HomeMy WebLinkAbout20230516 Regular Meeting
ROSEMOUNT PORT AUTHORITY
REGULAR MEETING PROCEEDINGS
MAY 16, 2023
CALL TO ORDER/PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Pursuant to due call and notice thereof a regular meeting of the Rosemount Port Authority
meeting held on May 16, 2023, at 6:00 p.m. in the City Hall Council Chambers, 2875 145th
Street West.
Chairperson Essler called the meeting to order with Port Authority Commissioners Weisensel,
Ober, Freske, Beaudette, and Theisen in attendance. Staff present included Deputy Director
Kienberger and Economic Development Coordinator Van Oss.
The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.
ADDITIONS OR CORRECTIONS TO AGENDA
None.
Motion by Essler Second by Freske.
Motion to adopt the Agenda.
Ayes: 6.
Nays: 0. Motion Carried.
CONSENT AGENDA
Motion by Klimpel. Second by Freske.
Motion to approve the consent agenda as submitted.
a.Minutes of April 18, 2023 Regular Meeting
Ayes: Essler, Weisensel, Ober, Freske, Beaudette, and Theisen.
Nays: 0. Motion Carried.
CHAIRPERSON’S REPORT
None.
REPORTS FROM PORT AUTHORITY COMMISSIONERS
Commissioner Theisen shared that he was impressed with and enjoyed the employee
appreciation lunch held last week.
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Commissioner Beaudette noted that he has been trying to contact various restaurants to get
them in contact with City staff for the potential for a new business opportunity.
NEW BUSINESS
a.Life Time Site Natural Foods Grocer Feasibility Discussion
Economic Development Coordinator Van Oss introduced the representative from the
Natural Grocery Store. The representative from the Natural Grocer presented an
overview of the potential Store, characteristics of the grocery business, as well as the
community partnerships and events hosted by Natural Grocery Store, in addition to
the overlap of interest in the City of Rosemount.
Commissioner Weisensel asked about the other store sites in comparison to the size of
what would potentially be proposed in Rosemount. The representative from the
Natural Grocer noted there is 18,000 ft of retail space in Burnsville and the grocer is
looking to construct roughly 17,000 for the total area in Rosemount.
Commissioner Beaudette asked if there would be space to expand the store. The
representative from the Natural Grocery Store noted that yes, if it would be beneficial to
do so.
Commissioner Beaudette asked what the closest competitor would be to the Natural
Grocery Store.
Commissioner Beaudette asked if this would be the only feasible site for development
of the potential grocery store, which Economic Development Coordinator Van Oss
confirmed that the potential site was the only feasible area for the grocery business.
Commissioner Theisen noted good synergy with uses around the potential site for the
grocery business. Commissioner Theisen asked if there would be any competition
between this use and other uses in the area. The representative from the Natural
Grocery Store stated there are no concerns about the potential uses of being in
competition.
Commissioner Ober asked if they would continue the community garden aspect of the
grocery business and the representative from the Natural Grocery Store noted that
there have not been any decisions made regarding the specific uses of a potential
store yet.
Commissioner Beaudette asked when Life Time would open, and staff noted Life Time
would open in early 2024. Staff also noted the purpose of bringing this potential
business to the Port Authority meeting ahead of any application was done
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intentionally to obtain the pulse of the Port Authority and City Council members, as the
City has a strong interest in successfully developing the Corner of Akron and County
Road 42.
Commissioner Ober inquired again about the potential size of the grocery store to
visualize the size of the space and what it may be able to hold.
Commissioner Essler inquired about the timeline and start-up costs for which the
representative from the Natural Grocery Store noted the gaps that would likely occur
within the short and medium term.
b.Authorization to issue General Obligation Improvement and Utility Revenue Bonds
City Administrator Martin gave an overview of the Authorization to issue General
Obligation Improvement and Utility Revenue Bonds.
Motion by Theisen. Second by Freske.
Motion to recommend City Council approve the Authorization to issue General
Obligation Improvement and Utility Revenue Bonds.
OLD BUSINESS
a.Project Updates
Commissioner Ober asked if there were any updates from the Speedway. Economic
Development Coordinator Van Oss noted that staff is waiting on several pre-
development aspects, including clean-up and remediation, to take place before the site
moves forward.
Commissioner Theisen asked if there was any interest from other buyers. Economic
Development Coordinator Van Oss noted it is not likely until City staff have a full
understanding of what the pre-development findings will be.
Commissioner Weisensel asked what the costs associated would be. Deputy Director
Kienberger noted there is a lengthy process to determine the full scope of costs.
Commissioner Essler asked if there was an opportunity for communication from the
City about the status of the site. City staff noted communication on the site would be
possible.
Commissioner Ober asked if it could have lawn maintenance done before Leprechaun
Days, and staff noted that would be possible. In the meantime, the City will make sure
to take care of the site from a blight and nuisance standpoint.
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Van Oss gave an update on the restaurants in the area.
Essler gave an update on the Flower Shop and its closing and transitional use.
Freske gas station is on the corner of Akron and City staff noted there was nothing to
note yet.
DISCUSSION
None.
DIRECTOR’S REPORT
None.
COMMUNITY/AUDIENCE RECOGNITION
None.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business to come before the Port Authority and upon motion by Essler
and Second by Freske the meeting was unanimously adjourned at 6:49 pm.
Respectfully submitted,
Riley Rooney
Community Development
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