03-18-2019 EDA MIN SPECIAL C0ity of
hlk ,�� , Special Meeting of the Elk River
River Economic Development Authority
Held at the Elk River City Hall
Monday,March 18,2019
Members Present: President Dan Tveite, Commissioners Charlie Blesener, Garrett
Christianson,Matt Westgaard, and Jennifer Wagner
Members Absent: Commissioners Bryan Provo
Staff Present: Economic Development Director Amanda Othoudt,Economic
Development Specialist Colleen Eddy,ERMU Conservation and Key
Accounts Manager Tom Sagstetter,and Deputy Clerk Jessica Miller
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 5:00 p.m. by President Tveite.
2. Work Session-Energy Incentive Program
• Ms. Othoudt presented the staff report.
It was questioned if the developer should be responsible for costs associated with
public hearings or legal fees.
President Tveite indicated public hearings are only required when financial assistance
exceeds$150,000 and suggested requiring legal fees for anything in excess of that
amount.Mr. Sagstetter explained a project requiring over$150,000 financial
assistance would be large and more than likely would require discussions a year or
two in advance.
Mr. Sagstetter suggested increasing the electric capacity for data centers to 500kW or
750kW per month. The EDA concurred.
Commissioner Blesener questioned if the requirement for data centers to create jobs
within two years should be included as it is for manufacturing. Ms. Othoudt
indicated she will add language.
Commissioner Ovall questioned if more general terms should be used for
manufacturing. He explained he's envisioning distribution centers like Amazon or
FedEx and manufacturing may not be as inclusive for businesses we may wish to
attract. Commissioner Christianson concurred.
• Ms. Othoudt suggested saying manufacturing and distribution. The EDA concurred.
Discussion took place on making it clear in the policy whether or not business
subsidy is required.Ms. Othoudt explained the attorney drafted the language. It was
Economic Development Authority Minutes Page 2
March 18,2019
noted economic development staff will be able to assist the applicant and let them
know what is required. The EDA concurred.
Commissioner Blesener questioned if the word"if' should be removed under item 9
for payback for not meeting the job requirements. Ms. Othoudt indicated the
attorney drafted the language so she will confirm. Commissioner Westgaard
suggested changing"if required" to "as required"under item 9.
Ms. Othoudt stated her next step is to incorporate changes discussed here tonight
along with changes from Sherburne County Assistant Administrator Dan Weber and
put on a future agenda for approval. Commissioners requested a clean copy be sent
out after changes are made.
3. Adjournment
There being no further business,President Tveite adjourned the meeting of the Elk
River Economic Development Authority at 5:34 p.m.
Minutes prepared by Jessica Miller.
I
Dan Tveite,EDA President •
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Tina Allard, City Clerk
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