HomeMy WebLinkAbout[03] Approval of MinutesCITY OF ST. JOSEPH
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AURTHORITY
Meeting Minutes -Wednesday, April 22, 2009
Present: EDA Board Members Carolyn Yaggie-Heinen, Ken Jacobson, AI Rassier, Tom Skahen,
and Dale Wick.
Absent: None.
Also present: Dr. Mary Edwards, Director Economic Development Center, St. Cloud State
University and SCSU Graduate Student Reeta Ale Mager, SCSU Graduate Student Yotiaud
Vivien Apoutou. EDA Consultant Cynthia Smith -Strack of Municipal Development Group.
Chairperson Wick called the April 22, 2009 regular meeting of the St. Joseph EDA to order at
3:01 p.m.
Agenda.
Chairperson Wick introduced the agenda and requested item 5(b) (SCSU Study/Dr. Mary
Edwards) be moved forward on the agenda and that streetscape/landscape design be added to
the agenda as item 5C.
Moved by Skahen, seconded by Rassier to approve the agenda subject to changes requested by
Chairperson Wick. Motion carried 5-0.
SCSU Study Update.
Wick introduced the agenda item and guests at the EDA meeting. Strack noted efforts to
implement an economic impact study are underway by faculty and students at SCSU. However,
as the Study was being conducted a few issues regarding the project had surfaced. As a means
of keeping the EDA informed of activities and provide an opportunity to ask questions/share
comments, Strack had invited Dr. Edwards and the students working on the project to the
meeting.
Dr. Edwards provided an update of the project status. She noted spending surveys were emailed
to CSB/SJU students and CSB/SJU faculty/staff earlier in the week and that last check over 300
of each survey were returned. Edwards apologized for an inadvertent error which caused student
rental property owners to receive the wrong version of a survey. She noted corrected surveys
were mailed and that the landlords she had spoken with had mixed ideas about the pending
residence change.
The graduate students noted they are currently obtaining additional data from public sources
which will be used in the forecasting model. The students and Dr. Edwards stated the study will
be complete by the next EDA meeting (May 27). The finished report will include both narrative
descriptions/outcomes and statistical data. The finished report will be presented for review to
study sponsors and then the EDA/City at a meeting on May 27"'
Approval of Minutes.
Chairperson Wick introduced the minutes from the March 25, 2009 regular meeting.
Motion by Heinen, second by Jacobson to approve the minutes from the March 25, 2009 regular
meeting. Motion carried 5-0.
EDA Accounts Payable.
Wick introduced the topic. Wick noted accounts payable for the month which totaled $2,508.55.
Motion by Jacobson, second by Heinen to approve the EDA accounts payable for the month of
April 2009 in the amount of $2,508.55. Motion carried 5-0.
Financial Report.
Wick introduced the agenda item. Strack distributed 2008 year-end, audited reports and March
2009 year-to-date monthly reports. Strack referenced the year-end Treasurer's Report for Fund
150 which illustrated an audited balance of $19,713.20. The Fund 150 audited 2007 balance was
$29,174.25 meaning the fund balance was spent down by $9,461.55 in 2008. The spending down
of the fund balance was in accordance with City Council direction. Audited 2008 fund balances for
other EDA Funds are: Fund 155 (TIF 1-3) $5,948.15; Fund 156 (TIF 1-4) $26,704.87; Fund 157
(TIF 2-1) $5,761.53; and Fund 250 (Revolving Loan Fund) $52,647.72.
The March 2009 year to date Treasurer's illustrates year to date expenses of $14,268.26,
budgeted revenue for 2009 is $45,010.00; expenses $35,540.00; the difference is an extra
allocation for the addition of a staff level Community Development Director.
Motion Skahen, Second Jacobson to approve the financial reports as presented. Motion carried
5-0.
2009 Business Retention 8 Expansion Program
Wick introduced the topic. Strack noted the EDA is planning a BRE program for 2009. At the
previous meeting the EDA began reviewing a BRE survey. EDA Board Members agreed to
review two samples and forward comments prior to the April meeting. Comments received on the
recommended business surveys were included in EDA Member's information packets.
Board members discussed the nature of a BRE survey with mixed opinions evident. Some
members preferred a brief, broad-spectrum survey while others preferred a precise, narrowly-
focused survey. Most were concerned about building rapport in addition to obtaining information
which adequately represented business owners.
The Board reached consensus on an initial "business builder breakfast" event which would be
very short, early on a Tuesday a.m., and aimed at getting business owners to talk with EDA
officials. Strack was directed to bring concepts for a June event to the May meeting.
StreeULandscape Plan Proposal
Strack noted she had met with Randy Schmitz from Scenic Specialties to discuss the drafting of
streeUlandscaping plans for portions of College Avenue and Minnesota Street within the
downtown. Schmitz submitted a proposal to draft said streeUlandscaping plans. The proposal
breaks the project into three phases and includes deliverables. The plans would be used when
fundraising for capital to actually install proposed streeUlandscaping plans. The proposal price
was $3,500 with a reduction of $1,000 by the Company.
The EDA directed Strack to investigate potential funding resources including: the Jaycees, the
Lions, and the Chamber. Strack will bring additional information back to the May 27'x' meeting.
Board Member Reports
Jacobson reported has been researching, authoring, and submitting grant requests.
Adjournment.
Meeting adjourned by consensus at 4:40 PM.
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