HomeMy WebLinkAbout2013.03.12 EDA MinutesMINUTES FOR THE EDA MEETING OF MARCH 12, 2013
Weidt called the meeting to order at 5:08 pm.
PRESENT: Arcand, Bever, Denaway, Klein, Puleo and Weidt
ABSENT: Granger
STAFF: Bryan Bear, City Administrator
Rachel Juba, Planner
Liz Hanson, Community Development Intern
APPROVAL OF MINUTES FOR THE EDA MEETING OF FEBRUARY 12, 2013
Klein made motion, Bever seconded, to approve minutes for the EDA meeting of
February 12, 2013.
All ayes. Motion carried.
CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL CLINIC & HEALTH PARTNERS CLINIC —14701
VICTOR HUGO BLVD
Staff welcomed and introduced Randy Gruber, Children's Clinic Network Director, to the
EDA. The businesses are moving into the open tenant spaces in the new medical office
building east of Blue Heron Grill. The businesses decided to share the same building to
provide efficient services. The convenient access off the Interstate and filling the gap
between the Forest Lake and Twin Cities locations were the main reasons the businesses
located in Hugo. Randy stated that they will be having a grand opening ceremony on
May 15th from 5:00-8:00pm at their new facility. Children's Hospital Clinic and Health
Partners Clinic will be open for business on May 20th. The EDA welcomed him to the
community.
KIDZ N' BIZ SPONSORSHIP REQUEST
On April 20, 2013, the 9th Annual Kidz n' Biz Fest will be take place at Oneka
Elementary School. This annual event is an opportunity for the HBA and Hugo EDA to
directly connect with the Hugo families and children in a PTA Carnival atmosphere. This
event is expected to attract more than 500 Hugo children and their families; and will once
again feature an assortment of games presented by the Hugo businesses with assistance
from the White Bear School District. Last year the EDA sponsored the event in the
amount of $750. The HBA is asking for the EDA to sponsor in that same amount again
this year.
Klein made motion, seconded by Bever, to make a recommendation to the City Council
for the EDA to sponsor the Kidz n' Biz fest in the amount of $750.
All ayes. Motion carried.
UPDATE ON WASHINGTON COUNTY ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
EFFORTS
Staff and several EDA members attended the Washington County Economic
Development workshop that occurred on Tuesday, February 26. The workshop focused
on how the County can best cooperate with its local communities to encourage economic
growth in the county. Some items such as CDBG Funds, establishing business
relationships, tax-exempt financing, tax abatement, and revolving loan funds were
discussed as ways in which the County could further participate in economic
development efforts.
Bryan stated that this was a great start for the County to implement Economic
Development efforts in its communities. They are here to work with all communities,
and not compete with them.
UPDATE ON DOWNTOWN REDEVELOPMENT
Staff updated the EDA on downtown redevelopment.
The Carpenters property is almost ready to go into tax forfeiture.
Pete Sampair continues to update staff of his progress using the LCDA Met Council grant
for planning development on his site. The project is on hold at this time.
The City has received several calls regarding development in Hugo. Although they are
only preliminary -level conversations, Staff is hopeful that they will lead to physical
activity.
The railroad corridor between 140th Street and 145th Street and the extension of the
Hardwood Creek Trail is a popular discussion topic at this time. The City is staying
informed through Washington County on the status of the planning process for the trail.
ADJOURNMENT
Weidt made a motion, seconded by Klein, to adjourn at 6:10 pm.
All ayes. Motion carried.