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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMINUTES EDA 01.19.16MINUTES FOR THE EDA MEETING OF JANUARY 19, 2016 Chair Weidt called the meeting to order at 5:01 pm. PRESENT: Denaway, Gallivan, Houle, Klein, Petty, Puleo, Weidt. ABSENT: None. STAFF: Bryan Bear, City Administrator Rachel Juba, Planner Rachel Leitz, Community Development Assistant APPROVAL OF MINUTES FOR THE EDA MEETING OF DECEMBER 15, 2015 Klein made motion, Gallivan seconded, to approve minutes for the EDA meeting of December 15, 2015. All Ayes. Motion carried DISCUSSION ON 2016 GOALS Juba stated that at the December 15, 2015 meeting, the EDA had a discussion on their 2016 goals. Since the last meeting, Juba put together the ideas discussed into a 2016 goal sheet to review with the EDA. She asked if there were any more thoughts regarding the setting of the 2016 EDA goals. Commissioner Klein asked if staff could reach out to the University of Minnesota for future presentations to the EDA. Houle made motion, Klein seconded, to approve the 2016 EDA Goals. All Ayes. Motion carried. UPDATE ON WASHINGTON COUNTY ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT EFFORTS Juba stated that in 2014, Washington County developed a strategic plan, which defined the County's role in economic development, established guiding policy principles, and identified specific strategies and goals. In 2015, the County Board determined the Washington County Housing and Redevelopment Authority (HRA) to be the best organizational structure responsible for county -wide economic development activities. Through the County's continued economic development efforts, they would be hiring an economic development director and plan to draft legislation to amend the HRA existing enabling law to add economic development powers. There is an informational meeting at 2:00 p.m., Thursday, January 21, 2016 where the HRA will talk about this process and what the next steps will be. Juba stated that she was also contacted by Melissa Taphorn, Deputy Executive Director with the HRA, to come to the next City of Hugo EDA meeting to give more background on the County's economic development efforts. Weidt asked when the County is looking to hire the new economic development director. Juba stated that the position was budgeted for within the first quarter of 2016. UPDATE ON DOWNTOWN REDEVELOPMENT Juba stated that there has recently been a concept plan submittal regarding the LaValle apartments north of the senior housing and west of Lions Park. This plan went to the Planning Commission on January 14, 2016 for informal comments. Juba also told the EDA that she has been trying to get a hold of the applicants to provide an update on the construction of O'Reillys Auto Parts. Petty made an announcement that the HBA is moving their monthly meetings to LaValle Fields. She stated that the February meeting is cancelled due to the Mayor State of the City Address, but the March meeting will be held at the new location. Petty also stated that Warm Hearts for Charity is this Saturday from 5:00-8:00 p.m. Gallivan asked what the status is of DigniCare. Leitz stated that the applicants are still working on getting permits from MnDot, but have been working with staff on getting other information together to start construction in spring. Klein asked about progress on the site west of Kwik Trip where Park Dental was approved to go and about the site west of the Blue Heron. Juba stated that Park Dental has purchased the land for development. Juba also stated that staff has received a Site Plan and PUD for a daycare to the east of Children's Hospital Clinic. ADJOURNMENT Weidt made a motion, seconded by Denaway, to adjourn at 5:47 p.m. All ayes. Motion carried.