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HomeMy WebLinkAbout[05] Approval of Minutes CITY OF ST. JOSEPH ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY Meeting Minutes — Wednesday, June 20, 2012 Present: Chair Dale Wick; Board Members Tom Skahen, Steve Frank and Larry Hosch. Absent: Chad Davey Also present: Mayor Rick Schultz, Economic Development Consultant Joanne Foust, MDG, Inc. and City Administrator Judy Weyrens. Call to Order. Chairperson Wick called the June 20, 2012 meeting of the St. Joseph EDA to order at 5:01 p.m. Agenda. Chairperson Wick introduced the agenda. Motion by Frank, seconded by Skahen to approve the agenda as presented. Motion carried 4 -0. Resignation of EDA Commissioner Davey. Wick referenced a letter of resignation from Chad Davey citing work conflicts with EDA meetings. Motion by Skahen, seconded by Frank to accept the resignation of EDA Commissioner Davey and acknowledge the contributions he made to the EDA during his tenure. Motion carried 4 -0. Commissioners requested the City reinstitute the recognition of outgoing committee members with the presentation of a plaque, making this retroactive for other recent out -going commission members. It is anticipated that Doug Danielson will be appointed the fill the vacancy at their July 5, 2012 meeting. Approval of Minutes. Wick introduced the minutes from the May 23, 2012 regular EDA meeting and the June 6, 2012 Joint City Council /EDA /Park Board /Planning Commission meeting. Motion Wick, Second Frank to approve the May 23, 2012 and the June 6, 2012 minutes. Motion carried 4 -0. Accounts Payable and Monthly Report. Chairperson Wick introduced the agenda items and reviewed accounts payable for June 2012 in the amount of $2,518.45. Skahen requested additional information on interest earnings on the financial statement for the next meeting. Motion Frank, Seconded Wick to approve accounts payable and the June financial reports as presented. Motion carried 4:0. BFA Program Guidelines and Application. Wick introduced the agenda item and referenced a copy of the Facade Architectural Design Grant Program guidelines and application in the packet. Proposed amendments were discussed. The Commission requested funds be allowed to be dispersed to the applicant versus contractor or vendor. Discussion occurred relating to the use of funds for new construction which is above and beyond the basics and are consistent with design standards. June 20, 2012 EDA Meeting Page 1 It was noted the Demolition Grant Program guidelines should be reviewed and a requirement added relating to the timeframe in which the demolition and clean up of the site must be completed. Revised policies will be brought to the July meeting for action. Downtown Action Plan. Wick introduced the agenda item referencing the June 6, 2012 joint City Council /EDA /Park Board /Planning Commission meeting and directive for the EDA to take the lead on developing a Downtown Action Plan. This will include defining a process to obtain stakeholder input, defining the physical boundaries of the downtown, identifying parking, open space or public gathering spaces and pedestrian ways. It was the consensus of the EDA to conduct a workshop on the Downtown Action Plan as a part of the July EDA meeting. Commissioners will be provided copies of 11" x 17" maps in which they will each identify their vision for the downtown footprint and add layers or levels addressing each of the areas discussed at the joint workshop. The goal of the process will be to develop three or four concepts for the other committees and stakeholders to respond to and provide input. Ultimately a plan will be developed with identified short and long term goals and potential funding sources. Business Retention and Expansion. Wick introduced the agenda item noting that at the May meeting Adeel Ahmed of the U of M Extension Office had presented information on two alternative programs for business retention and expansion in which they could assist. Option #1 included training services to assist the EDA in completing the process. Option #2 was a full program with the U of M completing report and assisting with the process, at a cost of $12,000. Foust introduced a third option and referenced a draft business retention and expansion survey she created on SurveyMonkey. She noted that according to the MN Department of Employment and Economic Development there are 123 business establishments in St. Joseph. Providing an on -line survey with the option of meeting in person was suggested as a way to complete surveys more efficiently. EDA Commissioners requested slight modifications to three of the 34 questions. They requested Foust contact the Chamber of Commerce to ask if they would be willing to partner with the EDA on this project, with interview teams consisting of one Chamber and one EDA representative. A cover letter introducing the program and follow -up post card will be developed. It was the consensus of the EDA to have a sample of the businesses participate in a test round of the business survey. A cross section of businesses representing industry, service and retail were identified including: Scenic Specialties, Kay's Kitchen, Precise Refrigeration, Sentry Bank, American Manufacturing, Bo Diddley's Deli, Daisy a Day, Local Blend, Gary's and Best Way Fabrication. EDA Marketing. Wick introduced the agenda item. EDA Commissioners noted they would like to complete the Business Retention and Expansion Survey to obtain input from local businesses on how to market St. Joseph. The survey includes a question regarding words or phrases they would recommend as a part of branding or marketing the community. No formal action was taken. Board Member Announcements. June 20, 2012 EDA Meeting Page 2 Wick reported he had received a request to add "Public Comment" to EDA agendas. Commissioners agreed with the addition noting members of the public would be limited to three minutes of comment. Adjournment. Motion Skahen, second Frank to adjourn. Motion carried 4:0 with the meeting adjourning at 6:29 p.m. June 20, 2012 EDA Meeting Page 3