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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMINUTES EDA 11.15.16MINUTES FOR THE EDA MEETING OF NOVEMBER 15, 2016 Weidt called the meeting to order at 5:06 pm. PRESENT: Denaway, Gallivan, Petty, Weidt. ABSENT: Houle, Klein, Puleo. STAFF: Bryan Bear, City Administrator Rachel Juba, Planner Rachel Leitz, Community Development Assistant APPROVAL OF MINUTES FOR THE EDA MEETING OF OCTOBER 18, 2016 Petty made motion, Gallivan seconded, to approve minutes for the EDA meeting of October 18, 2016. All Ayes. Motion carried. UPDATE ON CITY TOUR WITH DEED EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT, JEFF ROSSATE Bear stated that staff has been attending meetings hosted by the Washington County Economic Development department. They have invited a variety of guests to speak at these meetings including DEED Executive Director of Business Development, Jeff Rossate. Rossate's presentation discussed site availability for commercial and industrial users throughout the region. While talking about Washington County, he also pointed out possible hindrances to development. Bear invited Rossate to Hugo to update him on Hugo's progression and talk about all the City has to offer commercial/industrial users wanting to locate in Washington County. Bear and Juba took Rossate on a tour of the City. Some of the conversation surrounded the City's stormwater water reuse projects, lots available, and the railroad. Bear stated that staff still needs to follow up with Rossate about the tour and get some final thoughts regarding economic development in Hugo. Bear believed it was a good experience to learn others' perceptions about the area. Denaway asked if Rossate was positive towards the things Hugo is doing to promote economic development. Bear stated that Rossate thought the activities happening in Hugo are positive and the City is taking the right steps. He specifically showed interest in how the Bald Eagle Industrial Park came together and small business expansion within the City. Bear stated that he will learn more when the follow up from the meeting occurs. Weidt asked how the City can change perceptions of Hugo. Bear stated that he believes that we can continue to expand the discussion to others in the region, get more perspectives, and formulate a strategy. Juba stated that Washington County will help the City accomplish this. She said a prevailing discussion within the Washington County Economic Development meetings surround branding and telling the story of not only Washington County, but a closer look at Hugo. DISCUSSION ON 2016 EDA GOALS Juba gave an update on how the EDA is doing on their 2016 goals. She stated that she would like them to start the thought process on their 2017 goals. Juba first began by discussing the goals surrounding downtown redevelopment. She stated that the EDA has come up with a marketing strategy for the City -owned property, which includes being members of MNCAR and Loopnet. She also reminded the EDA about the discussion with the St. Paul Port Authority and working with a real estate broker earlier in the 2016 year. Juba also stated that City staff have been trying to assist and encourage redevelopment in downtown, which has included meeting with property owners throughout the year. Next, Juba discussed maintaining a business friendly environment. She stated that the City has continued to have low development costs and has developed a partnership with the HBA. Through this, the City encourages further partnerships with businesses and the City is able to attend business events like groundbreakings, open houses, and ribbon cuttings. Lastly, the City has provided updates regarding the extension of broadband internet to eastern Hugo. Juba then discussed the marketing and promotion of the City. She stated that the City are members of EDAM and the MN Shopping Center Association and the Washington County Economic Development department are also members of MNCAR. Juba stated that she recently was able to attend a tradeshow event with Washington County to promote and market the properties available downtown. She believed this event was very successful and she made many connections with others that attended. Juba stated that staff has been working with the beautification subcommittee on banners, entry monuments, and other items to promote the City. She stated that there may be monies allocated towards and entry monument in the 2017 budget. Juba moved onto discuss the Comprehensive Plan process. She stated that the economic development section of the Comp. Plan was reviewed in 2015. She described the Comp. Plan process to begin in early 2017 and the EDA will have discussions regarding economic competitiveness, which the Met Council recommends adding to the Comp. Plan. Lastly, Juba discussed partnerships. She stated that the City has partnered with the HBA and Washington County. She described a partnership between the City and the County where Hugo can use Washington County as a resource for economic development. Juba stated that staff hasn't necessarily invited economic development experts to EDA meetings, but staff is getting some training and insight from attending the Washington County meetings. She stated that staff is open to inviting guests, especially if someone from one of the Washington County meetings would like to come speak to the Hugo EDA. UPDATE ON DOWNTOWN REDEVELOPMENT Staff provided an update to the EDA on downtown redevelopment. ADJOURNMENT Denaway made a motion, seconded by Petty, to adjourn at 5:45 p.m. All ayes. Motion carried.