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Mayor Weidt suggested that the County execute marketing initiatives to promote the spur of <br /> economic development in Hugo. Council Member Arcand agreed with the notion that marketing <br /> needed to be completed to aid in painting a more proper picture of what the City of Hugo is <br /> today and all it has to offer to potential businesses. Council Member Bronk agreed and stated <br /> this was vital to attract and retain young professional in the City of Hugo. <br /> EDA Member Puleo stated that some development has been slowed or gone completely stagnant <br /> as a result of the cost of infrastructure. He was 'interested to learn if the County would have any <br /> way of aiding in this initial cost. Washington County representative Jane Harper described the <br /> availability of assistance through federal block grants. Washington County Commissioner Fran <br /> Miron described a potential program which would entail a low interest loan fund which could be <br /> used to fund such infrastructure projects. <br /> City Administrator Bryan Bear described the current Metropolitan Council initial population <br /> growth forecasts and how Washington County could be involved through their legislative <br /> agenda. He echoed the importance of accessible and quality infrastructure as a primary driver of <br /> future economic development within the City of Hugo. He also suggested that Washington <br /> County conduct a corridor study along County Road 4 to assess the size of the currently required <br /> right-of-way. He stated that a corridor study was completed along Highway 61, with the end <br /> result being a 50' reduction in the required right-of way, further aiding economic development in <br /> that transit corridor. He commented that current federal community development block grants <br /> were heavily geared towards the subsidizing of affordable housing projects making it very <br /> difficult to secure those funds for infrastructure projects. <br /> Mayor Weidt provided closing statements and thanked everyone for coming and making the <br /> meeting a great success. <br /> David Unmacht echoed Mayor Weidts comments and thanked all in attendance for their <br /> participation. <br /> Haas made motion, Petryk seconded, to adjourn at 6:32 p.m. <br /> All Ayes. Motion carried. <br /> Respectfully Submitted, <br /> Eric Maass <br /> Community Development Intern <br />