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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2015.09.15 EDA MinutesMINUTES FOR THE EDA MEETING OF SEPTEMBER l5, 2015 Weidt called the meeting to order at 4:59 pm. PRESENT: Denaway, Gallivan, Houle, Klein, Petty, and Weidt ABSENT: Puleo. STAFF: Bryan Bear, City Administrator Rachel Leitz, Community Development Assistant APPROVAL OF MINUTES FOR THE EDA MEETING OF JULY 21, 2015 Klein made motion, Gallivan seconded, to approve minutes for the EDA meeting of July 21, 2015. All Ayes. Motion carried UPDATE ON BROADBAND INTERNET Klein updated the EDA on broadband internet. Klein stated that Century Link has accepted Connect America Fund (CAF) funding for Minnesota. He stated that this was federal money that will be utilized to expand infrastructure. Some of these monies will be used to further extend service in Hugo. Klein also discussed different ways Cities can begin planning for future broadband infrastructure in construction of roadways. Klein concluded by saying that a meeting is being scheduled to continue to talk about future steps in this process. Bear added that the City of Hugo has both Century Link and Comcast in the City. Century Link provides phone service to rural Hugo, though, and plans to expand infrastructure so more rural residents can subscribe to the internet. Bear stated that the City has sent a letter of support for the expansion efforts within Hugo. Gallivan asked how many households in Hugo are effected. Bear stated that the information is very difficult to find with the way the State records census tracking. Bear concluded by saying the EDA continues to be updated on broadband internet expansion within Hugo because of the continued growth of residents working from home or even running a business from their home. UPDATE ON RAILROAD Bear gave the EDA an update on the railroad. He began by saying that this past spring, the legislature approved funding for MN Commercial to make temporary improvements on the short line that will last one to two years. He stated that a proposal for a state bonding fund and a proposal for a grant that would come out of the state general fund is currently being worked on for the next legislative session. Bear reminded the EDA that a permanent fix will cost around $1 million dollars. Bear also stated that Wisconsin and Iowa have state funds that are dedicated to the repairs of rail, specifically for situations similar to this one. He stated that there will be a proposal for the State of Minnesota to duplicate one of these programs, which will not only be able to help Hugo but also help other communities affected by similar issues. UPDATE ON SOLAR POWER SUBSCRIPTION Leitz gave the EDA an update on solar power subscriptions. She first reminded the EDA of a proposed solar farm site located west of the Hugo Post Office. She stated that after requiring the solar company to complete some due diligence, the site was deemed an unfeasible site. Leitz discussed that staff had sent in a letter of intent to be included in a solar collaborative RFP through the Met Council. This process includes the Met Council facilitating a process to receive proposals from solar companies, evaluating the proposals, and performing a lottery process to match cities with appropriate solar farms. After this process is complete, the City of Hugo will have a period to accept or reject the solar company's subscription agreement. Leitz also stated that the City has been working in parallel with a solar company, Solarstone, in a subscription agreement. She told the EDA that this company is currently analyzing how much power the City uses and how much energy would need to be subscribed to. Leitz reminded the EDA that Xcel energy is required to have 20% of their energy to come from solar power by 2020. She stated that the City could save 5%-10% through bill credits by subscribing to this program. UPDATE ON DOWNTOWN REDEVELOPMENT Bear updated the EDA on downtown redevelopment. He stated that the City is in the closing process of the purchase of a house located at 14715 Forest Boulevard North. He showed the EDA a map of the properties that the City owns on Forest, south of 147th Street. This recent property connects to the City - owned properties and staff believes that this area will be a very nice piece of land for future redevelopment. Bear next updated the EDA on Lions Park. He stated that Lions Park was discussed in the mid -year budget review and the Council has decided to send the plan back to the Parks Commission for further review and revisions. ADJOURNMENT Gallivan made a motion, seconded by Houle, to adjourn at 6:25 P.M. All ayes. Motion carried.