HomeMy WebLinkAbout2004 [12] Dec 15CITY OF ST. JOSEPH
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY
Meeting Minutes -Wednesday, December 15, 2004
Present: Board Members Ross Rieke, Bruce Gohman, Larry Hosch, Ken Jacobson and Tom Skahen.
Members Absent: None.
Also present: Mayor-Elect Carlbom and Cynthia Smith-Strack of Municipal Development Group.
Chairperson Rieke called the regular meeting of the St. Joseph EDA to order at 3:06 p.m.
Agenda.
Moved by Gohman seconded by Skahen to approve the agendas presented. Motion carried 5-0.
Approval of Minutes.
Board Member Gohman noted the minutes from the November meeting were not included in the packet. .
Motion Skahen, seconded by Gohman fo table approval of the November 17, 2004 Regular EDA minutes
until the January 19, 2005 meeting. Motion approved 5-0.
EDA Accounts Payable.
Strack provided an overview of the accounts payable for November 2004.
Motion by Gohman, second by Skahen to approve EDA accounts payable. Motion carried 5-0.
Financial Report.
Strack provided an overview of the financial reports for November noting corrections were expected in the
future as budget cycle was closed.
Motion by Hosch, second by Gohman to approve financial reports as presented. Motion carried 5-0.
Introduction of Guests.
Hosch introduced Mayor Elect Richard Carlbom to the EDA. Strack provided Carlbom with an overview
of the EDA's function as a separate government entity created via resolution of the City Council of St.
Joseph and subject to the limits of power itemized in the enabling resolution, including the need for the
Council to provide final approval of financial matters such as budgeting, issuance of financial assistance
and bond issuance. Strack described the composition of the Board, typical meeting dates/times/content
and expectations.
Carlbom indicated his intent was to appoint himself as the Council representative replacing Hosch and re-
appoint Mr. Ken Jacobson who was filling an non-expired term vacated earlier in the year which was
subject to reappointment in 2005.
Strack noted Carlbom will be required to take an oath of office in January, however since Jacobson was
being re-appointed the EDA was not required to re-administer the oath.
EDA Annual Report to Council.
Chairperson Rieke introduced the item.
Strack provided a general review of the purpose of the required EDA annual report to Council.
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The EDA reviewed the draft report in greater detail noting the historical increase in commercial industrial
development activity since the EDA's inception, the information that was prepared and made available to
development contacts, financial incentives available and 2004 work plan/goals accomplishments.
Rieke and Gohman noted minor adjustments needed in formatting on pages 6 and 7. Hosch
recommended a change in verbiage on page 17 regarding expansion of the joint annexation area.
Rieke suggested Board Members take another look at the report within a week to determine if any other
changes/revisions were needed.
Motion by Skahen, second by Jacobson to direct correction of aforementioned items and authorize
submitting of monthly report to the City Council for approval at the first meeting in January. Motion carried
5-0.
Preliminary Estimate for Extension of Utilities.
Chairperson Rieke introduced the agenda item.
Strack indicated she had been working closely with a commercial development prospect who is currently
conducting preliminary cash flow analysis on a parcel/project in St. Joseph. Strack noted preliminary
estimates for extending utilities to the parcel are required for said analysis but have yet to be conducted.
The developer had requested the City Engineer comment on utilities services to the subject parcel.
Strack noted the EDA assisted two other proposed developments with similar analysis in the past but the
2004 budget no longer contained adequate funding to support the analysis which is estimated to cost
approximately $1,500.00. Strack requested input how to proceed.
Hosch and Rieke indicated that they had had confidential discussions with the development prospect and
were pleased with the nature and scope of the proposed project and the potential economic/social
benefits of the potential project to the City of St. Joseph and the entire area.
Gohman exited the meeting at 3:45 p.m.
Motion Hosch, second Rieke to authorize expenditure for City Engineer's review of extension of utilities to
subject parcel.
Jacobson expressed concern regarding the motion and the lack of information available due to the
proprietary nature of the proposed development. Skahen echoed Jacobson's concern.
Motion carried 2:0 with Skahen and Jacobson abstaining.
Director's Report.
A prospect list/activity report outlining communication with various contacts was included in the EDA's
annual report to the City Council and therefore, not provided under this heading.
Board Member Announcements.
Hosch noted this EDA meeting was his final meeting as a Board Member. Hosch thanked EDA members
and staff for their dedication to enhancing economic development within the community and noted he
would be available for meetings while serving as State Representative.
Adjournment
Motion by Skahen, seconded by Jacobson to adjourn. Motion carried 4:0. Meeting adjourned at 3:55 p.m.
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