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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1987 12-14 EDAM Special Session1 1 MINUTES OF THE PROCEEDINGS OF THE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY OF THE CITY OF BROOKLYN CENTER IN THE COUNTY OF HENNEPIN AND THE STATE OF MINNESOTA SPECIAL SESSION DECEMBER 14, 1987 CITY HALL CALL TO ORDER The Brooklyn Center Economic Development Authority met in special session and was called to order by President Dean Nyquist at 7:06 p.m. ROLL CALL President Nyquist, Commissioners Gene Lhotka, Celia Scott, Bill Hawes, and Rich Theis. Also present were EDA Director Gerald Splinter, Finance Director Paul Holmlund, City Engineer Henry Spurrier, Director of Planning and Inspection Ron Warren, Chief of Police Jim Lindsay, City Attorney Charlie LeFevere, HRA Coordinator Brad Hoffman, and Personnel Coordinator Geralyn Barone. APPROVAL OF MINUTES NOVEMBER 23, 1987 There was a motion by Commissioner Lhotka and seconded by approve the minutes of the November 23, 1987, Economic meeting as submitted. The motion passed unanimously. The HRA Coordinator noted the minutes should reflect that was appointed Assistant Treasurer of the EDA and the appointed Secretary of the EDA. The Personnel Coordinator taken at the November 9, 1987, EDA meeting. Commissioner Scott to Development Authority the Finance Director HRA Coordinator was said this action was RESOLUTION NO. 87 -10 Member Gene Lhotka introduced the following resolution and moved its adoption: RESOLUTION APPROVING THREE (3) BROOKLYN CENTER ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY GRANTS The motion for the adoption of the foregoing resolution was duly seconded by member Rich Theis, and the motion passed unanimously. DISCUSSION ITEM: EARLE BROWN FARM COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION The HRA Coordinator said the Earle Brown Farm Committee has been considering uses for the Earle Brown Farm for several years now. He reviewed the suggested uses recommended for these buildings. The HRA Coordinator said the Earle Brown Farm Committee is recommending the hippodrome be used as a multipurpose facility with emphasis on banquets and trade shows, with a variety of other activities in addition to these. He noted this will account for a major portion of the budget. The HRA Coordinator said it is anticipated that the stable will be used for banquet kitchen facilities, restaurant kitchen facilities, and storage space. He added the entryway to the stable may even be used as a small restaurant if feasible. If not, it could be used for meeting space. The HRA Coordinator said the H and G barns would be useful as office space. 12 -14 -87 -1- The HRA Coordinator said the housing complex, including the guest house, farm house, garage, and main house, is recommended for use as a bed and breakfast facility. He said the general public should have access to the Earle Brown Farm, and the housing complex would allow for that. The HRA Coordinator said this area is of particular interest to the Brooklyn Historical Society because it would like to finish off one of the rooms in a 1920's or 1930's era decor. He pointed out that in addition to providing opportunity for the public to see the farm, the bed and breakfast facility could be used for small business luncheons in a quiet setting. The HRA Coordinator said the D barn and blacksmith shop uses will be a function of the budget. He noted there is a strong desire on the part of senior citizens to dedicate space for a senior drop -in center and suggested the uses of these buildings be reviewed more closely once the budget falls in place for the rest of the buildings. The HRA Coordinator said there were no strong recommendations for the uses of the cook shed and bunk house, although the buildings should be retained. He noted the bunk house could be part of the bed and breakfast facility or used by the Brooklyn Historical Society or the seniors. The HRA Coordinator referred the Council to his memorandum noting the staff concerns regarding use of the space, especially to the extent that the space may be used for nonrevenue generating activities. He said the more this is done, the more the EDA will have to subsidize the budget of the farm with a general levy. He added if the G or H buildings are used for nonrevenue generating activities, the EDA will have to seriously consider how this will affect paying for the project. Commissioner Hawes asked if the water tower is going to be retained, and the HRA Coordinator responded affirmatively. He said the height of the water tower may be raised to act as a billboard for the farm. President Nyquist recognized Dr. Duane Orn, chairman of Earle Brown Farm Committee. He said the design and development team is in place and the citizens' committee has a slightly different view than staff on the uses of the buildings. Dr. Orn said the committee feels the hippodrome should have multiuse activities such as banquets and trade shows. The stable could be used as a kitchen facility and a restaurant, as well as some office space. He said the two barns could be used for office space, and the houses would be used for a bed and breakfast facility. Dr. Orn suggested one of the barn buildings have some space reserved for the Chamber of Commerce or tourism bureau, for which rent could be paid at a market rate. However, he suggested some preferential invitations for use may be given to civic groups like the Lions Club or the Rotary Club. He said the Brooklyn Historical Society should also have some designated space. Dr. Orn said the senior citizens should have some identified area, whether it be office space for a senior activities coordinator, a drop -in lounge, or something to serve a large number of people at one time. He suggested the outside barn be moved closer to the other buildings and use it as best as can be. Dr. Orn noted he understands some changes may occur as the project develops and understands some of the differences in opinion with staff. However, the committee is prepared to work with staff to iron out the differences. Commissioner Theis asked what specific uses the G and H barns could be for other 12 -14 -87 -2- 1 1 1 1 1 than office uses. Dr. Orn said it would be nice if some of the service organizations could be located in these buildings. He added none of the service organizations have been notified suggesting this yet, and said the activities of the civic groups may be enhanced if the groups are brought together in a general area. The HRA Coordinator said the action from the EDA tonight would be to accept the program discussed this evening and forward it on to the architect. There was a motion by Commissioner Scott and seconded by Commissioner Hawes to adopt the staff's report on the uses of the Earle Brown Farm. The motion passed unanimously. RESOLUTIONS (CONTINUED) RESOLUTION NO. 87 -11 Member Gene Lhotka introduced the following resolution and moved its adoption: RESOLUTION DESIGNATING DEPOSITORIES OF EDA FUNDS The motion for the adoption of the foregoing resolution was duly seconded by member Bill Hawes, and the motion passed unanimously. ADJOURNMENT There was a motion by Commissioner Hawes and seconded by Commissioner Theis to adjourn the meeting. The motion passed unanimously. The Brooklyn Center Economic Development Authority adjourned at 7:34 p.m.