOTED OTHERWISE Acceptance of Terms: All new customers will be required to pay by cash, check, money order or credit card, prior to the order being delivered. Customers who would like to establish credit with our company should request a credit application from their salesperson. Once credit has been established, the customer will be billed on a Net 30 Day basis. On larger projects, we may request a down payment or a progressive payment schedule. D Estimate Accepted "As Is". Please proceed with Order. . D Changes required, please contact me. D Other: SIGN: Date: Print Date: 10/7/2008 1:40:59PM . rsiGNS~V,~fE Sign Source, Inc. 7660 Quattro Drive Chanhassen, MN 55317 Ph: (952) 975-4940 FAX: (952) 975-9209 Email: randyh@sign-source.com Web: www.sign-source.com Estimate #: 13500 Page 1 of 1 Created Date: Last Modified: Salesperson: Email: Office Phone: Office Fax: Entered by: October 07, 2008 October 07, 2008 Greg Rendall gregr@sign-source,com (952) 908-9130 (952) 908-9131 Greg Rendall Prepared For: Proof Due Date: Contact: Office Phone: Office Fax: Email: Address: City of Farmington October 08, 2008 Lisa Dargis (651) 463- 1620 (651) 463- 1611 Idargis@ci.farmington.mn,us 325 Oak Street Farminoton, MN 55024 Description: Removal and Disposal of existing sign Quantity Unit Price Subtotal 1 $1,400.00 $1,400.00 Description:Removal and disposal of exisiting sign . Work At Address: . Shipping & handling, if applicable, is additional. All estimated shipping & handling amounts are for reference only. Actual shipping & handling will be determined at time of shipment. Subtotal: Total: $1,400.00 $1,400,00 Terms: COD. Net 30 Account Setup Form Available From Salesperson Deposit Required: Remainder due COD. Please pay from invoice.: o Charae my credit card at shipment 0 I will mail a check prior to shippinQ. Please provide detailed invoice. $700.00 $700.00 Client Reply Request QUOTES AND ESTIMATE ARE GOOD FOR 30 DAYS UNLESS NOTED OTHERWISE .cceptance of Terms: All new customers will be required to pay by cash, check, money order or credit card, prior to the order being elivered. Customers who would like to establish credit with our company should request a credit application from their salesperson. Once credit has been established, the customer will be billed on a Net 30 Day basis. On larger projects, we may request a down payment or a progressive payment schedule. D Estimate Accepted "As Is". Please proceed with Order. D Changes required, please contact me. D Other: SIGN: Date: Print Date: 101712008 1:45:28PM . schad:traCII slqns The Sign of Qualio/ SAlES CONTRACT P,O, BOX 357 ORONOCO, MN 55960 507-367-2631 FAX 507-367-2633 1610 E, CLIFF RD, BLDG #5 BURNSVILLE, MN 55337 952-894-2421 FAX 952-894-2748 SUBMllTED TO: Lisa Dargis PHONE: 651-463-1620 DATE: 10/9/08 COMPANY: City of Farmington FAX NUMBER: ADDRESS: 430 third Street JOB DESCRIPTION: CITY, STATE: Farmington, MN 55024 JOB LOCATION: CITY, STATE: WE HEREBY SUBMIT SPECIFICATIONS AND ESTIMATES FOR: Fabrication and installation of one 13' x 12' double faced, double pole, internally lit freestanding sign with a monochrome elec- tronic display. The upper 5' x 12' cabinet will have routed copy backed with acrylic and will be illuminated with high output, cold weather ballasted florescent lamps. The electronic message display from Daktronics will feature 20mm red LEDs and will be controlled by cell modem. The lower shrouded portion of the structure will have an aluminum tube grid to support service organi- zation emblems. These emblems are not included in this proposal. Price includes city sign permits and removal of the existing sign to grade level. Price does not include final electrical connection or cell phone service. . City Permits are EXTRA if required Electrical Hook up is EXTRA and is not included in this contact Electrical service on existing signs are not included and will be billed at a time and material base if requested or required ~'lletj IS ACCEPTED-A CONVENIENCE FEE IS CHARGED FOR THESE SERVICES Leasing is available through KLC Financial, Inc. PRICES DO NOT INCLUDE FUEL SURCHARGE, SIGN PERMITS, SECURAL OF PERMITS, ADDITIONAL INSURED, * MINNESOTA SALES TAX IS INCLUDED. BUT DOES NOT INCLUDE MN USE TAX OR ANY OUT OF STATE TAXES. * PURCHASER IS RESPONSIBLE FOR ADDITIONAL EXPENSE OR OVERAGE DUE TO UNFORESEEN OBSTRUCTION SUCH AS EXCESS ROCK. STEEL. CEMENT. UTIliTIES. SPRINKLER SYSTEMS, COMMUNICATION LINES OR OTHER UNFORESEEABLE FOUNDATION OR WALL CONDITIONS. THESE ITEMS Will BE BILLED AS ADDITIONAL Thirty-nine thousand five hundred sixty-four & 00/100 DOLLARS ($ 39,564.00 PAYMENT TO BE MADE AS FOLLOWS: 75% Down-Balance upon completion 1111S PROPOSAL MAY BE WI111DRAWN IF NOT ACCEPTED WITHIN 30 DAYS. THIS CONTRACT, WITH ALL CONDITIONS NOTED, IS HEREWITH ACCEPTED BY 60111 PARTIES, SALES REPRESENTATIVE Steve Mack PURCHASER SCHAD TRACY SIGNS, INC. BY . TITlE TITlE Sales Representative PERSONALLY GUARANTEED BY CONTRACT DATE October 9,2008 SUBJECT TO TERMS AND CONDITIONS ON PAGE TWO TERMS AND CONDITIONS 1. All signs MANUFACTURED by Schad-Tracy Signs are guaranteed for a period of 1 year or 4380 operating hours from the date Of. installation or shipment, to be free of defects in materials and workmanship. Defective parts will be replaced, during the first 90 days without charge for both labor and materials. Defective parts will be replaced, after 90 days up to 12 months, without charge for materi- als only. THIS WARRANTY DOES NOT APPLY TO: LAMPS, NEON, OR LABOR INCURRED AFTER 90 DAYS, SHIPPING OF DEFFECTIVE PARTS, DAMAGE CAUSED BY ACCIDENT, NEGLIGENCE, MISUSE, or FAULTY INSTALLATION BY OTHER THAN SCHAD-TRACY. WARRANTY WILL BE VOID IF NOT PAID IN FULL WITHIN 30 DAYS OF INVOICE. 2. This proposal is made for specially constructed equipment and when accepted is not subjected to cancellation. Company shall not be responsible for errors in plans, designs, specifications, or drawings furnished by PURCHASER or for defects caused thereby. 3A. The Purchaser agrees to secure all necessary governmental permits, and all necessary permits or approval from the building owner and/or others whose permission is required for the installation of this display. Purchaser assumes all liability with regard to same and all liability, public and otherwise, for damages caused by the display or by reason of it being on or attached to the premises. Purchaser agrees to secure all necessary permission for use of all registered trademarks or copyrights used on the display. 3B. At the expense of Purchaser, Company shall obtain, if required, all necessary certified engineering prints and specifications. 3C. All signs are 120 volt unless notified in writing otherwise. 4. Any items not shipped or installed on or before 60 days from contract date will be invoiced in full at the designated contract price, and PURCHASER hereby agrees to pay said invoice within (30) days from invoiced date. It is agreed that storage charges shall ac- crue at the rate of one percent (1 %) per month of the price of the display commencing at the end of said 60 day period. Company, at its option, may invoice each item called for in the proposal separately upon completion is delayed, or, if for reasons beyond its control completion is delayed, company may invoice for that portion of the work completed during any given month. Under no condition, will any item be held 60 days after completion. In the event that size and weight of any item prohibits storage by Company on its own property, Purchaser must make arrangements for shipments immediately upon completion. 5. Payment for items purchased under the terms of this contract will be made upon receipt of invoices submitted. In the event of pay- ment is not made as agreed, PURCHASER agrees to pay a service charge on past due amounts from the times they are due, thirty (30) days from invoice date, at the rate of one and one-half percent (1 1/2%) per month. In the event this contract is placed for collec- tion or if collected by suit or through any Court, reasonable attorney's fees and/or collection service fees shall be added. . 6. Company will not be responsible for delays in shipments caused by delays created by supplies or transportation services, by labor disputes, or due to any other circumstances beyond it's control. 7. Title to all materials and property covered by this contract shall remain property of Company and shall not be deemed to constitute a part of the realty to which may be attached until the purchase price is paid in full. Company is given an express security interest in said material and property both erected and unerected not with standing the manner in which such personal property shall be an- nexed or attached to the realty. In the event of default by PURCHASER, including, but not limited to, payment of any amounts due and payable, Company may at once (and without process of law) take possession of and remove, as and when it sees fit and wher- ever found, all materials used or intended for use in this construction of said equipment and any and all property called for in this con- tract without being deemed guilty of trespass. 8. NOTICE: Purchaser shall supply to Company as subcontractor, all information required under law in connection with the ownership of the premises for the purpose of notice, by subcontractor, of lien rights. 9. Purchaser is responsible for any and all additional expenses of Company resulting from labor disputes, acts of God, or construction scheduling delays. 10. It is agreed that this contract shall be construed according to the laws of the State of Minnesota. Acceptance by Company is deemed to occur in Minnesota. 11. When this contract is signed by a duly authorized person of each party, all provisions contained herein become integral parts of this contract, and there is no other agreement or understanding of any nature concerning same unless such agreement or under- standing, if any, is specifically incorporated here by reference. . Purchaser's Acknowledgement cD ~ cD ~ !'J g ~ 33 g ~ 0 i ~ :: ~ ~ ~ i : ! ; ~ z ~ :a: ~ ~ ~ ~ ~~.. i - 12..,.. c. '.:l." ~{ !!ilI v )r - - III ' < ~ ~ rt; ~~~~ ~i~[ ~~Q~ ::>~ ",0. z' ~ - ~ ;:;: ~ ~ 0-" i~ ... ~ ~ ... V> i!J i 0"" .... 1j> ~~ c ~ ~ s . \C) Z i= tlL o 1L\f) !5< \f)I ~ gs~ W u..tf) z f!l)(j'jg i<10~\C) ~8\C)~ O-'<z ;;:;:S~0 .nztlL- ~~;:;~ ~~~~ <3 \f)\- tlLz OW -,2 0:::0 UZ DO :::02 ~\C) I;;<; \f)\- D~ ~[;) \-I w~ z<\f) i02(5 <S~(fi 0) N ;;r tlL W ~ z r5 ~t\1 ~~~~ ~llf~\- \f)OWI illC}lt:)~ ~2~~~ ZUN<tlL ~Zt<)I~ t2~8:::~ ~!rl~:nZ< .-lU- r <flw<::io ~~ IL:::> :elL t:0) ~~ \-DtO W W ~N Z>oL iO~ D<S.nU! llJ UJUl oDuD if~Lf~ :i~a2 ln2~-' ::>:::0:::0>- gd~~ -< . :.. . :.. .. Estimate Page 1 of 2 . SIGNMASTERS Inc. 514 Jefferson Hwy Champlin, MN 55316 ph. (763) 712-8600 fax (763) 712-8602 email: sales@signmastersmn.com Description: Remove Pylon Sign and Replace with Monument and LED board Prepared For: Lisa Dargis ph: (651) 463-1620 Company: City Of Farmington Estimate: 08 529 '.- ,=-; ~I Glf(fd;&AS I'ERS Printed 10/10/2008 11 :05:24AM email: Idargis@ciJarmington.mn.us Product Font Qty Sides Height Width Unit Cost Item Total 1 Installation 1 1 Color: _ Description: Remove existing Pylon Sign and dispose (LEAVE POLES IN PLACE FOR NEW SIGN) 1 $1,633.00 $1,633.00 Text: 2 Monument 1 1 180 186 $15,925.00 $15,925.00 Color: Description: MONUMENT SIGN WITH ROUTED LETTERS, NON-LIT CUSTOM SHAPED TOP:ROUTED 3/16" LETTERS STUD MOUNTED WITH MESSAGE CENTER INSTALLED Text: . 3 LED Message Board Color: Description: 1 AF-3500-24x128-34-R-2V Galaxy@ 34mm Monochrome Outdoor LED Matrix Display-3500 Series 24 pixels high by 128 pixels long 1 2 40 177 $31,525.00 $31,525.00 34.00mm RED- 4096 SHADES 2 View - Single Section 90 degrees Horizontal x 40 degrees Vertical 3' 4" H X 14' 9" W X 0' 8" D (Approx. Dimensions) 840 Max Watts/face Unpackaged 400 Ibs per face; Packaged 600 Ibs per face Galaxy@/GalaxyPro@ External Temp Sesor Galaxy@ Wireless Ethernet Bridge Communication Upgrade Kit Galaxy@ Communication Kit. Radio Set Includes: 1 Server (Sending) and 1 Client (Receiving) Text: 4 Installation 1 1 1 Color: . Description: Install New Sign onto EXISTING SUPPORTS from old sign Text: 1 $2,446.00 $2,446.00 "SEE THE DIFFERENCE" Estimate ~ ImljD';jASTERS SIGN MASTERS Inc. 514 Jefferson Hwy Champlin, MN 55316 ph. (763) 712-8600 fax (763) 712-8602 email: sales@signmastersmn.com Notes: This estimate is based off of using the EXISTING FOUNDATION AND SUPPORTS from the 01 sign. ADD $4500 if new supports and foundation is required. ****Final Electrical by others not included in quote " Page 2 of2 Estimate: 08 529 . Printed 10/10/2008 11 :05:24AM . Line Item Total: Subtotal: Taxes: Total: $51,529.00 $51,529.00 $3,555.51 $55,084.51 Deposit Required: $27,542.26 Company: City Of Farmington 430 Third Street Farmington, MN 55024 "SEE THE DIFFERENCE" . Received/Accepted By: . .;.J u ro C o u 00 o o N - M - o (lJ ..... ro o . c o +-' 0) c E l- ro u... 1.1- o ~ o o o \0 ex) I N >; ..... C /'0.. ro r 0- M g \0 u /'0.. \0 ..... M ~~ ~Z ~~ ~O- if . Z g ~~ 1-4 OJ ~~ E o u c E V'l "- OJ .j-J V'l m E c en ~ .2 -0 .~ .;::; ::; o -0 cc~ 0;9 '"'" ..c: wii'i J:-a ..... .S!! .....0- 0::8 :::l - - oj::] >-V\~ "'>:::0-0 c.....e ro a. ..cC~ ......w(lJ N 0:: .0 0_0 \O::;)c CfiO?;; NWE r:::: 0:: -0 M~iii ~!::~ oV\e +--00. "'>:::Q.~ o~-g :;: ro t~~ ro <:)':;: rol.t\~ >CIti OWC '->0 a.O~ a. (lJ roo::~ Q,l >< Q. 's :i~~~ iO ~ W ~ ~a3U] .- -z.... V) 0.. 0 .~ .0 ::; VI .~ ~ ~ cc w I- ~:Q >-~w - z I- ro ..2~~ > QJVl~ e rob(5 a. U OVi ~ -g~~ :J :;:o.~ g, t ~.Q ~ ~ .~.~ .E OuE "'0 Vl@ClJ Q,l ...... -0 0- ...... U C C :!::: .ri ~ ro 2J E 0 VI .s.t; ..0 ....... rc -0 :s: ::J a!:!2 == 2 '5 VI..c rc ro 0 0'l......4-~-C c4-0u.t= ._ 0 0 C :s: Q,l_l-O'lClJ ..0 ~ a.'~ 0 VlOQ,l-O-c .- l- VI --- :s: :;: 0. a3 .~ ,S o 0.- :s: 0 Q,lrcO"r;:..... ..0 0 0'1-0 ;;; ...>::: 4"- .~ ~ ~ o c c: '51 '-: :;: .Ql.Ql',: ~ ......VlVlOO l-Q,lQ,lcO- ro~1-~~ Q,l rc 0 ,- 0- ..c Q,l "Qj ,~ >- f-o..oo~iii J J I Q,l ...... rc o V'l @ V'l u ..r::. 0- m "- en m ~ I UJ . N o \0 ex) I N ..... /'0.. I M \0 /'0.. X (\j U- . . = ,5 C") I'- .,; C") "'=t ......-- I ~ ,S/ U!O . S D D I IElElDSYSTEMSI S i 9 n s t hat d ef in e ani ma 9 e October 7, 2008 Quote # 2979 Lisa Dargis City of Farmington 430 Third Street Farmington, MN 55024 Site Location: City of Farmington Monument Sign Dear Lisa, Thank you for your interest in SDDr Sign Systems. I am pleased to provide a quote for the project. The following is a detailed description and pricing of what SDDI will be providing. Monument Sign 102" x 140" overall size, double sided, steel angle framework with aluminum skin, vinyl graphics, 3-12" plaques illY 1 Unit Cost Extended Cost $13,020.00 $13,020.00 Digital Displays - Daktronics Galaxy 20mm monochrome outdoor LED matrix display-3500 series, 32 pixels high x 128 pixels long, LED Color - Red, external temp. sensor, Venus 1500 v4 software, aernet or fiber ethernet connection 'lion - Galaxy wireless ethernet bridge communication upgrade kit 1 $14,850.00 $14,850.00 1 $1,106.00 Sign Permit 1 $105.00 $105.00 Sign Totals Installation Tax 6.5% Shipping/Handling Total Project Cost $27,975.00 $3,400.00 $2,039.38 $0.00 $33,414.38 Note: Price is valid 30 days from date on quote. Price based on quantities and clients list. Pricing based on standard colors and materials. Installation price does not include unforeseeable conditions. Terms: 1/2 down and balance upon completion for projects over $5000. Work will begin when down payment is received. Termsfor projects under $5000.00: Due Upon Receipt. I agree to the above pricing and terms Date:~~_Signature .Ok forward to working with you on this project. Please call me with any questions that you may have. ~ke Garden/Ryan Haen SDDI Sign Systems fax: 952-224-9909 ryan@sddisiqnsvstems.com 952-224-9906 8631 Eagle Creek Circle Savage, MN 55378 . Ql 5 "" i.i: "" b o '" g g q q ~ :e z ~.~ Oc.:J ~Z"'" .........................................\i'."..........................-...-.-...- ~'I ~ . UJ UJ Z Z . 0 :::i :::i ..,.' ~,> 0 0 0 , ~I' :::l q !>< !>< ~' 0 e :! UJ UJ l- I- "OOS'LI .000cL ,,8S'9L Lr tr en ~ c>> 0> ,,00.178 "OOOTOI . " . . . September 26. 2008 Lawrence City of Farmington 430 Third street Farmington MN 55024 Re: Signage proposal for: Monument Sign with EMC board Lawrence Sign hereinafter referred fa as Company. proposes fa fumish for the above named customer. hereinaiter referred la as CUSTOMER. the items described below. subject fo the ferms and condiilons set forth hereIn. Lawrence Sign proposes to provide labor and materials necessary to SUiVev. Deskin. Fabricate and Install the foUowlng sign types: Sign specifications are defaIled In illustrations dafed 9-25-08, One (1) Double FOced Non Illuminated Monument Sign wilhan Electronic Message Center (EMC) -Aluminum Cabine!. Faces & Pole wrappers will be textured & Painted Beige. -Copy "FARMINGTON DOWNTOWN BUSINESS DISTRICr' will be '/," thick routed Sintra painted Green (PMS 357CJ and Will be stud mounted to each face. -2'9")( 8'5" Double Faced Eleclronic Message Center will be d Translux ,9"/23mm pi~e] pitch Arnber LED'S that wiU support up to (4) lines of 6" changeable copy with a 90 degree viewing angle. Electronic message center has a Time and Temperature and Dimmer sensor. EleCtronic Message center will be RF (wireless) programmable within 1200 feet of a clear line of siaht. Electronic Message Cenler has a 5 Year warranty by the Manufacturer (Transfux) along with instrucllon manuals and a training session, Compuler to be provided by others. See Lawrence Sign Drawings Dated 9-15-06 for delails Total Pro led Price: $34.615 (Plus permit costs and procurement feel Terms: 50% down payment fa begin the permit process Electrical reaulrements: All signs ulilizing neon or LED require primary electrical service with a dedicated ground from Ihe electrical service panel. Bectrical specifications unique to this project wTII be provided. Terms: 50% down payment to begin the permit process and fabrication of the cuslorn work descnoed above with progress billings as results exceed deposit amount. Balance. due upon receipt. Warranty:. All signs manufactured by Lawrence Sign carry an all-Inclusive warranty on labor for one vear. Matthews's points. 