HomeMy WebLinkAbout07.15.25July 15th, 2025
Page 1 of 2
Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, the St. Joseph Economic Development Authority met on
Tuesday, July 15th, 2025 at 12:00 PM.
Members Present: Board Members Joe Bye, Ross Huls, Kelly Beniek, Larry Hosch (via Zoom)
Members Absent: Kevin Kluesner
City Representatives Present: Nate Keller Community Development Director, Lori Bartlett Finance
Director
Hosch called the St. Joseph Economic Development Authority meeting to order at 12:00 PM
Public Comments: Joe Walz 33003 County Road 3 expressed his frustrations with the construction work
and detour route/signage at Co Rd 2 and MN Street.
Agenda Approval: Beniek made a motion to approve the agenda; seconded by Bye and passed
unanimously by those present.
Consent Agenda:
Bye made a motion to approve the consent agenda; seconded by Beniek and passed unanimously
by those present.
a. Minutes — June 17th, 2025
b. Financial Report June
c. TIF report
Hiqhwav Facade Grant Request— Floral Arts
Keller explained Floral Arts is seeking a $2,000 maximum grant request. Floral Arts is located in the
Highway Commercial District. Keller mentioned when the Highway Facade grant was expanded the
language included projects that are visible from Highway 75. Keller handed off details of the request to
the owner of Floral Arts Greg. Greg explained they are looking to redo some windows and doors.
Hosch asked if the project is an enhancement over the existing (in terms of aesthetics) to ensure the
project was not just a replacement project. Greg explained they will be adding larger windows and
windows that have a more "framed" look so yes it would be an aesthetic upgrade.
Board members discussed the importance of the area the business is located and how improvements
would provide a visible upgrade in an area of town that has seen recent investment and has future
projects on the horizon for redevelopment.
Beniek made a motion to approve a maximum $2,000 grant for Floral Arts; seconded by Bye and
passed unanimously by those present.
Tourism Coordinator Position — Bruno proposed contract
Over the past several months the EDA has discussed reorganization of the CVB and best long-term
solutions to support CVB items. One item that has been discussed is Mary Bruno does not have an actual
contract. Therefore Bruno and Nate have worked toward researching and creating job descriptions. Keller
went over details of the logistic items including budget options on how the stipend would be paid. Bruno is
requesting a $5,400 annual increase over her current stipend (going from $9,000 current rate to $14,400.
Keller suggested if the contract is approved that the additional $5,400 come from the "Professional
Services" line budget in EDA funds. This line item would see an increase. The remaining $9,000 of the
stipend would be paid for by lodging tax funds as it has in the past.
Bruno provided an overview of the contract proposal and details. The position would cover Social Media
Management, content creation, print/promotional design, marketing, event and business coordination,
relationship building, and more.
Questions were asked in regards to: evaluation of role, if role was a city position, contract termination
options, clarifying how the role would support or interact with the CVB and Tourism group, and more.
The Board asked that the role provide updates to the EDA on an as needed or requested basis with a
minimum of one verbal update a year. The contract would be an annual contract.
Keller clarified that Mary's position would be that of a consultant and not a city employee.
July 15th, 2025
Page 2 of 2
Keller also mentioned the EDA could soley act and approve the contract (powers given to EDA through
State law) however given this is the first contract of its kind and the Mayors involvement Keller
recommends that the EDA provide a recommendation to the City Council for their July 21st meeting
where Council will act on the contract.
Bye made a motion to approve the contract as presented with the added note of EDA receiving
updates from Mary as needed/requested; seconded by Huls and passed unanimously by those
present.
2026 Budget discussions
Keller highlighted items in the budget which includes:
• Reserving $3,000 from the $25,000 annual budget allocation for program funds to support the
hosting of "Connecting Entrepreneurs Conference". Keller also provided an update that the
Committee reached out and is very interested in having St. Joseph host. A conference call is set-
up for next week to learn more from the Committee staff.
• Increase downtown Fagade grant from $2,000 to $3,000
o Keller also asked about rental conversions in downtown. No changes suggested as part
of this topic
• Restore EDAM membership at a cost of $330 annually (versus historic rate of $290)
• General marketing funds (no increase but keep at $500 or so)
• Small Cities Development Grant — already approved previously just noted in the budget
EDA Board agreed to approve the items above.
General Business updates
Keller updated the Board on: Casey's, Paternity leave, Kuepers project, Flour and Flower, Martini, WR
Littles and Pine and Fiber open space, EDAM Conference, GSDC Pitch competition last month, Joetown
Tourism meeting on June 23rd.
Adwiourn: Beniek made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 12:56 PM, seconded by Bye and passed
unanimously by those present.
Minutes by:
Nate Keller
Community Development Director