HomeMy WebLinkAbout2001 [05] May 02
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· ity of St. Joseph
25 College Avenue NW
P.O. Box 668,
SI. Joseph, MN 56374
(320) 363-720 l
Fax: 363-0342
CLERK!
ADMINISTRATOR
Judy Weyrens
MAYOR
Larry J. Hosch St. Joseph Economic Development Authority
Wednesday, May 2, 2001 4:00 p.m.
COUNCILORS City Hall Conference Room
Bob Loso
Cory Ehlert
Kyle Schneider
Alan Rassier 4:00 p.m. Call to Order
Approval of Agenda
Approval of Minutes
. April 11, 2001
· New Business:
. Strategic Planning Session - Jeff Schlingman
. Identifying work items
Adjourn
·
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· Unofficial Minutes- EDA Board
Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, the Economic Development Authority for the City of St. Joseph met
in regular session on Wednesday, May 2,2001 at 4:00 p.m. in the St Joseph City Hall.
Members Present: Board Members Larry Hosch, Mike Deutz, Bob Loso and Bruce Gohman. EDA
Director Chad A Carlson.
Members Absent: Ross Rieke
Others Present:
Jeff Schlingman, The Partnership
Approval of the Ae:enda: Hosch made a motion to approve the agenda, seconded by Deutz. The motion
passed unanimously by those present.
Approval of Minutes: Hosch made a motion to approve the minutes of April]], 200] meeting, seconded
by Deutz. The motion passed unanimously by those present.
Stratel!Îc Plannine: Session
Carlson stated that purpose of the session is to continue with the development of the strategic plan by
identifying actions items that need to be done to achieve the goals identified at the April 11 th meeting.
Schlingman again facilitated the discussion of the EDA Board Schlingman stated the purpose of the
· meeting is to identify "what" strategies will be developed to achieve the established goals of the
organization. As an organization, what can/should the EDA do to address the goals.
After much discussion and brainstorming, the EDA Board developed the following action items for the
goals of the organization. The EDA Board also prioritized the work items as listed.
INDUSTRIAL
Goal: Promote industrial growth through financial and non-financial incentives.
Work Items
1) Research options to capitalize a local revolving loan fund
2) Aggressively promote and assisted project development in the business park(s).
3) Identify and target desirable industries.
4) Work with the City Council to establish policies to promote and control growth.
5) Use Tax Increment Financing and other financing tools to promote economic development
Goal: Target and attract high quality businesses that provide well paying jobs and increase the
local tax base.
Work Items
1) Develop a marketing program and design of a website for the EDA.
2) Identify additional industrial land for development within the Orderly Annexation Area.
3) Define ''high quality business".
4) Work on community amenities and quality of life issues.
Goal: Retain existing businesses and promote the means and opportunities for expansion.
· Work Items
1) Establish a business retention program, including commercial businesses.
2) Establish a local revolving loan fund and utilize other agency's funding sources.
3) Complete a comprehensive plan for economic development.
COMMERCIAL
· Goal: Assist and promote commercial development that will enhance the vitality and tax base of
S1. Joseph.
Work Items:
1) Identify specific commercial growth areas.
2) Establish a data base of area information for commercial developers and prospects.
3) Establish a commercial revolving loan fund.
4) Identify the commercial needs and wants of the community.
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
Goal: Strengthen the physical components of the City to enhance the quality of comnllmity
values.
Work Items:
1) Work with the City Council and Planning Commission to promote orderly growth.
2) Utilize the EDA statutory tools for community based projects.
3) Work to enhance the communication with the business community regarding City actions and
priorities.
Deutz expressed his support of the process the EDA Board has gone through. Deutz did state his concern
that if the City Council does not support the goals and work items of the EDA. the process was not worth
the effort. The City Council needs to put their support behind the efforts of the EDA. specifically when
establishing a revolving loan fund.
Hosch stated that the City Council needs to be educated about the EDA's goals. The strategic plan and this
process will help. Hosch further stated that the EDA needs to become more visible with community
residents.
· Carlson stated that there are many options when capitalizing a revolving loan fund program. The City,
more then likely, will need to become involved in the financing. Carlson stated that he work with the City
Administrator and the Finance Committee to determine a program. Hosch agreed and Gohman stated that
more research and information is needed before the EDA Board and City Council can be approached.
Schlingman stated that any revolving loan fund program is a risk, but a calculated risk. Most revolving
loan programs are capitalized initially with local government funds. Communities must invest in
themselves before anyone will invest in the community. The EDA should analyze the risk vs. benefit.
Carlson stated that the EDA Board should again meet within the next couple weeks to finish the strategic
plan of the EDA. Gohman suggested that Schlingman return to facilitate the discussion as a third party
facilitator. The EDA Board agreed to meet on May 16th at 4:00 p.m. in City Hall.
Adjourn
The EDA Board meeting adjourned by consensus at 5:55 p.rn.
Chad Carlson
EDA Director
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