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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2015 [10] Oct 28 October 28, 2015 Page 1 of 2 Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, the St. Joseph Economic Development Authority for the City of St. Joseph met in regular session on Wednesday, October 28, 2015 at 5:00 PM in the St. Joseph City Hall. Members Present: Chair Dale Wick. Board Members Rick Schultz, Doug Danielson, Gary Osberg. Citv Representatives: City Administrator Judy Weyrens, Finance Director Lori Bartlett Public Comments: No one present wished to speak. Apenda Approval: Schultr made a motion to approve the agenda with the addition of item 6(c) Water Amenity; seconded by Danielson and passed unanimously by those present. Consent Aqenda: Wick made a motion to approve the consent agenda.The motion was seconded by Schultz and passed unanimously. a. Minutes-approved the minutes of August 26, 2015 b. Bills Payable-approved the expenditures as presented. c. Financial Report—accepted the September 2015 report as presented. Old Business Allev Proiect: Weyrens reported that one of the outstanding EDA project initiated in 2015 is proposed improvements to the central business district alley between College Avenue and 1�Ave NW. Due to the low property owner turnout in late summer, it was suggested that the City host one more meeting with the property owners to gauge interest. Board Members concurred that staff should coordinate a meeting. BFA Disbursements: Weyrens stated that in the past the EDA Board was asked to approve BFA grants which at the time of request include detailed plans with estimated costs, and then were asked again to approve the disbursement. To streamline the process Weyrens suggested that when BFA grants are approved, the motion approving the request allows the payment to be executed upon receipt of a paid invoice, matching the approved request. The Board by consensus concurred. New Business Parkwav Business Center, Utilitv Extension: Weyrens repo�ted that since the Warehouse Project is not moving forward on the property known as the Parkway Business Plat, she contacted a representative of the property to see if there would be any interest in developing the property. Prior to the Warehouse project the bank holding the property had agreed to consider a joint project with the City to create shovel ready lots. Schultz stated that the City does not have adequate shovel ready lots and encouraged Weyrens to continue the discussion. Hosch questioned what happened to the Warehouse Project. Weyrens stated that the site selector himself does not know what really happened. He stated that there was some conflict within the proposed company and does not know what type of project they will move forward with. Weyrens stated that she did ask the site selector what St.Joseph could have done differently or better and he said nothing, he found the City responsive and easy to work with; it was a project that he did not understand what happened either. Hosch stated that he would be disappointed if the project is constructed in one of the area Cities as a result of lobbying. The Board requested that Weyrens pursue working with the property owner to see if there is interest in extending the utilities to the property creating shovel ready industrial/commercial lots. EDA Staffina: Wick stated that the EDA Director, Cynthia Smith-Strack resigned effective September 23 to pursue a full time position with another municipality. Since that time Weyrens has been fulfilling the duties and responding to calls. Schultz stated that the City Councit has been discussing the need to hire a full time Community Development Director and the position did make it into the preliminary 2016 October 28, 2015 Page2of2 budget, but does not have full support of the City Council. At the last meeting Councilor Loso requested that the matter be brought to the EDA for a recommendations. Weyrens stated that as part of the discussion she provided the Council with information on funding a full time position and utilizing consultants on an as needed basis. If the City were to use consultants the hourly rate is between$ 159.00 and $ 200.00 per hour. This service would only be reactionary when assistance is being requested. Board members discussed the importance of the position and concurred that it is time for the City to hire a full time staff to dedicate more time to projects. Schultz clarified that the positon would also be responsible for Planning, Joint Planning and work on special projects. The City is aware of several projects that are in the early stages. Osberg stated that it is important to have a single contact for continuity and for follow-up. He stated that marketing is an important piece as well. Hosch concurred that the City would best be served by hiring a full time staff person. Hosch made a motion to recommend the City Council hire a full time Community Development Director; seconded by Danielson and passed unanimously. Wick stated that at a future meeting the Board will have to consider amending the Bi-laws if the structure of the EDA staff changes. Water Amenitv: Wick stated that he requested the proposed Water Amenity be added to the agenda to discuss the economic impact the facility could have and whether or not the EDA should provide some funding for the project. The City Council has reviewed the project and at least 1.2 M needs to be raised before the Council will take action. In an effort to gather more information, the Water Amenity Committee met with a fund raiser to determine if their services would be a benefit. Wick stated that they would first complete a survey to determine if it is feasible to raise the needed funds. Hosch stated that it is his opinion that raising the required funds would be difficult, but feels the project would be successful. The company they met with felt the project would be well received by donors as it is a facility that is not available now in the area and it would be regional in nature. However,Wick stated that it does not seem realistic to seek funding for a study. Therefore, he questioned whether the EDA would consider this a project that should be funded in part by the EDA. No action was taken during the meeting. EDA Director Reports: Weyrens updated the EDA on current and potential projects and discussed the current meeting schedule of the EDA. Hosch indicated that he has a standing meeting the 4�h Wednesday of each month where he cannot make a 5:00 PM meeting but could make it work at 5:30 PM. The Board agreed to change the meeting date to the 3`d Wednesday of each month, starting at 5:00 PM. Adiourn: Hosch made a motion to adjourn at 5:50 PM; seconded by Danielson and passed unanimously. �(� J dy eyrena� dmi strator