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Commissioner Klein asked Eng which of the four programs are the most popular among <br />other cities. <br />Eng stated that the Connecting Businesses and Communities Program is the most popular <br />because of its formality and detailed results. However, Eng also recommended that an <br />option that allows more in-house operations would also be a suitable choice. <br />Commissioner Denaway explained the fact that the City of Hugo is currently in a mode <br />of rapid business expansion and it would be appropriate for the City to adopt a more <br />formal approach when considering BR&E programs. <br />President Weidt stated that if it would be feasible, a hybrid of option 4 with a more formal <br />approach with a survey to evaluate how the City is doing and how the City can help would <br />be the most favored. <br />Commissioner Gallivan also agreed that a more formal approach would be best in terms <br />of BR&E programs. <br />It was decided that the fourth option would be the most fitting program for the City of <br />Hugo. However, the importance of formal reports and surveys cannot be overlooked. As <br />a result, a more formal version of the fourth program option, which entails regularly <br />scheduled meetings was agreed upon by the EDA. <br />Commissioner Puleo mentioned that the use of formal surveys would be valuable because <br />it would allow businesses to ask the questions that they may be reluctant to ask. <br />Administrator Bear mentioned that the fourth program would be best for the City but <br />adding a more formal aspect with an in-house operation would also require a considerable <br />amount of staff time in order to be performed correctly. One solution to this factor would <br />be to hire more interns or temporary employees. <br />Eng agreed that a more formal approach to the fourth program would be well suited for <br />the City of Hugo and plans to have new recommendations before the next EDA meeting. <br />Eng also stated that the bulk of this project will be performed in 2019. <br />UPDATE ON DOWNTOWN REDEVELOPMENT <br />Juba mentioned the recent approval of a draft purchasing agreement between the City and <br />the Cosgroves. This purchase agreement, which includes City owned property, is <br />contingent on the Cosgrove's ability to meet the listed conditions the City has set for the <br />property and approval from the City Council. The Cosgroves have proposed to build a <br />Cozzie's Tavern and Grill on the City owned property. <br />Commissioner Klein asked Eng if there are any manufacturing companies that are <br />showing interest in moving to Hugo. <br />