HomeMy WebLinkAboutMINUTES EDA 03.19.19MINUTES FOR THE EDA MEETING OF MARCH 19, 2019
Klein called the meeting to order at 5:05pm.
PRESENT: Gallivan, Houle, Klein, Petty, Puleo, Wilson
ABSENT: Denaway, Weidt
STAFF: Bryan Bear, City Administrator
Rachel Juba, Community Development Director
Emily Weber, Community Development Assistant
APPROVAL OF MINUTES FOR THE EDA MEETING OF JANUARY 15, 2019
Puleo made a motion, Petty seconded, to approve minutes for the EDA meeting of January 15, 2019 with
the condition that Commissioner Wilson be marked as present.
All Ayes. Motion carried.
UPDATE ON TECHNOLOGY CORRIDOR
Bruce Sayler with Connexus Energy and Chris Eng from Washington County CDA was present to update
the EDA on the MN Technology Corridor. Over the last few months, City staff has been in collaboration
with Washington and Anoka County Economic Development staff along with staff from neighboring
communities and representatives from utility providers to discuss the possibility of a technology corridor
along I -35E. The team is working together to market ideal sites in each community for locations for high
data users such as data centers or engineering firms. Typically, site selectors for data centers are looking
for cooler climates, close proximity to population centers, and large tracts of land that have direct access
to fiber connectivity. Potential data centers will also benefit the local communities by providing large
local investment and high paying jobs. Eng stated that they are in the process of creating a website that
will market available sites and will be launching in July 2019. Fran Miron was also present to support
the project and the efforts of all entities working to develop the technology corridor. The EDA expressed
their optimism and enthusiasm towards the technology corridor and the potential opportunities it could
provide to Hugo and surrounding communities.
DISCUSSION ON BR&E PROGRAM OUTLINE
Juba provided the Business Retention and Expansion Program objectives for 2019 as discussed by the
EDA at the end of 2018. Among others, these objectives include demonstrating support and appreciation
for existing businesses as well as identifying potential opportunities for new businesses that can
complement the existing businesses in the City. The Hugo BR&E Program will involve informal
business meetings, and possible tours of the businesses, with the Mayor and staff. Staff will coordinate
the business visits and all EDA members will be invited to attend each site visit. Onsite business visits
will be conducted with a very informal and short survey. The EDA discussed the pros and cons of an
informal versus vigorous BR&E Program and is general comfortable with continuing on the path of
informal site visits at local businesses. Staff will regularly provide the EDA with updates, however, will
maintain confidentiality shall it be requested by the businesses.
KIDZ N' BIZ SPONSOR REQUEST
Staff informed the EDA that the annual Kidz N' Biz will take place on April 6, 2019 at Oneka Elementary
School. This annual event is an opportunity for the HBA and Hugo EDA to directly connect with
community members in an informal setting. The EDA has regularly supported the event with a sum
amount of $750. The HBA asked for the EDA to sponsor in that same amount again this year.
Petty motioned to approve the recommendation to the City Council, from the EDA, to sponsor the Kidz
N' Biz event with the amount of $750. Gallivan seconded.
UPDATE ON DOWNTOWN REDEVELOPMENT
Staff provided an update to the EDA on downtown redevelopment. Juba stated that the purchase
agreement on City owned property with the Cosgroves terminated and a letter was sent out in the end of
February. Staff noted that the site is still an excellent site for a restaurant user and there is a heightened
increase on the property. Staff continues to meet with potential buyers to discuss the site.
ADJOURNMENT
Commissioner Puleo made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Gallivan, to adjourn at 6:32 pm.
All ayes. Motion carried.
Respectfully submitted.
Emily Weber, Community Development Assistant