06-13-2011 EDA MIN
MEETING OF THE ELK RIVER
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY
HELD AT THE ELK RIVER CITY HALL
MONDAY, JUNE 13, 201 I
Members Present: President Touchette, Commissioners Dwyer, Gumphrey, Motin, Tveite,
Westgaard, and Zerwas
Members Absent: None
Staff Present: Economic Development Manager Annie Deckert, Planning Manager
Jeremy Barnhart, and Senior Administrative Assistant Jennifer Johnson
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 Touchette.
2. Consider Agenda
MOVED BY COMMISSIONER DWYER AND SECONDED BY
COMMISSIONER TVEITE TO APPROVE THE JUNE 13, 2011 EDA
AGENDA.. MOTION CARRIED 7-0.
•
3. Consider Consent Agenda
MOVED BY COMMISSIONER ZERWAS AND SECONDED BY
COMMISSIONER MOTIN TO APPROVE THE CONSENT AGENDA AS
FOLLOWS:
3.1. MAY 9, 2011 REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
3.2. CHECK REGISTERS
3.3. BALANCE SHEET
3.4. REVENUE/EXPENDITURE REPORT
MOTION CARRIED 7-0.
4. Open Mike
No one was present
Request by Elk River Area Arts Alliance - 2011 Art Sout~
Ms. Deckert presented the staff report
t
Wendy Simenson and Deb Opticius, Arts Alliance members representing the ArtSoup
festival, explained the Alliance's plans for the 2011 ArtSoup. They requested the EDA
contribute $2,000, consistent with previous year's contribution.
Economic Development Authority Minutes
June 13, 2011
Page 2
Commissioner Motin expressed concerns with the Alliance's decision to only allow local Elk
River food vendors to sell food and felt that more revenue could be received if they allowed
outside vendors.
Ms. Simenson explained the decision to keep the food vendors local and explained the costs
being charged for advertising in a brochure that would be distributed the day of the event.
Commissioner Tveite questioned why the City Council requested the EDA to review and
approve a donation.
Commissioner Zerwas stated he felt it was more a decision the EDA should approve since
the event would be held downtown and by donating, the EDA shows support to the
downtown businesses.
Commissioner Dwyer wasn't comfortable with the donation and felt in the future, a
donation policy should be put in place for future requests.
Commissioner Tviete asked Ms. Simenson if the event would still take place if the EDA did
not donate any funds.
Ms. Simonson said the event would happen but the budget for the rest of the year would be
affected with this donation.
Commissioner Motin indicated he would be okay with the donation, as long as it was
understood this would not be a reoccurring donation from the EDA.
MOVED BY COMMISSIONER DWYER AND SECONDED BY •
COMMISSIONER ZERWAS TO APPROVE A DONATION TO THE ELK
RIVER AREA ARTS ALLIANCE FOR THE ARTSOUP EVENT IN THE
AMOUNT OF $2,000. MOTION CARRIED 7-0.
6. Discussion and Appointment of Executive Director
Ms. Deckert presented the staff report.
Commissioners discussed the hiring process and felt that although they feel Ms. Deckert is
highly qualified to be economic development director and support the City Council's
decision, the City Council should have consulted the EDA before filling the position. It was
agreed in the future the City Council would consult with its boards and commissions before
approving a new hire.
They also discussed the title of manager versus director, and members decided the title
should be changed to director to not only remain consistent, but also to reflect the role of
the position as one of director.
MOVED BY COMMISSIONER TVEITE AND SECONDED BY
COMMISSIONER GUMPHREY TO APPOINT ANNIE DECKERT AS
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF THE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
AUTHORITY. MOTION CARRIED 7-0.
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Economic Development Authority Minutes
June 13, 2011
Page 3
• MOVED BY COMMISSIONER TVEITE AND SECONDED BY
COMMISSIONER MOTIN TO RECOMMEND CHANGING THE TITLE OF
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT MANAGER TO DIRECTOR OF ECONOMIC
DEVELOPMENT. MOTION CARRIED 7-0.
City Attorney Peter Beck will review the assistant director of economic development
positiondescription with the title to be changed to remain consistent with the title of
director of economic development.
Commissioner Zerwas stated he would bring up the change in title to the City Council
meeting later in the evening for approval.
2011 Vision and Goals Update
Mr. Barnhart provided an update on the 2011 Vision and Goals as outlined in his staff
report.
8. Branding and Marketing Update
Ms. Deckert provided an update on the branding strategy as outlined in her staff report.
9. Other Business
There was no other business.
10. Staff Updates
There were no staff updates.
11. Adjournment
There being no other business, President Touchette adjourned the meeting of the Elk River
Economic Development Authority at 6:28 p.m.
Minutes prepared by Jennifer Johnson.
Tina Allard, City Clerk
Ron ouchette, President