08-21-2023 EDA MINMeeting of the Elk River Economic Development Authority
Held at the Elk River City Hall
Monday, August 21, 2023
Members Present: Vice President Mike Beyer and Commissioners Cory Grupa, Jennifer Wagner, Jeff Hartwig,
and Charlie Blesener
Members Absent: President Dan Tveite and Commissioner Matt Westgaard (Westgaard was attending the
Minnesota Municipal Utilities Association Conference)
Staff Present: Economic Development Director Brent O'Neil, Economic Development Specialist Josh
Mollan, 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 5:32 p.m. by Vice President Beyer.
2. Pledge of Allegiance:
Pledge of Allegiance was recited.
3. Consider Agenda
Moved by Commissioner Blesener and seconded by Commissioner Hartwig to approve the agenda.
Motion carried 5-0.
4. Consent Agenda
Moved by Commissioner Wagner and seconded by Commissioner Grupa to approve:
4.1 August 7, 2023, Special Meeting 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 reports as outlined in the staff report.
Motion carried 5-0.
5. Open Forum
No one appeared for Open Forum.
6. Public Hearings
There were no public hearings.
7.1 Together Elk River Committee Update and Member Appointment
Mr. Mollan presented the staff report.
Economic Development Authority Minutes
August 21, 2023
Page 2
Commissioner Wagner commented that Ms. Arabic is an invaluable community member.
Moved by Commissioner Wagner and seconded by Commissioner Harwig to appoint Joanna Arbic
to serve on the Together Elk River Committee.
Motion carried 5-0.
7.2 Beautification Committee and Public Art Committee Restructuring
Mr. Mollan presented the staff report.
Moved by Commissioner Blesener and seconded by Commissioner Grupa to merge the
Beautification and Public Art Committees.
Motion carried 5-0.
7.3 2024 Budget
Mr. O'Neil presented the staff report. The budget was discussed at a previous special meeting.
Moved by Commissioner Blesener and seconded by Commissioner Hartwig to approve the 2024
EDA budget as outlined in the staff report and recommend the City Council include $415,950 in the
2024 preliminary levy.
Motion carried 5-0.
7.4 General Updates
Mr. Mollan provided an update on the ElectriFUNcation event held earlier in the month. He noted there
were enough test drives completed to qualify for $2,500 charitable donations to Salk Middle School STEM
program, Three Rivers Foundation, and Elk River High School Automotive Program.
Mr. O'Neil noted Elk River Municipal Utilities is discontinuing the EV charger program and questioned if
the Authority had any interest in taking over the program.
Commissioner Blesener stated he would like to know more information as to why they are discontinuing the
program. He stated it seems a better fit for the utilities company versus the Authority.
Mr. O'Neil stated he is working with Die Concepts on their loan restructuring.
8. Adjourn Regular Meeting
Moved by Commissioner Wagner and seconded by Commissioner Grupa to adjourn the regular
meeting.
Motion carried 5-0.
INATURE
rorEnEe er
Economic Development Authority Minutes
August 21, 2023
Page 3
The Commission recessed at 5:47 p.m. and reconvened in work session at 5:48 p.m.
9.1 Moyer Properties — TIF No. 26
Mr. O'Neil presented the staff report. He noted there could be some zoning and TIF issues. He stated he is
looking for feedback from the Authority. He noted our attorney is comfortable with allowing it but is not
sure it meets the intent of the law and would need to check with the state.
Commissioner Blesener stated he would like more information regarding the statute and how well the jobs
match up to the manufacturing portion of the tax increment financing. He stated he would need to see good
alignment.
Commissioner Wagner stated she doesn't want to see the TIF tool become abused noting this could set a
precedence. She further questioned what guarantees the Authority would have if the company went out of
business.
Commissioner Grupa stated it would be fair to get Shoot Steel's outlook on the business as well.
10. Motion to Adjourn Work Session
Moved by Commissioner Wagner and seconded by Commissioner Hartwig to adjourn the work
session meeting at 5:57 p.m.
Motion carried 5-0.
;-Q
Dan Tvgle, resident
Tina Allard, City Clerk
P 0 1 1 R I I RI
NATURE