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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMINUTES EDA 08.21.18MINUTES FOR THE EDA MEETING OF AUGUST 21, 2018 Weidt called the meeting to order at 5:02 pm. PRESENT: Houle, Klein, Petty, Puleo, Weidt. ABSENT: Denaway, Gallivan. STAFF: Rachel Juba, Community Development Director Pierre Giguere, Community Development Intern APPROVAL OF MINUTES FOR THE EDA MEETING OF JULY 17, 2018 Klein made a motion, Petty seconded, to approve minutes for the EDA meeting of July 17, 2018. All Ayes. Motion carried. CITY OWNED PROPERTY CONCEPT Juba introduces Jenifer and Chris Cosgrove, who are the owners of Cozzie's Tavern and Gill along Highway 36, near Stillwater. Cozzie's is a restaurant intended to serve as a "meeting place" for locals and offers outdoor activities including corn hole tournaments and volleyball in the summer and ice hockey in the winter. Juba mentioned that the Cosgroves had been meeting with staff over the course of about a month to discuss their interest in the City owned property located just east of Highway 61. Juba introduces the concept plan submitted by the Cosgroves. The concept plan shows the location of the new Cozzie's building, location of the volleyball court, hockey rink, as well as a barn silo style tiki bar. The concept also depicts a parking lot as well as the possible location of an ice cream shop. The commission invites the Cosgroves to the podium. Mr. Cosgrove states that the Cozzie's located in Stillwater is reaching its third year of operation and that he and his wife would like to open a second Cozzie's on the City owned property within Hugo. The Cosgroves explain that Cozzie's would be a perfect fit for the City of Hugo. They envision an active yet cozy environment in which their guests can hang out and socialize while enjoying good food. President Weidt states that Cozzie's would be a great fit for the City of Hugo and it is something the City would like to see. Weidt also mentions that restaurants have been requested by many residents for a number of years. Commissioner Puleo agrees with President Weidt and states that locals living within Hugo have voiced their desire for new restaurants. Commissioner Petty asks the Cosgroves if they are planning on having an expansion plan for the establishment if it is successful. Mr. Cosgrove states that although a private space will be implemented into the building, they do not intended on creating an event center within the restaurant and would like to keep the building within the range of 4,800 square feet. Mark Youngdahl approaches the podium. Youngdahl is assisting the Cosgroves with the process of developing the new proposed development. Youngdahl presents the first draft of elevations meant to show what the building may look like when completed. Youngdahl presents a 360° view of the elevation concept and explains that the elevations are not meant to represent the finished product, rather it is meant to show the commission and staff what the Cosgroves may have in mind as the process advances. Commissioner Klein mentions that he likes the style of the building and its "barn -like" appearance. Youngdahl states that the best way to categorize the style of the presented building would be a Midwest rural vernacular style. Youngdahl also explains that the style of the building is an aspect that should not be overlooked. Blending styles to create a building that fits into its surrounding environment while maintaining architectural originality is a must. Juba discusses the City's development criteria and states that in order for the Cosgroves to be able to purchase the City owned property for its listed price of $1, they must follow specific use and design guidelines. Juba states that so far, the Cosgroves remain within the City's guidelines and are encouraged to continue to follow these guidelines. Juba recommends that a purchase agreement be drafted between the Cosgroves and the City which could then be approved by the City Council. Juba then recommends that the drafting of a purchase agreement between the Cosgroves and the City be approved by the EDA Commission. Puleo makes a motion, seconded by Klein, to approve the drafting of a purchase agreement between the Cosgroves and the City. All Ayes. Motion carried. DISCUSSION ON ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT WORK PLAN Chris Eng approaches to podium. Eng introduces the most recent draft for the City's Economic Development Workplan, which consist of 6 goals as well as action steps and deliverables on how these goals will be achieved. These goals include creating an infrastructure and concept plan for 165th Street and Highway 61, promoting downtown development and redevelopment opportunities, updating Hugo's EDA website, creating and maintaining and business resource list, meeting with property owners and creating an inventory of potential development sites, and exploring options for a business retention and expansion program. Commissioner Petty states that a local business list which the City could use to contact local businesses and notify them of development opportunities would be very useful for both the City and local business. Eng agrees and states that he can add this aspect to the Workplan. Eng also states that the deliverables should be completed by the years end and that progress and results will be reported to City staff. President Weidt states that he likes the list of goals and that he hopes this draft will continue to development into a useful tool which can be used by the City to enhance its economic development. DISCUSSION ON ALTERNATE EDA MEMBERS Giguere introduces the use of alternate members within the EDA. Giguere explains how the EDA is organized as well as the duties of the EDA as a Commission within the City. Giguere then explains that although the current EDA bylaws mention the organization and duties of the EDA, they do not mention the use of alternate members. The main purpose of an alternate member would be filling in for absent members during meetings. When filling in for absent members, an alternate members would assume all powers held by an EDA Commissioner. Alternates would also be encouraged to attend all meetings in order to remain informed about what is going on within the Commission as well as be prepared to fill the seat of an absent member. At times when there are no absent members, the alternate member would still sit at the Dias with the Commission and discuss topics. However, alternate members can only vote when filling in for an absent member. Commissioner Houle questions the need for alternate members and their ability to vote in the absence of EDA members. Commissioner Petty suggests that instead of appointing alternate members, the EDA should adopt rules in terms of attendance to encourage all members to attend meetings. Juba explains there is a need for an alternate member because there is almost always an absent member during meetings and that discussions would have greater context if all members were present. Therefore, an alternate member could increase the number of members at the meeting. Juba suggests that the EDA approve the EDA resolution revising EDA bylaws to allow the use of alternate members. Puleo makes a motion, seconded by Klein, to approve the EDA resolution revising EDA bylaws to allow the use of alternate members. All Ayes. Motion carried. UPDATE ON DOWNTOWN REDEVELOPMENT Juba delivered an update on the TGK Automotive repair project. TGK has recently broken ground on their site and construction is underway. Juba also mentions that O'Reilly Auto Parts currently as applied for a building permit. ADJOURNMENT Commissioner Klein made a motion, seconded by President Weidt to adjourn at 6:35 pm. All ayes. Motion carried.