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MINUTES FOR THE EDA MEETING OF NOVEMBER 15, 2016 <br />Weidt called the meeting to order at 5:06 pm. <br />PRESENT: Denaway, Gallivan, Petty, Weidt. <br />ABSENT: Houle, Klein, Puleo. <br />STAFF: Bryan Bear, City Administrator <br />Rachel Juba, Planner <br />Rachel Leitz, Community Development Assistant <br />APPROVAL OF MINUTES FOR THE EDA MEETING OF OCTOBER 18, 2016 <br />Petty made motion, Gallivan seconded, to approve minutes for the EDA meeting of October 18, 2016. <br />All Ayes. Motion carried. <br />UPDATE ON CITY TOUR WITH DEED EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF BUSINESS <br />DEVELOPMENT, JEFF ROSSATE <br />Bear stated that staff has been attending meetings hosted by the Washington County Economic <br />Development department. They have invited a variety of guests to speak at these meetings including <br />DEED Executive Director of Business Development, Jeff Rossate. Rossate's presentation discussed site <br />availability for commercial and industrial users throughout the region. While talking about Washington <br />County, he also pointed out possible hindrances to development. <br />Bear invited Rossate to Hugo to update him on Hugo's progression and talk about all the City has to <br />offer commercial/industrial users wanting to locate in Washington County. Bear and Juba took Rossate <br />on a tour of the City. Some of the conversation surrounded the City's stormwater water reuse projects, <br />lots available, and the railroad. <br />Bear stated that staff still needs to follow up with Rossate about the tour and get some final thoughts <br />regarding economic development in Hugo. Bear believed it was a good experience to learn others' <br />perceptions about the area. <br />Denaway asked if Rossate was positive towards the things Hugo is doing to promote economic <br />development. <br />Bear stated that Rossate thought the activities happening in Hugo are positive and the City is taking the <br />right steps. He specifically showed interest in how the Bald Eagle Industrial Park came together and <br />small business expansion within the City. Bear stated that he will learn more when the follow up from <br />the meeting occurs. <br />Weidt asked how the City can change perceptions of Hugo. <br />Bear stated that he believes that we can continue to expand the discussion to others in the region, get <br />more perspectives, and formulate a strategy. <br />Juba stated that Washington County will help the City accomplish this. She said a prevailing discussion <br />within the Washington County Economic Development meetings surround branding and telling the story <br />of not only Washington County, but a closer look at Hugo. <br />