HomeMy WebLinkAbout[04a] October Minutes
October 17, 2017
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Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, the St. Joseph Economic Development Authority met on
Tuesday, October 17, 2017 at 5:00 PM in the Woodcrest of Country Manor at 1200 Lanigan Way SW.
Members Present: Chair Dale Wick. Board Members Doug Danielson, Larry Hosch, Rick Schultz, EDA
Director/Administrator Judy Weyrens
Members Absent: Gary Osberg
City Representatives Present: Community Development Director Therese Haffner
Others Present: Country Manor representatives Brian Kelm and Gail Rucks
Chair Dale Wick called the St. Joseph Economic Development Authority meeting to order at 5:00 PM
Agenda Approval: Schultz made a motion to approve the agenda, seconded by Danielson and
passed unanimously by those present.
Consent Agenda: Wick made a motion to approve the consent agenda as follows; seconded by
Schultz and passed unanimously by those present.
a. Minutes - Approved the minutes of September 19, 2017.
b. Financial Report - Accepted the September 2017 Financial Report as presented.
Country Manor Development Process: Weyrens thanked Country Manor Administrator Brian Kelm for the
meeting space and willingness to provide a tour of the new Country Manor senior facility entitled
Woodcrest. Kelm provided background on expansion needs and thanked the City for making the
development process easy. He stated that they have worked in different communities and St. Joseph has
been the most inviting and adaptable they have worked with. Kelm also thanked the City for the tax
incentives and partnership that was necessary to make this project happen. He stated that the City
helped make connections with various agencies that all worked together to make Woodcrest a reality.
Shultz questioned if there was anything that could have been done differently in an effort to have Stearns
County participate in tax abatement to which Kelm stated no as the City clearly articulated the need and
advocated the project benefits and needs.
When questioned about staffing and if they have had difficulty finding staff, Kelm stated that they have
been very fortunate and staffing is not an issue. When the doors open in November the facility will be
staffed with 25 employees and with approximately 50% leased. Kelm introduced Gail Rucks who is the
administrator for the facility. She has been working diligently in the community seeking both residents
and staff. Rucks praised the staff and said some of the employees live in St. Joseph. Weyrens
questioned future plans. Kelm said their focus was on the first phase of the facility and patio homes. Kelm
invited the EDA and city representatives to the private ribbon cutting ceremony to be held on November
th
14, 2:30 -4:00 PM. Rucks shared that they have a Country Manor caravan to transport residents for
outings.
Adjourn: Wick adjourned at 5:25 PM.
Immediately following the meeting, the EDA toured Woodcrest.
Therese Haffner
Community Development Director