4.1. EDA DRAFT MINUTES 07-15-2019
Meeting of the Elk River
Economic Development Authority
Held at the Elk River City Hall
Monday, June 17, 2019
Members Present: President Dan Tveite, Commissioners Garrett Christianson, Matt
Westgaard, Nate Ovall, Jennifer Wagner, and Charlie Blesener
Members Absent: None
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
Pledge of Allegiance was recited.
3. Consider Agenda
Moved by Commissioner Ovall and seconded by Commissioner Wagner to
approve the agenda.
Motion carried 6-0.
4. Consider Consent Agenda
Moved by Commissioner Westgaard and seconded by Commissioner Ovall to
approve the following consent agenda:
4.1 May 20, 2019, EDA Minutes
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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6. Public Hearings
There were no public hearing items.
7.1 Propose EDA Budget Workshop
Ms. Othoudt presented the staff report. She asked if Monday, July 15, 2019, would
work for a budget and goals discussion. Consensus of the EDA was to hold the
meeting on July 15, 2019, at 4:30 p.m.
7.2 Director Report
Ms. Othoudt presented the staff report.
The EDA recessed at 5:41 p.m. in order to go in to work session. The EDA reconvened at 5:43 p.m.
8.1 Public Art
Ms. Othoudt presented the staff report.
The EDA discussed the proposed timeline.
Commissioner Wagner indicated the Parks and Recreation Commission is supportive
of public art in the parks but didn’t feel right choosing a location without knowing
what type of art would be going there.
President Tveite stated he is in favor of having the artist dictate the type of art and
the location they feel is best to showcase the art.
Commissioner Blesener explained he believes setting parameters without limiting the
venue would be helpful. He felt it would be fairer for all of the artists to design art
for a specific location for more of an apple to apple comparison. He suggested
having the Parks and Recreation Commission narrow down two or three location
options for the art for the EDA to pick from.
Commissioner Wagner questioned if the only location options are parks. Ms.
Othoudt explained she is highly recommending following the public art master plan
outlined by the Parks and Recreation Commission. She explained the plan sets
guidelines while still offering the artist’s flexibility.
Commissioner Westgaard suggested selecting half a dozen sites and asking the artist
to identify their proposed location in their proposal. The EDA discussed this in
more detail and directed staff to allow the artist to select a location referenced in the
public arts master plan
Ms. Othoudt indicated a 25% match would be required for the grant, which will be
budgeted in 2020. She questioned if the EDA would still like to move forward with
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the public art if the grant is not received or if the agreement should include a caveat
stating the public art is contingent upon receipt of the grant. She noted the grant
allows for in-kind donations as well.
President Tveite suggested including a contingency allowing, but not requiring, the
EDA to fully fund the art if a grant is not received. The EDA concurred.
Ms. Othoudt questioned if the artist should receive compensation. President Tveite
indicated he would anticipate compensation being included in the artist’s bid
amount. The EDA concurred.
Ms. Othoudt questioned if the EDA was good with artists located within 100 miles.
The EDA concurred.
Ms. Othoudt indicated getting public input helps with the grant application. She
stated staff will prepare and distribute a public survey.
8.2 Beautification Policy Discussion
Ms. Othoudt presented the staff report.
Beautification Committee member Ryan Hardin indicated the committee is having a
challenging time getting a large pool of submissions. He noted the committee
discussed ways to get more nominations and ways to recognize the winners.
Commissioner Wagner indicated adding an interior beautification component could
be beneficial, especially when it benefits the community. She noted adding a category
for renter renovation is also an option. She also likes the idea of recognizing service
groups who have contributed to beautifying areas within the city. The EDA liked the
idea of recognizing service groups for their work beautifying the community.
Consensus of the EDA was for the Beautification Committee to bring back their
proposed changes to the policy for EDA consideration.
9. Adjournment
There being no further business, President Tveite adjourned the meeting of the Elk
River Economic Development Authority at 6:26 p.m.
Minutes prepared by Jessica Miller.
Dan Tveite, EDA President
Tina Allard, City Clerk