HomeMy WebLinkAbout2013.11.12 CC Minutes - Joint City Council and EDA MeetingJOINT CITY COUNCIL AND EDA MEETING
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 2013
5 P.M.
HUGO CITY HALL — ONEKA ROOM
Mayor Weidt called the meeting to order at 5:00 p.m.
COUNCIL PRESENT: Mayor Weidt, Council Members Bronk, Haas, Klein, Petryk
CITY STAFF PRESENT: City Administrator Bryan Bear, Planner Rachel Juba, Community
Development Intern Eric Maass
EDA Present: Arcand, Denaway, Gallivan, Klein, Puleo, Weidt
Washington County Commissioner Fran Miron gave an introduction regarding the potential for
Economic Development within Washington County. He then turned the meeting over to David
Unmacht of Springsted Incorporated who provided an outline of the process currently being
taken by Springstead regarding data collection/analysis and community input as they pertain to
the current study being conducted.
Council Member Petryk described the importance that is placed on transit and infrastructure in
regards to current and future economic development, and the ways Hugo is currently lacking in
those regards potentially hindering economic development in the city. This notion was agreed
upon by EDA member Puleo who stated that an interchange at 35E and County Road 4 could
prove critical for economic development along that corridor.
Bill Barrett, a local business owner, stated that additional city or county incentives could aid in
business retention and growth, further spurring economic development. Council Member Klein
stated that to further help local business owners there needed to be added competition between
urban services, specifically high speed internet availability.
Council Member Petryk discussed the potential for a small business bureau which would aid
small businesses in locating property for sale, connecting businesses to potential employees, or
possibly providing placement aid for technical training internships. These notions were echoed
by Council Member Haas and Council Member Klein stating the potential creation of a small
business incubator and extension of the accomplishments already created by local chambers of
commerce.
EDA Member Denaway described the importance of integrating the potential for increased
economic development into the ranking and scheduling of transit projects. Denaway also
described how important it was that the county continues to be flexible with traditional TIF rules
to aid in economic development. Bryan Bear agreed with that notion, adding that it was also
important that TIF and tax abatement are allowed to be used at the same time.
Mayor Weidt suggested that the County execute marketing initiatives to promote the spur of
economic development in Hugo. Council Member Arcand agreed with the notion that marketing
needed to be completed to aid in painting a more proper picture of what the City of Hugo is
today and all it has to offer to potential businesses. Council Member Bronk agreed and stated
this was vital to attract and retain young professional in the City of Hugo.
EDA Member Puleo stated that some development has been slowed or gone completely stagnant
as a result of the cost of infrastructure. He was interested to learn if the County would have any
way of aiding in this initial cost. Washington County representative Jane Harper described the
availability of assistance through federal block grants. Washington County Commissioner Fran
Miron described a potential program which would entail a low interest loan fund which could be
used to fund such infrastructure projects.
City Administrator Bryan Bear described the current Metropolitan Council initial population
growth forecasts and how Washington County could be involved through their legislative
agenda. He echoed the importance of accessible and quality infrastructure as a primary driver of
future economic development within the City of Hugo. He also suggested that Washington
County conduct a corridor study along County Road 4 to assess the size of the currently required
right-of-way. He stated that a corridor study was completed along Highway 61, with the end
result being a 50' reduction in the required right -of way, further aiding economic development in
that transit corridor. He commented that current federal community development block grants
were heavily geared towards the subsidizing of affordable housing projects making it very
difficult to secure those funds for infrastructure projects.
Mayor Weidt provided closing statements and thanked everyone for coming and making the
meeting a great success.
David Unmacht echoed Mayor Weidts comments and thanked all in attendance for their
participation.
Haas made motion, Petryk seconded, to adjounl at 6:32 p.m.
All Ayes. Motion carried.
Respectfully Submitted,
Eric Maass
Community Development Intern