3M Panaflex. and 3M vlnvls are warranted bv the manufacturer for fIVe vears. Lighting components are warranted as follows: Fluorescent lamps == 30 days. Neon = one year. Red LED = live years (by manufacturer). White LED = four years [by manufacturer) This proposal does not include: Cost af pennits. elecfrical conneclion. finished landscaping, sprinkler syslem repair. or additional installation charges related to encountering rock. buried debris. winter conditions. or encountering steel structure withIn the wall of the localion Jeffers are to be mounted. The contract. with all conditions as noted. is herewith accepted by both parties. CUSTOMER BY: BY: DATE: DATE: Bill to: BY: Billing Address: DATE: & 945 PIERCE BUTLER ROUTE A ST. PAUL, IvllNNESOTA 55104 A 651.488.6711 A FAX 651.488.6715 www.lawrencesign.col11 Retl/1'lI one signed copy. J . ADDITIONA.L TERMS A.ND CONDITIONS I. This proposal is mflde for specifllly consrrucreJ equipmem and when accepted is nm subject to cancellation. Company sh;JII not he responsible for errors in rl:ms, designs, specifications nr drawings furnished hy CUSTOlvlER or for defects caused therehy. 2.A The CUSn1ll1er ;lgrees W secure all neceSS;'iry permits from the buildingnwner and/l\r (l'lhers wh'lse permission is required ('lr the insralbtion nf this display and he aSSumes all liability with regard to same and all liability, public and otherwise, for damages caused by the display or by n:ason of it being on or atwched ro the premises. Purchaser agrees to secure all necessary petmissilln for use nf all registered trademarks Ot copyrights used on the ,Iisplay. l.R The coll\p:lny agrees to make application for all necessary gnvernmental permits, and the fees for such will be in addition to pricds) qulltcd. 2.C All necessary electrical \viring, outlets and connectinns 1"11 the display from the building meter and/or fusc pand will be pwperly (used and imtalled, ;][ the expense of the Customer. 2.n I NSTALLo\ T10N PRICES QUOTED ARE SUBJECT TO REVISION WHERE EXCESS ROCK OR OTHER UNFORESEEABLE FOUNDATION CONDITIONS ARE ENCOUNTERED. ). COMPANY WARRANTS THE DISPLAY AGAINST DEFECTIVE WORKMANSHIP IN CONSTRUCTION AND ASSEMBLY FOR ONE YEAR FROM DA1E OF SHIPMENT OR INSTALLATION, IF INSTALLATION IS MADE BY COMPANY. ADDITIONALLY, COMPANY WILL REPLACE DEFECTIVE C01\.1PONENTS MANUFACTURED BY OTHERS FOR 90 DAYS FROM DA1E OF SHIPMENT OR INSTALLATION BY COMPANY, FOR NORMAL LABOR AND nAVEL CHARGES ONLY, COMPANY SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR ANY DAMAGES OR LOSSES OTHER mAN TI-IE REPLACEMENT OF SUCH DEFECTIVE WORK OR MA1ERIAL.. WHENEVER THERE IS ANY CIRCUMSTANCE ON WHICH A CLAIM MIGHT BE BASED, COMPANY MUST BE INFORMED 1!\1MEDIATELY OR THE PROVISIONS OF THIS WARRANTY ARE VOIDED. . 4. Payment f,'ritcms purchased under the terms nf this ctlJ1lracl will he madc un re<;eipt of invoices suhmitted. In the event payment IS not made as agreed. CUSTOMERagrees tdpay service charge \\11 paS[ due amount's fr6m the times thcy are due, thirty (30) day:; (rom invoice date, the m,)ximumlegal rate ll( interest applicahle, nor w exceed the rare of one and (Ine-hali percem (1- I /2%) per month. In the eVenr rhis C1l11lraCr is placed for collection Dr if collected by suit or rhrough ,lIiy Court, re;isnnahlc atrorney's fees shall he added. 5. All applicable raxes p;lyable under the laws oi the State int'u which rhc pn'perry is to be delivered llr installed (1S menrinned herein shall be ;JJded to the price qUilled, unless such lax is p,lid directly by CUSTOMER. 6. Company ll'ill nor he responsible (nr dda}'s in shil)memS caused hy Jdays created by supplies l)r transportation services or by lahnr disputes or due tu any other circumstances bey,md its cuntfl'll. 7. Tirle to ,llllll:UCri;lb imd property covered by thi" conrract shall remain in Company und shall not be deemed to (lmstiture a part llthe tealty to which it may he atTached umilthc purch:Jse is paid in fulL Company is given an express security inren:st in said material and property b.ith erected and unen:ctcd nmwithsranding rhe manner in which such person,il propeny shaH be annexed or atmched to the realty. In the event d default by CUSTOMER, including, but not limited t,), paymem of <lny amounts due and paytlble, Company may at UIKC (and without process of law) take possession orand remo\'e, as and when it sees fit and wherever found, all rnareriab used Of intended 1llr use in this construction of said equipmcnt and any and all property called for in this contTact wirhllut heing deemed guilty of trespass. B. It is agreed that thi;; cnntr;\C( shall be construed according to rhe laws I If t he State of Minnesota. 9. When this wnttnct is Signed by a duly authorized person of each parry, all provisions contained herein become integral parts nf this contract, and there is no other agreemem or understanding of any nature concerning same unless such agreement or understanJing, jf ~my, is specifically incorporated here by reference. . ** . . . EO EO t<) N oCS(j) ;:--... 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Fax 651.463.2591 www.ci.fannington.mn.us October 14, 2008 Mr. John Hubener Wal-Mart 10240 Hudson Road Woodbury, MN 55129 Dear Mr. Hubener: This letter is to follow up on our phone conversation last week regarding the City of Farmington. We would appreciate your consideration of Farmington as a future site for Wal-Mart. I have included six brochures providing a variety of information about the City of Farmington and how attractive a location it would be for one of your stores. We would like to invite you to our next Economic Development Authority meeting as a way to introduce Farmington to Wal-Mart. The next meeting is November 24,2008, at 7:00 p.m. at the Farmington City Hall. Please advise Peter Herlofsky whether or not you will be able to attend. If you have any questions, or would like additional information, please contact our City Administrator or myself: Peter J. Herlofsky, Jr. City Administrator City of Farmington 430 Third Street Farmington, MN 55024 Tel: 651-463-1801 David Pritzlaff EDA Chair / Councilmember City of Farmington 430 Third Street Farmington, MN 55024 Tel: 612-708-6861 We appreciate your consideration of the City of Farmington for a future site of a Wal-Mart store. Sincerely, David Pritzlaff Chair, Economic Development Authority City Councilmember cc: City Council Peter Herlofsky Herlofsky/Economic DevlWalMart . . . City of Farmington 430 Third Street Farmington, Minnesota 651.463.7111 . Fax 651.463.2591 www.ci.farmington.mn.us TO: EDA Members FROM: Lisa Dargis, Administrative Assistant SUBJECT: Vinge Tile & Stone, Business Development Grant Application DATE: November 24, 2008 INTRODUCTION Staff has received an application from Vinge Tile & Stone for a Business Development Grant for the business expansion or relocation use. DISCUSSION Vinge Tile & Stone, located at 21205 Eaton Ave., will be expanding into the currently vacant western half of their building. The expansion will be due to the addition of a granite fabrication and installation component to their existing company offerings. They will be hiring additional staff and indicate the new positions they will be offering will be qualified to meet the low jmod income benefit as is defined by the CDBG and Business Development Grant Program guidelines. All of the required financial information has been submitted and the Dakota County Community Development Agency(CDA) has reviewed the application and approved the proposed project. Their proposed expansion plans have been discussed with the Farmington Planning Commission at their September 10, 2008 meeting to ensure zoning compliance. The proposed project costs for the expansion are as follows: Granite Fabrication Equipment Electrical Plumbing Mechanical Total $300,000 $40,000 $30,000 $30,000 $400,000 Vinge Tile & Stone has been a very valuable asset to the Farmington business community and we are pleased to be able to assist them with the proposed expansion of their business within our city. The expansion will fill a currently vacant industrial space and allow for additional product offerings for Farmington residents. ACTION REQUESTED . Authorize award of a City of Farmington Business Development Grant in the amount of $15,000 to Vinge Tile & Stone based on the following contingencies: 1. Receipt of an appraisal for all equipment purchased with grant funding; and 2. Final approval by the CDA of appraisal documents. Resp~<;tlly submitted, ':."(~''''j' . / L. f'..- Lisa Dargis, AdmInIstrative Assistant . . . . . City of Farmington 430 Third Street Farmington, Minnesota 651.280.6800 . Fax 651.280.6899 www.ci.fannington.mn.us TO: EDA Members FROM: Tina Hansmeier, Economic Development Specialist SUBJECT: Community Development Block Grant Application FY09 DATE: November 24,2008 INTRODUCTION The City has the opportunity to apply for approximately $44,490 in Community Development Block Grant [CDBG] funds for the CDBG Program Year 2009 [July 1, 2009 through June 30, 2010]. A completed application must be submitted to the Dakota County Community Development Agency [CDA] accompanied by an approved City Council Resolution by December 15, 2008. DISCUSSION In order to obtain the available CDBG funds, the City must complete and submit an application, as it has done in past years. The application must identify the project(s) for which the CDBG funds will be used, and the specific project activities to which the funds will be applied. CDBG funds can only be used for "eligible" projects or activities that meet certain "National Objectives." Typically, such objectives include redeveloping slums or blighted areas, creating or improving housing that benefits individuals who fall within "low to moderate income" guidelines, or creating jobs that pay wages that fall within certain ranges. For FY08 the City Council approved the EDA's recommendation that 50% of the eligible funds be allocated towards the Dakota County CDA's housing rehabilitation loan program and the remaining 50% of said funds be allocated towards the Commercial Rehabilitation activity fund to be used to support the Business Reinvestment Loan Program. For CDBG Program Year 2009 staff identifies the following opportunities for allocating CDBG funds: . Housing Rehabilitation Funds have been allocated to this activity for the past several years and are used exclusively for the benefit of low to moderate income Farmington homeowners. Improvements to residences that are old and/or in poor condition benefit the community in a number of ways. They improve the aesthetics or ACTION REQUESTED Motion to approve the following: 1) Recommendation of FY 09 allocation of CD BG funds, . 50% of said funds to the Dakota County CDA's housing rehabilitation loan program, with the understanding that said funds will be used exclusively for the benefit of Farmington homeowners and, . 50% of said funds to the Business Development Grant program activity fund. 2) Forward recommendation and attached resolution to the City Council for approval. Respectfully submitted, J '- ~ _.~ 1 yC~1J-iib..r1?rV1R4eA.J Tina Hansmeier, Economic Development Specialist . . . 1645 Marthaler Lane West St. Paul, Minnesota 55118 Phone: 651.455.1560 Fax: 651.234.2280 Toll Free: 866.514.9290 Internet: darts1.org caregiverMN.org October 29, 2008 Tina Hansmeier Economic Development Coordinator City of Farmington 430 Third Street Farmington, MN 55024 Dear Tina: Have you noticed some older neighbors in your community who aren't keeping up their yard the way they used to? Everyone wants a home they can be proud of, but the combination of diminishing physical abilities and tight financial constraints may mean some homeowners can no longer maintain their yards to meet community expectations. . Three years ago, Burnsville began experiencing this situation and they talked with DARTS because of our expertise in aging issues. Burnsville opted to use some of their CDBG dollars to partner with DARTS toward a yard maintenance solution. DARTS has been providing outdoor chore help to older residents for over ten years. By partnering with the City of Burnsville, we are leveraging DARTS' trusted reputation to address the City of Burnsville's concerns for their senior residents. Julie Dorshak, Burnsville City Administrator, says of the collaboration, "DARTS provides a valuable tool to our residents. Their program gives our residents the ability to stay in their homes as well as help maintain our neighborhoods. In the last year, DARTS has assisted 27 seniors in Burnsville for a very low cost. I hope that you will consider allocating a portion of your CDBG funding toward this valuable service." Please give some thought to this partnership opportunity between DARTS and Farmington, now or in dle future. I'll gladly answer any questions you have as to how our outdoor chore service could be implemented on behalf of older residents in your community. I will phone you in the next week or two to ascertain your interest and answer questions. In the meantime, I have enclosed a flyer Ma:~~~:~: describing our outdoor chore service. I look forward to speaking with you soon. VI<ePresldent of Community SelVices Beth Wiggins Sincerely, ,f) ":::1 L ~y--. cy)~ G~ Vice President of Transit Rob McDonough Colleen Fritsch Director of Volunteer Resources /~ on c~ /:.) tA- [-Z/ ~c~ Board of Directors Gary DeCramer, Chair Marie Emeott, Vice~Chair Marty Kennedy, Secretary Barb Blumer, Treasurer Jim Burmeister Doug Differt Charlotte Johnson Sandy Klas Virginia Lanegran Adeel Lan Lisa Lavin lance Lemieux Katherine Lilly Scott Northard Karl Oestreich Bill Owens Jack Ralig Aida Schaefer . Enclosure Directors Emeritus Duncan Baird Millie Gignac Julie TItcomb your connection to possibilities we help, we care, Outd or Service hore . Heavy Chores & Outdoor Yardwork DARTS' Outdoor Chore Service is very affordable. The cost is based on your income and the type of work you request. Raking leaves Snow shoveling Mowing lawns Weeding gardens Cleaning gutters* Trimming small trees and shrubs* Touch-up painting* Exterior window washing* Removing ground level storm windows or screens* . We can also help with: Cleaning garages or basements Planting flower boxes Patio furniture Packing boxes * DARTS' Outdoor Chore Service workers will perform work from a stepladder (6-foot ladder or smaller; no extension ladders). They will not use power equipment while on a ladder. Chore workers are not available to apply chemical treatment to lawns or gardens. DARTS' Outdoor Chore Service is funded in part by the Metropolitan Area Agency on Aging as part of the Older Americans Act we provide solutions . DARTS 1645 Marthaler lane, West st. Paul, MN 55118 651-455-1560 (Main) 651-455-1339 (Transportation) darts1.org. caregiverMN.org 6.08 . . i , ! t t ~ I I . Essential Information For Downtown Revitalization Vol. 55, No. 21 . November 1, 2008 Revitalization Projects City acquires, plans to clean up brownfield as redevelopment-ready land The city council recently voted to take over a brown field site in downtown Tacoma, W A (pop. 193,600), and the massive cleanup and liability that comes with it. It's a move that will posi- tion downtown to come back stronger when the economy rebounds. The city has experience in this area, having purchased and cleaned up its polluted Foss Water- way next to downtown in 1990. In this case, the dirty land was home to a dry cleaning busi- ness, which closed in 2000. Dur- ing the decades the business was open, dry cleaning chemicals leaked into the ground at the 15,000-square-foot lot, contami- nating soil and water. The land now sits barren, and chemicals have seeped into adjoining properties, making for untenable redevelopment conditions. The city's purchase of the site is "a huge upside-down trans- action," says Blly Walkowiak, (Continued on page 2) Arts & Entertainment Former department store is reused as a movie theater and lounge One of the best adaptive reuses we can think of for an old department store would be as a chic and artsy movie house and bar - the kind of romantic night out activity center that people still make time for. That's precisely what's been done recently in downtown Greeley, CO (pop. 76,930), resulting in the Kress . Cinema and Lounge. The interior ambience of this independent and art film theater and full-service bar takes smart advantage of the high, decorative plaster ceilings and other retro elements of the renovated Kress Building. An entrepreneur who has been involved in the downtown for years, and has had many successful businesses developed the theater, says Amy Fahren- bruch, Main Street Manager, Greeley Downtown Development Authority. (Continued on page 4) Don't let property taxes hamper growth With commercial property tax increases averaging 30 per- cent a year since 2000 in Northfield, MN (pop. 17,150), a guest editorialist in the North- field News offered these wise words: "Most of the buildings in downtown Northfield are old, many are historic. If rental income is relatively flat and the property tax costs are steadily and substantially ris- ing, there is less and less cash flow for maintaining these older buildings. "With a more equitable dis- tribution of the tax burden and tax increases ..., building own- ers have a chance to make their economics work. If they can [do that], our downtown has a better chance of remain- ing economically viable." Inside this issue Target brownfields in key locations first. . