01.19.16 EDA Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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Juba stated that it is hard to say. She said that developers do look to plan properties in the winter for spring start-ups, but that it's difficult to guess what could happen with this property. Commissioner Klein believed that the EDA and City need to remain patient and keep marketing the property in the way that staff has been since last May. Commissioner Gallivan agreed with Commissioner Klein that everyone needs to be patient through this process and that staff should continue to market the property. Juba stated that the City could try a combination of options, which could include staff time and consulting time with the St. Paul Port Authority. Klein made a motion to have City staff continue with the marketing of the City -owned property with an emphasis on attending more commercial broker events, seconded by Petty. Chair Weidt asked the EDA if there was any further discussion on the topic and stated that he would like staff to update the EDA on the marketing of the property in April or May. Commissioner Houle stated that his opinion is to list it with a broker. He said that the broker doesn't have to be the St. Paul Port Authority, but he believes the property should be actively marketed and promoted. He agreed with Commissioner Denaway that the City would not lose anything if the property didn't sell. 4 ayes, 2 nays. Motion carried. UPDATE ON DOWNTOWN REDEVELOPMENT Juba described the projects that the EDA has been involved in for 2015. These projects included Hugo Good Neighbor Food Shelf, Keystone Place at LaValle Fields, O'Reilly Auto Parts, the New Life Church building addition, the Hugo Equipment building addition, Park Dental, and DigniCare Senior Living and Memory Care. 2016 GOAL SETTING Juba stated that each year the City Commissions and City Council adopt goals. The adopted goals are very important to the staff as they help prioritize work over the year. Juba directed the EDA to look at the goals that were set for 2015 and asked if they had any suggestions for new goals or wanted to take some goals off the list. Commissioner Petty stated that encouraging the extension of high speed internet throughout the City should be added as a goal. Bear believed that was a good goal, as staff has continued to update the EDA on broadband internet. He said that this issue has been talked about as an economic development issue, especially related to home businesses or those whom are employed and work from home or would like to in the future. Chair Weidt stated that the EDA and City staff have already developed a strategic plan to market the City - owned property, so therefore the goal should be changed to read "Continue strategic plan to market the City -owned properties in downtown."