I. Approval of Minutes

· October 17, 2001 meeting minutes approved without changes.

II. Review: Revised Wall Companies’ Proposal for Minnesota Innovation Center (SEMI Technology Park)

The proposal for a technology park and business incubator (now referred to as the “Minnesota Innovation Center”) north of the U of M Transitway at 25^th Avenue SE has been divided in to multiple phases.

Phase 1 of the proposal would include:

· 3-story, 75,000 sq. ft. business incubator

· 3 office buildings

· Adjacent surface parking lots (rather than parking ramps)

· Maintaining the Lighthouse Bay building for potential reuse (cost to relocate existing tenants is prohibitively expensive at the current time)

The cost to build the structural parking was the main reason for the change. The intention would be to infill the surface lots with office buildings in future phases, once the structured parking becomes financially feasible. Phase 1 would include 100,000 sq. ft for a research company tenant (not yet identified).

Work on phase 1 would begin this spring, with completion of phases 2 through 4 over the next eight to ten years.

Jim Forsyth has provided Wall Companies with the SEED design guidelines. The next presentation by the Wall Companies will be step three in the SEED review process (response to SEED suggestions).

Committee Discussion:

Zoning impacts?

Project will be required to comply with existing zoning regulations.

Grain elevators north of U of M parking lots?

These elevators would be demolished, which would allow removal of the rail spurs that connect to the east of the site.

Tax increment financing for project?

TIF will be used to assist the project, however, TIF did not generate enough funds to do both structured parking and demolition of grain elevators.

How can infill development of surface parking lots be assured in the future?

City could grant “interim” permits for surfacing parking lots.

Status of the ADM site?

Wall Companies has acquired the ADM site.

How does proposal tie in with Granary Parkway and new stormwater ponds?

Project would include Granary Parkway as proposed in Refined Master Plan. Design of the stormwater ponds is expected to be completed by July 2002, which will work with the timing on the design for the project.

How will infrastructure costs be paid for?

· SEMI is expected to receive annual funding ($1 million for 2002, and $1 million for following five years) from the Middle Mississippi Watershed Management Organization (MMWMO) for stormwater management.

· $2.8 million in bonding authority has been granted by the state for SEMI.

· A special service district could also be used to pay for stormwater infrastructure and maintenance costs in SEMI.

· $1 million has also been allocated from Empowerment Zone funding for SEMI.

III. Status Report: Middle Mississippi Watershed Management Organization (MMWMO)

The committee was shown a video presentation on the Middle Mississippi Watershed Management Organization.

It was suggested that SEED submit a letter to the MMWMO outlining the need for assistance for stormwater ponds and management. A draft is to be presented at the next SEED meeting.

IV. Old Business

There was no old business.

V. New Business

The SEED AUAR has been nominated for a Committee on Urban Environment Award. The winners will be announced Monday, January 28^th.