MINUTES EDA 04.18.23 - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES FOR THE EDA MEETING OF APRIL 18, 2023 President Weidt called the meeting to order at 5:30pm. PRESENT: Arcand, Chrun, Denaway, Klein, Puleo, Weidt ABSENT: Roberts STAFF PRESENT: Rachel Juba, Community Development Director Max Gort, Associate Planner STAFF ABSENT: Bryan Bear, City Administrator APPROVAL OF MINUTES FOR THE EDA MEETING OF FEBRUARY 21, 2023 Commissioner Klein made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Arcand, to approve the February 21, 2023 EDA meeting minutes. Ayes: All. Nay: None. Motion carried. UPDATE FROM THE HUGO AREA BUSINESS ASSOCIATION Community Development Director Juba introduced Eric Heagle, the publisher of the Hugo Neighbors Magazine and the newly elected president of the Hugo Area Business Association (HBA). Heagle gave background on the HBA’s function as a group for business owners to connect with each other, promote their business interests, and create a channel of communication with City government. Heagle stated that member business owners have found great benefit with networking opportunities and participating in events such as ribbon cuttings and social media engagements. Heagle asked the EDA for advice for continuing to engage business owners and make Hugo a more attractive business environment. President Weidt highlighted the Washington County Community Development Agency and their Economic Development Director Chris Eng being a resource, and Commissioner Denaway suggested engaging with the Open to Business program with the Metropolitan Consortium of Community Developers. The EDA suggested continuing to sponsor HBA events like Kidz N Biz, which Heagle stated will be the HBA’s core public facing event going forward. UPDATE ON HIGHWAY 61 VISIONING STUDY Juba gave an update on the Highway 61 Visioning Study, a collaboration with Washington County, MnDOT, and the City of Hugo. The team hosted an Open House on April 5, 2023 where preliminary feedback was given by roughly 110 attendees. Community members had differing opinions on how the highway should be designed to either limit or manage growth. Discussions took place relating to pedestrian and bicyclist safety, the future of transit along the corridor, and right-of-way needs. Juba stated that as the study progresses, discussions relating to beautification and small area planning will likely occur. The visioning study is proposed to be followed by a jurisdictional transfer, with the highway being turned over from MnDOT to Washington County, although the County does not want to take control of the highway without improvements or provided financial ability. The EDA did not have any further questions or discussion.