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HomeMy WebLinkAbout04.19.22April 19th, 2022 Page 1 of 2 Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, the St. Joseph Economic Development Authority met on Tuesday, April 19th, 2022 at 12:00 PM. Members Present: Board Members Kevin Kluesner, Rick Schultz, Joe Bye, Dale Wick Members Absent: Larry Hosch City Representatives Present: Community Development Director Nate Keller, City Administrator Therese Haffner Schultz called the St. Joseph Economic Development Authority meeting to order at 12:00 PM Public Comments Joe Walz updated the EDA on potentially switching realtors for the Gateway development area. Agenda Approval: Kluesner made a motion to approve the agenda as presented; seconded by Wick and passed unanimously by those present. Consent Agenda: Kluesner made a motion to approve the consent agenda as follows; seconded by Bye and passed unanimously by those present. a. Minutes - Approve the minutes of March 15th, 2022 BFA Grant — La Playette Keller provided an overview of the proposed Facade work and grant submittal by La Playette. Shawn Riesner (applicant) also provided an overview of the project, timeline, and intent. Kluesner made a motion to approve a matching grant of up to $2,000; seconded by Wick and passed unanimously by those present. Tax Abatement — Concept feedback Keller outlined a potential Tax Abatement project and introduced Tim Dolan who is the consultant working with the client on the project. Mr. Dolan provided an overview of the project. The project would provide 20-35 well -paid white-collar jobs (accounting, I.T., customer service, HR related functions) with room for growth in the next 2-5 years. Project completion would likely occur Q2 in 2023. No deviation from city building standards is expected (building would be masonry/steel with appropriate landscaping). Explore MN Grant A brief overview of the Explore MN grant was provided by Keller. Explore MN provided the CVB with up to $7,500 in dollar to dollar matching funds for the grant. Due to limited funds in the CVB budget the CVB cannot match the entire grant. The ask is that the EDA match $4,000 of the grant. The grant match would go to items like: Wobegon trailhead sign and printed maps. Quarterly initiatives with area CVB's St. Cloud and Little Falls (next one would be Joyful June), and website enhancements. Questions were asked on the value of printed maps. Keller responded that Bruno would be handing the maps out at the "Midwest Travel Conference" and other events along with providing copies to local businesses and at the trailhead. Questions were still asked regarding the value of the printed maps. Members also questioned the accuracy of the map. Keller will send out a PDF copy of the map via email to EDA members and ask that members provide any feedback prior to the maps being printed. Kluesner made a motion to support matching the grant $1 to $1 up to $4,000 seconded by Schultz. Wick voted nay. Motion passes 3-1. JR Mobile update Staff is working with the new owner. Permits are expected to be applied for soon to begin interior demolition work. Schultz stressed the importance of seeing some progress at the site through strict deadlines considering Council direction. April 19th, 2022 Page 2of2 Business/Development, EDA priorities Keller provided updates on: Distillery, Trobec's, discussion by the Planning Commission regarding event venues within rural areas, DEED Brownfields conference, GSDC Innovation awards, GSDC email list, Retention Visit with Estates B&B and Woodcrest, East Park Grant and boutique hotel discussions. Board Member Announcements None Adjourn: Wick made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 12:51 PM, seconded by Kluesner and passed unanimously by those present. Nate Keller Community Development Director