Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout2014.09.09 EDA MinutesMINUTES FOR THE EDA MEETING OF SEPTEMBER 9, 2014 Weidt called the meeting to order at 5:00 pm. PRESENT: Klein, Gallivan, Houle, Denaway, and Weidt ABSENT: Puleo STAFF: Bryan Bear, City Administrator Rachel Juba, Planner APPROVAL OF MINUTES FOR THE EDA MEETING OF AUGUST 8, 2014 Klein made motion, Houle seconded, to approve minutes for the EDA meeting of August 8, 2014. All ayes. Motion carried. UPDATE FROM REALTOR On April 7, 2014, the City Council approved a contract with a partnership of realtors to market the City owned property in downtown Hugo. Bill Bergeson was present at the meeting to provide the EDA with an update on the marketing work that has been completed to date. Mr. Bergeson stated that Jeff Houge will no longer be involved in the marketing efforts of the City owned property, but will still be involved in some capacity. Mr. Bergeson will be the main contact. He stated that he has been in contact with at least 10-12 parties to talk to them about the property. He stated that will continue to make contact with restaurateurs and other commercial developers. Commissioner Denaway ask how he will fill the gap of Mr. Houge's commercial real estate experience. Mr. Bergeson stated that he will still have Mr. Houge involved, but he will be doing most of the marketing. He stated that he has been doing more commercial real estate in the last year and a half. Commissioner Houle asked Mr. Bergeson to keep a log of who he contacts and who contact him and provide to the EDA. Weidt stated that is was disappointed with the last update and had a feeling there was something going on behind the scenes, since Mr. Houge was not there. He encouraged Mr. Bergeson to continue moving forward and asked him to come back to provide the EDA with an update in November. RECAP OF MICRA MANUFACTURING SITE VISIT The EDA made a site visit to Micra Manufacturing and toured the facility guided by the president of the company Craig Benson. Micra Manufacturing specializes in machining, fabrication, sawing, welding, abrasive blasting, and painting of metals. Mr. Benson provided background on the business and showed the EDA the pieces of equipment that are used to make the products they manufacture. Staff asked the EDA if they would like to continue visiting businesses and how often. The EDA agreed that they would like to continue to conduct business visits. They agreed to try to do them bi-monthly. REVIEW OF 2030 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN One of the EDA's goals for 2014 includes a review of the economic development section of the 2030 Comprehensive Plan. The Comprehensive Plan was adopted by the City in 2010 and the EDA has accomplished several items since then. Staff provided an overview of the section and what items the EDA has completed. Staff presented on how the City has implemented the items that were identified in the economic development section of the 2030 Comprehensive Plan. These items include, identify a target market, marketing, financial incentives, infrastructure needs, downtown redevelopment, gateways, promoting quality among businesses, and retention of businesses. It was in staff's opinion that the EDA done a good job accomplishing the implementation items. Staff also reviewed the EDA's goals for 2014. Commissioner Klein stated that the EDA should look into a business incubator for starter companies. Commissioner Denaway agreed that the EDA has done a good job with the things they can control. He stated that at some point the City may want to look into a new location for an industrial park. He also stated that staff may want to look into any successes from GreaterMSP, but we was not aware of much. Commissioner Klein asked if staff has been in contact with the utility companies about locations for a data center. Staff stated they have made contact with them and have information to provide to anyone that may be interested in locating a data center. President Weidt stated that on our land use plan we have areas that are guided for industrial. It may be sooner rather than that there may be a need for more land for industrial. At that time it would be good to evaluate the feasibility a new industrial park. City Administrator, Bryan Bear, stated that staff was recently contacted by the realtor of the Thommes and Thomas property along 165th Street about purchasing the property. At the time, the realtor did not state a purchase price. If the EDA is interested staff can get more information and provide it to the EDA. The EDA agreed they would like to discuss it at a later meeting. The EDA also stated that they would like an update on the industrial properties that are available. The EDA agreed that marketing was the number one items on their list to accomplish and thought more could be done. The discussed gateway signs at the entrances of Hugo. UPDATE ON DOWNTOWN REDEVELOPMENT Staff stated that the Hardwood Creek Trail from 145th Street to 140th Street would be extended this Fall starting on September 15th O'Reilly's Auto Parts purchased the property located at 14777 Forest Boulevard (old Ricci's Saloon Site) and staff is expecting a site plan application to follow. The Hugo Good Neighbors Food Shelf purchased a property in the Peloquin Industrial Park and will be submitting a site plan application soon. ADJOURNMENT Klein made a motion, seconded by Gallivan, to adjourn at 6:15 P.M. All ayes. Motion carried.