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Website brings problem reporting and tracking to the people.. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . 5 Design guidelines help spur revitalization of destination downtown. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Impromptu DDA meetings restricted by law.. . . . . . . . . . 8 @ 2008 Alexander Communications Group, Inc. All rights reserved. 1SSN 0012-5822 Downtown @ Idea Exchange A publication of the Downtown Research & Development Center 712 Main Street- Suite 187B Boonton, NJ 07005-1450 Phone: (973) 265-2300 . Fax: (973) 402-6056 Emai1: info@DowntownDevelopmentcom Website: www.DowntownDeveIDpment.cDm Editor Paul FeZr, ext. 119 pfelt@DowntownDevelopment.com Customer Service Mary Pagliaroli, ext. 101 mpagliaroli@DowntownDevelopment.com Reprints and Permissions Mary Dalessandro, ext.103 mdalessandro@DowntownDevelopment.com Please start/renew my one-year subscription to Downtown Idea Exchange for $227.* NAME TITLE FIRM/ORGANIZATION ADDRESS CITY STATE ZIP PHONE FAX EMAIL N15 ~ MAil: 712 Main Street - Suite 1878 Boonton, NJ 07005-1450 WFAX: (973) 402-6056 tr PHONE: (973}265-23OO @ EMAIL: info@DowntownDevelopment.com . North America, $227. Elsewhere, $257 (includes airmail delivery). 2 City acquires, plans to clean up brownfield as redevelopment-ready land - continuedfrom page 1. project manager, Community and Economic Development Depart- ment, City of Tacoma. The cleanup cost is estimated at between $2 million and $2.7 million, and the site is only worth $600,000. But given the priority the city places on economic development and attracting commercial and office development into the down- town core, "the city decided that it's really important for us to take care of that site. The private prop- erty owners [a family trust] really could not afford the cleanup," she says. Opportunity area for redevel- opment, business retention The acquired site is strategi- cally significant for downtown. Directly north, there are just a few parking lots and a Budget rental car business. In other words, there's not much in the way of higher and better uses. "It would be an excellent re- development area for downtown," says Walkowiak. "The footprint of that area is 80,000 square feet. We could actually put a decent- sized high-rise office development on it." And the city has two large Having a large developable site in a do requiring significant demolition and costiy bly, is a rare commodity for business sion. The problem in Tacoma is conta site that has been leaking through the g Iy to the northeast. Key points of the cl · Owners of the contaminated site ty itself [worth $600,000] a toward the remediation . . Downtown Idea Exchange . www.DownfownDeve/opmenf.com November 1, 2008 . , , I . . employers in mind that would more likely be retained if they could expand at the site. Most notably, the city and its partners are working to retain and expand Russell Investments, a glob- al fmancial services company head- quartered in Tacoma and its largest employer with 1,100 employees. The fIrm is researching several site selection options both in and out- side of the city, and considering expanding on the site north of the brownfIeld property. City assuming all liability for water contamination The city is assuming all liability for groundwater contamination from the site, which allows development to proceed without issue. That's critical, because the offsite ground- water contamination cleanup bill could actually be on par with the onsite soil cleanup costs! Groundwater contamination will be an issue if future developers dig deep enough for underground parking and hit groundwater. "If they do, they need somebody to be on the hook that's going to be able to take care of that issue for them. And the property owners that cur- rently hold it by no means have the capability to do it," says Walkowiak. The family trust that owned the dirty land was already 'taken to the cleaners,' so to speak, in a lawsuit settlement with the owner of land to the south. "Truly, the city needed to address the issue," she says. The city conducted extensive environ- mental reports on the dry cleaner site, and developed excellent rela- tionships with contacts at the Wash- ington Department of Ecology. That department offers a Re- medial Action Grant Program fund- Target brownfields in the most key locations first This area of downtown Tacoma, WA, where the city has acquired a brownfield it will clean up has a few vacant sites ready for redevelop- ment, other sites that are being rehabilitated, and excellent revitaliza- tion potential. In the vicinity, the city is working with a local developer to restore, with the help of historic tax credits the 1890 Luzon Building. The six- story high rise is one of two remaining buildings on the West Coast designed by famed Chicago architects Burnham and Root. Across the street, an older garage is being outfitted with additional parking, several floors of office space on top, and a new facade. "There. is activity in the area.. It's not a blighted area. But we have thisone site thatis stymieing development in the area," says Elly Walkowiak, project manager,. Community and Economic Development Department, City of Tacoma. ed by oil revenue, under which municipalities are able to apply for 50 percent of the cleanup costs for contamination on property they own. Get ready for economic rebound "We wanted to fInd a win-win amongst all parties. The Washing- ton Department of Ecology had been trying to get this site cleaned up for many years. The landowner had limited resources. There's more redevelopment opportunity now than ever before because of the city's concerted effort to try to build the commercial offIce sec- tor," Walkowiak says. "Our most important goal is the creation of jobs and develop- ment on this site, and also to facil- itate adjoining development on the sites to the north. ..' The public purpose is to create a development site that will allow for new invest- ment and job creation - not only on this site itself, but also in the neighborhood." The city expects the brown- fIeld site to be all cleaned up within nine months, with the cleanup itself taking about three months. "What we're trying to do is to create product in downtown Taco- ma so that we have developable sites. So that when the interest is generated, there isn't additional time lost. We're trying to get ready for when the economy picks up. We'll have developable sites and can go forward." Assess which brownfIeld sites have the most development poten- tial, she advises. Then work with those property owners and state environmental agencies, and find win-win approaches to making the sites developable. Contact: Elly Walkowiak, City ofTaco- ma, (253) 591-5209, ellen. walkowiak@ cityoftacoma.org. . [Jj Web Extras ~ To view the agreement by which the City of Tacoma acquired a key brownfield, visit www.DowntownDevelopment.com and click on Web Extras. November 1, 2008 Downtown Idea Exchange . www.DowntownDevelopment.com 3 Former department store is adaptively reused as a movie theater and lounge - continued from page 1 "They're going to show clas- sics, cult hits, and other new releases that may not be shown in our local theaters," she says, such as the best in art, foreign, and inde- pendent films. The theater owners have also partnered with a restau- rant next door, to offer food service from its kitchen. The digital pro- jector can also be rented at off- hours for private presentations and parties. Downtown made strides, but offered little to do For several years, Linde Thompson, a co-owner of the Kress Cinema and Lounge, worked to recruit businesses to the down- town area as a volunteer on the DDA board. "The idea of the cafe- cinema combination was one that I'd seen in other cities, and a lot of people were talking about. It just seemed like a really good fit for our downtown," she says. In the last five years, down- town Greeley has made strides in improving its appearance and attracting new restaurants and bars. "But one of the criticisms is that there's nothing to do," she says. "The lack of something that would keep people occupied down here, as well as feed, water, and enter- tain them, was where the genesis of the idea came from." Thompson couldn't interest other entrepreneurs who seemed interested in starting businesses in downtown in her idea. So she started thinking about doing it herself! More small investors than initially expected The theater and lounge's . startup budget was a little over $500,000, nearly $300,000 of which was spent on construction and the remainder going to furni- ture, fixtures, and equipment. Working with a theater supplier who deals in quality refurbished equipment and furnishings kept the startup costs low. Surprisingly, many of the investors in the Kress Cinema and Lounge are not especially wealthy. Thompson and her husband would find people interested in investing among fellow parents of children in the local school system, and people in the nearby university where they used to run a business. "When we initially thought we'd have maybe six investors with substantial contributions, it turns out that we have 20 investors, many . of whom made relatively small BID replaces diseased trees with several species resis 4 . Downtown Idea Exchange . www.DowntownDevelopment.com November 1, 2008 . ~ I i I ~ ~. . t \ contributions, just to be involved in the project and be part of an idea that they really were excited about seeing come to Greeley. "It worked to our benefit, because now we have a lot of peo- ple who have an investment not just in money, but they're invested in going out and spreading the word for us. That's been helpful in get- ting this off the ground." Differentiating from the movie theater competition Design character and ambience is what most differentiates this venue from its suburban mall, black box megaplex competition. "A lot of people wouldn't know this place wasn't a movie theater when they come in," Thompson says. "We've tried to make the most of the Art Deco design that the building had originally. It has the wonderful craftsmanship and mate- rials, like the restored original hard- wood maple floors and decorative plaster ceilings, which just aren't used in modern construction any- more. Believe me, that comes across when you're in here. When people walk in, immediately their eyes go up and they start looking around. It's pretty elegant and grand. "It doesn't feel old or musty. It's got a lot of contemporary design in it, but we've really made the most of the uniqueness that is part of a historic building. '" I don't suppose that the public rela- tions people in our city would like for me to say this, but honestly, what a lot of people say is, 'Wow! 1 can't believe I'm in Greeley!'" Contact: Linde Thompson, Kress Cinema and Lounge, linde@kresscinema.com, www.kresscinema.com; Amy Fahren- bruch, Greeley Downtown Development Authority, amy@greeleydowntown.com, www.greeleydowntown.com. . November 1, 2008 Technology Website brings non-emergency problem reporting and tracking to the people "If's a simple way... to provide some accountability. " The founder of a new website that allows anyone to report non- emergency issues and anyone else to receive alerts on those issues, says he came up with the idea out of frustration. Ben Berkowitz, chief executive officer of SeeClickFix LLC and also president of the Upper State Street Merchants Association, a group of 34 dues-paying members along a commercial corridor in New Haven, CT (pop. 123,600), grew tired of having his voicemails to complain about graffiti on his street lost in a bureaucracy. "I was trying to get graffiti removed on my neighbor's building," he says. "The City of New Haven takes responsibility for doing that through a contractor. 1 just felt like my voicemails were going into a black hole. And I knew other people were having the same problem. So 1 thought: It would be really good if, when 1 reported things to city government, everybody knew about it," he says. And so SeeClickFix.com was born. Downtown business improve- ment districts and neighborhood associations across the country, from New Haven, to Bozeman, MT, and Olympia, WA, have start- ed to use this service to collect and report information about non-emer- gency issues and maintenance needs in the public space. A transparent 311-like system for everybody "Initially the concept was a 311-like system for everybody, but a transparent 311 system in that its issues are reported online on Google Maps and anybody can view it," says Berkowitz. But the founding partners quickly realized that more was needed. So the web site, which people can use in its most basic form for free, enables users to create watch areas with geographical bound- aries, and set up email alerts about issues that people are reporting in their districts, filtered by key words of their choosing. Those alerts can be automati- cally forwarded to the party assumed respon- sible in the district. The intent is not to spam but to alert the right people about, and help them track, many little problems that usually get lost, Berkowitz says, and so far the website is well received. The power-to-the-people nature of this idea makes the service a naturally useful tool for community-based downtown organizations such as business improvement districts, business associations, and resident and mer- chant groups. A portal for communication and accountability The Town Green Special Ser- vices District in New Haven was the first group to begin using the serVIce. "They have usedit to hold city government accountable for things that they're not fixing. They have used it to hold their clean team accountable, and the clean team Downtown Idea Exchange . www.DowntownDevelopment.com 5 has used it to report back to them. And the mer- chants have used it to communicate with the clean team," Berkowitz says. Nuisance. problems like graffiti started getting addressed much more quickly and efficiently than before. The City of New Haven's graffiti removal contractor started removing a tremendous amount of graffiti in the district, and shortened its response time noticeably. "Anyone can create a watch area for anyone else," Berkowitz says. "The way we ended up get- ting [New Haven's graffiti removal contractor] back in shape was to create a watch area for them. They started receiving emails every time the word 'graffiti' went into the system within the geographic boundaries of the city." The system also expedites the process of complaints about problems in the public space reaching the people who are ulti- mately responsible for resolving them, which is not necessarily the municipal government. For exam- ple, AT&T cleans up graffiti on their utility boxes. . SQtualitlmm<l'Y Lanl1pdal104 i.' ~Omf~~" ~~::~oaSl \'~~~i>i<)l j' ~ ~~~~I i' .~ 7:-' ~~(lhl i;:~::"'~~: i' .... i'- i'- i' i, " --- , ....... Member-based groups can respond swiftly The service can be especially powerful in the hands of private-sec- tor driven downtown organizations like busi- ness improvement dis- tricts, Berkowitz says, "because of their mobili- ty and ability to respond quickly, in contrast to the tremendous overhead of government bureaucra- cies to respond to and fix things like graffiti, litter, and maintenance issues." And the website is "a simple way for business improvement dis- tricts to provide some accountabil- ity to the people they represent. "We have 34 members paying $400 a year," Berkowitz says of his merchants group established last January. "From my standpoint, it's been great to have. It's been an excellent, easy way of communi- cating issues and getting response from the people we're paying to keep our street clean." A premium subscription ser- vice, SeeClickFix Pro, enables professional users to view rele- vant issues in a printable list for- mat as opposed to strictly on a map, to officially acknowledge issues, to provide an estimated date of completion, and to create alerts when the targeted comple- tion date is nearing. SeeClickFix Pro is priced at $25 per month for the next six months via private beta invitation (email team@seeclickfix.com to request one) and $50 per month thereafter. . SeeClickFix provides an interactive map for reporting and tracking local non-emergency issues. Facilitate productive community involvement In Olympia, at least two neighborhood associations are using the free SeeClickFix service for community residents to report vandalism. A police department liaison in city government informed the city's neighborhood groups about the website. "The City of Olympia has a vandalism program that they work on with the neighborhood associa- tions. The Northeast Neighbor- hood Association has been using SeeClickFix, and we're following their model. We're inviting neigh- borhood members to mark what they're seeing, and then we'll take care of it, either through working with the city or volunteers, to go out and fix those issues," says Luke Bowerman, president, East- side Neighborhood Association. For downtowns and close-in neighborhoods, "It seems like a great way to get community involvement, and make it easier for people to tell the powers that be about problems, so they have a way to feel involved and hope- fully get stuff resolved," he says. "All issues reported on SeeClickFix are viewable to the world and can be commented on by anyone. Additionally you can encourage your neighbors and friends to click on the ticket you reported and click 'I want this fixed, too' to help reinforce the neighborhood's interest in having the problem addressed," the North- east Neighborhood Association tells its members in an instruction- al handout for its "Graffiti Busters Campaign." J . 