HomeMy WebLinkAbout2018 [02] Feb 20 February 20, 2018
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Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, the St. Joseph Economic Development Authority met on
Tuesday, February 20, 2018 at 5:00 PM in the St. Joseph Government Center.
Members Present: Chair Dale Wick(arrived at 5:15 PM), Board Members Doug Danielson, Larry Hosch,
Gary Osberg, Rick Schultz, EDA Director/Administrator Judy Weyrens
Members Absent:
Citv Reqresentatives Present: Community Development Director Therese Haffner
Others Present: Sonja Gidlow, Greater St. Cloud Development Corporation, Cory Ehlert
Vice Chair poug Danielson called the St. Joseph Economic Development Authority meeting to order at
5:07 PM
Public Comments: No one present wished to speak.
Aaenda Aqproval: Osberg made a motion to approve the agenda,seconded by Hosch and passed
unanimously by those present.
Consent Aqenda: Schultz 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 January 16, 2018.
b. Financial Report-Accepted the January 2018 Financial Report as presented.
Greater St. Cloud Development Corqoration(GSDC): Sonja Gidlow introduced herself and explained the
request before the EDA was to continue investment in GSDC for 2018. Gidlow provided an overview of
their mission and work. Their strategic objectives include engage leaders, grow business, expand talent
and support community. GSDC has established six service corps to undertake the following objectives:
Transportation, Talent,Well-Being, Downtown, Innovation, and Business. GSDC is primarily made up of
private investors with a smaller portion made up of public investors. Public investment contribution is
determined based on population. Gidlow announced that there are six potential expansion projects
specific to St. Joseph in their pipeline. Danielson questioned the 16% increase in employment in St.
Joseph from 2011-2016 in comparison to the State of MN. Hosch said that Central MN compared to the
State had higher employment growth. Schultz questioned attracting large industry with the lack of
workers. Gidlow said their focus is on business retention and expansion. Schultz questioned if GSDC
works with St. Cloud Metro Bus. Gidlow shared they have a transportation initiative but do not have a lot
of influence on public transportation. Hosch said they can be an advocate on public transportation.Wick
questioned the ability to view the available St. Joseph properties online. Hosch said real estate company
Xceligent who was the online property listing platForm for MnCar(MN Commercial Association of Real
Estate/Realtors) recently went bankrupt and shut down so MnCar is working on getting a new platForm.
Wick questioned staff's recommendation for GSDC membership.Weyrens said staff recommends
approval and that it has been budgeted for. Osberg made a motion to approve the$5,000 invoice
payment for 2018 membership to GSDC,seconded by Danielson and passed unanimously by
those present.
2017 Annual Report: Haffner presented the annual report, including an overview of development,
planning projects and opportunities. New construction building permit activity was steady and close to
2016 numbers. The EDA and staff conducted 11 business, retention and expansion visits. Planning
projects included the CSAH 75 Pedestrian Study in partnership with the St. Cloud Area Planning
Organization and City Comprehensive Plan update.
EDA Director Reports
Revolvinq Loan Fund: Weyrens suggested that staff meet with Hosch and bring back to the EDA at a
future meeting. Consensus was in support of this.
February 20, 2018
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Proposed Industrial Park: Weyrens reported that staff received an updated layout and therefore, the cost
estimate for infrastructure was updated.The proposed project has expanded to the east for phase two.A
gravity sewer is needed for phase two. The grant application to MN DEED for phase one is for one million
dollars and it usually takes about 45 days to hear back from MN DEED. Stearns Electric is another source
of potential funding. Cory Ehlert, developer of the new industrial park shared a map of the proposed new
layout and said they would like to have saleable lots this August. Osberg questioned layout, lot sizes, and
streets. Ehlert said he has met with two businesses in the existing industrial park to the west who are
interested in purchasing properties. There was discussion on the extension of Elm Street.Weyrens
reported that Borgert is not interested in selling property for Elm Street. Ehlert said there would be a
mixture of lot sizes. There was discussion on rail access. Hosch suggested exploring transloading.
Weyrens suggested having a discussion with Tamarak. Ehlert shared there is interest for an auto auction
business to locate in the new industrial park. They would need about 60 acres. Osberg questioned the
length of the use. Ehlert said it would be a 20 year lease. Osberg commented on having a higher use of
the property.
Development Updates: Weyrens shared that there is a proposed housing development on the former
Delwin site.
Adiourn: Danielson made a motion to adjourn at 6:26 PM; seconded by Schultz and passed
unanimously.
Therese Haffner
Community Development Director