12-08-2003 EDA MINMEETING OF THE ELK RIVER
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY
HELD AT THE ELK RIVER HIGH SCHOOL LITTLE THEATER
MONDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2003
Members Present: President Gongoll, Commissioners Koenig, Dwyer, Klinzing, Kuester,
Tveite (5:50 p.m.), and Motin
Members Absent: None
Staff Present: Director of Economic Development Catherine Mehelich, Assistant
Director of Economic Development Heidi Steinmetz, City
Administrator Pat Klaers, and Recording Secretary Tina Allard
Call Meeting To Order
Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, the meeting of the Economic Development
Authority was called to order at 5:30 p.m. by President Gongoll.
Consider Agenda
President Gongoll added an item regazding the Metropolitan Coalition of Chambers
event under Other Business.
MOVED BY COMMISSIONER KOENIG AND SECONDED BY
COMMISSIONER DWYER TO APPROVE THE DECEMBER 8, 2003 EDA
AGENDA AS AMENDED. THE MOTION CARRIED 6-0.
3. Consider Consent Agenda
MOVED BY COMMISSIONER KLINZING AND SECONDED BY
COMMISSIONER MOTIN TO APPROVE THE FOLLOWING CONSENT
AGENDA ITEMS:
3.1. NOVEMBER 10, 2003 MINUTES WITH THE FOLLOWING CHANGE
BY COMMISSIONER MOTIN
• ITEM 7, INDUSTRIAL LAND DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY
PARAGRAPH THREE TO READ "COMMISSIONERS
MOTIN... REZONE ELK RIVER BUSINESS PARK PROPERTY
TO MIXED... "
3.2. CHECK REGISTER
3.3. REVENUE/EXPENDITURE REPORT
3.4. BALANCE SHEET
THE MOTION CARRIED 6-0.
Economic Development Authority Minutes Page 2
December 8, 2003
4. Open Mike
No one appeared for Open Mike.
Strategic Industrial Marketing Activities Update
President Gongoll stated that he, Ms. Mehelich, and Commissioner Klinzing met with
representatives of Cymbet Corporation to discuss their expansion plans. He stated that
as city representatives they expressed their desire to work with Cymbet at keeping
them in the community. He stated that Cymbet currently occupies approximately
10,000 square feet of space and needs about 50,000 square feet for their manufacturing
operation. President Gongoll stated that Cymbet, with some assistance from the city,
would possibly consider construction of a 50,000 square foot facility. He is concerned
Cymbet could move out of the community.
Commissioner Klinzing stated that she believes Cymbet would like to remain in the
community. She stated that they expressed an interest in the city's plan for a YMCA,
the commuter rail station, and the rural nature of Elk River. She stated that Cymbet
indicated they would not make any moving decisions without coming forward to the
city.
Ms. Steinmetz provided an update on key accounts, promotions, advertising, public
relations, and the business retention strategy as outlined in her staff report.
Ms. Mehelich provided an update on KnowledGenetica. She stated that they are in
process for funding from the Initiative Foundation and Anoka/Sherburne County
Capital fund a name change to K-netica.
6. Discuss Update on Economic Development Strategic Plan
Ms. Mehelich stated that funds are in the 2004 budget to update the Economic
Development Strategic Plan. She gave a history of the Plan and discussed past goals
that have been accomplished. She questioned the Commission as to how they would
like to proceed with the Plan update.
President Gongoll stated that the past process of utilizing a task force of community
representatives worked well.
Commissioner Dwyer stated the city needs to complete more than just an update of
the Plan. Commissioner Tveite concurred stating there are new tools and resources
available that are not used in the current Plan.
Commissioner Motin stated that the Plan should have a whole overhaul, not just a
modification. He would like the EDA, HRA, and the City Council to have input on
the Plan.
Discussion was held on the amount of funds budgeted for this project and whether the
whole Plan can be modified or just an update should be completed
Economic Development Authority Minutes
December 8, 2003
Page 3
The Commission discussed a timeline for moving this project forward. The
Commission directed staff to meet with the Brimeyer Group to obtain a proposal. A
proposal from Brimeyer will be brought to the Commission in January.
Discuss Joint Worksession with Cit~Council and Action Committee for Energy
ACE
Ms. Mehelich stated that as part of the Energy City program, ACE was established in
1996 and since that time there has been only one joint meeting with ACE and the
EDA, HRA, and Council. She stated that ACE would like to provide a presentation of
activities they have accomplished in the past seven years and discuss its future role.
Commissioner Klinzing stated that she is on ACE and provided a brief history of some
of the past projects of ACE and some of the people that make up the committee.
It was the consensus of the Commission that staff schedule a joint meeting with ACE,
the EDA, and Council to be held prior to the update of the Strategic Plan
Other Business
Business Retention
President Gongoll commemed on an article included in the meeting materials
regarding the Chamber's business retention drive. He stated that the Elk River
Chamber is among a coalition of 30 chambers in the state that is launching a
business retention effort called Grow Minnesota.
Metropolitan Coalition of Chambers
President Gongoll stated that the Elk River Chamber, even though Elk River
is not a metro city, is a member of this coalition. He stated that transportation
issues that affect the metro also affect Elk River and if anyone is interested in
going to any meetings to let him know.
Adiournment
There being no other business the meeting of the Elk River Economic Development
Authority adjourned at 6:45 p.m.
Recording Secretary