1 Contact: Ben Berkowitz, SeeClickFix, (203) 415-6878, ben@seeclickfix.com, www.seeclickfix.com. . . 6 Downtown Idea Exchange . www.DowntownDevelopment.com November 1, 2008 I I . . f ! f I I I. f ! l I Design and Capital Improvements Design guidelines help spur revitalization of destination downtown Downtown design guidelines have helped Pittsburg, CA (pop. 56,770), a city traditionally known as a blue-collar area, break a rein- vestment impasse and pave the way for a full-scale makeover. Redevel- opment projects and events are repositioning the city's Old Town into a vibrant community center where people meet to socialize, stroll the promenade of the adja- cent marina, dine out, and shop. The City of Pittsburg and the Pitts burg Redevelopment Agency successfully sparked redevelopment activity by creating a planning structure supportive of bringing more upscale retailers to Old Town. Frumpy downtown sorely needed a makeover The problem in attracting high-end retail and restaurant ten- ants was that the Old Town was more frumpy-suburban than urban-chic. A janitorial supply store and a plumber operated out of buildings fronting downtown's main street! The downtown had turned into a district that support- ed mostly industrial and office uses and the rents reflected that. None of the property owners wanted to be the first to take the leap of faith and invest in their building. Existing retail business- es were not willing to invest to improve the interior because they looked across the street and saw office and industrial. uses rather than foot traffic arid competition. In response to this impasse, the city and redevelopment agency implemented the Old Town Pitts- burg Design Guidelines and Prin- November 1, 2008 ciples to promote the creation of urban-oriented storefronts and sig- nage. New Old Town businesses had to be assured that all other businesses and the surrounding property owners would be held to the same standard as they were. Zoning district gives teeth to guidelines To give 'teeth' to its downtown design guidelines, completed in 2005, the city designated a specific zoning district for its Old Town core, the CP District, and updated the non-conforming section of the code. The stated goals for the CP District are, "To provide a vibrant destination area that caters to pedestrian shoppers and visitors in the downtown commercial core. Permitted uses on ground floor along the primary corridor consist primarily of pedestrian-oriented retail, entertainment, restaurants, and galleries. Office uses are per- mitted abovelbelow the ground floor and beyond the primary cor- ridor of the CP District to increase the downtown population and employment/shopper base without 11=.11 Web Extras I 0..l!!l To view Pittsburg's Old Town Design Guidelines, visit www.DowntownDevelopment.com and click on Web Extras. detracting from the ground floor pedestrian retail synergy desired along the primary corridor." The CP District established that any new business license and any new building permit within the district triggers requirements for substantial compliance with the new design guidelines. If they do not comply, noncom- pliance is treated like a normal code violation, through citations, fines, and liens. Since the CP District was established, three businesses have implemented the design guidelines, and three more are in the pipeline for implementation. Old Town Pittsburg has benefit- ed from over $150 million in,rede,. velopment agency and private business investment oyer the. past two years. Now that the district is estab- lished and active, city staffers make sure that all planning staffers are aware of the CP District, and any- body that inquires about placing a business within the CP District is told up front about the requirements. Contact: City of Pittsburg, www.ci. pittsburg.ca.us. . Downtown Idea Exchange . www.DowntownDevelopment.com 7 Idea ~ExCliange Poor economy = greater need for private funds If the economy continues to struggle, there may be less public money available to support down- town. For example, Petaluma, CA (pop. 54,550), is one of the cities looking to cut expenses. City council candidate David Glass recommends finding private fund- ing to replace public dollars for expenses such as the maintenance and security for the Keller Street Garage. "The city spends several hun- dred thousand dollars of public money per year on this facility. The city has invested millions of dollars in downtown, which the entire community has received benefits from in jobs and tax rev- enue.... It isriow time for the property owners downtown to chip in and pay for the upkeep of this city-owned amenity that increases the value of their prop- erties," Glass told the Argus- Courier. Yearly district. expansion written in code A redevelopment district can provide beneficial economic tools and assistance to downtown busi- nesses, and extending those offer- ings to businesses outside the original district is a good way to further build downtown. But expanding these districts can require jumping through several regulatory hoops and overcoming other barriers. The redevelopment commission in Highland, IN (pop. 23,550), doesn't have to worry about such issues, however. The commission is allowed to expand the original district up to 20 per- cent each year. Unu$ed lot first option for new parking When facing parking short- ages downtown, one of the first places to look is unused space, as a blogger from Minot, ND (pop. 36,570), recently proposed. He Impromptu DDA meetings restricted by law While downtown leaders should be praised for aggressively pro- moting and working to build downtown, it's important to know and fol- low any applicable laws governing those actions. Representatives of the downtown development authority (DDA) in Nederland, CO (pop. 1 ,390), recently took part in a workshop i ich they were reminded ctions regard in As. nee, when it co ee '-"'')_:'.':::.''''.'.':':'-;'_':'.-.'.'''''.'':-;".,:":<C:':'.-'-"',.i:'-/:"';-':_'..,>i;':_L-::(;--,:",:./:>._}<:..::,-;';:_'._'::-.'_:-';;:"',,'.<.--:-';-:.! of the board happen to run into each other {downto , e), they may talk about DDA issues. But it is a violation of the .. third member is present. Regulations also cover how the DDA nicates via email. Upon returning, the workshop participants . reminded the entire DDA not just to follow the laws, but also to be aWare of how their actions are perceived by the public. 8 e asks: "While tl1e issue of a lack of parking in downtown Minot continues to be discussed, we wonder: Why isn't the empty lot owned by the Minot Public School district near Central Cam- pus being used for anything? ... There's nothing at the old site, save for a dusty parking lot roped off from use. "If the district paved the lot and opened it up to Central stu- dents and staff, it would free up parking on downtown Minot streets. If the district isn't going to use the lot, it should consider sell- ing it. ." The point is, there must be a better use for the lot than let- ting it sit empty and roped off, unusable to anyone." 1 t eJ Public art program..soothes construction frustration In New York City, the Down- town Alliance is attempting to limit the aggravation associated with construction projects through the Re:Construction public art program. The program turns con- struction sites into canvasses for innovative public art and architec- ture. For instance, the "Best Pedestrian Route" is an innovative sidewalk shed that transforms tra- ditional construction materials to challenge the conventional experi- ence of navigating a construction site. The "Houston Fence," mean- while, uses colors that relate to the site, thetratflc, and the city. Shades of green, yellow, blue and orange will mutate as the fences are shifted with the progress of the construction site. . e Downtown Idea Exchange . www.DowntownDevelopment.com November 1, 2008 .~ I I I Essential Information For Downtown Revitalization Vol. 55, No. 22 . November 15, 2008 . Planning Base planning and design concepts in market realities . Downtown planning should be based on market realities, says Cory Scott, a planner with RDG Planning & Design. Even more so when times are tough, "try to be realistic when asking: What are the potentials of future commercial downtown development?" When Scott helps a downtown devise a plan, he uses consumer data to develop 'gravity models' of a downtown's consumer pull. That is, the areas from which consumers are likely to come and spend money downtown. RDG will then deter- mine the three areas of core con- sumer draw, which are the down- town's primary, secondary, and tertiary markets (the primary mar- ket being the most dependable con- sumers and the tertiary market being the occasional day-trippers). "We look at those three mar- kets, and determine what the possi- bility is of capturing additional dollars from each one. In some cases, Scott says, a negative pull factor is identified. In this situa- tion, more money is flowing out (Continued on page 3) Arts & Entertainment Implementing public art successfully demands public input in planning . Developing public art for downtown is something of an art unto itself. For practical purposes, let's go with a working definition of public art from Barbara Gold- stein, public art program director for the City of San Jose,CA (pop. 894,900), Office ofc;ultural Affairs: the placement of art in the public realm for the enjoyment and inspiration of diverse stakeholders. "It can be the placement of a freestanding artwork. It can be something that's integrated into the environment in a preplanned and thoughtful way. It can be some- thing that's there temporarily. But the main issue is that it's in the public realm, and it's there for the enjoyment of the people that are going to be passing through the public realm," she says. That public realm is any public space that people must pass through to get from one place (Continued on page 5) Guide to permits will streamline projects Permits and other reg- ulations can be a major impediment to downtown development. That's why For- tuna, CA (pop. 10,500), and the Fortuna Business Improvement District, began creating a road map of permits and processes for common project types. The guide will provide "businesses that start projects with as much knowledge as possible, and hopefully, an easier road to completion," says the BID. Creating the road map requires gathering information from the city and then survey- ing those involved in recent projects about the problems they encountered and what they learned during the project that they wish they had known at the beginning. Inside this issue Perspectives: In recruiting and keeping volunteers, imagine downtown as winery. . . . . . . 2 Analyzing your downtown's trade area. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Public art can serve to mend broken fences.. . . . .. . . . . . . 6 City tries doWntown public safety zone. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Tips for identifying thieves. . . 8 @ 2008 Alexander Communications Group, Inc. All rights reserved. Center Please start/renew my one-year subscription to Downtown Idea Exchange for $227.* NAME TITLE FIRM/ORGANIZATION ADDRESS CITY STATE ZIP PHONE FAX EMAIL 4) MAIL: 712 Main Street - Suite 187B Boonton, NJ 07005-1450 W FAX: (973) 402-6056 11 PHONE: . (973) 265-2300 @ EMAIL: info@DowntownDevelopmenlcom . North America, $227. Elsewhere, $257 (includes airmail delivery). N15 2 Perspectives In recruiting, training, and retaining . volunteers, imagine downtown as winery By Jeffrey Sadler Three things give downtowns the most trouble with regard to volunteers: No clear work plan, lit- tle educational outreach, and gen- erational disconnect. Basically, many downtown organizations have a hard time recruiting volunteers because no one knows what they do. There is no clear mission set for them, and most recruitment begins with, "Can you come to our meeting next Wednesday?" Moreover, those who are involved in downtown have trouble stepping outside of their comfort zone to look for new stakeholders. The same people from the cham- ber, Lions, Rotary, and planning commission are asked to do the downtown work, too. Downtowns need to look to incorporate more minorities, churches, youth, and neighbors in their projects. Open the recruitment channels, and leave no stone unturned As far as recruiting volunteers goes, I say leave no stone un- turned. Ask every stakeholder to become involved; bankers, neigh- boring residents, business owners, you name it. Too often overlooked places for task- or project-specific volunteers are churches and high schools. Attracting volunteers is much easier when the prospects know who you are, what your mission is, and what is expected of them. Therefore, it is important to have a detailed, task-oriented work plan that is shared often. Also, giving all stakeholders a say in the development of the work plan helps attract volunteers. Peo- ple will support what they are invested in. Training should be an ongoing task that basically follows as a matter of course from running an open organization. Most people are naturally curious. It is the organi- zation's job to let people know that there is more to learn and facilitate that learning. Think of it as developing wine enthusiasts. At first they just like wine. Then they learn about the different varietals, and then how factors like soil composition, aging, and weather affect the fla- vor. The learning resources are often readily available, but people . have to use them. The best way to keep volun- teers coming back is to make it fun. Wine has its own intrinsic reward, but downtowns can offer many varieties of fun events to say thank you to the volunteers. Downtowns must adapt to changing nature of volunteerism The prevailing theory about modem volunteerism is that vol- unteers are more task-oriented and less 'loyal' to an organization or cause. There must be rewards for the volunteers. The easiest reward a volunteer coordinator can offer is success. This success comes from clearly identifying the task, the purpose, and the goal, and also providing the necessary tools for success. Nothing will drive a volunteer . away more quickly than vague Downtown Idea EXChange . www.DowntownDevelopment.com November 15, 2008 . instructions or ongoing, nebulous projects. Keep the work simple and goal-oriented. Let downtown's loyalists lead, but don't overwhelm them Managers of downtown orga- nizations dependent on volunteers may be vexed by how to compen- sate for the shift from fewer and fewer all-of-the-timers, to mostly some-of-the-time volunteer work- ers. How can they still get good work, the sharing of know-how from one volunteer to the next, and consistent staffing levels? Well, there is still a cadre of loyalists in every downtown. The key is to identify them and let them know how important they are to revitalization efforts without overwhelming them. Use their consistency to direct and inform the part-timers. . Be sensitive to how people change through their life stages Old, young, and middle-aged people can all make fine volun- teers, but people obviously have different responsibilities and rea- sons for volunteering through their stages in life. For youth (high school-age to 25 years old), it has to be fun. The best way to make it fun is to involve groups of peers. It is also important for these groups to be able to find their own way, i.e., give them lots of guidance, but allow them to figure it out on their own. Make sure that direction is conversational rather than dictatorial. Ask questions like, "Do you think it would work if we ..." Once people move into the family stage of life, it is difficult to compete with all of the school, church, and recreational activities. . November 15, 2008 That is why it is good to ask the umbrella organizations for assis- tance. Again, churches are natural partners for most downtowns. Time is the key commodity here, so make sure that the tasks the volunteers are completing are very directed and have distinct deliver- abIes. Make sure they know what to do, when to do it, where to do it, and how to do it. Make sure that any needed tools or supplies are ready before you ask them to begin. For older people or retirees, it is important that work has a purpose. For many retirees, the ideas of being connected and helping the community are para- mount. Encourage them to help lead, develop, and mentor the other volunteers. Ask them about their experience, skills and inter- ests. Be sure to actually listen to what they say and appreciate them. Stay ahead of challenges to volunteerism Educate