09-19-2016 EDA MIN City of
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Elk ...........
Meeting of the Elk River
River Economic Development Authority
Held at the Elk River City Hall
Monday, September 19, 2016
Members Present: President Tveite,Commissioners Burandt, Ovall,Westgaard,Provo,
Olsen,and Wagner
Members Absent: None
Staff Present: Economic Development Director Amanda Othoudt,Economic
Development Specialist Colleen Eddy,and City Clerk Tina Allard
I. Call Meeting to Order
Pursuant to due call and notice thereof,the meeting of the Elk River Economic
Development Authority was called to order at 5:30 p.m. by President Tveite.
2. Consider 09/19/2016 Agenda
Moved by Commissioner Wagner and seconded by Commissioner Ovall to
approve the September 19,2016, agenda. Motion carried 7-0.
3. Consider Consent Agenda
Moved by Commissioner Westgaard and seconded by Commissioner Olson to
approve the following consent agenda:
3.1 August 15,2016,EDA Minutes.
3.2 Check register as outlined in the staff report.
3.3 Balance sheet as outlined in the staff report.
3.4 Revenue expenditures as outlined in the staff report.
Motion carried 7-0.
4. Open Forum
No one appeared for Open Forum.
5. Public Hearings
There were no public hearing items scheduled for this agenda.
6.1 Updated Tax Abatement Policy and Application
Ms. Othoudt presented the staff report.
Economic Development Authority Minutes Page 2
September 19, 2016
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Commissioner Provo asked what happens with the fees if a business is denied the tax
abatement request.
Commissioner Tveite stated this is a fee to recoup costs and not a revenue source.
Ms. Othoudt stated the applicant is reimbursed unused fees.
Commissioner Ovall stated the EDA Finance Committee expressed concerns with
the fees and costs of consultants, such as Springsted, and staff is considering internal
review for some programs.
Ms. Othoudt further noted the city offers many programs which each require
different types of review. She stated staff is looking at reviewing microloans, tax
abatements, and tax increment in-house. She stated staff is looking at continuing to
use Springsted for tax abatements and tax increment finances, but to internally
review microloans.
The Commission concurred that a Request for Proposal should be drafted for
financial consultant firms.
Moved by Commissioner Westgaard and seconded by Commissioner Olson to
approve the Tax Abatement Policy as outlined in the staff report.
Commissioner Provo suggested changing the language in Section VII.A.1 as follows:
Applicant submits the completed application along with a $5 10,000 application
deposit, to be refunded for any portions not utilized.
The maker and seconder of the motion concurred with the language change.
Motion carried 7-0.
6.2 Director’s Report
Ms. Othoudt presented the staff report.
7. Announcements
There were no announcments.
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The EDA recessed in order to go into worksession at 5:52 p.m..
The EDA reconvened at. 5:54 p.m. Commissioner Olson was not at this portion of
the meeting.
8.1 City Beautification Award Program
Economic Development Authority Minutes Page 3
September 19,2016
Ms. Othoudt presented the staff report.
Commissioner Tveite suggested newspaper involvement so companies can get some
benefit through public exposure.
Commissioner Wagner questioned what would happen if there were no nominees.
She suggested partnering with the chamber. She also suggested nominees be carried
over to another month if they are not selected the first time around. She stated the
same companies shouldn't be selected ever year. She suggested committee members
be made up of people who are not city staff, such as a chamber member.
Commissioner Westgaard discussed the new construction language stating a
certificate of occupancy is required,noting remodel projects don't get these
certificates. He suggested some language to address this item.
Ms. Othoudt stated her intent was that the project must be completed
Ms. Othoudt asked for direction on committee size and suggested keeping it small
such as 3-5 members.
Member suggestions included the following:
• EDA
• Chamber
• Resident
• Master gardener
• Real estate
• Seniors/Guardian Angels
Commissioner Ovall stated staff and EDA members are busy and have only a certain
amount of time available. He stated he would like to see more community
involvement with this committee.
Commissioner Wagner suggested it could be considered to make this group a
commission with community outreach goals.
Staff was directed to bring back a recommendation for five members.
Commissioner Provo stated he would like to discuss the Distinctive Iron and their
conditional use permit issues.
Commissioner Westgaard discussed Open Meeting Law protocol.
Commissioner Provo asked for this matter to be added to the next agenda.
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Economic Development Authority Minutes Page 4
September 19,2016
9. Adjournment
There being no further business,Chair Tveite adjourned the meeting of the Elk
River Economic Development Authority at 6:14 p.m.
Dan Tveite, EDA President
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Tina Allard, City Clerk
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