07-19-2021 EDA MINMeeting of the Elk River
Economic Development Authority
Held at the Elk River City Hall
Monday, July 19, 2021
Members Present: Vice President Garrett Christianson, Commissioners Matt Westgaard,
Mike Beyer, Jennifer Wagner, and Jeff Hartwig
Members Absent: President Tveite and Commissioner Blesener
Staff Present: Economic Development Director Brent O'Neil, 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 Vice President
Christianson.
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 5-0.
4. Consider Consent Agenda
Moved by Commissioner Wagner and seconded by Commissioner Beyer to
approve the following consent agenda:
4.1 May 17, 2021, 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.
4.5 Appoint Brent O'Neil as the Economic Development Executive
Director.
Motion carried 5-0.
Economic Development Authority Minutes
July 19, 2021
S. Open Forum
Page 2
Kelly and Brett Schultz were present to discuss a purchase agreement they
submitted for the 1.5 acre Fox Haven lot that abuts Westbound Liquor. The
Schultz's explained they understand their initial offer was not appropriate and they
are unhappy with their agent and do not feel like they were appropriately represented
and would like to be reconsidered.
Ms. Schultz indicated they would like to address some questions the EDA may have
about the proposed auto repair facility. She provided background information.
Mr. Schultz explained he asked neighbors what their concerns would be with an auto
repair facility in their neighborhood and noise was a big one. He offered the
following comments regarding the steps he would take to reduce noise:
■ Garage doors would face Highway 10.
■ Hours would be Monday — Friday, 8:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m. No weekends.
■ Many tools are now cordless, battery operated, or electric and make less
noise than the traditional air tools.
The shop doors would be closed most of the time. The shop will be air
conditioned, and the garage doors will be closed when the temperature
exceeds 80.
■ Shop would be to repair vehicles, not work on hotrods.
Commissioner Christianson noted the response letter for the purchase agreement
outlined that an auto repair facility was not an ideal use for that property and that the
offer was significantly less than what the property was listed for.
Commissioner Westgaard questioned if there is new or different information to
consider at a future meeting.
Ms. Eddy indicated there is a joint meeting of the Economic Development Authority
and Housing and Redevelopment Authority scheduled for August 2 and it may be
appropriate to wait until after that meeting. She indicated the meeting will be a good
time to review all EDA- and HRA -owned property valuations as the listing prices
have not changed in several years.
6. Public Hearings
There were no public hearing items.
7.1 Public Art Initiative Update
Ms. Eddy stated the Slipstream art will be installed July 30 at 11:00 a.m. She thanked
Dave Anderson and Forterra for coordinating the base and installation.
Ms. Eddy noted an unveiling event will be held once the art is complete and she will
keep the EDA posted.
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Economic Development Authority Minutes
July 19, 2021
7.2 Together Elk River Campaign Update
Page 3
Ms. Eddy provided an update. She indicated Spirit Week has been rescheduled to
September 20 — 24, 2021, and this year's theme will focus on supporting our local
economy, local businesses, and their employees. Councilmember Wagner added
there may be a way for people to nominate their favorite local business employee for
prizes to be awarded daily.
7.3 Schedule EDA Budget Work Session
Ms. Eddy indicated staff would like to schedule an EDA budget work session prior
to the August 16 EDA meeting.
EDA consensus was to schedule the budget work session for 4:00 p.m. Monday,
August 16, 2021.
The EDA welcomed new Economic Development Director Brent O'Neil. Mr.
O'Neil provided his background information.
8. Adjournment
There being no further business, Vice President Christianson adjourned the meeting
of the Elk River Economic Development Authority at 5:48 p.m.
Minutes prepared by Jessica Miller.
Dan Tveite, EDA President
Tina Allard, City Clerk
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