12-20-2013 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

Draft EDC Minutes December 20, 2013 Page 2 of 3 Motion/Second: Commissioner Helgemoe moved and Commissioner Freichels seconded the recommendation to the EDA to reappoint Commissioner Dan Larson and to appoint new member Jessica Birken to the Economic Development Commission. Motion Carried: 4 Ayes, 0 Nays The Commission asked Ms. Birken, who was in attendance, to share a little bit about herself. Jessica Birken thanked the Commissioners for their support and looked forward to working on economic development issues and serving the community. B. Review Unobligated TIF Balance Sheet, Presentation by Finance Director Mark Beer Finance Director Beer reviewed the financials associated with the three TIF Districts, indicating that TIF District #1 will be decertifying at the end of the year, TIF District #3 will decertify at the end of 2014, and then TIF District #2 will decertify at the end of 2015. Finance Director Beer reviewed how TIF has been spent in the community and described legislatively authorized eligible uses. He indicated that there is minimal unobligated TIF remaining however there are projects identified in the Five-Year Plan that are funded using TIF, such as median enhancements and gateway features, that could be reconsidered or reallocated. There are no remaining funds in the TIF District #1 account. Mr. Beer referenced TIF District #5, the Medtronic District, however the increment generated is limited to about $65,000 per year which is used for administrative activities. Mr. Beer indicated that if there are funds remaining in TIF Districts #2 or #3 that the fallback position of the City Council is to allocate the funds to the City’s street improvement program, and confirmed that the increment cannot be utilized for “signage”. The Commission thanked Mr. Beer for his report. C. Review Vacant Economic Development Specialist Position City Administrator Ericson indicated that it had been the Council’s direction to leave the Economic Development Specialist open through the rest of the year, and with the end of the year fast approaching, he asked for input from the Commission as to their expectations or desires regarding the position. He expressed support for the position and that he feels there is a need to have someone in the position moving forward. Administrator Ericson shared the job description for the position. Chair Belting and the Commission talked about the position. They suggested business recruitment and retention efforts are very important—the City needs a liaison to the business community. Commissioner Freichels indicated that the only reason he is on the Commission is through efforts of Ms. Steinmetz. Commissioner Stevenson also pointed out that marketing is also very important and we need someone to do this. The Commission wondered whether someone could effectively do everything that’s necessary working part time hours. Chair Belting expressed optimism that someone might prefer a more flexible, part time position and that this position could be exactly what they’re looking for.