HomeMy WebLinkAboutMINUTES EDA 01.15.19MINUTES FOR THE EDA MEETING OF JANUARY 15, 2019
Klein called the meeting to order at 5:00pm.
PRESENT: Gallivan, Klein, Petty, Puleo, Wilson.
ABSENT: Denaway, Houle, Weidt.
STAFF: Bryan Bear, City Administrator
Rachel Juba, Community Development Director
Emily Weber, Community Development Assistant
APPROVAL OF MINUTES FOR THE EDA MEETING OF DECEMBER 18, 2018
Puleo made a motion, Petty seconded, to approve minutes for the EDA meeting of December 18, 2018.
All Ayes. Motion carried.
UPDATE ON THE OPEN TO BUSINESS PROGRAM FOR 2018
Tyler Hilsabeck, Washington County Business Advisor, was present to update the EDA on the Open to
Business program in 2018 and the latest business happenings in Hugo and the surrounding area.
Hilsabeck gave a background on the free and confidential program that started in July of 2017. Most of
the businesses in Washington County that reach out are small, start-up businesses. The Open to Business
program offers services such as consulting, financial advising, and can provide loans on various levels.
Although the program works with a variety of businesses, one of the goals of the program is to target
businesses that have the opportunity for growth such as manufacturing. Overall, there were 125 clients
served in 2018 throughout the County, 6 of which had businesses located in Hugo. Hilsabeck stated that
there is room for growth in Hugo and the City could benefit from an increase in marketing of the program.
Another challenge that faces the area is low unemployment, which can make it difficult for small
businesses to find and retain valuable employees.
APPROVE 2019 GOALS
At the last meeting in December, the EDA brainstormed goals for the EDA to achieve in 2019 and
directed staff to draft the 2019 goals for review and approval. Many of the goals are ongoing, but Juba
reviewed the goals that were added. This year there is an emphasis on promoting the City, particularly
the possibility of a technology corridor along I35E. The City will continue to attend these meetings and
assist in the development of the technology corridor as they see fit. Additionally, the EDA will review
and implement the Economic Development Work Plan. The EDA was pleased with the goals staff drafted
and had no further comments to add.
Petty made a motion, Gallivan seconded, to approve the 2019 EDA goals.
All ayes. Motion carried.
UPDATE ON DOWNTOWN REDEVELOPMENT
Staff provided an update to the EDA on downtown redevelopment. Juba stated that O'Reilly Autoparts
is ready to pick up their permit and start construction this spring. The Purchase Agreement on the City
owned property with the Cosgroves is due to expire at the end of January if the client does not move
forward with development. Staff noted that the site is still an excellent site for a restaurant user and there
are potential buyers whom the City will reach out to.
ADJOURNMENT
Commissioner Gallivan made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Puleo, to adjourn at 5:46 pm.
All ayes. Motion carried.
Respectfully submitted.
Emily Weber, Community Development Assistant