HomeMy WebLinkAbout2023/10/02 - ADMIN - Minutes - Economic Development Authority - Regular Official minutes
EDA meeting
St. Louis Park, Minnesota
Oct. 2, 2023
1. Call to order.
President Mohamed called the meeting to order at 6:25 p.m.
a. Roll call.
Commissioners present: President Nadia Mohamed, Tim Brausen, Sue Budd, Lynette Dumalag,
Yolanda Farris, Margaret Rog, and Jake Spano
Commissioners absent: none
Staff present: City attorney (Mr. Mattick), deputy city manager (Ms. Walsh), planning manager
(Mr. Walther), redevelopment administrator (Ms. Monson), community development director
(Ms. Barton), economic development manager (Mr. Hunt)
2. Approve agenda.
It was moved by Commissioner Brausen, seconded by Commissioner Spano, to approve the EDA
agenda as presented.
The motion passed 7-0.
3. Minutes.
a. EDA meeting minutes of Sept. 18, 2023
It was moved by Commissioner Spano, seconded by Commissioner Farris, to approve the EDA
meeting minutes of Sept. 18, 2023, as presented.
The motion passed 7-0.
4. Consent items.
a. Approve EDA disbursements for the period of Aug. 26 to Sept. 22, 2023
b. EDA Resolution No. 23-23 approving amended and restated development contract for
Union Park Flats
c. Resolution approving Beltline Station contract amendments
Councilmember Rog requested that consent item 4c be moved to regular business as item 6a.
DocuSign Envelope ID: 2CD142AC-FC08-4A9F-8BFF-FBDA034C566C
Economic Development Authority -2- Oct. 2, 2023
Commissioner Brausen stated the $91,000 in EDA disbursements is money well spent and added
the resolution approving amended and restated development contract for Union Park Flats has
been discussed by the EDA in the past. This is to give the developer an opportunity to secure new
financing because their primary lender dropped out, they have made significant changes to make
the project commence this year, and he applauds their efforts.
It was moved by Commissioner Brausen, seconded by Commissioner Spano, to approve the
consent items as revised and to move consent item 4c to regular business; and to waive reading
of all resolutions.
The motion passed 7-0.
5. Public hearings – none.
6. Regular business.
a. EDA Resolution No. 23-24 approving Beltline Station contract amendments
Commissioner Rog noted this item references changes to agreements with Sherman and
Associates related to the Beltline Station. She stated many of her constituents participated in
the design process. She noted disappointment that the Met Council is requiring the developer
to have a six to seven story parking ramp on the Cedar Lake Regional Trail. She stated one of
the ways this was mitigated was through a redesign of the ramp, and that the EDA is being
asked to consider significant redesign changes to the signature look.
Commissioner Rog stated this will likely pass tonight, but folks will be disappointed with the
redesign’s visual appearance, and that she does understand there are significant financial
challenges facing developers. She stated she is disappointed with the ramp modifications and is
hopeful that the council will not have to continue to approve additional modifications to this
project going forward.
Commissioner Spano agreed with Commissioner Rog’s comments and agrees there are stark
differences between the two designs. He added he is hopeful for the option to make future
updates to the parking ramp’s appearance and referenced the Target Field parking ramp
façade.
Commissioner Brausen agreed with the comments of Commissioners Rog and Spano, and noted
the parking ramp near Steel Toe Brewing has a beautiful painted mural that aesthetically
mitigates the feel of concrete. He hoped the developer might consider something similar in the
near future.
President Mohamed agreed that the mural near Steel Toe Brewing is a creative example to
consider for a future façade update.
DocuSign Envelope ID: 2CD142AC-FC08-4A9F-8BFF-FBDA034C566C
Economic Development Authority -3- Oct. 2, 2023
It was moved by Commissioner Rog, seconded by Commissioner Brausen, to adopt EDA
Resolution No. 23-24 approving Beltline Station contract amendments as presented.
The motion passed 7-0.
7. Communications and announcements – none.
8. Adjournment.
The meeting adjourned at 6:36 p.m.
______________________________________ ______________________________________
Melissa Kennedy, EDA secretary Nadia Mohamed, EDA president
DocuSign Envelope ID: 2CD142AC-FC08-4A9F-8BFF-FBDA034C566C