MINUTES EDA 03.19.19 - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES FOR THE EDA MEETING OF MARCH 19, 2019 Klein called the meeting to order at 5:05pm. PRESENT: Gallivan, Houle, Klein, Petty, Puleo, Wilson ABSENT: Denaway, Weidt STAFF: Bryan Bear, City Administrator Rachel Juba, Community Development Director Emily Weber, Community Development Assistant APPROVAL OF MINUTES FOR THE EDA MEETING OF JANUARY 15, 2019 Puleo made a motion, Petty seconded, to approve minutes for the EDA meeting of January 15, 2019 with the condition that Commissioner Wilson be marked as present. All Ayes. Motion carried. UPDATE ON TECHNOLOGY CORRIDOR Bruce Sayler with Connexus Energy and Chris Eng from Washington County CDA was present to update the EDA on the MN Technology Corridor. Over the last few months, City staff has been in collaboration with Washington and Anoka County Economic Development staff along with staff from neighboring communities and representatives from utility providers to discuss the possibility of a technology corridor along I -35E. The team is working together to market ideal sites in each community for locations for high data users such as data centers or engineering firms. Typically, site selectors for data centers are looking for cooler climates, close proximity to population centers, and large tracts of land that have direct access to fiber connectivity. Potential data centers will also benefit the local communities by providing large local investment and high paying jobs. Eng stated that they are in the process of creating a website that will market available sites and will be launching in July 2019. Fran Miron was also present to support the project and the efforts of all entities working to develop the technology corridor. The EDA expressed their optimism and enthusiasm towards the technology corridor and the potential opportunities it could provide to Hugo and surrounding communities. DISCUSSION ON BR&E PROGRAM OUTLINE Juba provided the Business Retention and Expansion Program objectives for 2019 as discussed by the EDA at the end of 2018. Among others, these objectives include demonstrating support and appreciation for existing businesses as well as identifying potential opportunities for new businesses that can complement the existing businesses in the City. The Hugo BR&E Program will involve informal business meetings, and possible tours of the businesses, with the Mayor and staff. Staff will coordinate the business visits and all EDA members will be invited to attend each site visit. Onsite business visits will be conducted with a very informal and short survey. The EDA discussed the pros and cons of an informal versus vigorous BR&E Program and is general comfortable with continuing on the path of informal site visits at local businesses. Staff will regularly provide the EDA with updates, however, will maintain confidentiality shall it be requested by the businesses. KIDZ N' BIZ SPONSOR REQUEST Staff informed the EDA that the annual Kidz N' Biz will take place on April 6, 2019 at Oneka Elementary School. This annual event is an opportunity for the HBA and Hugo EDA to directly connect with