HomeMy WebLinkAbout2016/11/07 - ADMIN - Minutes - Economic Development Authority - RegularIOlSt. Louis Park OFFICIAL MINUTES
MINNESOTA ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY
ST. LOUIS PARK, MINNESOTA
NOVEMBER 7, 2016
1. Call to Order
President Mavity called the meeting to order at 7:20 p.m.
Commissioners present: President Anne Mavity, Tim Brausen, Steve Hallf n, Gregg Lindberg,
Thom Miller, Susan Sanger, and Jake Spano.
Commissioners absent: None.
Staff present: Controller (Mr. Simon), City Attorney (Mr. Mattick), Deputy City
Manager/Human Resources Director (Ms. Deno), Economic Development Specialist (Ms.
Grove), and Recording Secretary (Ms. Pappas).
2. Roll Call
3. Approval of Minutes
3a. Economic Development Authority Meeting Minutes October 17, 2016
It was moved by Commissioner Brausen, seconded by Commissioner Hallfin, to approve
the EDA minutes as presented.
The motion passed 7-0.
4. Approval of Agenda
The EDA agenda was approved as presented.
5. Reports
5a. Approval of EDA Disbursements
It was moved by Commissioner Hallftn, seconded by Commissioner Miller, to approve
the EDA Disbursements.
The motion passed 7-0.
6. Old Business - None
7. New Business
7a. Authorization to Submit Applications for Environmental Grant Funds.
Resolution No. 16-21 and Resolution No. 16-22
Ms. Grove presented the staff report. She noted that PLACE proposes to redevelop
property on the north and south sides of the future Wooddale SWLRT Station, with a
mixed-use, mixed -income, transit -oriented, and sustainable development, Proposed is a
Economic Development Authority -2- November 7, 2016
total of 300 residential units; a 110 -room hotel; a 15,000 -square foot e -generation
greenhouse facility; retail space; and a one acre urban forest.
Ms. Grove further noted that recent environmental investigations have determined that
there are contaminated soils on the subject site that are in need of remediation. To assist
with clean-up costs, PLACE is requesting that the EDA apply for $669,185 in grants
from Hennepin County and Department of Employment & Economic Development
(DEED) on their behalf. She added the grants for contamination cleanup are awarded
semi-annually. The grant applications are due November 1 and are typically announced
in December/January.
Commissioner Brausen asked if it was acceptable to approve the resolution after the
November I" application deadline. Ms. Grove stated yes, it is acceptable, adding that
staff can submit the grant resolution after the deadline.
Commissioner Brausen also noted that the likely source of this pollution is the railroad
and asked if the railroad has any responsibility for the clean-up of this site. Ms. Grove
stated no, there is no association with the railroad at this time.
Commissioner Brausen stated this is a reflection of federal law, adding he does not
believe it is because of the city's lack of will to pursue the railroad. He added it is
unfortunate they take no responsibility in clean up.
President Mavity added it will be noted the council does not like this.
Commissioner Lindberg stated he assumes these resolutions do not bind the council to
the PLACE development at this time and that this is merely part of the process. Ms.
Grove stated no, this does not indicate that the council approves the project. She added
that with any redevelopment on this property, the clean-up would be needed.
It was moved by Commissioner Brausen, seconded by Commissioner Spano, to adopt
EDA Resolution No. 16-21, authorizing the Executive Director and President to submit a
grant application to the Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED)
Contamination Clean-up Grant Program on behalf of the PLACE project.
The motion passed 7-0.
It was moved by Commissioner Brausen, seconded by Commissioner Spano, to adopt
EDA Resolution No. 16-22, authorizing the Executive Director and President to submit a
grant application to the Hennepin County Environmental Response Fund Program on
behalf of the PLACE project.
The motion passed 7-0.
S. Communications — None
9. Adjournment
The meeting adjourned at 7:25 p.m.
Melil-Kenne'd`y, Secretary
Anne Mavity, President