HomeMy WebLinkAbout04.18.23April 18, 2023
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Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, the St. Joseph Economic Development Authority met on
Tuesday, April 18th, 2023 at 12:00 PM.
Members Present: Board Members Dale Wick, Larry Hosch, Kevin Kluesner, Rick Schultz
Members Absent: Joe Bye
City Representatives Present: Community Development Director Nate Keller
Wick called the St. Joseph Economic Development Authority meeting to order at 12:00 PM
Public Comments None
Agenda Approval: Kluesner made a motion to approve the agenda as presented; seconded by
Hosch and passed unanimously by those present.
Consent Agenda: Kluesner made a motion to approve the consent agenda as follows; seconded
by Hosch and passed unanimously by those present.
a. Minutes -Approve the minutes of March 21st, 2023
b. Financial Report — FEB
BFA Grant -Sal's Bar
Kyle Schneider owner of Sal's Bar is proposing to redo his front fagade. Proposal includes removing the
existing windows, and replacing with larger 10' x 3'9" over head glass doors. The BFA request is for the
maximum $2,000. Total project cost is expected to be $13,000. Keller mentioned there is approximately
$23,000 available in the funds.
Schultz made a motion to approve the BFA grant in the amount of $2,000; seconded by Kluesner
and passed unanimously by those present.
TIF/Abatement Inquires
Keller provided brief background on TIF/Abatement and how staff reviews proposals. Keller asked for
direction from Board on how TIF/Abatement housing projects should be prioritized. Board responses
included, prioritizing housing developments that create jobs or if a large employer is in need of workforce
housing are the two main criteria for potential support of TIF for housing projects. It was also stressed that
projects should pass the "But for" test. This demonstrates the project would not move forward unless
TIF/Abatement fills in the gap in financing.
Project list/tracker
Tracker will be provided moving forward. Tracker is meant to spur discussion, and provide further insight
on project tracking and day to day interactions staff is having. Tracker is not an exhaustive list of all
projects:,
Boutique hotel
Two developers with local ties reached out to staff expressing interest in the Boutique hotel concept.
Connections made from developers to property owners who have expressed interest in the idea,
JR Mobile
Permit to demo has been approved, paid for, and picked up. Demo work started but was halted because
of a concern regarding disposal of material from the building. Council extended demo deadline to April
30th. Keller met with the property owner and person interested in purchasing the property. Information was
supplied regarding the process and hurdles needed to facilitate the development/vision.
General Business/Development update
Keller provided updates on: All Boards/Commission meeting on April 25th @ 5PM, Fox 9 Town ball on
July 5th, Industrial park inquires, 2023/2024 street improvements, Council approving the YMCA
agreement, Obbink Grand opening in June, potential tour of Trobec's, status of former Casey's gas
station, City Administrator start date of April 24th. Keller also recommended EDA May meeting be
canceled given upcoming FMLA and City Administrator being new. Schultz expressed concern and
preferred that the May meeting not be canceled.
April 18, 2023
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Board Member Announcements
None.
Adjourn: Hosch made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 12:40 PM, seconded by Wick and passed
unanimously by those present.
Nate Keller
Community Development Director