the public about what you do. Tell them the big picture. Invite them to join you. Ask for their opinion. Ask them for their help. Thank them. Never let a volunteer leave a project or task without being assigned a new one. If they can't do the first one you suggest, have a back-up ready. If they can't do that one, they either did not have a good experience or they really don't have time. Make sure you thank them in person and follow it up with an email, a letter, or a phone call. The rewards of being needed and want- ed are important to those who vol- unteer. Make sure they know just how important they are to you. Jeffrey Sadler is program manager for Virginia Main Street and the Virginia Enterprise Initiative. Contact him at jeff.sadler@dhcd.virginia.gov. . Base planning and design concepts in market realities -continuedfrom page 1 than in. One example of a negative pull factor comes from Park Rapids, MN (pop. 3,280). Focus on where downtown excels A key development concept for any downtown, but especially one seeking to turn around a nega- tive pull factor like Park Rapids, Scott says, is to "Build off of your strengths. Once you're meeting basic needs, focus on the. things that you're already good at." In Park Rapids, a new Super Wal-Mart that opened a year ago, was considered to be an immediate threat to some downtown retailers. Another challenge was that a high- way through the north part of downtown, between downtown and Wal-Mart, was being expanded from three to five lanes plus new bike lanes and shoulders. "It was massive, and so with all that construction, they were concerned about how that would stifle the downtown economy and the businesses there. They needed to make sure that they II~I Web Extras I \'..lO To view the plan for Park Rapids Downtown, visit www. DowntownDevelopment.com and click on Web Extras. Downtown Idea Exchange . www.DowntownDevelopment.com 3 were putting themselves in a posi- tion where they could strategically respond to some of these threats. Part of the initial response is a streetscape. Another component is redevelopment," he says. Before the downtown plan was even finished, over 10 individual property owners in Park Rapids assembled properties for gravely needed redevelopment projects. Always consider what will draw people to downtown "We've got a new, very active downtown business association, and a real paradigm shift in leader- ship, even amongst a lot of the store owners," says David Collins, executive director, Hubbard Coun- ty Regional Economic Develop- ment Commission. "They've come together, and are working together really well. They've done joint advertising together. They're doing one evening per week where they've got the same hours. There are more events in the downtown area, and more advertising and marketing." On top of that, when the main street gets rebuilt in 2010, "we're looking at the whole downtown area in terms of amenities and rea- sons to draw people downtown. We just got a grocery store that was going to build on the south edge of town to build downtown instead. That's going to become a major traffic draw for us in the downtown area." The 50,000-square-foot gro- cery store will open March 1. The economic development commis- sion declared the land where the grocery store is being built a rede- velopment district and used tax increment fmancing as an incentive to bring the store downtown. Collins also believes that the 4 Analyzing your downtown's trade area Defining a downtown's geographic market, or trade area, is an important first step in any market analysis. It is crucial as it defines the boundaries that will serve as the basis for further study. It also helps indi- vidual businesses identify opportunities to expand their own trade area. A trade area is simply the geographic area that generates the majority of the customers for a downtown. Knowing the boundaries of the trade area helps quantify the number of potential customers. Fur- thermore, knowing the trade area allows for demographic and lifestyle information to be gathered from a variety of public and private sources. For example, the Bureau of Labor Statistics' Consumer Expenditure Survey (www.bls.gov/cex), and paid services such as Claritas (www.claritas.com) and ESRI (www.esri.com), which can be instrumen- tal in filtering such information down to what's relevant to the down- town trade area, and organizing the data. . This information provides insight into the people in the trade area and eventually will allow consumer demand for products and services to be calculated. A downtown may have a number of different trade areas depending on a variety of factors. Often, the variability can be attributed to either different types of products and businesses, or different segments of. customers. Source: The Downtown and Business District Market Analysis guidebook, a collaborative effort between the University of Wisconsin - Extension (UWEX) and the Wisconsin Main Street Pro- gram of the Wisconsin Department of Commerce, www.uwex.edulceslccedldowntownsldma. regional pull of the Wal-Mart, two miles from downtown, makes it an asset for downtown's specialty retailers. "Now that they're coming to town for the Wal-Mart, they're coming downtown for some extras," he says. "It just makes us more of a retail center than we were before." Involve entire community to ensure support for plan In the final analysis says Collins whether your downtown is exerting positive or negative pull factors, you want to be sure you have community involvement in the downtown plan. "Get as many people as possi- ble in your community involved in the process, through surveys, . , I l . ~ focus groups, and community meet- ings." Downtown Park Rapids had over 450 people complete surveys, over 220 people participate in focus groups, and three meetings for the community that were attended by over 100 people each, along with extensive news coverage. "By the time we got done, it wasn't the downtown group's plan or a consultant's plan. It was a community plan because it really reflected the culture," he says. "It's going to work well for us. People are excited about it. And implementation will be a lot easier with the city council, because they know there's so much community support for it. Reaching out and building com- munity support as you do it is key. . Downtown Idea EXChange . www.DowntownDevelopment.com November 15, 2008 . I . . I ~ \ \ Downtowns involve and have to function for the entire community, not just the downtown business association." Contact: Cory Scott, RDG Planning & Design, (402) 392-0133, cscott@ rdgusa.com, www.rdgusa.com; David Collins, Hubbard County Regional Eco- Implementing public art successfully demands public input in planning - continued from page 1 to another. It includes outdoor gath- ering spaces, streets, sidewalks, trails, public lobbies, parks, libraries and other public buildings, publicly visible walls, and transit systems. When it comes to putting a public art program together, stake- holders would include: · People who use the location everyday · People who visit the location occasionally · People who make decisions about the use of the public space · People who manage the pub- lic space · People who design the public space (architects and land- scape architects). Let's look at two examples of public art, one that was exceeding- ly well implemented and another that was not planned so well. These studies illustrate issues to think about in implementing public art, as explored in a recent teleconfer- ence by the Americans for the Arts organization. Temporary artwork is a great way to start "Temporary artwork is a way that many public art programs get started," Goldstein says. "And it's a great way to start a public art pro- gram. The reason is that it's a really good way to get your feet wet and not be too concerned about whether November 15, 2008 it's going to be there forever, or whether people are going to love it or hate it. If it's temporary, if they love it, that's great. If they hate it, it's going away!" Notable temporary art in- stallations in the public space have ranged from the international yet local color-folksy CowParade and spin-offs of that fiberglass animal idea, to ambitious concept works like The Gates, developed by artists Christo and Jeanne Claude for New York's Central Park. Making The Gates a reality was the result of unusually long- term planning, from 1979 through 2005 when it was finally imple- mented. City and community lead- ers were involved in the process early on, and the planning process invested them in the work. The implementation was funded by $21 million in privately raised funds, and brought an economic impact over 10 times that, $254 million, via four million visitors. Neither the project's budget, nor its scope, nor its economic impact was typi- cal. But it goes to show that tem- porary art can have a phenomenal and lasting economic impact, and moreover that the public planning process is key. "The artwork itself was only a part of what made this temporary installation important. What really made it important was the pro- cess," Goldstein says. "The process nomic Development Commission, (218) 732-2256, dwc@hubbardcountyedc. com, www.hubbardcountyedc.com or www.co.hubbard.mn.us. . San Jose's Thomas Fallon Sculpture, originally planned for a central location, was stored for over 10 years while other memorials were planned and installed. involved meetings with many pub- lic officials, public meetings, meet- ings with neighborhoods, and negotiations with the Central Park Conservancy. And, once it was approved, it involved the work of thousands of volunteers. Many people were invested in the project from the get-go and throughout." Don't be a Lone Ranger in public art realm ... A perfect example of what not to do was made by a permanent artwork commissioned for a central park in downtown San Jose. "Successful memorials emerge from the public initiative in gener- al. Unfortunately, with this particu- lar project, that was not the case. This project came about from the. top down," says David Allen, direc- tor of Metro Arts in Transit in St. Louis, MO (pop. 348,200), and for- Downtown Idea Exchange . www.DowntownDeveJopment.com 5 mer public art program manager for the San Jose Office of Cultural Affairs. In the late 1980s, San Jose embarked on a massive revitaliza- tion of its downtown. In those days, many urban design decisions were being made by the city's redevelopment agency. As part of the redesign of a centrally located park, then-mayor Tom McEnery had the city com- mission a memorial statue depict- ing Thomas Pallon, the seventh mayor of the city, raising the U.S. flag in conquest. The memorial was to commemorate Pallon's 1846 capture of the former Mexi- can territory with a small civilian militia force, without bloodshed. "This project came about without any interaction with the community or any public discus- sion, and without any communica- tion or input from the city's arts commission," says Allen. ...Lest public sentiment turn sour The memorial cost over $605,000, funded through the redevelopment agency's one-per- cent for the arts program. The work was shipped to the U.S. and stored in a warehouse. Eventually, news of the project got out into the community, and the reaction was pointed and swift. "The Hispanic community was incensed that they had not been included, and the selection of the subject matter was essentially the taking of what was at that point in history Mexican territory. So it was about basically conquest," Allen says. Critics protested that . Pallon represented American imperialism and repression of the Mexican population. "There were protests at city 6 Public art can serve to mend broken fences Since 1984, developers working with the San Jose Redevelopment Agency have set aside up to one percent of construction costs for pub- lic art, which has greatly enhanced downtown's pedestrian appeal. But even public art, like other forms of downtown development, requires consensus building. The remedy to a .sculpture memorial. that some took as offensive was the implementation of a new public process leading to four additional memorials thatincluded broad PUblic support and recognized the diverse people who built the city. . l .~ council meetings, the mayor came under quite a bit of heat, and the city council turned to the city's arts commission to try to rectify the sit- uation and come up with some sort of opt-out plan," he says. The arts commission recom- mended that a broad-based com- mittee be formed, and identified 15 individuals who represented the city's wide and varied demograph- ics. The group, known as the His- toric Art Advisory Committee, met for over a year. The committee recommended four additional subjects to be com- memorated through the city's pub- lic art program - memorials that included broad public support and recognized the diverse people who built the city - and that the Pal- Ion memorial remain in storage until all were completed. In 2002, after over 10 years of storage, the Pallon memorial was finally displayed in a small park northwest of the original proposed location, on the periph- ery of downtown. The original intended site remains vacant to this day. Join the idea.. exchange If your downto something innovati thing from economi p- ment to trash pickup, we'd like to know. Please contact your editor, Paul Felt, at pfelt@ DowntownDevelopmemt.com, . Great ideas will be featured in upboming issues of Downtown Idea Exchange. . Downtown Idea Exchange . www.DownfownDevelopmenf.com November 15, 2008 i I i I . t ~. ~ , f t . \ \ Always involve stakeholders in art development Public art, as it is by definition placed in the public realm, should always involve stakeholders in the planning process. "It's really different to place something in a private building, where people have a choice about going in. If you're going to a muse- um, you're paying admission, and you are choosing to look at art. In the public realm, you really don't have a choice, unless you vary your path to avoid the art. With art you place in the public realm, you need to be cognizant of who your public is," Goldstein says. As the example of the Fallon sculpture shows, "if you don't involve your stakeholders, you do so to your own detriment," she adds. "It's always best to think about who the stakeholders are, and try to be as inclusive with your process as possible. You real- ly can't involve too many people." At the same time, art making is a creative, not a democratic process. Stakeholders do not get to vote on what the art looks like. What downtowns should gather from their stakeholders should be things like the thoughts and feel- ings they have about their commu- nity (associations that give the artist ideas and direction), the walking paths they take, their con- cerns about taking care of art in the public realm, etc. "You need to involve your stakeholders, and you need to really think through what they have to contribute to the process," she says. Contact: Barbara Goldstein, San Jose Office of Cultural Affairs, barbara.gold- stein@sanjoseca.gov; David Allen, Metro Arts in Transit, dmallen@met- rostlouis.org; Americans for the Arts, www.americansforthearts.org. . November 15, 2008 Clean & Safe City implements public safety zone In recent months, residents, downtown businesses, city staff, and city councilors all reported concerns about safety and bad behavior in downtown Eugene, OR (pop. 137,900). Tracking the city's safety patterns confIrmed a 30 per- cent increase in intimidating behavior and criminal activity downtown. This increase impacts the quality of life and safety of the downtown community, and impedes redevelopment efforts. So in September, the Eugene city council enacted a Downtown Public Safety Zone ordinance, which city police began enforcing in late October. The ordinance addresses the higher incidence of certain types of crimes in the downtown area. Enforcement efforts will specifIcally target repeat offenders engaged in crimi- nal activity. . If a person is cited or arrested for certain offenses in the Down- town Public Safety Zone, a judge may exclude that person from downtown for 90 days. If a person is later convicted of committing one of a larger list of offenses in the downtown zone, he or she can be excluded for a year. If a person is found not guilty of the offense or the prosecutor decides not to press charges, the 90-day exclusion order ends at that time. A person who has received an exclusion order is not allowed to come into the downtown zone for any reason other than the few exceptions listed in the ordinance (e.g., meeting with a lawyer or doctor, going through downtown on a regional transit bus), unless he or she gets a variance from the court. An excluded person may be granted a variance and allowed to come downtown for reasons such as residing, working, or going to school within the downtown zone. If a person comes into the down- town zone in violation of an exclu- sion order, he or she may be arrested and taken to jail. To help enforce the ordinance within the fIrst 30 days, the police department is deploying six full- time patrol officers and two sergeants to the downtown core from other assignments. Court case management processes will also accelerate to respond in a timely manner to the projected increase in the number of case fIlings. During the fIrst weekend the ordinance was enforced, the Downtown Initiative Team issued three citations each for