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MINUTES FOR THE EDA MEETING OF JANUARY 15, 2019 <br />Klein called the meeting to order at 5:00pm. <br />PRESENT: Gallivan, Klein, Petty, Puleo, Wilson. <br />ABSENT: Denaway, Houle, Weidt. <br />STAFF: Bryan Bear, City Administrator <br />Rachel Juba, Community Development Director <br />Emily Weber, Community Development Assistant <br />APPROVAL OF MINUTES FOR THE EDA MEETING OF DECEMBER 18, 2018 <br />Puleo made a motion, Petty seconded, to approve minutes for the EDA meeting of December 18, 2018. <br />All Ayes. Motion carried. <br />UPDATE ON THE OPEN TO BUSINESS PROGRAM FOR 2018 <br />Tyler Hilsabeck, Washington County Business Advisor, was present to update the EDA on the Open to <br />Business program in 2018 and the latest business happenings in Hugo and the surrounding area. <br />Hilsabeck gave a background on the free and confidential program that started in July of 2017. Most of <br />the businesses in Washington County that reach out are small, start-up businesses. The Open to Business <br />program offers services such as consulting, financial advising, and can provide loans on various levels. <br />Although the program works with a variety of businesses, one of the goals of the program is to target <br />businesses that have the opportunity for growth such as manufacturing. Overall, there were 125 clients <br />served in 2018 throughout the County, 6 of which had businesses located in Hugo. Hilsabeck stated that <br />there is room for growth in Hugo and the City could benefit from an increase in marketing of the program. <br />Another challenge that faces the area is low unemployment, which can make it difficult for small <br />businesses to find and retain valuable employees. <br />APPROVE 2019 GOALS <br />At the last meeting in December, the EDA brainstormed goals for the EDA to achieve in 2019 and <br />directed staff to draft the 2019 goals for review and approval. Many of the goals are ongoing, but Juba <br />reviewed the goals that were added. This year there is an emphasis on promoting the City, particularly <br />the possibility of a technology corridor along I35E. The City will continue to attend these meetings and <br />assist in the development of the technology corridor as they see fit. Additionally, the EDA will review <br />and implement the Economic Development Work Plan. The EDA was pleased with the goals staff drafted <br />and had no further comments to add. <br />Petty made a motion, Gallivan seconded, to approve the 2019 EDA goals. <br />All ayes. Motion carried. <br />UPDATE ON DOWNTOWN REDEVELOPMENT <br />Staff provided an update to the EDA on downtown redevelopment. Juba stated that O'Reilly Autoparts <br />is ready to pick up their permit and start construction this spring. The Purchase Agreement on the City <br />owned property with the Cosgroves is due to expire at the end of January if the client does not move <br />