HomeMy WebLinkAboutMINUTES EDA 06.21.22MINUTES FOR THE EDA MEETING OF JUNE 21, 2022
Vice Chair Klein called the meeting to order at 5:30pm.
PRESENT: Gallivan, Denaway, Klein, and Puleo
ABSENT: Arcand, Chrun, Roberts, and Weidt
STAFF: Bryan Bear, City Administrator
APPROVAL OF MINUTES FOR THE EDA MEETING OF MAY 17, 2022
Commissioner Puleo made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Gallivan, to approve the May 17,
2022 EDA meeting minutes.
Ayes: All.
Nay: None.
Motion carried.
UPDATE ON WASHINGTON COUNTY CDA AND OPEN TO BUSINESS PROGRAM
Commissioner Klein invited Washington County Economic Development Director Chris Eng to provide an
update on Economic Development activities. Eng highlighted the two main challenges impacting
businesses at this time as supply chain issues, and lack of available talent. Businesses are not in the need
of grant programs as of now. Eng stressed the importance of small businesses to the county, as there are
18,000 of them located in Washington County. 95% of businesses have less than 50 employees. Eng
outlined a new program called the “What’s Next CEO Program,” which is a networking service among area
CEO’s, facilitating a way for peer to peer assistance among CEO’s to help each other solve problems and to
advise each other. The County will support the program with needed services. Eng discussed the lack of
talent as a concern. The County is marketing its amenities to both businesses and workers. Eng talked
about programs being offered by various school districts to train students for the work force, highlighting a
successful program in Forest Lake. The County is also marketing and promoting land and is cooperating
with the MN Technology Corridor. Eng encouraged the City to apply for available predevelopment grant
funds and noted the availability of EPA funding for contamination testing and related environmental
studies. Eng said that over 6 million square feet of industrial warehousing space is under development in
the County, but retail, office and manufacturing development has been slow. Eng thanked Rachel Juba
and staff for participation in the Economic Development Summits, the EDA advisory working group and for
providing ongoing support.
Tyler Hilsabeck with the Open to Business Program said the program has been in place for 5 years. The
two main roles for the program include business coaching and lending to small businesses. Tyler discussed
how each program functions, and supplied the EDA with examples and statistics concerning work that has
occurred in Hugo. Clients of the program can either be Hugo-based businesses or Hugo residents.
Eng and Hilabeck answered questions about the business environment and how to get the word out to
area businesses about the open to business program. Hisabeck appreciated the relationship with Hugo,
mentioning his office hours at City Hall, and city staff’s referral of clients to him. Hilsabeck also receives
referrals from area bankers.
Commissioner Klein invited County Commissioner Fran Miron to speak. Miron discussed the history of the
County’s EDA program and the county’s desire with this program to expand the county’s economic
development focus beyond infrastructure construction. He discussed the importance of assistance
provided during COVID. Miron talked about the worker shortage as a key issue, and how it contributes to
the supply chain shortages. Miron mentioned that the Hugo and the County have a lot to offer right now,
as both businesses and residents look to relocate into the suburbs. He mentioned that people want to live
and work here, as they recognize the quality of life and area amenities.
UPDATE ON DOWNTOWN DEVELOPMENT PROJECT
Staff provided an update on the new North Star Elementary School, 152nd Street intersection
improvement, Lions Park, the FCB zoning District, the Lake Area Bank concept plan, and construction
in the Bald Eagle Industrial Park.
ADJOURNMENT
Commissioner Puleo made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Gallivan, to adjourn at 6:45 pm.
Ayes: All.
Nay: None.
Motion Carried.
Respectfully submitted.
Bryan Bear, City Administrator