MINUTES EDA 02.16.16 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home

MINUTES FOR THE EDA MEETING OF FEBRUARY 16, 2016 Chair Weidt called the meeting to order at 5:01 pm. PRESENT: Denaway, Gallivan, Houle, Klein, & Petty ABSENT: Puleo & Weidt STAFF: Bryan Bear, City Administrator Rachel Juba, Planner APPROVAL OF MINUTES FOR THE EDA MEETING OF JANUARY 19, 2016 Houle made motion, Petty seconded, to approve minutes for the EDA meeting of January 19, 2016. All Ayes. Motion carried DISCUSSION ON PROPOSED LEGISLATION TO ADD ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT POWERS TO WASHINGTON COUNTY HRA In 2014, Washington County developed an Economic Development Strategic Plan. The plan defines the County's role in economic development. The County Board determined the Washington County HRA to be the best organizational structure to oversee county -wide economic development actives. The Board recommended further that the agency should be renamed to the Washington County Development Agency (CDA). The HRA has drafted legislation to amend its enabling law to add economic development powers and requests support from the EDA on the proposed bill. Staff recommended the EDA adopt the resolution Melissa Taphorn, Deputy Executive Director of the HRA was present and gave an overview of the proposed bill. Washington County Commissioner Miron was also present and provided background on the County Boards decision to support the HRA in providing economic development assistance to cities. Houle asked about the HRA having first rights to purchase tax forfeited parcels. Melissa Taphorn stated that Washington County and local cities will have allowance to purchase like they do now. This simply allows the HRA to purchase tax forfeited properties with the local municipalities support. Klein commended Washington County on its economic development efforts. This is a sustainably new direction for the County and it will be good for Hugo. Miron responded that the County wants to fill the economic development tool box for cities, not duplicate efforts. Denaway made a motion, seconded by Gallivan, to approve the resolution 2016-1 in support of the proposed legislation to add economic development powers to the Washington County HRA. All ayes. Motion carried. DISCUSSION ON 2015 EDA ANNUAL REPORT Staff will provided an overview of the 2015 EDA Annual Report. Staff recommended the EDA review the report and provide feedback to staff. Denaway stated that staff should add the number of newly created lots in 2015.