EDA Minutes 04-20-2026
Meeting of the Economic Development
Authority
Held at the Elk River City Hall
Monday, April 20, 2026
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, City Clerk Justin Dunford, and Records Specialist Dawn Robertson
1. CALL MEETING TO ORDER
Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, the meeting was called to order at 05:30 PM.
2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.
3. CONSIDER AGENDA
Moved by Councilmember Wagner and seconded by Councilmember Beyer to approve
the agenda. Motion Carried 7-0.
4. CONSENT AGENDA
Moved by Commissioner Cory Grupa and seconded by Commissioner J. Brian
Calva. Motion carried 7-0.
4.1 DRAFT Minutes - March 16, 2026
4.2 Check Register
4.3 Balance Sheet
4.4 Revenue/Expenditure Reports
4.5 Lien Release - Twin City Metal Works
5. OPEN FORUM
Economic Development Authority Minutes
April 20, 2026
---------
Page 2 of 3
No one appeared for open forum.
6. PUBLIC HEARINGS
There were no public hearings.
6.1 Consider Land Sale to Crystal Distribution, Inc.
Mr. O'Neil requested the public hearing be continued to a May 4th special meeting. He also mentioned
there was an error in the agenda software and information did not post correctly. He discussed the
reasons for continuing the public hearing for the land sale, such as coordinating the relocation and cost
of the storm pipe that is located on the site. CDI is requesting the city to consider splitting the work.
Ultimately, the design and engineering will be to city standards.
Staff recommended the continued hearing be scheduled during a special EDA meeting between the May
4 HRA meeting at 5:30 pm. and the City Council meeting at 6:30 pm., and targeting just before at 6:15
pm.
No members of the public were in attendance to speak during the hearing.
Moved by Commissioner J. Brian Calva and seconded by Commissioner Cory Grupa to
continue, by motion, the public hearing to May 4, 2026, prior to the City Council
meeting. Motion Carried 7-0.
7. GENERAL BUSINESS
7.1 Disbanding the Together Elk River Committee
Mr. Mollan shared that the Together Elk River Committee was created in 2020 to support businesses
through COVID. It evolved and did other things for the city; however, the committee is in consensus
that it has reached its goals. Commissioner Wagner shared her appreciation of the support the
committee received.
Moved by Commissioner Jennifer Wagner and seconded by Commissioner Mike Beyer to
Approve, by motion, disbanding of the Together Elk River Committee while retaining the
Together Elk River initiative. Motion Carried 7-0.
8. OPEN DISCUSSION
Mr. Mollan shared with the Commission the Earth Day clean-up event planned with DERBA and the
Beautification and Public Art Committee. Mr. O'Neil shared an update on the proposal received from
Project Fit. He reminded the Commission about the large dirt pile at one of the potential build sites,
Nature's Edge, noting the new Northbound Liquor Store will need some fill. Mr. O'Neil mentioned the
potential of the two city entities working together to use the fill. He listed that there may be other
options with potentially lower costs that the city could consider and that there is likely less dirt to be
move. Mr. O'Neil brought attention to the downtown project happening next year and wants the
commission to consider ways to support business during what may be a challenging time. He mentioned
Placer Software is up for renewal, and he shared with the commission that staff have been evaluating
Economic Development Authority Minutes
April 20, 2026
---------
Page 3 of 3
the use and cost-effectiveness. He will share more of what he finds beneficial at a later date.
9. MOTION TO ADJOURN
Moved by Commissioner Charlie Blesener and seconded by Commissioner J. Brian Calva
to adjourn the meeting. Motion Carried 7-0.
The meeting adjourned at 05:58 p.m.
Minutes prepared by Dawn Robertson.
__________________________
Matt Westgaard, EDA President
_______________________
Justin Dunford, City Clerk