HomeMy WebLinkAboutMINUTES EDA 08.20.19MINUTES FOR THE EDA MEETING OF AUGUST 20, 2019
Weidt called the meeting to order at 5:58 pm.
PRESENT: Denaway, Gallivan, Houle, Klein, Petty, Puleo, Weidt.
ABSENT:
STAFF: Bryan Bear, City Administrator
Rachel Juba, Community Development Director
Emily Weber, Community Development Assistant
APPROVAL OF MINUTES FOR THE EDA MEETING OF JUNE 18, 2019
Klein made a motion, Petty seconded, to approve minutes for the EDA meeting of June 18, 2019.
All Ayes. Motion carried.
CONCEPT PLANS ON CITY OWNED PROPERTY
Juba provided background on the development criteria for the City owned property along Egg Lake. The
property has been marketed for one dollar to users that can provide a full service restaurant or some form
of destination use and exceed the requirements of the Downtown Design Guidelines. Juba introduced the
two groups presenting concept plans for the property: Tony Harmening and Denny Trooien. Both groups
are looking for the EDA to provide feedback and comments on the concept plans.
Tony Harmening. Harmening provided a background on his experience in the food service industry,
which included his ownership of a catering company in New York called Martini Craft. He lives in the
area with his family and is looking to own and operate a 4,500 square foot restaurant along Egg Lake.
The restaurant, Cattle House, would be a family style steak restaurant that includes a dining area, a bar,
and patio seating. Harmening would incorporate outdoor activities for all seasons. The concept plan
showed phasing that would include a future event center expansion to the restaurant and separate retail
buildings. Possible expansions on site could also include an ice cream or coffee shop.
Denny Trooien. Trooien is the owner of Dennis Properties and is an experienced attorney with a real
estate background. He presented his concept plan with the help from Josh Jansen of Collage Architects.
Trooien's concept plan showed a vision of Downtown Hugo that included four buildings right along the
water of Egg Lake, two multiuse buildings, and a boardwalk. The buildings would host restaurants, retail,
office, and retail, depending on the available market. Trooien intends to develop the property, while
leasing to tenants. The plan focuses on creating a downtown street that is pedestrian and family friendly.
The EDA provided comments on both presentations.
The EDA expressed interest in both concepts and continued their discussion on the feasibility of each
plan and provisions that may need to be addressed in a future purchase agreement. The EDA is looking
at which concept will come to fruition and emphasized that ultimately they want to see the property
developed.
The EDA recommended staff continue to work with both Harmening and Trooien, but their preferred
concept plan is Harmening's.
UPDATE ON DOWNTOWN REDEVELOPMENT
Juba provided an update on downtown redevelopment.
ADJOURNMENT
Commissioner Denaway made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Gallivan, to adjourn at 7:50pm.
All ayes. Motion carried.
Respectfully submitted.
Emily Weber, Community Development Assistant