Minutes of the special meeting of the Economic Development Authority of Apple Valley, Dakota County, Minnesota, held January 12, 2006, at 7:30 o'clock a.m., at the Apple Valley Municipal Center.

PRESENT: President Severson; Commissioners Bergman, Edgeton, Erickson, Goodwin, Grendahl, and Hamann-Roland.

ABSENT: None.

OTHERS PRESENT: Planning Commissioners Churchill and Melander.

Staff members present were: Executive Director Lawell, Secretary Gackstetter, Assistant City Administrator Grawe, Public Works Director Heuer, Acting Community Development Director Lovelace, and City Engineer Manson.

President Severson called the meeting to order at 7:30 a.m.

APPROVAL OF AGENDA

MOTION: of Erickson, seconded by Hamann-Roland, approving the agenda for today's meeting as presented. Ayes - 5, Nays - 0.

Commissioner Grendahl joined the meeting at 7:31 a.m.

MINUTES

MOTION: of Erickson, seconded by Goodwin, approving the minutes of the special meeting of November 3, 2005, as written. Ayes - 5, Nays - 0, Abstain - 1 (Edgeton).

APPOINTMENT OF OFFICERS

MOTION: of Hamann-Roland, seconded by Erickson, adopting Resolution No. EDA-06-1 appointing 2006 officers of the Economic Development Authority as: President - Severson, Vice-President - Goodwin, Secretary - Gackstetter, Treasurer - Erickson, and Assistant Treasurer - Gackstetter. Ayes - 6, Nays - 0.

PILOT KNOB ROAD COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENT

Mr. Lawell spoke briefly about the vacant land abutting Pilot Knob Road and the Cobblestone Lake project in particular. There is a potential proposal for commercial development in that area. The proposal would be a revision to the master plan which was developed seven years ago. Because this proposal may have implications on future development along Pilot Knob Road, staff recommends the EDA Board discuss commercial development in that area from a policy standpoint.

Mr. Jake Enebak and Ms. Molly Breunig, of Tradition Development, were present. Mr. Enebak stated that for the last three years his company has been seeking quaint neighborhood boutiques for the commercial area on the northeast corner of Pilot Knob Road and County Road 46. He indicated they have been told the reason they are not drawing those types of shops is because the development does not have an anchor store.

Commissioner Bergman joined the meeting at 7:41 a.m.

Mr. Enebak said his company has been working with Ryan Companies to develop a site plan that could work for Target. Target is interested in an additional store in or near Apple Valley. The current store in Apple Valley is one of the top three in the state and is running at approximately 110 to 130 percent of capacity. Target prefers to run its stores at approximately 85 percent.

Commissioner Edgeton said she was against the Target proposal when she first heard about it, but has since had a change of opinion. The building's design is extremely unique and she is impressed with the way the site plan integrates itself with the neighborhood. She is also impressed by the efforts Target is making to be part of this neighborhood.

Mr. Enebak presented the sketch drawings of the building and said efforts have been made to reduce the appearance of the "big box" type building and parking lot. The parking lot will be broken up into small sections with several landscape islands. The building would be 15 feet below the highest point of the intersection at the corner of Pilot Knob Road and County Road 46. He further described landscaping and berming with modulations along the street on the west side of the building. He also said his company is continuing to search out the small boutique type stores, but stated they may not be able to interest them without an anchor store.

The Board discussed the design presented and possible connections to the park and ride across Pilot Knob Road.

Commissioner Bergman requested the trees planted in the parking lot be 4 inches or more in diameter instead of the standard 2 inches. He also requested larger shrubs and layering of the trees and shrubs.

Commissioner Goodwin said statistics indicate smaller trees often have a better survival rate and grow big faster, because larger trees often suffer a greater shock to the root system.

Mr. Enebek distributed a letter from Westwood Professional Services dated January 2, 2006, regarding the Cobblestone Lake Development Alternative Urban Areawide Review (AUAR). Although the difference in commercial development from the original concept to the current concept is not considered significant, Traditions Development will be submitting an updated AUAR. Law requires the AUAR be updated every five years. The current AUAR and Mitigation Plan was approved May 31, 2001.

Commissioner Goodwin said although the City's plans were to keep the "big box" type buildings within the ring route, things change, and it may be necessary to rethink the policy.

Commissioner Grendahl stated she would like to see a municipal liquor store in the area.

Commissioner Bergman asked if gas stations where included in the plan. Mr. Enebak said they are not included in the development plan.

Mr. Enebak described the Target building renderings, highlighting roof lines and color schemes.

Commissioner Bergman said he would like the sign to say Super Target at Cobblestone Lake. Commissioner Hamann-Roland and Grendahl agreed.

The Board further discussed the proposed building design.

President Severson asked if the Board thought the design was worth a review by the Planning Commission. The Board indicated affirmative.

Mr. Enebak questioned whether it would be best to proceed with the Planning Commission or if Traditions Development should hold neighborhood meetings first. The Board said they will leave that decision to Tradition Development, but encouraged them to actively engage the area residents in helping to refine the plan.

President Severson thanked Tradition Development for sharing their plans.

RECOGNITION OF KAREN EDGETON

Mr. Lawell said Karen Edgeton has announced her retirement, and as a result will be resigning from the Planning Commission and Economic Development Authority.

The Board thanked Ms. Edgeton her for her vision, strength, character, and service to the City and presented her with a plaque.

HARMONY COMMONS TRIANGLE

Mr. Lovelace gave an update on proposed changes to the Harmony Commons triangle, including relocating the hotel to the north side of 153rd Street, the addition of a round about at the intersection of 153rd Street and Founders Lane, and changes in the parking scheme.

Commissioner Erickson said he hopes the changes do not negatively impact the grant dollars received from the Metropolitan Council.

MOTION: of Grendahl, seconded by Goodwin, to adjourn. Ayes - 7, Nays - 0.

The meeting was adjourned at 9:00 o'clock a.m.