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MINUTES FOR THE EDA MEETING OF DECEMBER 15. 2020 <br />Meeting held remotely pursuant Minn. Stat. Sec. 1313.021 <br />Chair Weidt called the meeting to order at 5:31 pm. <br />PRESENT: Denaway, Gallivan, Houle, Klein, Petty, and Weidt. <br />ABSENT: Puleo. <br />Note: Due to technological difficulties, Gallivan was able to view and hear the meeting, but was not <br />able to participate. <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 NOVEMBER 17. 2020 <br />Commissioner Klein made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Denaway, to approve minutes the <br />November 17, 2020 EDA meeting minutes. <br />Ayes: Denaway, Klein, Petty, and Weidt. <br />Nay: None. Motion Carried. <br />Houle did not vote because he was late to the meeting. <br />SET 2021 GOALS <br />Staff provided a background on economic activity that occurred in the City during 2020. This included <br />a run through of commercial and industrial site plans that were reviewed by the City. Staff also <br />provided an overview of support provided to local businesses by the City during the COVID-19 <br />pandemic. The City waived liquor license fees for local restaurants and granted approximately <br />$173,000 to 19 different local businesses as part of the Hugo CARES Business Grant Program. <br />Staff also provided an overview of the 2020 EDA goals and the EDA reflected on goals that were met. <br />Among other things, the goals from 2020 included items such as encouraging downtown <br />redevelopment, maintaining a business friendly environment, and continue to partner with local <br />businesses and the Hugo Business Association. Staff also provided ideas for 2021 goals for the EDA to <br />discuss. This included retaining existing businesses, low development costs for new and expanding <br />businesses, and investment in infrastructure that promotes economic development. <br />The EDA discussed business retention and providing additional resources to businesses that may be <br />struggling due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Commissioners talked about utilizing the Open to Business <br />resources and focusing on the downtown area. Staff will incorporate these comments and provide an <br />update to the EDA at their next meeting. <br />