EDA MIN 07-21-2025
Meeting of the Economic Development
Authority
Held at the Elk River City Hall
Monday, July 21, 2025
Members Present: President Matt Westgaard, Commissioners Cory Grupa, J. Brian Calva, Jeff
Hartwig, Mike Beyer, Jennifer Wagner, and Charlie Blesener
Members Absent: None
Staff Present: Economic Development Director Brent O'Neil, Economic Development Specialist
Joshua Mollan, and Recording Secretary Katie Porath
1. 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 Blesener and seconded by Commissioner Wagner to approve
the agenda. Motion carried 7-0.
4. CONSENT AGENDA
Moved by Commissioner Beyer and seconded by Commissioner Grupa to approve the
following consent items as outlined in their respective staff reports. Motion carried 7-0.
4.1 Draft Minutes - June 16, 2025
4.2 Check Register
4.3 Balance Sheet
4.4 Revenue/Expenditure Reports
5. OPEN FORUM
No one appeared for open forum.
6. PUBLIC HEARINGS
There were no public hearings.
Economic Development Authority Minutes
July 21, 2025
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Page 2 of 4
7. GENERAL BUSINESS
7.1 General Updates
Mr. Mollan gave an update on working with the Center for Energy and Environment to administer an
HVAC mechanical workshop for businesses. Staff has been working with Furniture and Things
Community Event Center to find a space for 30-40 people. The EDA could consider sponsoring the
room rental fee.
Together Elk River Committee did not meet on July 21, 2025, but their summer 'play' marketing
campaign is live.
The Garden Gem Awards nominations are live for the Beautification and Public Art Committee through
the end of July. There are currently six nominations. A video and flyers have been created. Judging
panels will tour properties in August.
Mr. O'Neil reviewed that Heritage Millwork received their Certificate of Occupancy. They still need to
go through the TIF certification process. While working on this project, some conflicts with the energy
rebate program were revealed. The policy will be re-evaluated to be more streamlined with Elk River
Municipal Utilities.
8. MOTION TO ADJOURN REGULAR MEETING
The regular meeting adjourned at 5:37 p.m. President Westgaard called the work session to order at
5:38 p.m.
9. WORK SESSION
9.1 Workshop on 2026 Budget
Mr. O'Neil gave an overview of the proposed budget changes including options for increasing
destination marketing budget, contributing to land acquisition, and hiring a consultant to represent the
City at retail trade shows.
Mr. O'Neil reviewed the idea of adding $100,000 to the budget for land acquisition to be prepared for
future land purchase opportunities. $5,000 was proposed to be added to the Public Art budget.
Commissioner Blesener stated that $100,000 for land acquisition seemed like a small number. Mr.
O'Neil responded that the goal would be to continue to add to the fund each year so that the EDA has
funds available as properties become available for development. The intention is to build up the fund to
make some large purchases in the future or work on properties to make them development ready.
Commissioner Calva stated he was not a fan of attending conventions and felt most engagement
happened online now.
Chair Westgaard added that it was a good idea to continue to add a yearly amount to the land
acquisition fund and make it part of each year's budget. He questioned how large of a balance the
commission should carry and if they could justify it.
Economic Development Authority Minutes
July 21, 2025
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Page 3 of 4
Commissioner Wagner agreed that the EDA needed to acquire more viable land inventory. She stated
that the Commission needs to have more planning discussions on what type of land they may want to
acquire and for what purpose, particularly along Highways 10 and 169. She felt the commission needs to
prove to the Council and residents that an increase in the budget is warranted.
Commissioner Calva would like to see price tags on potential plats of land.
President Westgaard requested an alternative layout for the budget documents. Mr. O'Neil stated that
he could work with the new budget software to create something that is easier to read.
The Commission agreed that it is easier to ask for an increase in the budget if they had homework to
back it up. There will be community changes coming within the next few years and the Commission can
use the next year to determine what they are looking toward and how to justify the cost.
10. MOTION TO ADJOURN
Moved by Commissioner Beyer and seconded by Commissioner Wagner to adjourn the
meeting. Motion carried 7-0.
The meeting adjourned at 6:08 p.m.
11. CLOSED MEETING - PID # 75-00757-0105 - 17610 TYLER ST. NW
11.1 Statement to be read by the Chair:
"The Economic Development Authority will be closing the meeting pursuant to MN Statute
Section 13D.05, Subdivision 3(c)(1) to consider offers or counteroffers relating to the sale of PID
75-00757-0105, 17610 Tyler ST. NW."
Comissioners Present: President Westgaard, Commissioners Grupa, Hartwig, Calva,
Westgaard, Beyer, Wagner, and Blesener
Staff Present: Economic Development Director Brent O'Neil, Economic Development
Specialist Josh Mollan, and Records Specialist Katie Porath
Others Present: Ryan Hardin, Hardin Companies
President Westgaard read the following statement:
11.2 Motion Calling Closed Meeting
President Westgaard called the closed meeting to order at 6:08 p.m.
Moved by Commissioner Wagner and seconded by Commissioner Blesener to open the
closed meeting. Motion carried 7-0.
11.3 Hold Closed Meeting
Economic Development Authority Minutes
July 21, 2025
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Page 4 of 4
11.4 Motion to Adjourn Closed Meeting
Moved by Commissioner Calva and seconded by Commissioner Beyer to adjourn the
meeting. Motion carried 7-0.
The meeting adjourned at 6:32 p.m.
Minutes prepared by Katie Porath.
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Matt Westgaard, EDA President
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Tina Allard, City Clerk