possession. of less than an ounce of marijua- na, open container/consumption, and urinating in public. Officers also responded to an assault in which two girls, ages thirteen and fourteen, planned an attack on a fourteen-year-old girl. The more aggressive and vio- lent of the females (the 13-year- old) was issued an exclusion notice, and both girls were lodged at a juvenile justice center. A 20- year-old male accomplice who hindered their prosecution was lodged at the jail. Contact: Melinda Kletzok, Public lnfonnation Director, Eugene Police Department, (541) 682-5/24. . II:=JI.. . Web Extras. ~ To view the complete ordinance, visit www.Downtown- Development.com and click on Web Extras. Downtown Idea Exchange . www.DowntownDevelopment.com 7 d' , ,I .iiange~\ "5 ~' '" '.;j";::",J'~'::j~.5:'~ ,r " Minimizing construction disruptions on businesses In order to minimize the impact of construction on busi- nesses in downtown Portland, OR (pop. 529,100), the Tri-County Metropolitan Transportation Dis- trict of Oregon and its partners are taking several steps, including: · Establishing a "get in, get out" approach by speeding the pace of construction, limiting activity in front of businesses, and maintaining pedestrian and parking access. · Moratoriums to give busi- nesses a break. Construction will pause during the winter holidays and the Rose Festival. · At each block within a con- struction zone, easy-to-read tempo- rary sign age will alert patrons that businesses are open. Paint guidelines lead to a consistent image The city of Sanford, FL (pop. 38,290) adopted regulations last year limiting many buildings to neutral or pastel colors in order to make the commercial districts more attractive, to conserve prop- erty values, and to encourage con- tinued economic development. The predominant color of a building must be a warm earth tone or pastel. Primary and secondary colors, as well as pastels and -earth tones, may be used for trim colors. Neon, fluorescent, metallic, and pearlescentJpearlized colors are strictly prohibited for both predom- inant and trim/accent colors. Before painting, businesses must fill out an application in the 8 . Planning and Development Ser- vices Department and submit color samples. a visual reference to better gauge the suspect's height. This simple tool wIll allow you to get a more accurate description of the suspect and, in turn, help the police in identifying them." Downtown officer offers tips for IDing thieves William Derr, the community policing officer for downtown Hila, HI (pop. 40,760), shared this useful information with downtown business owners on his blog: "When police arrive to investi- gate a theft, they will be asking for a description of the suspect. Sex, hair style, color, clothing, tattoos, age, facial hair, body type and skin tone can all be described fairly accurately. However, it's more dif- ficult to estimate a person's height accurately. For this reason consider placing. aCQlor-coded measuring . guide on the doorframe of your entry and exit locations. As the sus- pect leaves the store you will have Workshop helps residents reduce energy costs With many people becoming more money-conscious as the economy struggles, the James Street Improvement District recently advertised a workshop to help downtown residents in Lan- caster, PA (pop. 56,350) reduce energy costs. The workshop focused on how urban homes use and lose energy and how to use less. Participants developed an action plan to help cut the cost of energy. With energy prices on the rise and winter fast approaching, it was a timely offering. . ~ .1 ~ 1 l i . Downtown Idea Exchange . www.DowntownDeve/opment.com November 15, 2008 I I . Statewide Downtown Issues Survey Conducted November 3-7, 2008 Cities across Minnesota were asked to help participate in the following survey: 1. What is your community name and rough population? 2. In your community, do you have a "downtown" in the traditional sense (pedestrian-oriented, mix of uses, connectedness, storefronts, street wall, etc.)? 3. With the present economic conditions, has your downtown experienced a noticeable decline in any of the following areas: a. Pedestrian Traffic b. Sales c. Store Front Occupancy 4. Do you have a Downtown Farmers' Market? 5. Do you have an active Chamber of Commerce? 6. Do you have a Downtown Task Force? If so, please describe its dynamic and function. (Le. Is there a perception that the Task Force pins downtown against the rest of the community? How does what it does differ from or align with what your local Chamber does? What is its mission? etc.) 7. What works well in your community for building a vibrant downtown? Responses were as follows: Austin, Minn. (pop. 23,300) . Austin has a traditional downtown that hasn't seen noticeable decline in pedestrian traffic, sales or storefront occupancy, despite economic conditions. In Austin's downtown, there is a farmers' market. The City has an active Chamber of Commerce and a downtown task force through an agency called the Main Street Project. Easements are purchased with Main Street Project funds, utilized to improve storefronts. The project is working well and there are no objections from other retailers. Completed by Craig Hoium, Community Development Director, choium@cLaustin.mn.us Bemidji, Minn. (pop. 13,100) . Bemidji's trade area is about 25,000 - 30,000 people. They have a traditional downtown that is quite compact and has a lot of activity but there are some vacant storefronts. People come downtown just to have lunch and dinner, with about nine places to eat lunch (about half of which are bars also open for dinner). It is truly a full-scale downtown with three furniture stores, a dry cleaner, pharmacy, appliance store, Ben Franklin, two wedding/formal shops, a men's store, music store, one women's clothing store, banks, radio, accountants, architects, book store, two jewelry stores, hair salons, two art galleries, several second hand stores, two antique shops, gift and souvenir shops, science center, history museum, woolen mills, county government campus, federal building, American Legion, Moose, food co-op, shoe repair, playhouse, music and art school, charter school, Senior Citizen Center and more. We also have several tattoo parlors all in a very walkable 4x6 block area. It's hard to say whether that current economic downturn has been felt more by Bemidji's downtown than in any other part of the city. In fact, the traffic downtown may be better than usual because of the great fall weather and a recent promotion where stores are all open late and run specials one night per week. Bemidji has a SCDP grant for storefront and rental rehab underway right now and 15 property owners have taken advantage of the program (They qualify for $40,000 forgivable loan with a like match). They have also had some businesses relocate to the downtown and expect a couple more in the next few months. There is a farmers' market that sets up in the Pamida parking lot Tuesday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, on the edge of downtown. There is an active Chamber of Commerce www.bemidiLorg and a Downtown Development Authority (DDA) http://bemidiidda.comlindex.html. The DDA operates the parking permitting for all City-owned lots downtown and receives funding from the program. They also have membership dues. Their budget is used for promotional activities like crazy days, Christmas cookie countdown, Christmas tree lighting the downtown streets and waterfront park trees (Night We Light), they maintain and plant the .. sidewalk planters, etc. They work very closely with the Chamber, but they are separate. They try to coordinate and assist with each other's promotions. Bemidji finds that the key to a great downtown is having a lot of activity and promotions. In addition to the DDA and Chamber, they open their downtown to other groups who put on events. For example, the . Rotary sponsors the Dragon Boat Festival at the Waterfront (that's where Paul and Babe statues are). The Jaycees sponsor the Water Carnival for five days over the Fourth of July and the Oktober Fest, which includes a street dance downtown. Bemidji State University Alumni sponsors a Homecoming Street Dance downtown in late September. Kraus Anderson puts on a fishing tournament-the "Walleye Classic"-and the DDA piggy-backs with "Lunker Days" sale promotions. The arts community sponsors the First Friday Art Walk. It takes all the community groups working together to get it done. They do, however, recognize that more housing is needed downtown and the City is currently in the middle of a downtown study and master planning process to help them understand how to improve. A preliminary draft presentation is linked from their homepage http://cLbemidii.mn.us/Click on the Downtown and South Shore Redevelopment, that will take you to our consultants project page (RDG Planning and Design). RDG was chosen because they had a lot of experience with small communities and with communities that are adjacent to water. They recently completed downtown planning for Park Rapids and Detroit Lakes. Completed by Rita Albrecht, Community Development Director, rita.albrecht@cLbemidii.mn.us Brainerd, Minn. (pop. 13,000) Brainerd has a downtown in the traditional sense. Pedestrian traffic is not measured but merchants have not noticed a decline. Sales have varied from industry to industry; for instance, a jeweler has seen the purchase value drop for people generally considered the middle class. However, the purchase value for expensive items has remained about the same. A few consignment stores (kids and adult clothing, antiques) have been busier than usual. Overall store front occupancy has increased over the past four months. Brainerd has a farmers' market at the edge of their downtown, about a quarter mile from the pedestrian-oriented part. They have an active Chamber of Commerce with a staffed Main Street Coordinator. Brainerd Main Street receives programmatic funding from the City and the City's Economic Development Agency. Funding for individual projects is raised by the program through fundraising, sponsorships, or donations. Their Main . Street Advisory Committee has people from the program area; however, that extends beyond downtown to include portions ofHwy 210 and Business 371. They are following the national Main Street 4-point Approach: www.mainstreet.org.InBrainerd.it.s a community-based effort to revitalize Brainerd's Central Business District. Though it is a program ofthe Chamber, it is for members and non-members alike. Some of the activities they do are similar to what a Chamber does such as organizing community events, holding seminars for business people to learn more about a topic and fundraising for holiday decorations. Other activities may be outside of the typical Chamber role: Working closely with the City and consultants on designing the streets cape to be constructed this spring, creating building design guidelines that will be paired a revolving loan fund for building improvement projects, and planting a garden in a visible area downtown. Prior to the Main Street program, it was perceived that the downtown was pitted against the rest of the community and/or against itself. Through Main Street, they've been able to enlarge the area considered downtown and bring in more stakeholders. More people have been working together on projects and the relationships formed through that work has helped them talk about larger issues (such as a street construction project in spring 2009). The program has only been in place for one and half years. The community feels it's important to promote the area so that people come to see it and know what it has to offer. It's important that it be in good physical shape, both being clean and having solid buildings. It's also important that it has businesses offering products and services that customers are looking for. Finally, whatever organization is working on, it should be measuring its progress so that it can show what it's accomplished. There's currently an effort to start up a state-wide coordinating program for local Main Street programs in Minnesota. The Minnesota Historic Preservation Alliance's Bonnie McDonald is spearheading the effort. Completed by Emily Roragen, Main Street Coordinator, eroragen@explorebrainerdlakes.com Buffalo, Minn. (pop. 12,000) Buffalo has a downtown in the traditional sense and many ofthe buildings are 100 years old or older. The downtown has. seen a decline in store occupancy from years past. They have not studied pedestrian traffic. There is not a farmers' market but they do have an active Chamber of Commerce located in the downtown. There is not a downtown task force but the HRA is dedicated to the downtown and has identified downtown as the only area in the City that can receive . . . funding. One of the most successful programs they have is their "first come, first served" grant program. Building owners can receive funding on a first come, first served basis to a certain amount ($1,000). The money can be used for improvements to do basic things they otherwise might have "let go" if money was not available. Completed by Ryan Grittman, Administrator's Assistant, ryan.grittman@ci.buffalo.mn.us Cambridge, Minn. (pop. 7,500) The City of Cambridge has a traditional downtown that does not appear to have had a noticeable decline in the present economy. There is a farmers' market in the downtown business district and an active Chamber of Commerce. There is a Downtown Action Team that meets on an as needed basis. They discuss items that range from signage, parking and small cities loan programs to a downtown customer appreciation event and sales promotions. According to the survey respondent, business owners in Cambridge's downtown seem to pin themselves against the rest of the community, especially the city's east side which is developing with big box stores. By and large, downtown business owners are very passionate about the downtown and most owners and businesses have been there for many years and have built up a network with one another. Completed by Marcia Westover, City Planner, mwestover@ci.cambridge.mn.us Chatfield, Minn. (pop. 2,500) The City of Chatfield has some very historic properties and buildings and covers about two-and-a-halfblocks along Highway 52 and Main Street. They have seen a decline in pedestrian traffic and sales; and there are now 18 current building vacancies. They have a downtown farmers' market, in a city park just a block south of the downtown core. There isn't an active Chamber, but the community's local businesses have established a commercial club. There isn't a downtown group, but the City's comprehensive plan directs the City to complete a Central Business Core study or a Master Plan on the area to better determine what the next steps for that area ought to be. A task force wi11like1y be assigned to that task. Finding the right land uses, along with seasonal events that bring vibrancy to the downtown area are helpful; along with addressing issues dealing with parking, aesthetics, safety and mixed uses. Completed by Kristi Clarke, City Planner, kclarke@cLchatfield.mn.us Duluth, Minn. (pop. 86,300) Duluth has a traditional downtown from turn of the century. It has not seen any decrease in pedestrian traffic or store front occupancy. There has been no decrease in sales either that the City has been made aware of. While there is not a downtown farmers' market in Duluth, the City has a quite active Chamber of Commerce, as well as a Greater Downtown Council focused on businesses downtown, which seems to be working well. The City of Duluth has had various downtown-focused groups over the years. Lately, efforts have been made to increase the amount of housing downtown to make it more of a 24-hour place instead of just an 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. place and deserted otherwise. Also, they have what's called a Business Improvement District that keeps the place clean and spruced up and helps tourists find their way around. It's called "Clean and Green". Completed by Kyle Deming, Planner II, kdeming@duluthmn.gov Elko New Market, Minn. (pop. 3,800) Elko New Market has a downtown in the traditional sense. The City has recently witnessed a noticeable decline in pedestrian traffic, sales and storefront occupancy. This is due to a road reconstruction project through the downtown this season. However, prior to the project there was a very low vacancy rate in the downtown. There is not a farmers market in the community, or a Chamber of Commerce. Elko New Market established a downtown task force for the development of a downtown master plan and development guidelines. The task force consisted of one Council member, the entire Planning Commission, three property or business owners in the downtown and one resident at large. They found that by making the primary stakeholders (downtown businesses and property owners) heavily involved in the planning process, the vision was tempered with reality, there was "buy in" and implementation to date has gone much more smoothly than it might have. Completed by Tom Terry, City Administrator, tterrv@cLenm.mn.us . Falcon Heights, Minn. (pop. 5,700) The City of Falcon Heights doesn't have a downtown. The frrst-ring suburb's Central Business District is at the intersection of two busy highways. The community has a farmers' market in one of its business districts. The remainder of the survey questions does not apply. Completed by Deb