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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2001 [06] Jun 20Official Minutes- EDA Board Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, the Economic Development Authority for the City of St. Joseph met in regular session on Wednesday, June 20, 2001 at 4:00 p.m. in the St. Joseph City Hall. Members Present: Board Members Ross Rieke, Mike Deutz, Bob Loso and Bruce Gohman. EDA Director Chad A. Carlson. Members Absent: Larry Hosch Others Present• None Approval of the Agenda: Loso made a motion to approve the agenda, seconded by Duetz. The motion passed unanimously by those present.. Approval of Minutes: Loso made a motion to approve the minutes of May 30, 2001 meeting, seconded by Duetz. The motion passed unanimously by those present. Rieke abstained from the vote. Strategic Planning Session Carlson requested that the Board Members discuss the Planning Session and the follow up that needs to occur over the next few months. The members discussed the material covered and an opportunity to make public the EDA's plan over the next couple of years. Rieke apologized for missing a majority of the planning sessions and question if the process worked and the all issues were discussed. Rieke did not want to loose site of the EDA's accomplishments over the past four years. Deutz stated that the strategic plan process was good, but the progress needs to be reviewed within the next year. The EDA should aggressively proceed with the work items and monitor the EDA Director's progress. The EDA should also get the public and City Council informed of the EDA agenda. A summary of the workplan should be submitted to the paper. Deutz requested that the Planning Commission, City Council and EDA Board meet jointly within the next couple months. Deutz made a motion to approve the 2002-2003 EDA Work Plan with the following conditions: 1) a joint meeting be scheduled within the next month with the Planning Commission and City Council; and 2) the EDA Board review the progress of the Work Plan in one year for evaluation. The motion was seconded by Loso and passed unanimously by those present. EDA LeWing Authority Wilson presented the EDA Board members with details on the EDA's levying authority. Carlson stated thatthe amount that could be levied, using 2000 market value of real property in the City of St. Joseph would be approximately $18,000 per year. The EDA Board discussed the possible uses of the funds. Rieke stated that the amount is so small and the yearly impact to a property owner is very insignificant. However, the EDA needs to be very specific regarding the use of the funds and up front with the public. Deutz stated that it was his impression that the money would be earmarked to start a revolving loan fund program. The funds should not become part of the operating budget. Loso stated that he disagreed and would like to see the EDA function alone without assistance from the City's General Fund. He understood that the EDA would be astand-alone entity when the past City Council formed the EDA. Gohman stated that the EDA must have a program and plan to use the funds for a specific purpose. This issue will be very political. If the EDA wished to levy funds for 2002, when would the process begin. Carlson stated that he would speak with Judy Weyrens regarding the budget time line and the option of levying EDA funds. Loso stated that the deadline for cities to certify budgets is in September. Rieke suggested that the EDA Board meet with the investment committee to discuss the process and use of the funds. Carlson stated he would keep this item on the agenda and meet within the next month to move forward with a levy. Prospect List Carlson gave the EDA Board a report on the active prospect list and focused discussion on certain prospects and timing. Other Business Gohman and Deutz lead a discussion involving the forth coming auction of the old City Hall office building. Deutz stated that the EDA needs to go on record stating their disapproval of the sale and that the City of St. Joseph retain the property for future use. Deutz made a motion that the EDA for the City of St. Joseph is opposed to the sale of the old City Hall office building and recommends the City of St. Joseph retain the property for future use; Seconded by Rieke Discussion: Deutz volunteered to bring the motion forward to the City Council. The motion passed unanimously by those present. Adjourn The EDA Board meetin ed by consensus at 5:15 p.m. Chad Car o EDA Director