HomeMy WebLinkAbout09.16.25September 16'n, 2025
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Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, the St. Joseph Economic Development Authority met on
Tuesday, September 16th, 2025 at 12:00 PM.
Members Present: Board Members Joe Bye, Ross Huls, Kelly Beniek, Larry Hosch, Kevin Kluesner
Members Absent:
City Representatives Present: Nate Keller Community Development 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 property his
family owns near Interstate-94. His main concerns were with access points to the site and historical
frustrations about what he has been told over the years. He stated information learned through a
Freedom of Information request. He also stated that he feels the city should pay to extend the
infrastructure like sewer to the site.
Board Member Kluesner responded to some of the comments from Walz.
Chair Hosch also stressed some of the concerns brought forward do not fall under the purvey of the EDA
but are decisions for the Council.
Agenda Approval: Kluesner 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 with the stated correction to the minutes as
commented by Joe Walz; seconded by Beniek and passed unanimously by those present.
a. Minutes — July 15'n, 2025
b. Financial Report August
Facade Grant Request — Pierce Insurance
Keller presented the Fapade request submitted by Pierce Insurance. Pierce Insurance purchased the
former Laser Dentistry on 2°d Ave NW and plans to make exterior enhancements which include painting,
landscape improvements, and more.
Troy Atkinson of Pierce Insurance attended and answered questions from Board members.
Chair Hosch asked about funds and balance of EDA Programs budget. Keller responded that funds are
available for the grant request.
Kluesner made a motion to approve a maximum $2,000 grant for Pierce Insurance; seconded by
Bye and passed unanimously by those present.
Connecting Entrepreneurial Communities Conference
The city of St. Joseph was selected to host the 2026 Connecting Entrepreneurial Communities
Conference. The Conference will occur on September 171' and 181n 2026 (Thursday and Friday). Keller
provided background on the conference, members he has assembled as part of the local planning team
and introduced Becca Hays from the University of MN Extension services. Ms. Hays provided more
background on the conference and helped answer questions from Board members.
Boutique hotel update
Keller provided updates that another investor group reached out. Keller took them on a tour of the
Downtown, and they expressed strong interest in constructing a Boutique hotel downtown. Keller
mentioned that the original investor group that has been pursuing the project for a couple of years has
purchased two more properties. Keller stated that it seems like only a matter of time before one group has
some serious wheels on the project and a TIF or Abatement request comes forward.
General Business updates
Keller updated the Board on: purchase of Casey's, Central MN Manufacturers Association Tours the
week of October 15'-41n Bonding Tour next Thursday at SCSU, Housing projects, Tour of Community with
prospective restaurant, Cannabis Cultivation facilities, Justice Center project, Floor to Ceiling building
tour, Retention visit — Coborn's, Preliminary budget number.
September 16'h, 2025
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Board member announcements
Kluesner mentioned the meeting that occurred between the city, and Church of St. Joseph in regards to
their parking lot on the corner of MN Street and College Ave.
Ad6ourn: Beniek made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 1:OOPM, seconded by Bye and passed
unanimously by those present.
Minutes by:
Nate Keller
Community Development Director