Jones, Zoning & Planning Director, deb.iones@fa1conheights.org Farmington, Minn. (pop. 21,300) Farmington has a downtown in the traditional sense. They do not collect sales tax information and do not track sales, but they have noticed an increase in storefront vacancy. Currently, they do not have a downtown farmers' market. However, staff is researching the possibility of putting one together. They have surveyed the community and over 97% of the respondents indicated they would like to have a local market. There is not a Farmington-specific Chamber however they are a part of the Dakota County Regional Chamber of Commerce. There is also not a downtown task force. Downtown is a work in progress and they are struggling with the best strategy to make downtown thrive. Farmington used to be a free- standing community and it no longer is. Therefore, the downtown has unique characteristics which everyone agrees has value. They feel that filled storefronts, thriving business and the right business hours are just a few components that will help build a vibrant downtown. In addition, the community must take some responsibility and pride in the area to survive and become even more successful. In Farmington, traffic-generating businesses (grocer, liquor store, post office, etc.) each do their part in making the downtown more vibrant. . Completed by Tina Hansmeier, Economic Development Specialist, thansmeier@cLfarmington.mn.us Fridley, Minn. (pop. 27,000) Fridley doesn't have a traditional downtown or task force. They have a Chamber of Commerce, but it is a multi-city one. The remainder of the survey questions did not apply. Completed by Julie Jones, Planning Manager, ionesi@ci.fridley.mn.us Mahnomen, Minn. (pop. 1,200) Mahnomen has a traditional downtown that is very active, with a significant amount of pedestrian traffic. It is a very compact community and with three public transit and shuttle systems, it is very busy between 8:00 A.M. and 8:00 P.M. It also helps that they have a community college located in the downtown area. Storefront occupancy is at roughly 80%. Mahnomen has many old buildings that need a lot of renovation. As a result, a few of their buildings are sitting idle. They have owners who live far away (what they call "absentee owners") that don't properly maintain their properties. Mahnomen has trouble getting business members to come to Chamber meetings. Only four out of the 20-plus downtown businesses attend. The City is contemplating creating a newsletter just for the businesses to relay information (Le. grants, loans, city services, etc.). Completed by Mitch Berg, City Administrator, mrbinmn@hotmail.com . . . . Moorhead, Minn. (pop. 35,000) Moorhead is trying to build up their downtown. They do not have any information on pedestrian traffic, sales or storefront occupancy at this time. Their farmers' market is in an adjoining park, but will be moved closer in to downtown next season. Both Fargo and Moorhead have active Chambers of Commerce and downtown associations. The answer to building a more vibrant downtown Moorhead will likely be mixed-use. A lot of retail and condo development is occurring in and near downtown, putting potential customers within walking distance of stores. Completed by Deb Martzahn, City Planner, dmartzahn@ci.moorhead.mn.us New Prague, Minn. (pop. 7,000) New Prague has a downtown and Main Street, the highlight of their community. They have not noticed a decline in pedestrian traffic or sales, and they have few vacant storefronts. They have a farmers' market, but it's not located downtown. New Prague is fortunate to have a very active Chamber of Commerce. There are no downtown committees that are a segment of city hall. However, a segment of the Chamber works to promote downtown businesses; mostly the business owners work together to promote downtown. They hold special events a few times a year to increase awareness of their businesses. What works well is that they have relaxed zoning regulations in their old downtown. Nearly every use is an allowed use and there are no parking requirements. They allow apartments and residences to locate above Main Street businesses by a conditional use. Completed by Renee Christianson, City Planner, rchristianson@cLnew-prague.mn.us Pine City, Minn. (pop. 3,400) Pine City has a downtown in the traditional sense, the highlight of which is the town square around Robinson Park. Pedestrian traffic and sales aren't measured but ifthere was a decline with either, it would be hard to know whether to pinpoint that on the economy or the courthouse (one of the city's major employers) moving out of downtown. There are several vacancies downtown but, overall, the city is seeing business growth; it's just occurring elsewhere. The rule of thumb is that downtown districts with a total vacancy rate of no more than five percent are doing very well. Although certain blocks have more than that threshold, the entire Central Business District has fluctuated between five and nine percent in recent months. The bright side of that could be early signs of a revitalization of sorts, and the vacancies can provide opportunities to create dynamic business clusters. But the City will continue to monitor the situation. If after three years of a transforming downtown, the vacancy rates are still somewhat high, that may suggest that the marketing strategy, the comprehensive plan policies or the regulatory environment needs some help. Pine City has a growing downtown farmers' market, and an active Chamber of Commerce. The City has had trouble keeping a downtown committee in tact. Presently, the Downtown Leadership Group (DLG) meets separate from the Chamber to discuss and work on issues unique to downtown. To some, there is the perception that downtown is pitted against the rest of the business community. The DLG acknowledges that and is working to strengthen the downtown neighborhood without taking away from other community businesses. Pine City has been fortunate that, for the most part, its downtown has remained vibrant despite major transformation and economic conditions. What has helped is its pedestrian-friendliness, business diversity, residents living downtown, activities (Art in the Park, farmers' market, etc.), and streetscaping techniques (plantings, banners, light poles, etc). Completed by Nathan Johnson, City Planner, niohnson@youbetnet.com Proctor, Minn. (pop. 2,800) Proctor has a downtown area roughly two blocks long that hasn't witnessed any significant change in the present economy. 2008 was the :frrst year of their farmers' market and it seemed successful. The City has an active Chamber with about 90 members. There is no downtown task force. Good cooperation and communication among the downtown businesses, the Chamber and the City administration are keys to their downtown's successes. Completed by Jim Rohweder, City Administrator, irohw@ci.proctor.mn.us Detroit Lakes, Minn. (pop. 8,300) Detroit Lakes has a downtown in the traditional sense, with "okay" pedestrian traffic, strong sales and full storefront occupancy. The City's farmers' market is in a park several blocks from downtown. The Chamber of Commerce is active and there is no downtown task force. As far as what works well to build a vibrant downtown in Detroit Lakes, there is a Street Fair, Winter Carnival and other promotional activities. . Completed by Nancy Wichmann, Planning Department Secretary, nwichmann@lakesnet.net Red Wing, Minn. (pop. 16,300) Red Wing has a downtown in the traditional sense. In the present economy, the City is seeing stable pedestrian traffic, and mixed results on sales (most are doing okay, but not spectacular). The downtown goes through cycles where they have some vacancies and then stores fill up. One and one-half years ago, they had several vacancies that are now nearly filled. The City has a small but growing farmers' market. It was not made clear whether its location is downtown. They have a downtown Main Street Program modeled after the National Trust Main Street Program. Many of its members are also members of the Chamber of Commerce. They focus on the downtown core and have a half-time staff person. They have programs related to promotions, events and advocacy. They would like to hire a full-time staff person and become more active. Working well in Red Wing is a well-organized downtown business organization; a shared vision and strategy for improvement; strategic municipal investments and infrastructure; design standards for building renovations and new construction; and financial incentives for business improvement. Completed by Brian Peterson, Planning Director, brian.peterson@cLred-wing.mn.us Rochester, Minn. (pop. 100,000) . Rochester has a downtown in the traditional sense of the word. With the present economic conditions, they have not witnessed decreases in pedestrian traffic, sales or store front occupancy. Although, they said there is no accurate way to measure sales information and that it might be too early to tell. They have a downtown farmers' market that is very successful and an active Chamber of Commerce. Rochester has a downtown Alliance, which is funded through a special service district fee and contributions from the City and Mayo Clinic. Its purpose is to market and promote downtown and conduct special events. Unlike the Chamber, its mission is purely downtown-focused. There are no competitive issues between the Chamber and the RDA. Working well in Rochester is the strong support for downtown development on the part of the Council, the City Administrator and the business community. Completed by Doug Knott, Development Administrator, dknott(@,rochestermn.gov Sartell, Minn. (pop. 14,300) Sartell does not have a traditional downtown however they are currently master planning what they call a town square. They have a farmers' market but it's not in their downtown. They have an active Chamber of Commerce but no downtown task force. Completed by Anita Rasmussen, Community Development Director, anita@sartellmn.com Watertown, Minn. (pop. 4.200) Watertown has a downtown in the traditional sense that has not seen a decline in sales, pedestrian traffic or storefront . occupancy in the present economy. They have a downtown farmers' market and a somewhat active Chamber of Commerce; the Chamber meets monthly but sometimes has a hard time fmding volunteers for events. All positions for the Chamber are volunteered. There is not a downtown task force. What works well in Watertown is that there is . . . encouragement of local entrepreneurship, private investment, longstanding business, mixed-use (housing in downtown), basic necessities remain downtown (i.e. post office, pharmacy, grocery store, city hall, hardware store, etc.). Completed by Crystal Foust, Senior Planner, cfoust@ci.watertown.mn.us Waterville, Minn. (pop. 1,800 with a seasonal pop. 00,200) Waterville has a traditional downtown with many of its historically-designed buildings still in tact. Their downtown has had to compete with bigger communities' downtowns such as St. Peter, Northfield, Mankato and Faribault, all within 35 miles; and the Twin Cities, just over an hour's drive. Their big focus now is to try to improve the overall appearance of their downtown. On a five-point scale, based on visual preferences, they rated their own downtown a 2.4 (one being least attractive). They have brought on a student group from Minnesota State-Mankato working to create a downtown revitalization plan for the community. Waterville has a farmers' market, but not downtown; as well as a fairly active Chamber of Commerce. The community does not have a downtown task force or downtown council although they would highly recommend having some sort of downtown task force or downtown development authority to help with issues of downtown businesses as the Chamber of Commerce may not provide the best services for strictly downtown businesses. One ofWaterville's biggest concerns was the condition of their downtown's streetscape, and trying to let visitors of the trail and people who drive on MN Hwy 13 and 60 know that they have a downtown, and to make the town a more inviting place for the potential businesses. Completed by Sam Woods, Grad Student in Urban and Regional Studies, samue1.woods@mnsu.edu If you've seen one mall, you've seen 'em all- TwinCities.com Page 1 of 4 eTwinCities.com If you've seen one mall, you've seen 'em all What are malls missing? A look at some quirky stores in the metro finds dramatic innovations - and plenty of unique merchandise. By Bob Shaw bshaw@pioneerpress.com Article Launched: 11/16/2008 12:01:00 AM CST Cub, Target and Office Max share space in a shopping center in Stillwater, Minn. (Pioneer Press: Brandl Jade Thomas) Woodbury is the proud home of a Home Depot, McDonald's, Starbucks, Cub Foods and Target. So is Eagan. Ditto Apple Valley, Bloomington and Blaine. In fact, every suburb is dominated by the same national chains, slightly repackaged from mall to mall. Advertisement TwinCitiesecom "Malls are the same-old, same-old," sighed Jeanne Adkins, of Apple Valley, as she hefted sacks of SuperTarget groceries into her SUV. '" really prefer the mom-and-pop shops." To find them, she's going to have to look harder. Increasingly, unique or locally owned shops are being squeezed out of malls by national chain stores. This month, as developers of Woodbury's new Commerce Hill mall look for tenants, shoppers already know what is going to be there: nothing they haven't seen before. Chain-store dominance is the natural result of a retail evolution, said Bruce Carlson, vice president of development for United Properties and president of the Minnesota Shopping Center Association. The chains are a success story, he said, pleasing millions of customers every day. "The cream rises to the top," Carlson said. But others have their doubts. "The cream rises? Boy, is he wrong," said Judy Anderson of Bravo Bras, a stand-alone custom- fitting bra store in Blaine. She said a chain might succeed not because of a better product, but because it's strong in other areas - promotions, advertising, picking a location. "It might be the cream of the marketers, or the accountants or product placement," said Patty Mathews, co-owner of Two Smart Cookies, an independent cookie store in St. Paul. And the chain gang tends to squeeze creativity out of the marketplace, said George John, chairman of (800) 678-7737. 13-wk introductory offer of 330/0 discount for new subscribers. Print Powered By (~fiIE();:~9IQY6'~EiLs,~'J httn://www.twincities.com/ci 1 09923 78?IADID=Search-www.twincities.com-www.twincities.com 11/17/2008 fyou've seen one mall, you've seen 'em all- TwinCities.com TwinCitiesecom the marketing department of the Carlson School of Management. risk." As a recession looms, the tendency for malls to copy one another will only accelerate, he predicted. And startup businesses are risky. Half of them don't survive for five years. Instead, mall landlords prefer chains that are proven money makers. "We are seeing a nationalization of brands and tastes, in favor of chains," he said. "Malls are depressingly similar." "What people forget is that every retailer started with one stofe - Wal-Mart, Applebee's, Target," Carlson said. "Everyone was a mom-and-pop at some point." IF YOU'VE SEEN ONE ... But increasingly, the retail environment that was fertile for the nascent chain stores isn't available to new startups. A Pioneer Press study of metro area retail shows how malls mimic one another. Shoppers agree that on one level, big-box malls are exactly what they want - convenient stores with low prices and easy parking. Yet they often say shopping there leaves them cold. In at least seven suburbs, it's possible to make identical shopping trips - buying, for example, the same best-seller at Barnes & Noble, milk at Cub Foods, French onion soup at Applebee's, cough medicine at Walgreens and T-shirt at Target. "I shop out of necessity or fun," said Adkins' mother, Darlyne Barto, who was shopping with her recently at Apple Valley's SuperTarget. "This is necessity." In some cases, the similarity is almost eerie. Stillwater Marketplace seems like a clone of Apple Valley's Southport Centre - with a Cub Foods, Target and Office Max sharing a parking lot and other identical stores nearby. To make mall shopping fun would mean more surprises - but unique mall stares are as scarce as homemade quilts at a Home Depot. Mall stores travel in packs because they work well together, said Mike Sims, former vice president of retail leasing for United Properties. Danielle Radke recalls the brutal negotiations when she opened her first store, Blissful Bath, in the Woodbury Lakes shopping center. Thus, it is not only individual chain stores spreading across the country, but also groups of stores. "You would think they would be courting us. But they said, 'Who are you?' " she said. "It is intimidating. You are not Gap. Mom-and-pop shops do not have a lot of history." "You can go to Kansas City and they are the same," Carlson said. 'CHAINS BRING IN THE TRAFFIC' Professor John said the copycat-mall syndrome is a product of corporate thinking: "The people who generate data copy each other, with a few exceptions. You want a sure thing. It lowers your In malls, unique stores find the rules of the marketplace stacked against them. Advertisement TwinCitiesecom (800) 678-7737 13-wk introductory offer of 330/0 discount for new subscribers. ~"-_.""~'"_.'--'''-''~''''-''~'''''''''' Print Powered By !'r~ LC:<?-CrI!