12-21-2020 EDA MINMeeting of the Elk River
Economic Development Authority
Held at the Elk River City Hall
Monday, December 21, 2020
Members Present: President Dan Tveite, Commissioners Garrett Christianson, Matt
Westgaard, Jennifer Wagner, Jeff Hartwig, and Charlie Blesener
Members Absent: Commissioner Nate Ovall
Staff Present: City Administrator Cal Portner, 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
Pledge of Allegiance was recited.
3. Consider Agenda
Moved by Commissioner Westgaard and seconded by Commissioner Wagner
to approve the agenda. Motion carried 6-0.
4. Consider Consent Agenda
Moved by Commissioner Wagner and seconded by Commissioner Hartwig to
approve the following consent agenda:
4.1 EDA Minutes
■ November 9, 2020, Special
■ November 16, 2020, 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.
4.5 EDA Loan Report as outlined in the staff report.
4.6 Subordination Agreement for Alan Arnold Corporation Yankee Doodle
Enterprises, LLC dba Ralphies Victory Lane.
Motion carried 6-0.
S. Open Forum
Economic Development Authority Minutes
December 21, 2020
No one appeared for Open Forum.
6. Public Hearings
There were no public hearing items.
7.1 Morrell Companies Microloan Extension
Ms. Eddy presented the staff report.
Mikaela Huot, director at Bakertilly, provided an overview of the loan.
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Moved by Commissioner Blesener and seconded by Commissioner
Christianson to adopt resolution 20-13 approving the amendment of loan
terms for Scott Morrell, LLC. and authorization to execute the amended loan
documents. Motion carried 6-0.
7.2 COVID-19 Small Business Emergency Microloan Program
Ms. Eddy presented the staff report.
Moved by Commissioner Wagner and seconded by Commissioner
Christianson to adopt resolution 20-14 approving the conversion of the
COVID-19 Small Business Emergency Microloan Program from a payable
loan to a forgivable loan. Motion carried 6-0.
President Tveite indicated one of the applicants benefiting from this is Anytime
Fitness in Elk River. He disclosed he owns an Anytime Fitness in Princeton but has
no affiliation with the Elk River location.
7.3 Together Elk River Campaign Update
Ms. Eddy provided an update on the Together Elk River campaign.
The EDA viewed the holiday message from the local businesses. President Tveite
thanked Commissioner Wagner for her work on the Together Elk River program on
behalf of the EDA and Council. He stated he believes it is a tremendous program
and has been well received by the community.
7.4 Strategic Plan Discussion
Ms. Eddy presented the staff report.
Tom Leighton, Project Manager at Stantec, provided an overview of the current
Strategic Plan.
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Economic Development Authority Minutes
December 21, 2020
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Commissioner Westgaard indicated goal #4 supporting businesses through COVID
is important right now but he's not sure the economic events happening now will be
pertinent in 10 years. He added he likes goals 1-3 and believes this is a nice work
plan for the EDA.
Councilmember Wagner stated she would like to see goal #2 taken a step further and
possibly identify which groups or associations we have not reached. She noted she
would like to explore if other communities are using social media more for
marketing.
Commissioner Wagner questioned if Mr. Leighton believes the Together Elk River
initiative can continue through the 169 Redefine or does the city need to come up
with a fresh initiative. Mr. Leighton believes the Together Elk River Initiative is
appropriate for the 169 Redefine as its mission is to encourage people to shop
locally. He added that is exactly the message needed during the 169 Redfine as
businesses will have reduced access and the Together Elk River campaign will help
raise the profile for those businesses. He added the city may find the program
continues to have value and adapt as other things happen in Elk River.
Commissioner Blesener recalled discussion under goal #2 where it talks about land
availability being the key element or obstruction for success or failure for developing
more properties and new business. He also recalled discussion about having a
coherent vision and end use plan. He added those are strong words and he stated
that is what the EDA is trying to get at. He would like to see anything that preserves
the intent of the vision over time included and he found those to be critical elements
to that discussion and believes it may be reflected under the second goal but just not
in those words.
Commissioner Blesener stated he believes goal #3 seems like it could use a little
more flushing out relating to supporting businesses and outreach. He added the
other side of that is the opportunities presented with the redefine, including
aesthetics. He recalls discussing lighting and wayfinding and believes it may be
included but underreported. Mr. Leighton indicated that item may have dropped off
and can be added back.
Commissioner Blesener also discussed the importance of having the EDA
represented at the table during the 169 Redefine. Mr. Leighton indicated having
EDA staff participate in the meetings with MnDOT could be added as sub bullet
under the third goal. Mr. Blesener explained it doesn't necessarily have to be EDA
staff present at the meetings but maybe just EDA or economic development staff
communicating with the city staff who are present.
President Tveite recognized Commissioner Ovall for the effort and value he brought
to the Economic Development Authority.
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Economic Development Authority Minutes
December 21, 2020
B. Adjournment
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There being no further business, President Tveite adjourned the meeting of the Elk
River Economic Development Authority at 6:06 p.m.
Minutes prepared by Jessica Miller.
an Tveite, DA President
Tina Allard, City Clerk
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