ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE Time ... - City of Wausau

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE
Time and Place: The Economic Development Committee met on Wednesday, October 28, 2009 at
2:00 PM in the Board Room at City Hall
ED Members Present: Jim Rosenberg (Chair), Gary Gisselman, Jim Brezinski, Steve Foley, and Ed
Gale
Others Present: Heather Wessling, Joe Pribanich, Anne Jacobson, Mayor Jim Tipple, MaryAnne
Groat, Mindy Brandenburg, Cal Tillisch, Todd Pagel, Aaron Wicker, John Flad,
Chris Horak
In accordance with Chapter 19, Wisc. Stats., notice of this meeting was posted and sent to the Daily
Herald in the proper manner. Rosenberg noted there was a quorum and called the meeting to order at
2:00 PM.
(1) DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT FOR PROPOSED WALGREENS PROJECT AT 17 TH AND
STEWART AVENUE
Pribanich discussed the proposed Walgreens development on 17 th Avenue. He indicated there were
previous cost estimates from Wisconsin Public Service that have changed due to an error on their behalf.
He said the developer, John Flad, was requesting the City pay for a portion of the cost to remove the
power lines in the Northeast corner of the proposed site. He said the total cost would now be $158,000,
of which Flad would cover $75,000. Pribanich said any cost over the $158,000 would be Flad’s
responsibility. Pribanich discussed reimbursement costs to the federal government in regards to
removing 70 feet of access restrictions on Wegner Street. He also noted we would have to vacate a
portion of Stewart Avenue, which would revert ownership back to the State of Wisconsin. The City has
hired an appraiser to determine what the values of the properties are that would need to be paid to the
State. Brezinski indicated this is blighted area and something needed to be done. Rosenberg questioned
Groat and Wessling regarding TIF funds. Wessling discussed the TIF district for this project wouldn’t be
extended until 2010. Pribanich noted TIF 6 can be extended from the North, but there may be a
possibility of extending it sooner to capture Sherman Street. He noted they may amend TIF 6 this year to
account for Sherman Street and amend it next year for this development. Rosenberg questioned how
many amendments were allowed. Groat said 5. Gale questioned if the estimated numbers can change.
Pribanich said he will not know until the final figures come back from the appraiser. Gale amended the
motion to be contingent upon the development area becoming part of TIF 6. Groat indicated there is a
possibility of going outside of the TIF boundaries since we are allowed to go up to ½ mile radius outside
the district. Gale withdrew the amendment and asked that if TIF 6 gets amended, to extend if far enough
to the north to accommodate any other projects that may be in the future. Tillisch stressed the time factor
for Flad as well as his client, Chris Horak. Wessling questioned if Pribanich knew when to expect the
appraisals. Pribanich indicated they should be done soon. Flad discussed this development and told
the committee how costs had changed from the beginning until now. Pribanich noted in the staff report
there was discussion about the sidewalks required by the developer’s agreement. He indicated the staff
report said the sidewalk was required on the East side of 17 th Avenue, when in fact it should have
reflected the West side of Stewart Avenue. Horak indicated there were no sidewalks extending in front of
other properties that have been developed in the last 24 months. Gale assured Horak that there was not
much input from the community regarding sidewalks when the other properties were developed like there
were now. He noted there would be sidewalks extended to the other properties in the near future.
Motion by Brezinski to approve the agreement with the additional costs, second by Gale. Motion carried
5-0.
(2) FIRST RIGHT OF REFUSAL – ROSE GARDEN PROPERTY AT 131 WEST THOMAS STREET

Rosenberg discussed the Rose Garden property that is next to the Old Incubator site, which is owned by
the City. Pribanich indicated the committee should have a staff report in their packets. He discussed that
the City may need some of the right of way property for the widening of Thomas Street, but noted
whatever is not used by the City, would go back to the owner. Pribanich suggested capping the right of
way needed at 3,000 square feet, which he thought would be more than enough. Wicker questioned the
elimination of the driveway on Thomas Street. Pribanich indicated they may or may not eliminate this
access, but couldn’t tell for sure at this time. Pribanich noted the access on Cleveland would not be
affected except there may be two access points to the property. He said the engineers needed to
evaluate the property and median size before a determination could be made on the driveway access.
Pagel questioned when this decision would be made. He indicated this may be an access that is only
right turn in and right turn out. Tillisch questioned if any of the plans called for the complete elimination of
this driveway. Pribanich said no but there may be limited access.
Motion to approve the resolution as presented by Gale, second Foley. Motion carried 5-0.
(3) ADJOURN
Motion by Gale, second by Foley to adjourn the meeting. Motion carried 5-0.
Respectfully Submitted,
ECONOMIC COMMITTEE
Jim Rosenberg, Chairperson