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HomeMy WebLinkAbout[04a] June 16th Minutes June 15, 2016 Page 1 of 2 Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, the St. Joseph Economic Development Authority met on Wednesday June 15, 2016 at 5:00 PM in the St. Joseph City Hall. Members Present: Chair Dale Wick. Board Members Gary Osberg, Rick Schultz, Doug Danielson, EDA Director/Administrator Judy Weyrens Members Absent: Larry Hosch City Representatives Present: Community Development Director Therese Haffner Others Present: None Chair Dale Wick called the St. Joseph Economic Development Authority meeting to order at 5:03 PM Public Comments: No one present wished to speak. Agenda Approval: Schultz made a motion to approve the agenda, seconded by Danielson and passed unanimously by those present. Consent Agenda: Osberg questioned the expenditure to contractors that totaled $10,209.00. Weyrens stated that was for the housing grant for low to moderate income to rehab homes. The City writes a check to the contractor but is then reimbursed by the State of MN. Danielson questioned that since the program was so successful, should the City submit a grant application for another area? Weyrens stated that she would check into. Wick made a motion to approve the consent agenda as follows; seconded by Osberg and passed unanimously by those present. a. Minutes-Approved the minutes of May 18, 2016. b. Financial Report-Accepted the May 2016 Financial Reports as presented. Tax Increment Financing Reports: Weyrens provided an update on the following TIF funds. TIF 1-4 St. Joseph Development LLC TIF 2-1 Millstream Shops and Lofts TIF 2-2 St. Joseph Meat Market TIF 2-3 Bayou Blues and Alley Flats TIF 3-1 Central MN Credit Union Call Center TIF 1-4 has been completed and decertified and TIF 2-1 and 2-1 are underway. Bayou Blues has not been constructed and therefore, TIF has not been received on that project. The Central MN Credit Union Call Center is in its first year. Weyrens indicated that the TIF reports must be submitted to the State Auditor annually whether or not the projects were completed. Danielson questioned if there was a need to extend the TIF for the Bayou Blues project. Weyrens said it would need to come before the EDA for a recommendation first. Osberg made a motion to authorize submittal of TIF reports to the State Auditor as presented, seconded by Schultz and passed unanimously by those present. EDA Director Reports Lodging Tax: Weyrens stated that the City Council denied the College of St. Ben's request to be exempt from the new lodging tax. Weyrens shared that she and Haffner met with Julie Lunning, Executive Director of the St. Cloud Area Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB)who will present at the next EDA meeting. Weyrens said after meeting with Lunning she thinks they offer a lot and suggested that a local hospitality group be established and to also be a part of the St. Cloud Area CVB. Danielson questioned if Super 8 hotel had been contacted. Weyrens indicated they have. The St. Cloud Area CVB markets communities they have agreements with and those can be annual contracts or longer. Schultz discussed concerns with losing identity. Wick suggested trying it out for a year and then revisiting. June 15, 2016 Page 2 of 2 Membership—Greater St. Cloud Development Corp (GSDC): Weyrens stated that the GSDC has questioned the City of St. Joseph to be a member. This was not budgeted for but funding could be reallocated. Danielson questioned what benefit the City has received since becoming a member. Wick responded that one lead came through but it never came to fruition. Waite Park is not a member. There was further discussion on the benefit. Danielson made a motion to not become a member of the Greater St. Cloud Development Corporation, seconded by Wick and passed unanimously by those present. Goals: Weyrens discussed establishing goals and questioned for input. The 2015 goals will be shared at the next meeting. Osberg suggested adding as a goal to pursue the development of the land area by Interstate 94 and County Road 2. There was discussion that this would be a great location for a hotel. Consensus was to add that as a goal. Danielson questioned for an update on the industrial park land. Weyrens shared that there was interest by a developer and that Haffner had contacted the realtor for an update to see if there was still interest. Osberg suggested that this be included on the agenda as a standing item, along with the land by 1-94 and County Road 2. Osberg recommended a goal to have the parkway industrial park ready to go for development by the end of the year. Development Updates: Weyrens shared that she anticipates the site plan application will be submitted for the new retail store soon. Schultz discussed potential redevelopment opportunities in the downtown area. Weyrens announced that Bad Habit Brewing would be constructing a patio for outdoor seating. The Country Manor proposal continues to move forward. The TIF public hearing for the Fortitude Senior Housing project will be held by the City Council on Monday, June 20th. Weyrens expects the land use plans to be submitted on Monday, June 20th as well. The College of St. Bens would like to break ground this fall for development of their new athletic facilities. Admiourn: Schultz made a motion to adjourn at 5:50 PM; seconded by Danielson and passed unanimously. Therese Haffner Community Development Director