2009.11.09 EDA Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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cover the entire City. The CD Director stated that we have received inquiries about spotty internet service and staff may be able to contact Quest about where they actually provide service in Hugo. Miron stated that we should provide internet options to the residents and businesses of Hugo. Miron made a motion, seconded by Granger, to direct staff to do research on City Wide internet coverage and work with Doug to locate a private service company for him. He also stated that this should be on the EDA goals for 2010. All ayes. Motion Carried. DISCUSSION ON NORTHERN GATEWAY/ MIXED USE ZONING DISTRICT Staff discussed with the EDA what the Comprehensive Plan says about properties that are guided mixed use, which is a mixture of residential and commercial uses. Staff provided the EDA with examples of what the City has done in the past and what other cities have done for mixed use projects. Staff recommended that the EDA discuss both topics and make a recommendation to the City Council to hold a workshop that will include the Council, Planning Commission, and EDA to discuss plans for mixed use areas and the northern gateway. Staff made a presentation on the projects in Hugo that were mixed use and provided examples from other cities. Bever asked about mass transit along Highway 61 and was wondering if there was going to be a transit hub in Hugo. The CD Director stated that there are not any planned at this time, but if the Council would like they could identify areas that it would be appropriate. Miron made a motion, seconded by Klein, to hold a joint workshop on the mixed use areas and the northern gateway and to also talk about transit in Hugo. All ayes. Motion carried. DISCUSSION ON DOWNTOWN PROMOTIONS The TIF District is now in the process of being certified. Staff discussed downtown promotion ideas for encouraging development in the downtown area. The City Administrator was at a conference and wanted to share the ideas that were presented there with the EDA. One of the ideas was engaging banks and realtors in the redevelopment process. Miron stated that maybe we invite the banks and realtors to the workshop on the mixed use areas. Granger made a motion, seconded by Bever, to table the issue until after the mixed use area workshop. All ayes. Motion carried. UPDATE ON BR&E PROGRAM The Economic Development/ Parks Intern gave an update in the BR&E Program. The task force consists of 48 members and they are planning on visiting 60-70 businesses. After the first round of businesses are visited and surveyed, the warning flag meetings will start so staff can get back to the businesses on the resources that they have requested.