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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2011.11.14 EDA MinutesMINUTES FOR THE EDA MEETING OF NOVEMBER 14, 2011 Vice President Klein called the meeting to order at 8:35 am. PRESENT: Arcand, Graff, Klein and Puleo ABSENT: Bever, Denaway, and Miron STAFF: Mike Ericson, City Administrator Bryan Bear, Community Development Director Rachel Juba, Planner APPROVAL OF MINUTES FOR THE EDA MEETING OF OCTMBER 10, 2011 Arcand made motion, Klein seconded, to approve minutes for the EDA meeting of October 10, 2011. All aye. Motion carried. HEALTHEAST CLINIC EXPANSION Dr. Joe Moriarity was present at the meeting to talk about the HealthEast expansion in Hugo. He presented the history of St. Johns Hospital and HealthEast locating in Hugo. He stated that the reason they chose Hugo was that Hugo had close proximity to their other clinics, the City was in need of a clinic, and there was a sense of community. They currently have 4 family physicians and 15 other employees, including nurses and medical assistants. The expansion will create 9 additional exam rooms, a conference room, and will increase office space. The plan is to hire an additional physician when the expansion is complete. The EDA congratulated Dr. Joe Moriarity on the HealthEast expansion. DISCUSSION ON DEVELOPMENT FEE ANALYSIS At its October meeting, the EDA directed staff to put together a development scenario for a restaurant in downtown Hugo. The analysis includes city fees in regards to development in Hugo and surrounding cities. Staff included a spreadsheet that outlines the fees for each city. The spreadsheet included development fees for a restaurant locating in downtown Hugo and how Hugo compared to surrounding cities. The EDA discussed the cost difference between locating in downtown Hugo verses locating in the other commercial areas. The spreadsheet showed it costs less to build in downtown. The EDA directed staff to bring the information back to the December meeting for additional discussion. UPDATE AND DISCUSSION ON CITY IDENTITY WORKSHOP DECEMBER 15,2011 AT7PM The identity workshop has been set by the Planning Commission for Thursday, December 15, 2011. Staff recommends that the EDA discuss how they will participate and contribute to the workshop. Staff provided background on the outline of the workshop. Commissioner Klein stated that the Hugo may want to attract certain sectors of business, such as robotics or medical. Commission Graff agreed and suggested partnerships with entities like the University of Minnesota. UPDATE ON BOOT CAMP FOR ENTREPRENEURS Staff updated the EDA on the Boot Camp for Entrepreneurs that was held on October 18, 2011. Commissioner Graff presented the benefits and other topic ideas for the boot camp. There were 29 people that attended and 9 speakers for the boot camp. He stated that marketing seemed to be very important to small business owners. He stated the next topic could include the various strategies for marketing specific to small business. He would like to see the boot camp idea continue. UPDATE ON DOWNTOWN REDEVELOPMENT Staff updated the EDA on downtown redevelopment. The development team that has a purchase agreement created a new package for interested users. They will be coming back to the EDA in the next few months to report on their progress. The grant for the planning of Pete Sampair's property was recommended for funding by the Met Council's Livable Community Advisory Committee. Staff will be informed at the end of the year on the formal funding agreement. Ricci's will be demolished by the end of November. Xcel Energy Inc., has submitted an application to develop the southern portion of the property located at 13676 Fenway Boulevard. They are proposing a 30,000 square foot building with associated outdoor electric and gas training. They are on the Planning Commission agenda for approval in December. ADJOURNMENT Klein made a motion, seconded by Graff, to adjourn at 10:23 am. All aye. Motion carried.