HomeMy WebLinkAbout2011-11-29 Wk Session MINUTES
OF THE WORK SESSION
EDINA CITY COUNCIL
HELD AT EDINA CITY HALL
NOVEMBER 29, 2011
4:08 P.M.
Mayor Hovland called the meeting to order at 4:08 p.m. Answering rollcall were Members Bennett,
Brindle, Sprague, Swenson and Mayor Hovland.
Staff attending the meeting included: Jennifer Bennerotte, Communications & Marketing Director;
Wayne Houle, City Engineer/Public Works Director; Karen Kurt, Assistant City Manager; Debra
Mangen, City Clerk; Scott Neal, City Manager; and Cary Teague, Planning Director.
Consultants attending on behalf of the City included: Thomas Harrington, Kimley-Horn and
Associates, Inc.; Scott R. Froemming, Walker Parking Consultants; and Mark Ruff, Ehlers and
Associates.
Mayor Hovland explained the purpose of the meeting was to review the parking ramps in the 50th
and France Business Districts and potential improvements in the area and to further review a request
from Simon Properties for economic development assistance from the City of Edina.
City Engineer/Public Works Director Houle reviewed the current infrastructure condition of the 50th
and France Business District streetscape and parking structures. He described the parking issues, the
scenarios that had been analyzed and then briefly described proposed improvements to the
streetscape and parking structures. Mr. Houle stated a study had been completed that indicated a
need for between 140-200 additional parking spaces, that the streetscape was deteriorating and the
ramps also needed repairs. He said a very preliminary cost for completing the proposed
improvements was approximately $6.5 million dollars. Mr. Houle said construction of the
improvements could be phased and accomplished within the next two construction cycles.
Jim Nelson, Gene Haugland and Alan Ackerberg spoke on behalf of the business owners within the
50th and France Business District. They explained their support of the proposed improvements and
the desire to have special assessments for the improvements spread over a 20-year term.
The Council discussed the proposed improvements, the potential bond sale for said improvements
and directed staff to proceed preparing a detailed feasibility study for the improvements.
Manager Neal explained that since November of 2010, the City has been in discussion with Simon
Property about potential economic development assistance for renovations at the Southdale Mall.
He said that the City received a Letter of Request for economic development assistance in the form of
a grant on October 7, 2011, to which he had responded on behalf of the City. Mr. Neal noted that
each of the Council had the opportunity to meet with Simon's representatives in order to fully
understand the proposed renovations and request for assistance. Mr. Neal said staff was looking for
direction from the Council. Mr. Neal stated that Laurie Van Dalen, Southdale Mall Manager and Bill
Hammer, Vice President of Development from Simon Properties were in attendance to speak to their
request for economic assistance to complete proposed mall renovations.
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Minutes/Edina City Council Work Session/November 29, 2011
The Council discussed the Simon Properties Letter of Request and potential methods of funding the
request such as "Pay As You Go" TIF assistance. Their discussion included: each members' comfort
level with the request and whether or not a public purpose could be derived from granting the
request; potential jobs created both during construction and after construction was completed;
potential increases in value derived from the renovations; and mall occupancy before and after the
improvements. Member Bennett stated her concerns including lack of public purpose in the proposed
use of the requested funds, the existence and success of other retail shopping facilities in Edina which
are not seeking public funds, the need for TIF to pay for transportation-related improvements
including the TH 100 and France Avenue interchange and enhanced pedestrian crossings on France
and York avenues, and no anticipated increase in the assessed value of the mall after renovations.
The Council asked questions of staff and the Simon Properties representatives.
Following discussion, the Council directed staff to prepare a report detailing what possibilities exist
for responding to the economic development request and the possible structure that would best
serve the City of Edina.
Mayor Hovland adjourned the meeting at 6:20 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Debra A. Mangefi, Ci
Minutes approved by Edina City Council, December 6, 2011
James B. Hovland, Mayor
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