HomeMy WebLinkAbout[04a] March 16 Regular Meeting Minutes CITY OF ST.JOSEPH
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY
Meeting Minutes—Wednesday March 16, 2015
Present: Board Members: Doug Danielson, Gary Osberg, and Dale Wick.
Absent: Larry Hosch and Rick Schultz.
Also present: EDA Intern Erin Speltz, City Administrator Judy Weyrens, and EDA Director Cynthia Smith-
Strack.
Call to Order.
Chairperson Wick called the March 16, 2015 meeting of the St. Joseph EDA to order at 5:00 p.m.
Agenda.
Motion by Danielson to approve the agenda as presented. Second Osberg. Motion carried 3:0.
Public Comment.
None.
Approval of Minutes.
Chairperson Wick introduced the minutes from the February 25, 2015 regular EDA meeting.
Motion by Osberg, Second Danielson to approve the February 25, 2015 regular EDA meeting minutes.
Motion carried 2:0 with Wick abstaining as he was not present at the February 25, 2015 meeting.
BFA Grant Application—Kurtcrete: Kurt and Joanne Schneider.
Wick introduced the agenda item noting the request for a matching grant of up to$1,000 for exterior
maintenance. Osberg noted this property was in need of such maintenance. Danielson confirmed the
estimate project cost was$2,761.00.
Motion Osberg, Second Wick to approve the BFA Grant Application matching not to exceed$1,000.
Motion carried 3:0.
Active Aging In Place.
Wick introduced the agenda item. Strack noted when the EDA discussed internship projects in addition to
facilitating the move of the Farmer's Market the EDA identified a potential project related to active aging in
place. Specifically, the drafting of a report and rendering of a recommendation as to whether or not a
senior commission is needed in St. Joseph to address active aging issues.
Strack stated active aging is an economic development issue because the ever-enlarging pool of retirees
have sizable amounts of free time and a stable source of disposable income. In addition, several studies
have shown older people who get out and about positively impact local shops, restaurants, and
educational institutions as they tend to spend their money locally with small businesses. Furthermore,
older people are also notably more often philanthropists and volunteers within communities and encore
entrepreneurs pursuing personal passions after finishing a conventional career are a growing
phenomenon.
She noted active aging is not only an economic development issue it spans several disciplines throughout
the public/private sectors. Strack alluded to AARP's list of eight domains which influence active aging.
Strack said the item was for information purposes and no action was required.
The EDA had general discussion of active aging issues in St. Joseph and updates on research and
outreach conducted up to this point.
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Business Development Report.
Wick introduced the item. Strack noted City Engineer expects the feasibility study for alley in the 100
block of Minnesota Street West to be completed in a month. She expects to hold a meeting with adjacent
property owners in April.
The Where's Waldo' map is being printed.
One BFA grant application and one RLF application are pending.
The Small Cities Development Program (SCDP)grant is continuing to be dispersed.At this time just over
$250,000 remains available for owner occupied residential rehabilitation.Weyrens noted the Central
Minnesota Housing Partnership has received a grant to assist with rehabilitation of
townhomes/apartments along Baker Street East. The project is expected to mean temporary relocation of
residents.
Scenic Specialties is about to have a building permit for an event center issued. The venue will be located
along County Road 133.
Strack noted she will be in the office Monday, March 23rd rather than Wednesday, March 25th.
Adjournment.
Motion by Osberg, Seconded by Danielson to adjourn the EDA meeting at 5:25 p.m. Motion carried 3-0.
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