04-15-2024 EDA MINMeeting of the Economic Development
Authority
fY Held at the Elk River City Hall
City of Monday, April 15, 2024
Elk,.
River
Members Present: Chair Dan Tveite, Commissioners Cory Grupa, Jeff Hartwig, Mike Beyer, Jennifer
Wagner, and Charlie Blesener
Members Absent: Commissioner Westgaard
Staff Present: Economic Development Director Brent O'Neil, Economic Development
Specialist Joshua Mollan, and City Clerk Tina Allard
I. CALL MEETING TO ORDER
Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, the meeting was called to order at 5:30 p.m.
2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.
3. CONSIDER AGENDA
Moved by Commissioner Wagner and seconded by Commissioner Beyer to approve the
agenda. Motion Carried 6-0.
4. CONSENT AGENDA
Moved by Commissioner Grupa and seconded by Commissioner Blesener to approve the
consent agenda as outlined in their respective staff reports. Motion Carried 6-0.
4.1 Minutes
4.2 Check Register
4.3 Balance Sheet
4.4 Revenue/Expenditure Reports
4.5 Updated Agreement with OrangeBall Creative
5. OPEN FORUM
Economic Development Authority Minutes
April 15, 2024
No one appeared for Open Forum.
6. PUBLIC HEARINGS
Page 2 of 4
6.1 Sale of Property at 13530 and 13566 185th Avenue NW (continued from March 18, 2024)
Mr. O'Neil presented the staff report.
Chair Tveite opened the public hearing. There being no one to speak to this matter, Chair Tveite
closed the public hearing.
Moved by Commissioner Wagner and seconded by Commissioner Beyer to adopt, by
motion, Resolution 24-02 authorizing the execution of a purchase agreement for the sale
of property at 13530 and 13566 185th Avenue NW to Java Companies. Motion Carried 6-
0.
7. GENERAL BUSINESS
7.1 Committee Updates and Member Appointment
Mr. Mollan presented the staff report. He noted with the Beautification and Public Art Committee's
merging, the group is discussing a more appropriate name change that will come forward at a future
EDA meeting. He discussed temporary signage, proposed by the Together Elk River Committee, to be
located on the Main Street & Gates Avenue EDA-awned property, that will promote visiting the
Carson Avenue businesses during construction season.
Moved by Commissioner Wagner and seconded by Commissioner Biesener to appoint
Tamara Ackerman to serve on the Together Elk River Committee. Motion Carried 6-0.
7.2 Placer.ai Renewal
Mr. Mollan presented the staff report highlighting how valuable this tool is, and they are finding more
ways to utilize it. He stated he would do another presentation at an upcoming meeting.
Commissioner Wagner stated this tool is a good use of marketing funds for business retention and
growth.
7.3 General Updates
There were no updates.
8. MOTION TO ADJOURN REGULAR MEETING
Moved by Commissioner Beyer and seconded by Commissioner Grupa to adjourn the
meeting. Motion Carried 6-0.
The meeting adjourned at 5:45 p.m.
Minutes prepared by Tina Allard.
Economic Development Authority Minutes Page 3 of 4
April 15, 2024
9. WORK SESSION — UPPER TOWN CONFERENCE ROOM
The work session began at 5:49 p.m.
9.1 Introduction - Acumen Business Solutions
Mr. O'Neil introduced Vinita Patil, with Acumen Business Solutions
Ms. Patil discussed what it would look like to bring a hotel to the community. She stated, per marketing
research, analysis, and site selection, there is a need in the area for a hotel. She noted they have a
feasibility study in progress currently. She stated there is community support to have a hotel here. Her
company would provide acquisition and negotiation for a project. She noted there are still some
questions to be answered:
■ how can we have partners and investors
■ attracting people to the area
■ are there residents who would want to be owners
■ are there local banks willing to assist with funding.
Commissioner Wagner asked what other locations we might be familiar with that were implemented by
Acuman and the type of hotel that would be built; whether chain or boutique style.
Ms. Patil discussed her company's experience with over 30 years in business. She mentioned a hotel in
Baxter that they own and manage and that they are currently looking at other sites. She stated there is
very much a need for hotel rooms as growth is coming in this direction. She stated a hotel style hasn't
been determined but they are looking at both options and it will depend on the outcome of the study.
She stated they are considering around 80 rooms.
Commissioner Beyer asked what the number one reason is to have a hotel.
Ms. Patil stated it's about the events held in the area. She asked if the commission was interested in
extended stay hotels, a full service hotel with a restaurant, or event center space.
The Authoirty concurred no on having event center space and extended stay, but liked having a
restaurant on site.
Chair Tveite suggested a newspaper article solicting for investors when ready. Commissioner Grupa
stated feedback could be solicited on social media to see how people feel about it.
9.2 Projects Update
Mr. O'Neil presented the staff report. He highlighted the 120 acres on Jarvis Street, a mile north of
Highway 10, noting potential industrial opportunities at this location. He further discussed Project
Hinge looking to locate, expand, and apply for a micro loan in the Nature's Edge development.
10. MOTION TO ADJOURN
Moved by Councilmember Wagner and seconded by Councilmember Beyer to adjourn
the work session. Motion Carried 6-0.
Economic Development Authority Minutes
Apri|15.2024
The meeting adjourned at 6:09 p.m.
Minutes prepared by Tina Allard.
Dan Tveite, Chair Tina Allard, City Clerk
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