11-18-2019 EDA MINMeeting of the Elk River
Economic Development Authority
Held at the Elk River City Hall
Monday, November 18, 2019
Members Present: President Dan Tveite, Commissioners Garrett Christianson, Matt
Westgaard, Nate Ovall, Jennifer Wagner, Jeff Hartwig, and Charlie
Blesener
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 5:38 p.m. by President Tveite.
2. Pledge of Allegiance
Pledge of Allegiance was recited.
3. Consider Agenda
Moved by Commissioner Wagner and seconded by Commissioner Westgaard
to approve the agenda.
Motion carried 7-0.
4. Consider Consent Agenda
Moved by Commissioner Blesener and seconded by Commissioner Wagner to
approve the following consent agenda:
4.1 October 21, 2019, 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 7-0.
S. Open Forum
No one appeared for Open Forum.
Economic Development Authority Minutes Page 2
November 18, 2019
6. Public Hearings
There were no public hearing items.
7.1 Business Survey Summary
Ms. Othoudt presented the staff report and introduced Debbie Ryberg.
Debbie Rydberg, Elk River Area Chamber of Commerce, discussed the survey
process.
Commissioner Westgaard stated some of the feedback received is not related to the
EDA and would be shared with the City Council and staff. He commented
perception is reality and suggested some self -reflection to determine what things can
be improved, noting the business community will be looking for results from this
survey.
Chair Tveite felts there was an undertone with certain points, noting the business
customer feels their risks are not being understood. He stated we need to be more
customer focused and go beyond to a partnership mentality as opposed to a
customer mentality. He noted the authority still needs to have rules, ordinances and
processes in place but there may be ways to make the process more transparent and
user friendly.
Ms. Rydberg stated most business people don't understand the differing departments
and how they all operate.
Chair Tveite stated there is some direction that could be taken from the survey but
was hoping to see more descriptive ideas.
Ms. Rydberg stated businesses are not experts at city hall and it would be unrealistic
to rely on them.
Commissioner Westgaard stated there were comments that the surveyors understood
they need to follow rules but not empathy from staff and understanding how best to
work together. He stated there needs to be more understanding and questioned how
to define customer service and compliance because they can clash.
Commissioner Blesener stated customer needs can vary noting a family business
wouldn't have the depth of being able to utilize an engineer or architect. He
suggested an ombudsperson spending time with the customer, not necessarily doing
the work for them but holding their hand more through the process.
Ms. Rydberg stated businesses have a certain budget and there needs to be awareness
of all the costs for a project.
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Economic Development Authority Minutes Page 3
November 18, 2019
Commissioner Christianson stated there needs to more communication and
education, and a breakdown of silos.
Commissioner Wagner thanked everyone for their participation in the survey noting
the Authority want to improve processes but can't unless there is feedback from
businesses.
Chair Tveite questioned next steps to achieve an objective and actionable results.
Commissioner Westgaard stated a discussion at the next meeting would be
appropriate. He stated items not related to the Authority can be directed to the
Council. He further thanked Ms. Rydberg for her efforts.
Commissioner Ovall stated it would have been helpful to get more information from
the survey, such as the experience level of the participants, in order to ascertain
needs and complete a better of improvement needs. He stated some of the
comments were concerning.
7.2 Director Report
Ms. Othoudt presented the staff report.
8. Adjournment
There being no further business, President Tveite adjourned the meeting of the Elk
River Economic Development Authority at 6:03 p.m.
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Dan Tveite, EDA President
Tina Allard, City Clerk
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