Posted: 6/11/03

Stars and Strikes gets time extension in Wyoming

Alice Pickering
Wyoming Area Reporter

In an effort to see the proposed Stars and Strikes development go forward, Wyoming City Council June 2 agreed to more time for developers of Stars and Strikes to present a business plan, building plan and site plan to the city.

The city had been in negotiations to sell a small piece of land between their holdings and the Sunrise River to Stars and Strikes. This was a better alternative for the group than paying for construction of a bridge across the Sunrise River to prevent a landlocked parcel.

Earlier, City Attorney Tom Miller notified the Stars and Strikes developers the city was withdrawing its offer to sell a portion of city real estate south of property they own, because of inaction.

Nancy Immel, speaking for Stars and Strikes, told council they had been trying to reach an agreement with Gaughan Companies to coordinate building a hotel on a portion of the land. An agreement with Gaughan could qualify both groups for tax-increment financing for construction of a bridge between the north and south parcels.

However, Gaughan wanted to postpone construction of hotel for four or five years, Immel said. The group still wants to be allowed to purchase the land and make payments.

ìWe wasted almost five months,î she concluded.

If the entire quadrant were to be developed, a tax increment financing district could be created. TIF is desirable because it allow flexibility in financing.

Stars and Strikes initially preferred not working with the Small Business Administration because of the duration of the loan and a lock on the term of repayment to 20 years.

They have five plans/layouts of their project and want to increase the square footage of the hotel and include two more banquet rooms than originally planned. Immel said the group could begin ground breaking at the end of July and be operational by the beginning of January 2004.

To date, Stars and Strikes group has submitted a letter of intent for purchase of the land, but nothing further.

Mayor Vern Haag said there is no city incentive to go on with the project if the financing for the property has not been secured. There can be no property sale or no re-zoning consideration unless and until the development agreement has been signed.

The city requires complete building plans and property description before it agrees to sell any land. In the development agreement the obligations of both parties are spelled out.

Miller tied the development agreement and purchase agreement together wanting to be certain there is a project before the land sale is completed and a landlocked piece of property is not created. The group has been using the proposed purchase of land south of their holdings as a done deal, Miller said.

It is ìbad practice, to have an open-ended real estate deal,î he said, adding ìthe goal is to get things signed.î

The discussion will continue at the next meeting.

Summer program

By unanimous 5-0 vote, council voted to reinstate the summer recreation program, with funds to come from the charitable gambling funds. Jennifer Hegsted presented the budget for the program in the amount of $2110.

The program has been changed from three days to two days and some hours have been adjusted. Programs at some parks have been combined.

Wyoming Township supports the program and is contributing half the cost to make it possible.

Approval is contingent on securing transportation for participants for local field trips. Council authorized the release of $1055 in city funds, once transportation arrangements are final.

By a unanimous vote council adopted the wetland conservation act and re-established local government unit status for the city. This will allow the city to take back the function of determining wetland status for property owners by dealing with consultants.

A delegation to Chisago County Department of Environmental Services is being reclaimed. There is no cost to the city because although consultants would be hired by the city, developers would pay for the cost of hiring the consultants. One reason for the decision is to speed action evaluating wetlands.

There was unanimous council approval for the purchase of a 2004 Intrepid for the police department, with the stipulation that purchase of an extended warranty is acquired. Total cost is $26,072.65.

Sgt Scott Dexter told council he has contacted other departments, including the airport police, Rogers, Plainview, that uses these cars and all agree they work well.

The package includes a paint job. He said Forest Lake Chrysler can provide service the squad car would need. The car would come with everything except the light bar, which would cost an additional $1200. Delivery would take four-six weeks, with about 10 days to set-up the vehicle. A Later upgrade to the extended warranty will allow the city time to incorporate cost into the 2004 budget.

Other business

In other business, council:

ïApproved the appointments of Sheldon Anderson and James Stumn to fill vacancies on the Parks board. Koalska would like to meet park board members.

ïApproved the appointment of Norm Riedeman to the Wyoming Economic Development Authority board.

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