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HomeMy WebLinkAbout[8] EDA Summary Administrator DATE: O�tobe�31, 2012 Judy Weyrens Mayor MEMO TO: Honorable Mayor Schultz Richard Schultz Members of the City Council Administrator Weyrens Councilors FROM: EDA Wick, Frank Steve Frank Bob Loso RE: July EDA Meeting Update Renee Symanietz Dale Wick EDA The October regular meeting of the EDA was held on the 24th at 5 p.m. Following are meeting Doug Danielson hlghllghtS: Larry Hosch public Comment Steve Frank Students in Free Enterprise (SIFj from the College of St. Benedict and St. John's: Abel Salazar Tom Skahen Dale wiok Jr.,Ana Nugent, Erika Rodby, Shannon Kennedy, Michael Pierce and Thalia Thurson introduced themselves. They noted they would like to assist a business in the community with planning, web design, marketing, etc: The EDA welcomed the group and noted a couple of business representatives will be present at the EDA meeting. It was suggested they also contact the Chamber of Commerce to offer their services. BFA Bello Cucina Jason Mueller from Bello Cucina attended the meeting.The EDA approved a BFA grant of up to $500 for a decorative sign. Rope lighting has also been added but was not included in the BFA grant. BFA Scenic Specialties Randy Schmitz representing Scenic Specialties attended the EDA meeting. The EDA amended approval of the BFA request from August, 2012 to approve up to $1000 for the faux windows and window planters for the side of Scenic Specialties'building at 31101 County Road 133 BFA Millstream Cottages Colleen Hollinger Petters attended the EDA meeting and requested a BFA grant in conjunction with the placement of a sign at Millstream Cottages. Petters represented the cottages as a cluster of eight homes with on-site services 24 hours per day, and, thereby commercial in nature. She further noted the Cottages constitute one third of the Villages at CSB project. The Commission discussed the location of the project. Wick noted another BFA grant was awarded outside the downtown in the past. The Commission also discussed the project and its mixed use, noting the BFA guidelines do not currently address mixed use projects. The Board inquired how the proposed project goes above and beyond the normal requirements for a sign, as the purpose of the grant program is to enhance projects. Hollinger Petters stated the style of the sign and the landscaping are above basic requirements. There will not be additional sign lighting as it is under a streetlight. The EDA approved a grant of up to $554 or 50% of the cost of the sign for Mill Stream Cottages,contingent upon the issuance of a sign permit and copy of the invoice. BFA Kay's Kitchen. , The EDA reviewed a BFA application from Tanya Finken, owner of Kay's Kitchen.The Applicant proposes a decorative mural be added to the rear of the structure at College and HWY 75.The mural wiN include a sign component and will be completed by a local artist.The mural is along a route from Wobegon Trail to the Downtown. The EDA approved a$1,000 BFA grant for the mural which cost nearly$3,000. Business Retention and Expansion Surveys. A total of 34 businesses have responded to the on-lime BRE survey. A call list has been assembled and Commissioners Wick and Hosch have ofEered to assist with calling businesses that have not responded provided the list is prioritized by number of employees. Three Chamber of Commerce members have also offered to assist. Commissioners asked if City staff could also place calls. Small Cities Development Grant. Jason Kresbach and Laurie Ziebel of CMHP conducted a,windshield survey of the commercial areas in St.Joseph. It is the opinion of staff at CMHP that due to the limited impact,the Small Cities Development Grant application would be more ,competitive if it is a single-purpose owner occupied housing rehabilitation application vs a comprehensive application including both owner occupied housing rehabilitation and commercial components. The EDA agreed and requested the Central Minnesota Housing Partnership (CMHP) proceed without a commercial component. Downtown Master Plan. The EDA received a proposed draft Downtown Master Plan with the history, geographic boundary, purpose, goals and mission as well as demographics. The Board is to continue to work on this item at future meetings.