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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2015 [02] Feb 25 CITY OF ST. JOSEPH ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY Meeting Minutes—Wednesday February 25, 2015 Present: Board Members: Doug Danielson, Gary Osberg, and Rick Schultz. Absent: Larry Hosch and Dale Wick. Also present: EDA Intern Erin Speltz, City Administrator Judy Weyrens, and EDA Director Cynthia Smith- Strack. Call to Order. Vice Chairperson Danielson called the February 25, 2015 meeting of the St. Joseph EDA to order at 5:12 p.m. Agenda. Motion by Osberg to approve the agenda as presented. Second Schultz. Motion carried 3:0. Public Comment. None. Approval of Minutes. Vice Chairperson Danielson introduced the minutes from the January 28, 2015 regular EDA meeting. Motion by Osberg, Second Schultz to approve the January 28, 2015 regular EDA meeting minutes. Motion carried 3:0. Accounts Payable and Financial Report. Danielson introduced the agenda item. Motion by Osberg, Second by Schultz to approve January accounts payable and financial reports. Motion carried 3:0. March Meeting Schedule. Danielson introduced the agenda item. Strack noted a motion to call for a special joint meeting with the City Council to consider tax increment financing assistance for the Central Minnesota Credit Union was requested. The meeting is scheduled for 6 p.m. on March 16th. The Board was also asked to consider rescheduling the March 18th regular meeting to the 16th at 5 p.m. Motion Osberg, Second Schultz to call for a special joint meeting with the City Council at 6 p.m. on Monday, March 16th to consider tax increment financing for the CMCU project and reschedule regular March meeting to March 16th at 5 p.m. Motion carried 3:0. Intern Speltz Project Update. Danielson introduced the agenda item. Speltz provided an update on moving the Farmer's Market to downtown. She noted the Farmer's Market Board has established several criteria for a suitable location. Speltz has been working with Board Members to identify a potential site that will meet the needs of the Market. In addition she has reached out to St. Joseph's Church, CSB, and the funeral home regarding parking. She distributed a map of a potential layout for the market which was reviewed by the EDA. Discussion followed and it was noted the EDA's approach is to facilitate a move should the Farmer's Market Board decide to move the market. Danielson voiced support for a move due to benefits for downtown merchants. The next step is to discuss a potential location with City staff. February 25, 2015 EDA Meeting Page 1 Location One Community Profile and Site Availability Danielson introduced the agenda item. Strack noted the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development in 2014 entered into a contract with private service provider Location One Information Systems (LOIS). The contract provides access to a national economic development building, site, and community database system. The contract replaces the state run `Minnesota Prospector' site. Under the State contract each City is able to access LOIS free of charge to build a community profile and list available commercial/industrial buildings and sites. Strack has been working on creating a community profile in LOIS and establishing a database of land and buildings for sale and/or lease. The community profile and mapping applications can and will be embedded into the City website. Business Development Report. Danielson introduced the item. Strack noted three concepts have been developed for the alley project in the 100 block of West Minnesota Street. The concepts reflect three different levels of public amenities. Strack also noted the `Where's Waldo' map was nearing completion and ready for printing. Two BFA grant applications and one RLF application are pending. As a follow up to comments at the previous meeting regarding building permit activity it was noted monthly building permit reports are available online. A link was provided. Osberg inquired as to the status of Parkway Business Center and shovel ready lots. Strack noted the bank continues to be an interested party in development of the property. Announcements. Schultz asked Speltz for an update regarding outreach to SJU students who started a business called "The Cause" from their dorm room. Spetlz noted she had met with them and they were very pleased the Mayor was interested in their activity. She noted the students sell socks for specific causes with a portion of proceeds benefitting specified causes. Adjournment. Motion by Osberg, Seconded by Schultz to adjourn the EDA meeting at 6:05 p.m. Motion carried 3-0. Cynthia Smith-Strack EDA Director February 25, 2015 EDA Meeting Page 2