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04-15-2019 EDA MINMeeting 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 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. 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. S. Open Forum No one appeared for Open Forum. Economic Development Authority Minutes Page 2 April 15, 2019 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: I I I E I E I I r hl►s►iUl?� Economic Development Authority Minutes Page 3 April 15, 2019 1. What public space would you kke to see benefit? Ms. Othoudt suggested following the Parks and Recreation Master Plan. 2. Is there a theme? 3. What would beyourpmferred style? 4. What isyourfavond 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. IJP President Tina Ala d, City Clerk FBI IR10 1 V NATURE