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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2014.02.11 EDA MinutesMINUTES FOR THE EDA MEETING OF FEBRUARY 11, 2014 Weidt called the meeting to order at 5:00 pm. PRESENT: Arcand, Bever, Denaway, Gallivan, Puleo, and Weidt ABSENT: Klein STAFF: Bryan Bear, City Administrator Rachel Juba, Planner APPROVAL OF MINUTES FOR THE EDA MEETING OF JANUARY 14, 2014 Puleo made motion, Gallivan seconded, to approve minutes for the EDA meeting of January 14, 2014. All ayes. Motion carried. TRUST MARKETING SOLUTIONS Amy Nelson, is the founder of Trust Marketing Solutions in Hugo which is a video production and marketing company. She has created several videos for businesses in Hugo. Since moving to Hugo, she has been an active member in the Hugo Business Association (HBA). In December 2013, Amy was elected as the new HBA President. Staff invited Amy to attend the EDA meeting to provide background on her business and to discuss the goals and action items for the HBA for 2014. Amy thanked the EDA and the City for its partnership with the HBA. She stated that the HBA has set several goals for the year, such as, membership retention and expansion, marketing of businesses, and updating its website. The EDA welcomed Amy as a business in Hugo and as the new President of the HBA. DISCUSSION ON CONTRACT WITH REALTOR TO MARKET CITY OWNED PROPERTY At its January meeting the EDA interview two real estate broker companies that made proposals for market the City owned property in downtown. The EDA recommended to the City Council to enter into a contract with High Pointe Realty partnering with Wakota Commercial Advisors to market the property. Staff had a discussion with the EDA's on its expectations for the marketing of the property and what should be included in the contract. Staff will meet with the realtors to discuss the contract and put it on a City Council agenda for approval. Staff will continue to provide updates to the EDA. UPDATE ON DOWNTOWN REDEVELOPMENT Staff updated the EDA on the O'Reilly's Auto Parts sketch plan application. The Council made comments indicating they were not comfortable granting the variances that would be needed to make the project work. They were also concerned that this would be setting precedence for other plans to ignore the Downtown Guidelines. They talked to the applicant about other options. Denaway stated that there needed to be flexibility with the design guidelines and that it need to be financially feasible for a business to meet them. Weidt stated that he is not ready to discard the design guidelines and stated that a further discussion on them will be at a workshop with the Planning Commission and City Council. RESIGNATION OF COMMISSIONER BEVER Weidt thanked Commissioner Bever for his service to the City and dedication to the EDA. Bever has been on the EDA since it was originated in 2004. Weidt stated that he will be missed on the EDA. ADJOURNMENT Weidt made a motion, seconded by Gallivan, to adjourn at 6:00 P.M. All ayes. Motion carried.