4.1. DRAFT EDA MINUTES 05-20-2019
Meeting of the Elk River
Economic Development Authority
Held at the Elk River City Hall
Monday, April 15, 2019
Members Present: President Dan Tveite, Commissioners Garrett Christianson, Matt
Westgaard, Nate Ovall, Jennifer Wagner, and Charlie Blesener
Members Absent: Commissioner Bryan Provo
Staff Present: Economic Development Director Amanda Othoudt, Economic
Development Specialist Colleen Eddy, and Deputy Clerk Jessica
Miller
1. 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. Pledge of Allegiance
The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.
3. Consider April 15, 2019, Agenda
Moved by Commissioner Wagner and seconded by Commissioner Westgaard
to approve the April 15, 2019, agenda. Motion carried 6-0.
4. Consider Consent Agenda
Moved by Commissioner Blesener and seconded by Commissioner Wagner to
approve the following consent agenda:
4.1 EDA Minutes
March 18, 2019, Special
March 18, 2019, Regular
4.2 Check register as outlined in the staff report.
4.3 Balance sheet as outlined in the staff report.
4.4 Revenue/expenditure report as outlined in the staff report.
Motion carried 6-0.
5. Open Forum
No one appeared for Open Forum.
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April 15, 2019
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6. Public Hearings
There were no public hearing items.
7.1 Energy Incentive Program
Ms. Othoudt presented the staff report.
Commissioner Wagner stated the way it is written it appears only data centers and
manufacturing/distribution are eligible to apply and she believes the intent is for data
centers, manufacturing, and distribution centers to be eligible. Ms. Othoudt indicated
she will make that change.
Commissioner Wagner questioned if the language regarding regulation for new
construction needs to be included since the requirement would be the same for all
new construction whether applying for this subsidy or not. Ms. Othoudt indicated
the attorney requested the language be included.
Commissioner Wagner questioned timing of project expenses and costs incurred
prior to application approval not being covered. Ms. Othoudt stated it is attorney
language but she will clarify prior to formal approval by the Council.
Commissioner Ovall stated he is struggling with the requirements for manufacturing
and questioned if the math has been done to see what kind of subsidy a
manufacturing business would receive. Ms. Othoudt indicated examples were
presented at the last meeting but she can send them out. She estimated they would
receive between $500 - $7,000 depending on the difference in kWh
Moved by Commissioner Westgaard and seconded by Commissioner
Christianson to approve the Energy Incentive Program and Policy with
changes as presented and corrected. Motion carried 6-0.
7.2 Director Report
Ms. Othoudt presented her director report.
The Economic Development Authority (EDA) recessed at 5:44 p.m. in order to go in to
work session. The EDA reconvened at 5:47 p.m.
8.1. Public Art
Ms. Othoudt presented the staff report. She indicated EDA Intern Diana Shonyo
has worked very hard on this project researching and reformatting the 2014 request
for proposal.
Ms. Othoudt indicated staff has developed the following questions to engage the
community through a public survey. The questions are as follows:
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April 15, 2019
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1. What public space would you like to see benefit?
Ms. Othoudt suggested following the Parks and Recreation Master Plan.
2. Is there a theme?
3. What would be your preferred style?
4. What is your favored art medium?
President Tveite believes it isn’t just what we ask but who we ask. He suggested
targeting the Chamber of Commerce, downtown business association, and other
organizations in town.
Commissioner Blesener stated it may be beneficial for the EDA to have a discussion
on where the city is going and the EDA to-do list to help steer the strategic
placement of the art. He suggested the EDA come up with three or four locations
and possibly a theme and ask survey recipients for their favorite. He noted he feels it
makes more sense for the city to guide the location versus leaving it to the artist.
Commissioner Christianson indicated the questions could assist in laying the
foundation for the project. He stated the themes could tie in to the location but
suggested the EDA provide guidance.
Commissioner Blesener stated when the school district did the public art at Handke
it was open to the public. He explained a panel did the first cut and narrowed down
the artists to three or four. Those finalists received a small stipend to prepare a
mockup of their project and later presented the art to the panel and a decision was
made. He stated the district received guidance from a company from St. Paul and it
worked well.
Ms. Othoudt confirmed the EDA consensus was
EDA pick four locations
Target specific groups with the survey
EDA will review survey before it goes out
9. Adjournment
There being no further business, President Tveite adjourned the meeting of the Elk
River Economic Development Authority at 6:03 p.m.
Minutes prepared by Jessica Miller.
Dan Tveite, EDA President
Tina Allard, City Clerk