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HomeMy WebLinkAbout05.09.91 EDC Minutes MINUTES ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION REGULAR MAY 9, 1991 1. Meeting called to order by Chairperson Galler at 4:10 P.M. Members Present: Galler, Riste, Harms, Ruberto, Meyer. Members Absent: None. Also Present: Director Henricks, City Administrator Thompson, Harvey Snyder, Warren Sifferath, Eric Christenson, Dr. William Pollock. 2. MOTION by Riste second by Harms approving the minutes for the April 11, 1991 meeting as presented. APIF, MOTION CARRIED. 3. Member Galler informed the board the $5,000. bill for the Lighting Project was to be referred to the HRA for payment. MOTION by Harms second by Riste authorizing the payment of bills except the Lighting project bill. APIF, MOTION CARRIED. 4. Director Henricks informed the board that Farmington Ford and Dave Finnegan, owner of the Farmington Ford building, have tentatively agreed upon a one year term for rent of the Ford building. Background information pertaining to the Director's involvement was summarized for the board. After a lengthly discussion on strategy to be employed and alternative sites available, the board felt the retention of Farmington Ford was a top priority for the Farmington Community. Those individuals present would contact Steve Johnson and Murray Kelly to illustrate the communities support for the retention of Farmington Ford in the community. The next item the board reviewed was the employee reduction at Carlson Store Fixtures. The Director noted his past year effo is to retain Carlson Stor Fixtures and encouraging the expansion in the In strial P ky the firm. Mr. Stein, owner of Carlson Store Fixtures, in�di c ,� a} , that there were approximately 20 employees employed by his firm'in' Parmington. This is a reduction of 35-40 employees at peak employment times. Mr. Stein also informed me that both the business and building were being advertised for sale. During previous conversations with Robert Wieland, President of Stein Industries, I was informed of the inefficient manufacturing space and the lack of modern tech- nological equipment. Throughout the various proposals, I had included financing mechanisms for a new efficient manufacturing facility and the new technological equipment. At one point the possibility of acquiring the Carlson Store Fixture building was included. I will continue to pursue a means if possible to retain Carlson Store Fixtures. A brief discussion followed as to the possibility of Carlson Store Fixtures remaining in Farmington. 5. Committee Reports: A. Dr. Ruberto reviewed the progress on the middle school state funding. A brief comment on the progress of the FAA project was presented to the EDC. B. LaDonna Riste presented a brief general review of the Chamber of Commerce activities noting the After Hours and open house at the South Suburban Medical Center (Formerly Sanford Hospital) . All present were invited to attend the Chamber General Membership dinner program on May 14, 1991. C. Larry Thompson and Chris Galler reviewed with the EDC the process the City Council has embarked on for preparing for annexation. It was noted that the Empire Township board chairperson had offered a 200' foot strip of land directly north of the City between County Road 31 and Highway 3. The offer was not acceptable to the City due to the concern with future growth and the sporadic development occurring along Highway 3. Feasibility studies have been ordered for the Elm Park project and 208th Street. These studies should be completed in the near future. D. Dr. Harms reviewed the HRA's progress on the following projects: Elm Park Exchange Bank Building Industrial Park Dr. Harms reviewed the discussion the HRA board had at the May 1, 1991 meeting pertaining to the possibility of condemnation of the Old Tribune building. Harms noted the board decided not to proceed with this project. 6. Chairperson Galler reviewed the Beautification actions at the May 2, 1991 meeting. The Yard of the Month program will continue for the summer of 1991. Clean-up day will be May 18, 1991 held at the Dakota Electric building on Ash Street in Farmington. LaDonna Riste presented material on the Dakota Valley Arts Council noting the organization will be participating in the Mountain Dew Days activities. 7. No New Business. 8. Director's Evaluation is to be at Larry Thompson's office by June 3, 1991. 9. MOTION by Harms second by Meyer to adjourn meeting at 5:45 P.M. APIF, MOTION CARRIED. Respectfully Submitted, Gerald A. Henricks EDC Director Approved