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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2015.07.21 EDA MinutesMINUTES FOR THE EDA MEETING OF JULY 21, 2015 Weidt called the meeting to order at 5:03 pm. PRESENT: Denaway, Gallivan, Klein, Petty, Puleo, and Weidt ABSENT: Houle. STAFF: Bryan Bear, City Administrator Rachel Juba, Planner Rachel Leitz, Community Development Assistant APPROVAL OF MINUTES FOR THE EDA MEETING OF JUNE 16, 2015 Klein made motion, Gallivan seconded, to approve minutes for the EDA meeting of June 16, 2015. All Ayes. Motion carried. UPDATE ON BEAUTIFICATION SUBCOMMITTEE Planner Juba updated the EDA on the Beautification Subcommittee, formerly known as the Gateway Subcommittee. The Beautification Subcommittee had their first meeting on July 9, 2015 and evaluated the group's principal goals and work plan for their future meetings. Planner Juba discussed the work plan with the EDA and requested feedback. Weidt thought that the committee came up with a lot of good topics that need to be addressed within the City. He suggested that the logo modification may need to be evaluated if the logo will be placed on the City's entry monuments and banners. Juba asked the EDA if there were any more topics they would like to see on the work plan for the beautification subcommittee. Weidt suggested that the subcommittee evaluate some type of design element on Highway 61. Juba stated that incorporating a design element on Highway 61 will be discussed within the subcommittee. She described that Staff would like to get the County involved, as they are planning to add more features to the Highway 61 trail corridor. UPDATE ON MARKETING OF CITY -OWNED PROPERTY Planner Juba updated the EDA on the marketing of the City -owned property. She described that the property is currently on commercial real estate sites and she sent out e-mail blasts to some of the top commercial brokers in Minnesota. Juba stated that she has received some interest in the site and has been providing information as the requests come in. A developer from Ohio seemed interested in the property for a hotel and restaurant use or an event center. Juba stated that she may expect to see a concept plan soon. UPDATE ON DOWNTOWN REDEVELOPMENT Planner Juba updated the EDA on downtown redevelopment. She told the EDA that a request from Hugo Equipment Company for a building addition was approved by the City Council on July 21St. She also stated that Staff has been working on many residential projects throughout the City. City Administrator, Bear, described that the sales representative from Keystone Place presented at the last HBA meeting. She had stated that there has been deposits for 20 units (20%) with a few months left until the grand opening. Juba asked if the EDA had any questions regarding development within the City. Klein inquired as to if any industrial or commercial companies have been interested in locating to Hugo. Bear said that industrial development has been relatively quiet, but he expects to see some interest in some of Hugo's sites as commercial business continues to bounce back and grow. Klein asked if there are any available lots in Bald Eagle Industrial Park. Bear stated that several sites are for sale, including some larger sites for bigger users. Bear asked the EDA if there were any topics they would like to have included in future meetings. Weidt described that Hugo has seemed to attract mid-sized industrial users. He said he believes it would be an interesting conversation if Staff could connect the EDA with other communities that have the same niche. He believes the EDA and Staff could then get some better ideas on how best to attract these users. Klein stated that Staff should look for some new, innovative companies that would be interested in a new location. He said it would be helpful if we invited them in to see what Hugo needs to do to attract a company that is similar. Petty said that the EDA should talk to businesses that are doing well in Hugo. She would like to know what brought them to the City, what is making them successful, and how we could attract more business. She said this may be a good connection to suppliers or customers of the businesses that are currently in Hugo. Bear asked if there was anything else the EDA would like to comment on. Gallivan stated that the Hugo Lions are putting on a golf tournament on August 9, 2015. He said that they are still looking for more teams or even volunteers for this event. Gallivan described that dinner and an award ceremony will follow the tournament and will be held at the Hugo Legion. ADJOURNMENT Klein made a motion, seconded by Gallivan, to adjourn at 5:46 P.M. All ayes. Motion carried.