HomeMy WebLinkAbout2003 [02] Feb 192-19-03
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CITY OF ST. JOSEPH
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY
Meeting Minutes -Wednesday, February 19, 2003
Present: EDA Board Members Mike Deutz, Larry Hosch, Ross Rieke and Tom Skahen. Absent: Bruce
Gohman.
Also present: Cynthia Smith-Strack of Municipal Development Group.
Chair Deutz called the meeting of the St. Joseph EDA to order at 4:42 p.m.
Agenda.
Moved by Hosch, seconded by Rieke. The agenda was approved 3-0.
Oath of Office.
Chairperson Deutz introduced the newest appointment to the EDA Board, Mr. Tom Skahen. Strack
administered the oath of office to Boardmember Skahen.
Minutes.
Moved by Hosch seconded by Rieke fo approve the minutes of the January 22, 2003 EDA meeting as
presented. Minutes were approved 4-0 as presented.
Accounts Payable.
The EDA discussed accounts payable for the month of January, 2003 in the amount of $1991.89 and
year to date expenditures as they related to the annual budget.
Moved by Rieke, seconded by Skahen to approve January Accounts Payable and accept financial report
as presented. Accounts payable and the financial report were approved 4-0.
Business Lead Questionnaire.
Stack provided background information on the EDA's interest in developing a survey to distribute to
business prospects to obtain input on current and future EDA and City services. The EDA reviewed the
proposed survey instrument and discussed formal approval and survey distribution options. Board
Member Hosch indicated that he would request the Planning Commission Chair review the survey
instrument with the Planning Commission and that he would review the instrument with the City Council.
The EDA will review the survey concept again at their March 19"' meeting.
High Speed Data Line -Industrial Areas.
Strack gave a brief update on EDA staffs discussions with Astound Broadband regarding the installation
of a high-speed data line to service the industrial areas of the City. The technology upgrade is on the
EDA's work plan for the year. Strack reviewed information from a telephone survey with industrial
property owners regarding interest in high speed data lines and her subsequent meetings with Tony
Fernkes of Astound. The EDA recommended MDG consult with U.S. Cable regarding cable utility
placement within industrial areas as well.
Commercial/Industrial Site Inventory.
Strack provided an update on the assembly of a site inventory for available commercial and industrial
properties for sale or lease within the community. The site inventory will be for office use and posting on
the City web site. Letters have been sent to several property owners requesting information on available
sites and approval of the web site posting. Follow-up calls will now be made.
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Prospect ListlActivity Report.
A report outlining communication with various contacts was included in the EDA's packet. A brief
overview of several projects was provided.
Buettner Business Park Speed Limit -Elm Street and 15`h Avenue
Strack indicated the City Administrator had noted the speed limit within Buettner Business Park is not
currently posted and, therefore, defaulting to 55 miles per hour. The City Administrator had noted public
officials concern about speeds within the park. The EDA discussed the right-of-way width and speeds
and indicated a reduced speed should be considered.
Motion Hosch, Second Skahen to recommend the City Council request a speed study be prepared for
Elm Street and 15`h Avenue within Buettner Business Park, the purpose being to establish a more suitable
speed limit such as 40 to 45 m.p.h. The motion was approved 4-0.
Board member Hosch exited the meeting at 5:42 p.m.
Board Member Announcements:
None.
Next Meeting
The next official meeting of the EDA is scheduled for March 19, 2003.
Adjournment
Moved by Skahen, seconded by Rieke to adjourn.
meeting adjourned t 5:45 p.
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All present voted in favor of adjournment, the EDA
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