09-10-2001 EDA MINMEETING OF THE ELK RIVER
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY
HELD AT THE ELK RIVER CITY HALL
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 10, 2001
iVTembexs Present: President Gongoll, Commissioners Koenig, Dwyer, Klinzing, Kuester,
Tveite, and Modn
Members Absent None
Staff Present: Director of Economic Development Catherine blehelich, City
Administrator Pat IQaers, and City Clerk Sandra Peine
Call iVleeting To Order
Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, the meeting of the Economic Development
Authority was called to order at 6:00 p.m. by President Gongoll.
2. Consider September 10. 2001. Agenda
COMMISSIONER KLINZING MOVED TO APPROVE THE SEPTEMBER 10,
2001, EDA AGENDA, COMMISSIONER TVEITE SECONDED THE MOTION.
THE MOTION CARRIED 7-0.
3. Consent Agenda
COMMISSIONER MOTIN MOVED TO APPROVE THE CONSENT AGENDA
AS FOLLOWS:
3.1. AUGUST 13, 2001, EDA MINUTES -APPROVED
3.2. CHECKREGISTER-APPROVED
3.3. REVENUE/EXPENDITURE REPORT -APPROVED
3.4. BALANCE SHEET -APPROVED
COMMISSIONER KUESTER SECONDED THE MOTION. THE
MOTION CARRIED 7-0.
4. Open iVlike
No one appeared for open nuke.
5. Strategic Industrial Marketing Plan update
Director Catherine blehe]ich indicated that she and President Gongoll have met and put
together a tentative schedule fox October 23, in recognition of MN Manufacturing and
Technology Week consisting of a speaker, plant tours and a luncheon.
The Director stated that she will also be making business retention and expansion visits
during October.
Economic Development Authority ~linutes
September 1Q X001
Page 2
The Director informed the EDA that she is working with a committee to update the City's
web site. It is anticipated that the new site will be online by the first of 2002.
6. Review Elk Path Business Centex Concept Plan
The Director of Economic Development indicated that the Planning Commission has
reviewed the conceptual development plan fox Elk Path Business Centex located west of the
Sherburne County Government Center. Catherine noted that the Planning Commission did
not find any specific issues related to the concept plan.
The Director reviewed the plan and noted that the concept calls Eor mainly office space
development with some warehousing and manufacturing space. Commissioner Klinzing
questioned if there were any plans from the County fox Outlot F. The City Administrator
noted that at this time the County has not indicated that it has any plans for Outlot F nor
has the County requested access off of County Road 30. Discussion was held regarding
access to Outlot F.
Catherine Mehelich talked about discussions she has had with the project developers
regarding the possibility of splitting up some of the 3+ acre lots into smaller 1+ acre lots.
Commissioner Tveite indicated that be would prefer to see the larger lots at this point which
would allow developers to split the lots appropriately as they are platted.
Assistant Director of Economic Development Position
City Administrator Pat I4aers noted that staff is recommending not to fill the Assistant
Director's vacancy at the present time due to the slower economy. The City Administrator
indicated that the position is needed, but not at the present time, and recommended that the
funding for the position remain in the 2002 budget.
Commssion Dwyer indicated that the EDA staff might have to spend more time pursuing
prospects due to the stow economy. He stated that he is not in Eavor of leaving the position
vacant.
President Gongoll stated his concern that there will be a void in the department when the
Director is on leave. He indicated that he does not want to lose the momentum that has
been established in the department He also indicated that the HRA has many issues that it
is dealing with at this time.
Commissioner Kuester concurred with President Gongoll and Commissioner Dwyer and
stated that she wants to be sure that there is an identifiable contact person in the economic
development department.
Commssioner Tveite stated that this might be a good time to advertise, as there could be
more candidates available due to the conditions of the economy.
City Administrator Pat Klaexs indicated that if the EDA wants to fill the position, he
recommends that the position be filled as soon as possible so that the new employee can be
trained prior to the Director's leave of absence. The City Administrator also recommended
reducing the quahficadons of the position from the previous Assistant Director.
Economic Development Aut6oeity Minutes
September 1Q, 2001
Page 3
Commissioner Klinzing suggested adding some HRA responsibilities to the job dudes. She
also noted that she is interested in having the position considered at this time in hght of the
citv's current needs.
COMMISSIONER DWYER MOVED TO RECOMMEND TO THE CITY
COUNCIL THAT THE EDA PROCEED WITH FILLING THE VACANT
ASSISTANT DIRECTOR POSITION. COMMISSIONER KUESTER
SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 7-0.
8. Other Business
There was no other business.
9. Adi_ournment
r.~
~I ~~., ~ ~ ~l~L Ll,
Sandra Peine
There being no other business, PRESIDF,NT GONGOLL ADJOURNED THE
MEETING.
The meeting of [he Elk River Economic Development Authority adjourned at 6:40 p.m.
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Ciry Clerk