2015.09.15 EDA Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES FOR THE EDA MEETING OF SEPTEMBER l5, 2015 Weidt called the meeting to order at 4:59 pm. PRESENT: Denaway, Gallivan, Houle, Klein, Petty, and Weidt ABSENT: Puleo. STAFF: Bryan Bear, City Administrator Rachel Leitz, Community Development Assistant APPROVAL OF MINUTES FOR THE EDA MEETING OF JULY 21, 2015 Klein made motion, Gallivan seconded, to approve minutes for the EDA meeting of July 21, 2015. All Ayes. Motion carried UPDATE ON BROADBAND INTERNET Klein updated the EDA on broadband internet. Klein stated that Century Link has accepted Connect America Fund (CAF) funding for Minnesota. He stated that this was federal money that will be utilized to expand infrastructure. Some of these monies will be used to further extend service in Hugo. Klein also discussed different ways Cities can begin planning for future broadband infrastructure in construction of roadways. Klein concluded by saying that a meeting is being scheduled to continue to talk about future steps in this process. Bear added that the City of Hugo has both Century Link and Comcast in the City. Century Link provides phone service to rural Hugo, though, and plans to expand infrastructure so more rural residents can subscribe to the internet. Bear stated that the City has sent a letter of support for the expansion efforts within Hugo. Gallivan asked how many households in Hugo are effected. Bear stated that the information is very difficult to find with the way the State records census tracking. Bear concluded by saying the EDA continues to be updated on broadband internet expansion within Hugo because of the continued growth of residents working from home or even running a business from their home. UPDATE ON RAILROAD Bear gave the EDA an update on the railroad. He began by saying that this past spring, the legislature approved funding for MN Commercial to make temporary improvements on the short line that will last one to two years. He stated that a proposal for a state bonding fund and a proposal for a grant that would come out of the state general fund is currently being worked on for the next legislative session. Bear reminded the EDA that a permanent fix will cost around $1 million dollars. Bear also stated that Wisconsin and Iowa have state funds that are dedicated to the repairs of rail, specifically for situations similar to this one. He stated that there will be a proposal for the State of Minnesota to duplicate one of these programs, which will not only be able to help Hugo but also help other communities affected by similar issues.