09-24-2007 Special EDC Meeting - Laserfiche WebLink

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ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE SPECIAL MEETING SEPTEMBER 24, 2007 PRESENT: Mark Jurchen, Ed Larsen,Nancy Adams, Sheila Haverkamp of BLADC, Elissa Rogers of BLADC, Patrick Smith, Justin Bolz-Andolshek, Cathy Malecha, and Dawn Bittner. The meeting was called to order by Chairman Ed Larsen at 8:00 a.m. Precision Water Jet: Mr. Jurchen explained that he has been contacted by Joel and Seth, owners of Precision Water Jet. They are looking to expand and would like to purchase 3 to 4 acres in the Industrial Park. The City does not have 3 to 4 contiguous acres left. Sheila Haverkamp interjected that she and Elissa have been working with Joel and Seth, who have kept a close eye on how things played out with Lonesome Cottage. They are willing to pay$18,000 to $20,000 per acre and they are also interested in TIF. They plan to build a 16,500 square foot building. They are going to look at Chris Greer's building as the City has a vacant lot next door. The Arvig lots along Old Highway 371 are too expensive. They would like to know where they will be going by December and would like to occupy by May or June, 2008. They have checked out the Brainerd and Baxter Industrial Parks. Sheila had talked to Sandy about expanding the Business Park into the Spray Irrigation Fields. Sandy had told her that the timing is not right. The Don Babinski property is another possibility. Precision Water Jet would need to add onto Chris Greer's building. They don't qualify for the JOBZ program as not enough jobs are created. They will be looking for an economic development loan and TIF. They are a high water user and our rates are high. They will be looking at a drilled well for their manufacturing needs and City water/wastewater for their kitchen and restroom uses. They do recycle their water. A site needs to be determined prior to BLADC presenting a proposal. Impervious coverage in the Light Industrial zone was discussed. (Staff later verified that the impervious coverage in the LI zone is SO%, but can be increased to 90%with a CUP). They offer good paying jobs with a benefits package. Cemstone was contacted by Ms. Haverkamp and they are not interested in selling their second lot. The present location of the Lonesome Cottage manufacturing plant was Minutes 1 Economic Development Committee September 24, 2007