11-21-2022 EDA MINr,-
Meeting of the Elk River
ver Economic Development Authority
Held at the Elk River City Hall
Monday, November 21, 2022
Members Present: President Dan Tveite, Commissioners Matt Westgaard, Mike Beyer,
Jennifer Wagner, Jeff Hartwig, and Charlie Blesener
Members Absent: Commissioner Garrett Christianson
Staff Present: Economic Development Director Brent O'Neil, and Economic
Development Specialist Josh Mollan
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 Wagner and seconded by Commissioner Westgaard
to approve the agenda.
Motion carried 6-0.
4. Consider Consent Agenda
Moved by Commissioner Blesener and seconded by Commissioner Hartwig
to approve the following consent agenda:
4.1 October 17, 2022, Regular and Closed 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.
S. Open Forum
No one appeared for Open Forum.
Economic Development Authority Minutes Page 2
November 21, 2022
6. Public Hearings
There were no public hearing items.
7.1 Beautification Committee Award Recommendation
Mr. O'Neil presented the staff report.
The commission felt the committee made a good selection and thanked them for
their work. President Tviete is hoping there could be an expansion of the program.
Moved by Commissioner Hartwig and seconded by Commissioner Wagner to
approve Three Rivers Montessori as the Beautification Award winner.
Motion carried 6-0.
7.2 General Updates and Discussion Items
Mr. O'Neil provided updates on various matters outlined in the staff report.
He stated the social media campaign for the 169 Redefine project was positive
overall. He noted the project next year would most likely have more challenges due
to the amount of work to be done over the summer and the Together Elk River
Committee would be meeting soon to discuss a game plan.
He discussed the upcoming redesign with Golden Shovel slated in 2023 for the
EDA/HRA website. He stated there may be some efficiencies with combining this
site into the city website and there should be an evaluation of the pros and cons of
keeping the current site. Commissioner Wagner noted there are questions that can be
asked regarding traffic to determine whether to keep the site and she could assist Mr.
O'Neil.
Mr. O'Neil discussed the MNCAR Expo and staff s focus on promoting the county
data center and the Nature's Edge Business Center Third addition properties. He
stated there is interest in Elk River for new restaurant development but noted
challenges with available locations in desirable areas. Commissioner Westgaard noted
the Comprehensive Plan outlines the idea of revitalizing commercial areas, such as
taking large parking lots and turning them into smaller developable lots. Mr. O'Neil
stated there is interest in this from restaurant groups but noted there could be
challenges in drafting agreements with current property owners about the use of the
parking lots. Commissioner Wagner asked if the movie theater building is still for
sale. Mr. O'Neil noted it is and he needs to do more follow-up on it.
He noted the annual meeting is coming up and asked the commission to think about
things they'd like to discuss or change.
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Economic Development Authority Minutes
November 21, 2022
8. Adjournment
Page 3
There being no further business, President Tveite adjourned the meeting of the Elk
River Economic Development Authority at 5:47 p.m.
Dan Tveite, EDA President
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Tina Allard, City Clerk
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