2012.07.09 EDA Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES FOR THE EDA MEETING OF JULY 9, 2012 Klein called the meeting to order at 8:40 am. PRESENT: Arcand, Bever, Granger, Klein, and Miron ABSENT: Denaway & Puleo STAFF: Bryan Bear, City Administrator Rachel Juba, Planner Liz Hanson, Community Development Intern APPROVAL OF MINUTES FOR THE EDA MEETING OF JUNE 11, 2012 Arcand made motion, Granger seconded, to approve minutes for the EDA meeting of June 11, 2012 All ayes. Motion carried. UPDATE ON CARPENTER'S PROPERTY Staff reported that Cathy Anderson had paid $45,000 to buy back her property. She has redeemed ownership and is asking for $350,000 from the City to purchase it. This update was brought to the City Council, and City Staff did not recommend to the City buy the property. Although Cathy has found the money to redeem her property, she still owes $100,000 in back taxes. It is unclear if she will be able to pay these dues. WASHINGTON COUNTY'S ROLE IN ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT Washington County is considering playing a bigger role in Hugo's Economic Development. The County is discussing that they may assist with Economic Development. The EDA thought that infrastructure development, including fiber-optic lines, tax abatement policies, and a County Staff person would be ways the County could help Staff pointed out that potential buyers and businesses are interested in the Washington County and Hugo area due to its decreasing tax rate. This will help showcase the area and emphasize Hugo's business -friendly atmosphere. The EDA and City Staff want to promote the City further to emphasize its business -friendly qualities. DISCUSSION ON MARKETING City Staff has been working on marketing Hugo more and highlighting its strengths to encourage residents and businesses to locate in the City. Staff is working on organizing the information in a clear and concise manner that can be handed out to people that are unaware of the great qualities the City offers.