HomeMy WebLinkAbout[04a] Minutes - November 18 November 18, 2015
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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, November 18, 2015 at 5:00 PM in the St. Joseph City
Hall.
Members Present: Chair Dale Wick. Board Members Rick Schultz, Doug Danielson, Gary Osberg, Larry
Hosch.
City Representatives: City Administrator Judy Weyrens, Finance Director Lori Bartlett
Public Comments: No one present wished to speak.
Agenda Approval: Schultz made a motion to approve the agenda as presented; seconded by
Danielson and passed unanimously by those present.
Consent Agenda: Schultz made a motion to approve the consent agenda. The motion was
seconded by Wick and passed unanimously.
a. Minutes- approved the minutes of October 28, 2015
b. Bills Payable - approved the expenditures as presented.
Lodging Tax: Weyrens presented the EDA Board with information regarding the imposition of a lodging
tax. Over 400 communities in Minnesota have implemented a lodging tax. The tax would apply to all
places that provide for lodging, including the College of St. Benedict for seasonal use. MN Statute allows
communities to impose up to a 3% lodging tax. The majority of the funds must be used for visitor and
convention type activities.
Osberg stated that most communities have a lodging tax and feels it should not have much of an impact
on businesses because it is a pass through fee for the business. Danielson stated that even though the
fee is a pass through fee, it still has an impact on a business. Not all communities have the same fee;
therefore, it does become a matter of competition. Hosch stated that he supports the concept of adding a
lodging tax, as did Wick and Schultz.
Weyrens stated that imposing a lodging tax is not something that can be adopted at this meeting; rather
the matter was placed on the agenda to solicit the opinion of the EDA and have the Board provide
direction to staff. If the Board would like to move forward draft documents will be presented to the Board
at an upcoming meeting along with suggestions for establishing a local visitor/convention center and
potential member make up.
Osberg made a motion directing staff to continue the process for implementing a local lodging
tax, providing addition information to the Board for continued discussion. The motion was
seconded by Schultz; motion carried.
Ayes: Wick, Schultz, Osberg, Hosch
Nays: Danielson Motion Carried 4:1:0
Community Development Director: Wick reported that the City Council on Monday night approved the
hiring of a Community Development Director. The position has been funded in the preliminary 2016
budget. If the budget is approved the position could begin early 2016. Weyrens stated that initially the
Council voted down the position as some thought the position was strictly marketing and EDA and some
felt that their was not enough of a work load for a full time position. Schultz stated that the Community
Development Director will not only provide EDA services but also Planning and Joint Planning.
Schultz questioned if the EDA Board will have input in the hiring process. Weyrens stated that the
process can include review or interview of candidates. As the process is more defined that can be
determined, but the EDA will have a role in the hiring process.
November 18, 2015
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EDA Director Reports: Weyrens reported that she is still trying to connect with the property owner of the
former Parkway Business Plat to determine interest in expanding utilities. In addition she updated the
Board on development inquires and potential projects for 2016.
Adjourn: Hosch made a motion to adjourn at 5:50 PM; seconded by Danielson and passed
unanimously.
Judy Weyrens
Administrator