~~PYQ~'.!I"ig~:J httn./lu:n.XT'u turln~ltle!'Lcom/ci 10992378 ?IADID=Search-www.twincities.com-www.twincities.com Page 2 of 4 . . .' 11/17/2008 . If you've seen one mall, you've seen 'em all- TwinCities.com Page 3 of 4 ~winCities.com Take name recognition. Big-box malls are built so that a passing driver can take a quick glance and instantly know what's being sold. Advantage: McDonald's, Caribou and Wal-Mart. Unique stores must teach every customer what they sell- a big burden. "If I see a sign saying 'Kevin's Sandwiches,' I will go, 'Hmm, I don't know about that,' " said Newport Mayor Kevin Chapdelaine, who has worked for years to attract business to his town. "Then I will just go into a Subway." "People know what DQ or Coldstone is. They don't know what Kalli's is," said Matt Kachman, manager of Kalli's Popcorn Shop in Apple Valley. City rules, too, seem to favor chains. For example, many small businesses can't afford advertising. But cities often limit the signage a store owner can put in a window - their only form of free advertising. 'Why should the city care? It's my store," said Buzz nderson, president of the Minnesota Retailers Association. Chain stores also have an advantage when it comes to negotiating rent. Mall owners often discount rates for major stores. John knows of a Famous Dave's restaurant that is getting free rent because the owner is desperate to keep it in his failing mall. "The chains bring in the traffic," he said. That traffic benefits neighboring stores. Finally, chain stores have lower costs because they buy in bulk. They also can transfer employees for training or to fill in if a worker is sick. Advertisement While some independent stores are open at the whim of the owners, mall stores are run by one landlord - who usually specifies rules for parking and store hours. "This is what draws people," John said. SMALL, BUT PASSIONATE But owners of unique businesses say they offer what can't be matched by chain stores - passion for their customers and their products. Passion keeps owners working long hours, responding to every problem from clogged toilets to unpaid bills. It drives them to respond quickly to customer needs, without checking with corporate headquarters. "A customer will say that such and such a cookie tasted funny," said Mathews, of Two Smart Cookies. "We go back and fix it. The next time, they taste it and say, 'Yeah, you fixed it.' The response time is immediate." John said owners' passion gives local stores one of their few advantages. But when Wall Street wants to invest in a successful mom-and-pop store, it wants a business that can be "scaled up," said John - copied across the country. The passion of an owner is tough to replicate. "You can't McDonald's-ize it. You can't blow that up," John said. Beth Hanson agrees. She can look out the front door of her O'Malley's Irish Pub in Woodbury and see chain restaurants with familiar names. But she is betting that her passion for the job will carry the business through. TwinCitiesecom (800) 678-7737 13-wk introductory offer of 330/0 discount for new subscribers. :"':"':."'f""'~'~=."'.'=~~--_._-~''"'"::r, Print Powered By tj;1!LE2!-r:'0,~~~,Qy.!!~_f!2!S~~,) I . ,M\""",,.70')T A nTn=c",,,..,,'h_U7l.XTnT twit1dtie~.com-www.twincities.com 11/17120m fyou've seen one mall, you've seen 'em all- TwinCities.com TwinCitiesecom "We love our jobs," Hanson said. "It's not about the money." Then she thought for a moment. "At least, that's what we tell ourselves when we pay the bills every month." Bob Shaw can be reached at 651-228-5433. Advertisement TwinCitiesecom (800) 678-7737 13-wk introductory offer of ...~------- 330/0 discount for new subscribers. ,.'-"""" IV; ~:::~~'~. ....~_. f,,~;)rt PI'!',\1'fIlr\alY en.li\) ~~~t~~~~;~~l\ ~ ~f~~I r:::::::....""'.-=_."'.,.....,~~-"...,~~'=.,..,.................;,. Print Powered By !.Il!lES'C029!:[)'y'~~E!l!.<?_~~,,~ httn://www.twincities.com/ci 109923 78 ?lADID=Search-www.twincities.com-www.twincities. com Page 4 of 4 . . . 11/17/2008 In these shops, 'mall' is a four-letter word - TwinCities.com Page 1 of 4 ~winCities com In these shops, 'mall' is a four-letter word Owners say chain stores will never touch their unique, edgy specialties - guaranteed By Bob Shaw bshaw@pioneerpress.com Article Launched: 11/17/2008 12:01 :00 AM CST High-heeled shoes for infants - who can't even walk yet - aren't practical. Lynda Thurstin doesn't care. She sells the baby-size pumps and other impractical shoes at her offbeat store, My Shoe & Purse Room. Crammed into a former doggie day care next to a gas station, the unique store is something shoppers will never find in a big-box mall, Thurstin says. "Those malls are all the same. They have lost their Advertisement soul," she said, standing next to a pump with a spring-loaded heel. A spot check of the metro area's quirkiest one-of-a- kind stores shows why you rarely find them in malls: The merchandise is unique - unsuited for mass marketing. The stores sometimes are not very profitable and can't afford high mall rents. The owners have passion for what they sell, a difficult quality to transfer to chain-store managers. The stores have dramatic innovations - some of them strangely appealing, some just strange. But they are surprising. For customers starved for variety, they serve as an antidote to malls. "In a bad economy," Thurstin said, gazing at a high-heeled tennis shoe, "I would rather be here than in a mall." OFT-HUGGED BRA FITTER No mall store can fit a brassiere from a size 28AB to a 54L. "I would never go into a mall. I have a niche business, so you have to come to me," said Judy Anderson of Bravo Bras, a custom-fitting bra business in Blaine. Anderson was interrupted as she sized up a customer brought in by her priest - after she complained in church about ill-fitting bras. "( am not in it for the money. I do not have dollar signs in my eyes. I have my customers in my eyes," Anderson said. TwinCitiesecom (800) 678-7737 13-wk introductory offer of 33% discount for new subscribers. Print Powered By (]iI~9oC.~~I!iy'6~of!1j_~~) . . ....I.~ _ _ _ ____I__~ 11 t\f\1 C('\{)("')_.....1:......1..... ..."hn....,.l~l 11 /17 /?om~ n these shops, 'mall' is a four-letter word - TwinCities.com TwinCitiesecom Mall stores are all the same, she said. "They are like card shops - come in, find something you like, and leave. There is nothing personal about it. store with items reflecting what she judges to be worthwhile causes - which constantly change, along with the merchandise. "Me, I get a lot of hugs." Here, you can buy Enviro-Rite soaps to help the environment, Nepalese sweaters to aid Third World workers, baby clothing with bamboo fiber for sustainability, and socks made of sweater wool to support local businesses. NOT THE GAP No chain store sells 40-year-old bright-orange barbecues. She picks books, spices, toys and jewelry according to the same environmental and social consciousness. "We are usually about 10 years ahead of the group," Ballata said. But you can find them at Up Six in St. Paul, along with vintage clothing and home furnishings from the 1950s, '60s and '70s. Neighbors and college students come in for fun, just to see what owner Megan McGuire has found. It's unpredictable - with a '50s cocktail dress for sale one week, a set of plastic chairs the next. No chain store ever would mess with more than 300 suppliers, as Ballata does. "It's much more difficult than at the Gap, who just calls someone and says, 'Send us this season's offerings,' " Ballata said. Customers become friends. "When you come in, you always speak with me, the owner," said McGuire, who opened the store seven years ago. As a matter of principle, she won't go to a mall. "I believe in community and real people doing real things where they live," she said. "Malls suck the life out of downtowns." Rarely does anyone find storeowners in chain stores. "A store like mine may not translate in a mall. It is more of a novelty," she said. WHERE EVERYBODY KNOWS YOUR NAME She sees a difference between suburban mall- hoppers and hipper, younger urban shoppers. No chain of restaurants has furniture made in the owner's garage. "Young people want to be more fashion-forward," McGuire said. "It is never fun to look like everyone else. If I buy something at the Gap, I go out and see five others wearing the same thing." O'Malley's Irish Pub, a unique bar-restaurant in Woodbury, features booths hand-made by owners Beth and Todd Hanson. 300 SUPPLIERS, ONE SMALL STORE "No one is as crazy as we are. Very few people would take that kind of a chance," said Beth Hanson, who opened the business three years ago as a neighborhood gathering place. No national chain is as politically correct as the Nest. Hanson - surrounded by chain-owned restaurants - competes by making personal connections with Owner Phyllis Ballata stocks the White Bear Lake Advertisement TwinCitiesecom (800) 678-7737 13-wk introductory offer of 330/0 discount for new subscribers. Print Powered By (~~] Fo!'~_~IQi~~.~[~~] httn' /1"'11:m1.1 twineitie>:.com/d 1100 1690?nclick check= 1 Page 2 of 4 . . . 11/1712008 In these shops, 'mall' is a four-letter word - TwinCities.com Page 3 of4 -rwinCities com customers: "We want to be like Cheers, where everyone knows your name." When a customer recently suffered a death in the family, Hanson put an honorary plaque on the back of his chair. "You do not find that at T.G.I. Fridays," she said. RECIPES HANDED DOWN No national restaurant chain has the owner behind the counter. Stacy Traviss, owner of Giuseppe Italian Ristorante in New Brighton, boasts of recipes passed down from the previous owner's grandmother - for such fare as olive- and pepperoni-studded breads. Her competition is "all chains," she said. "We are more part of the community," Traviss said. "We are in the community. We are not cookie-cutter. "Applebee's puts up a few pictures from the high school, but that does not make them local." OOKIES NOT GENERIC No national chain sells a chai-Iatte cookie. Patty Mathews, co-owner of Two Smart Cookies, developed that flavor and 52 others when she opened her store a year ago. She doesn't consult headquarters or market research to pick which cookies to bake every day. "We go on our cravings," Mathews said. She admits that she sometimes shops in malls. "There are days when I just have to get things done," she said. Advertisement "But as much as I love Target, when those stores are so big, it makes things impersonal. They start to feel generic. " BLISSFUL BUSINESS No chain store makes a cupcake you bathe with. In her back-shop factory, Danielle Radke creates bath products with a food theme - Sugar Scrub Souffle for exfoliating skin, a lotion called Body Frosting and bath-powder cupcakes that dissolve in a tub. When she makes her baseball-size bath bombs, she picks fragrances from a wall-full of 200 brown bottles, then mixes them with powders and oils in a homemade pressing machine. The $4.50 bombs have names like Jamaican Me Crazy and Oh, My Aching Muscles. She pointed to one bin labeled, "I Dream of Sleeping." "I know it doesn't make sense. My sister said that is so stupid," she said. "But it is our best seller." Her store is Blissful Bath in the Woodbury Lakes shopping center, a rare locally owned business in a mall dominated by chain stores. She finds the environment less than ideal. She said the pedestrian traffic is lower than expected, and the rent is $7,000 a month. Increasingly, her mail-order business is eclipsing her walk-in retail sales. She is considering moving or possibly closing the retail store if she can't negotiate a reduced rent when her lease expires. TwinCitiesecom (800) 678-7737 13-wk introductory offer of 330/0 discount for new subscribers.'. Print Powered By cCirE?'C.~I?'iRY0~~i~~~-'1 , '. _'L'__ ____1_: 11(\(\1t:O(\')..,,,1;,,lr ,..'h"",..1r=1 11/17120m 11 these shops, 'mall' is a four-letter word - TwinCities.com TwinCitiesecom Woodbury Lakes manager Paul Skram would not comment about rent paid by his tenants but said the mall has seen an increase in total sales so far this year. "So far, the center has done well," he said. PROMISE OF UNIQUENESS No chain store has a guarantee as weird as that of My Shoe & Purse Room in Inver Grove Heights. If you have a certain shoe in mind, owner Lynda Thurstin absolutely, positively guarantees you won't find it. Instead, she promises that every pair you see is one of a kind. When it sells, she won't reorder it. And if you see a shoe you like, but it's not in your size - too bad. The idea, she patiently explained, is that no customer of hers will ever see someone else wearing the same shoes. She sells each pair for $25 or less. She would never move to a mall, she said, because malls charge about four times as much in rent as she is paying. And her signs - 4-foot-tall cutout pumps lined with Christmas lights - might strike mall managers as tacky. She said business is booming because the promise of uniqueness works for her core market - prom- goers and transvestites. "OthelWise," she said, "you might as well go to Payless. " Bob Shaw can be reached at 651-228-5433. Advertisement TwinCitiesecom (800) 678-7737 13-wk introductory offer of 330/0 discount for new subscribers. (F-~>'~~"~M"W___'."-'---'~"'" Print Powered By I~JJ:.9.tT~2~!QY.E!.~~9~.'J ,_"-'-. /I..~.~.dm';...."'';+;~'' {'"tn/pi 11001 flQO?nc1ick check=1 Page 4 of 4 . . . 11/17/2008 . . . A bucolic life in Mayberry, but where's the Wal-Mart? Page 1 of2 starTribune.com ! MINNEAPOLIS - ST. PAUL, MINNESOTA A bucolic life in Mayberry, but where's the Wal-Mart? By DAVID PETERSON, Star Tribune October 21,2008 The morning after the candidates for City Council in Belle Plaine faced the voters in a public forum, the mayor was asked what came up as a source of irritation. "Economic growth," Tom Meger said. Translation: "Where's our Target? Where's our Wal-Mart?" he said. All across the southern reaches of Scott County this fall, candidates for public office are facing the same sorts of questions. People who migrated from the suburbs into the more remote small towns in quest of cheaper homes and a Mayberry-like existence for the kids are finding that some things about closer-in suburbs were mighty handy after all. Shouldn't they have known? Laura Piehl, a candidate for mayor of Elko New Market, thinks they should have -- and did. "When you move out here, you kind of know that, yeah, you have to go 10 miles," she said, to find a Target, a Home Depot, or any other of the "big box" stores that are a standard feature of life closer in. But candidates and public officials agree that people who bought before the era of volatile gas prices and drastic slowdowns in growth now find themselves in a different world. It costs real money today to drive to the next town and back -- and for many it's a lot more than 10 miles. At the same time, the sudden slowdown in housing growth, symbolized by weedy, unfinished subdivisions at the edge of town, means the day when the major retailers might take an interest could well be pushed back by years. What's causing trouble in some towns could be creating competitive advantages for others. New Prague is a case in point. "There's a lot of stuff in our little community that a lot of others don't have," said Bink Bender, the mayor of the city on the southern border of Scott County. "Target will probably not stick a store in Elko when there's already one in Lakeville. But about a year ago, we got a new big box, an ALCO, and Wal-Mart is planning on coming here. We're turning into sort of a little mini-trade area. Even Coburn's had an effect on cities like Montgomery and Jordan, with people coming here to take advantage of a supermarket that's open 24 hours. The mayor of Montgomery tells me their grocery store noticed a downturn in volume. Lonsdale would be another one. Wal-Mart coming here would make http://www.startribune.com/templates/Print_ This _ Story?sid=31230549 10/22/2008 A bucolic life in Mayberry, but where's the Wal-Mart? Page 2 of2 things even harder for those communities," Harder for merchants perhaps. but better for shoppers. Even though it would be 20 minutes away, said Meger, the mayor of Belle Plaine, people in that city hope Wal-Mart does come to New Prague. Because there's no sign of anything like that happening in Belle Plaine itself. . As much as voters may blame public officials, Meger said. it's the reality of business. "Big-box retail is population driven. With a city of 6,700, can we support it? Will Target look at Belle Plaine? The city's never been approached by any large big-box developer as such." Little though she may sympathize with those who didn't seem to realize what they were getting themselves into when they moved to tiny communities far from retail hubs, Piehl agrees that the new world of roller-coaster gas prices heightens anxiety on the issue. "When gas prices went up, I would hear that all the time," she said. "I drive 120 miles a day, which gets very expensive, my husband is close to about the same. He goes way north for work while I am at the airport, but I have to go to New Prague to get one kid from sports and my other child has another sport in Burnsville, so it's parent taxicab." She shops for groceries at the SuperTarget in Lakeville and can often combine trips. While she's "not a big fan" of Wal-Mart in principle, she can't pledge she'd never make her way over to New Prague to shop there, even though it's about 20 minutes away. . 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