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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2012.07.09 EDA MinutesMINUTES FOR THE EDA MEETING OF JULY 9, 2012 Klein called the meeting to order at 8:40 am. PRESENT: Arcand, Bever, Granger, Klein, and Miron ABSENT: Denaway & Puleo STAFF: Bryan Bear, City Administrator Rachel Juba, Planner Liz Hanson, Community Development Intern APPROVAL OF MINUTES FOR THE EDA MEETING OF JUNE 11, 2012 Arcand made motion, Granger seconded, to approve minutes for the EDA meeting of June 11, 2012 All ayes. Motion carried. UPDATE ON CARPENTER'S PROPERTY Staff reported that Cathy Anderson had paid $45,000 to buy back her property. She has redeemed ownership and is asking for $350,000 from the City to purchase it. This update was brought to the City Council, and City Staff did not recommend to the City buy the property. Although Cathy has found the money to redeem her property, she still owes $100,000 in back taxes. It is unclear if she will be able to pay these dues. WASHINGTON COUNTY'S ROLE IN ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT Washington County is considering playing a bigger role in Hugo's Economic Development. The County is discussing that they may assist with Economic Development. The EDA thought that infrastructure development, including fiber-optic lines, tax abatement policies, and a County Staff person would be ways the County could help Staff pointed out that potential buyers and businesses are interested in the Washington County and Hugo area due to its decreasing tax rate. This will help showcase the area and emphasize Hugo's business -friendly atmosphere. The EDA and City Staff want to promote the City further to emphasize its business -friendly qualities. DISCUSSION ON MARKETING City Staff has been working on marketing Hugo more and highlighting its strengths to encourage residents and businesses to locate in the City. Staff is working on organizing the information in a clear and concise manner that can be handed out to people that are unaware of the great qualities the City offers. Staff is working with retailers and businesses in the City to help market Hugo. Providing them with a convenient brochure that can be handed out to their customers would benefit the marketing efforts for Hugo. Staff mentioned its participation in the Hugo Realtor Forum that will occur on November 8th. This workshop will present to realtors the various amenities and services the City has to offer. This program will allow realtors to be aware of Hugo's qualities that they can market to potential clients. UPDATE ON DOWNTOWN REDEVELOPMENT Staff updated the EDA on downtown redevelopment and other happenings in Hugo. Xcel Energy has finally broken ground on their site. They wish to have a grand opening, ribbon cutting ceremony once construction is complete that the Planning Commission, City Council and EDA members can be a part of. The Frenchman Place project for a pediatric clinic is still underway and going through the Site Plan and Final Plat process. Glamos Wire's construction of a new addition will be presented at the Planning Commission on July 12th BR&E PROGRAM INTERNATIONAL AWARD OF EXCELLENCE On June 20, 2012 the City of Hugo was presented with the Award of Excellence from Business Retention and Expansion International during its annual conference for its 2010 BR&E Program. The awards were judged on the success of the marketing/communications plan, improvements to the business climate, measurable results and outcomes, and the business survey plan. Staff emphasized that many people were to thank for this achievement and they would like to present the award during a City Council meeting, inviting the leadership team and task force members of the Hugo BR&E Program. ADJOURNMENT Klein made a motion, seconded by Bever, to adjourn at 10:30 am. All ayes. Motion carried.