HomeMy WebLinkAbout[04a] MinutesAugust 8, 2017
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Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, the St. Joseph Economic Development Authority met on
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Wednesday, June 21, 2017 at 5:00 PM at 329 7 Avenue SE, St. Joseph in Serenity on 7.
Members Present: Chair Dale Wick. Board Members Larry Hosch, Gary Osberg, Rick Schultz, EDA
Director/Administrator Judy Weyrens
Members Absent: Doug Danielson
Chair Dale Wick called the St. Joseph Economic Development Authority meeting to order at 5:00 PM
Public Comments: No one present wished to speak.
Schultz made a motion to approve the agenda, seconded by Osberg and passed
Agenda Approval:
unanimously by those present
.
Wick made a motion to approve the consent agenda as follows; seconded by
Consent Agenda:
Osberg and passed unanimously by those present
.
a. Minutes - Approved the minutes of June 21, 2017.
b. Financial Report - Accepted the July 2017 Financial Report as presented.
2018 Preliminary Budget: Weyrens presented the Board with the draft 2018 Preliminary Budget.
Weyrens stated that the proposed budget for the operation and capital projects is proposed at $ 101,025
compared to $ 95,320 in 2017, equating to an increase of $ 5,705. During the budget discussion, the
Board considered goals in relation to funding, which included the following:
One of the goals of the EDA is to expand and retain businesses in the downtown and encourage
development and redevelopment. To help facilitate this goal the Board discussed changing the
budget category for program funding and create a revolving loan fund for downtown
redevelopment. The program could include a forgivable provision where if the business receiving
funding remains in business for a specified period of time, the loan is forgivable, similar to the
housing rehab grant program.
The Board discussed the potential of seeking a hotel to locate in the downtown area. This type of
development could remove some of the rental housing in the downtown shifting the type of
housing units. A hotel would generate additional walking traffic and would be near the Gorecki
Conference Center. Weyrens stated that there is a company whose niche is downtown hotels,
she will pursue to determine if it is viable. The Board discussed various locations and requested
that Weyrens contact the owner of JR’s Mobil to gauge the interest in selling the property to the
EDA/City.
Another goal of the EDA is the creation of shovel ready industrial lots. Weyrens presented the
Board with the proposed development plans and cost estimate for expansion of the current
industrial park. Weyrens stated that staff has met with a potential partner to help the City create
shovel ready lots. At the same time staff is working with the City Engineer to complete the
application for funding through DEED.
The Board considered marketing and how the lodging tax funds can be utilized. Recently the City
of Sartell opted to leave the St. Cloud Visitors Bureau and created their own organization
comprising of the Sartell Chamber and business owners. The newly formed committee will be
responsible for the marketing efforts and visitor bureau. The Board agreed they would like to
pursue creating a similar structure for the City of St. Joseph, utilizing the funds that have been
collected to draw people to the City of St. Joseph.
Wick made a motion recommend the City Council accept the preliminary operational and capital
budget of the EDA in the amount $ 101,025 (excluding budget amounts for tax abatement). The
motion was seconded by Hosch and passed unanimously.
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Schultz made a motion to adjourn at 5:55 PM; seconded by Osberg and passed
Adjourn:
unanimously.
Judy Weyrens
Administrator