HomeMy WebLinkAbout[04a] Minutes - July 17 July 17, 2018
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Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, the St. Joseph Economic Development Authority met on
Tuesday, July 17, 2018 at 5:00 PM in the St. Joseph Government Center.
Members Present: Chair Dale Wick, Board Members Doug Danielson, Larry Hosch (arrived at 5:09), Gary
Osberg, Rick Schultz, EDA Director/Administrator Judy Weyrens
City Representatives Present: Community Development Director Therese Haffner, Finance Director Lori
Bartlett(left at 5:16)
Others Present: Joe Walz, Cory Ehlert
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.
Agenda Approval: Schultz made a motion to approve the agenda,seconded by Osberg and passed
unanimously by those present.
Consent Agenda: Wick made a motion to approve the consent agenda as follows; seconded by
Danielson and passed unanimously by those present.
a. Minutes-Approved the minutes of May 15, 2018.
b. May Financial Report-Accepted the May 2018 Financial Report as presented.
c. June Financial Report/TIF &Abatement Payments-Accepted the June 2018
Financial Report as presented and approved the first half 2018 TIF/Abatement
payments.
d. TIF Reports—Accepted the 2017 Annual TIF Reports and approved the
submittal to State Auditor and publication of the Summary.
CVB Governing Body/Organization
Weyrens shared that the City of Sartell was a part of the St. Cloud Area Convention and Visitors Bureau
(CVB) but discontinued that and created their own CVB to market their city. Weyrens presented the
resolution for St. Joseph to create their own CVB which was modeled after Sartell but based on St.
Joseph. A list of appointments were presented as recommended by Wick and Schultz. There was
discussion on the recommended appointments and input requested on proposed appointments. Wick
questioned having a representative from the St. Joseph Chamber of Commerce. Weyrens suggested
Chamber President Leslie Lane. Consensus was to add Leslie Lane to the appointment list provided she
accepted. Schultz made a motion to approve Resolution 2018-001 Establishing a Convention and
Visitors Bureau Advisory Board; seconded by Danielson and passed unanimously by those
present.
EDA Director Reports
2019 Draft Budget: Weyrens presented the proposed 2019 budget. Wick questioned how much was
enough in business incentive programming. Weyrens replied that it would be based on what the EDA
would like to do, such as downtown development.
Schultz questioned CVB fund tracking. Weyrens said there was a separate fund for that. Rick questioned
if the CVB would come before the EDA before spending funds. Weyrens said yes they would.
Danielson questioned if they could go above what was budgeted for in offering incentives. Weyrens said
you would need to stay within budget but could look at a reduction in fees as an incentive.
Hotel Study Update: Weyrens reported that staff met with consultant Tanya Pierson with HVS and gave
her a list of contacts to conduct interviews to complete the study. Ms. Pierson shared that she has had a
difficult time reaching St. John's University. Weyrens expects a draft of the study to be completed and
presented at the next meeting.
July 17, 2018
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Industrial Park Update: Weyrens reported that the City has not received the Business Development
Public Infrastructure (BDPI) grant award letter yet from the MN Department of Employment and Economic
Development. Developer Cory Ehlert shared that he was still trying to reach an agreement with the
Gohman's for access. Ehlert indicated that his partner Kevin Cox had contacted property owner Steve
Gohman. Ehlert requested support from the EDA on eminent domain stating that this was the primary
access.Wick questioned if 2.5 acres was needed for access. Ehlert shared the concern from Gohman's
was the relocation of the irrigation system.Wick mentioned this was the access for the future north
corridor. Weyrens shared that the Gohman's are aware of that. There was discussion on eminent domain
criteria. Osberg questioned an alternative. Wick questioned if the EDA acts on eminent domain. Weyrens
said that the City Council acts on eminent domain. Schultz suggested the Greater St. Cloud Development
Corporation (GSDC) act as a mediator on the access issue. Hosch said they have acted in that capacity
on other projects. Osberg suggested GSDC help. Consensus was to work with GSDC.
Development Updates:
• Weyrens said staff continues to work with a potential new business who is interested in locating
west of CR 2 near 1-94.
• Osberg questioned the status of JR's Auto. Weyrens reported that the police had delivered a
notice to clean up. Hosch replied that this was an area to use incentives.
• Weyrens reported that American Burger Bar sold. A new restaurant will open.
• Osberg questioned the status of the former city hall building. Weyrens said Bad Habit was
scheduled to close on the property this August.
• Weyrens shared that Grilled Cravings opened.
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Board Member Announcements: Danielson thanked the City for their work on the July 4th Celebration.
Adjourn: Schultz made a motion to adjourn at 5:36 PM; seconded by Osberg and passed
unanimously.
Therese Haffner
Community Development Director