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Economic Development Authority Packet - May 18, 2026 Economic Development Authority Regular Meeting & Work Session Agenda Monday, May 18, 2026 5:30 PM Elk River City Hall ▪ Regular meeting in Council Chambers ▪ Work Session meeting in Upper Town Conference Room immediately following regular meeting 1. CALL MEETING TO ORDER 2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE 3. CONSIDER AGENDA 4. CONSENT AGENDA Considered to be routine and noncontroversial and will be approved by one motion. There will be no separate discussion of these items unless there is a request to remove the item from the consent agenda to the regular agenda. 4.1 DRAFT Minutes - April 20, 2026 Regular Meeting 4.2 DRAFT Minutes - May 4, 2026 Special Meeting 4.3 Check Register 4.4 Balance Sheet 4.5 Revenue/Expenditure Reports 5. OPEN FORUM An opportunity to provide comments and feedback regarding items not on the agenda. Information provided in Open Forum will not be discussed at this meeting; rather, the information will be referred to staff and/or scheduled for discussion at a future meeting. 6. PUBLIC HEARINGS An opportunity for the public to express their opinions and raise questions pertaining to the agenda item. All comments become part of the official public record. For this reason, all comments must be made at the podium so they can be heard and recorded. Comments may also be provided in writing. There will not be deliberations, discussions, or answers to questions until the hearing is closed. It is important to be courteous and allow each presenter to comment before adding additional testimony. 7. GENERAL BUSINESS Items in which the information is presented by city staff or consultants, then deliberation and action occur. General Business items are not opportunities to receive or provide public input. However, the presiding officer may, at its sole discretion, solicit public feedback. 7.1 Placer.ai Presentation 8. OPEN DISCUSSION This section is reserved for the board and staff to discuss relevant topics, updates, and other non-action items of the board. Page 1 of 14 The Elk River Vision A welcoming community with revolutionary and spirited resourcefulness, exceptional service, and community engagement that encourages and inspires prosperity 9. MOTION TO ADJOURN REGULAR MEETING 10. WORK SESSION Work Sessions are less formal meetings to encourage dialog. Official action or votes are not typically taken. At the conclusion of a discussion, a simple consensus provides staff direction for execution of the item. This portion of the agenda is audio recorded but not video recorded or broadcast. Work Sessions are open to the public; however, visitors who wish to provide input must be invited by the presiding officer, assume a seat at the discussion table and provide their full name and address for the official record. 10.1 Project Fit and Nature's Edge Land 11. MOTION TO ADJOURN Page 2 of 14 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 Page 3 of 14 Economic Development Authority Minutes April 20, 2026 --------- Page 2 of 3 4.5 Lien Release - Twin City Metal Works 5. OPEN FORUM 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. Page 4 of 14 Economic Development Authority Minutes April 20, 2026 --------- Page 3 of 3 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 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 Page 5 of 14 Meeting of the Economic Development Authority Held at the Elk River City Hall Monday, May 4, 2026 Members Present: President Matt Westgaard, Councilmember Mike Beyer, Councilmember Cory Grupa, Councilmember Jennifer Wagner, Commissioner Jeff Hartwig, Councilmember J. Brian Calva Members Absent: Commissioner Charlie Blesener 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 6:15 p.m. 2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE The Pledge of Allegiance was recited. 3. CONSIDER AGENDA Moved by Commissioner Beyer and seconded by Commissioner Calva to approve the agenda. Motion carried 6-0. 4. GENERAL BUSINESS 4.1 Update on Tyler Site Stormwater Relocation Project Mr. O'Neil stated that the original estimate for the stormwater relocation project was around $250,000. Based on more advanced design work the engineer has provided an estimate closer to $400,000. Due to risks on the project it contains an unusually high contingency of 35%. Mr. O'Neil asked the EDA their thoughts on the higher cost as this amount would come from EDA funds. President Westgaard stated that any time earthwork is involved there is a possibility for unforeseen costs. He wants to see this project continue to move forward. Commissioner Grupa stated he thought it was fair to go back to CDI to discuss sharing the increased cost. Commissioner Calva discussed a past project involving the Beaudry lubricants building which involved Page 6 of 14 Economic Development Authority Minutes May 4, 2026 --------- Page 2 of 2 tax abatement. Mr. O'Neil reviewed the financing of that project. Commissioner Wagner stated that, in order to respect taxpayer dollars, she felt it would be reasonable to put a cap on the amount of the relocation project, after which time, CDI could contribute financially to share the cost. Commissioners Beyer and Hartwig agreed. Mr. O'Neil will have a conversation with CDI and bring more information to the May 18, 2026 EDA meeting. The Commission agreed that if the cost goes over $320,000 the EDA should discuss with CDI. 5. PUBLIC HEARINGS 5.1 Resolution Approving Land Sale to O'Brien Holdings/Crystal Distribution, Inc. and Subsidy Agreement President Westgaard announced the public hearing. Mr. O'Neil reviewed the purchase price is $518,000 at closing. He also stated that the EDA will receive part of the subsidy agreement reimbursed at the end of TIF if enough is available for covering the storm pipe relocation. There was no one in the audience wishing to speak to this item. Moved by Commissioner Grupa and seconded by Commissioner Hartwig to approve Resolution 26-05 approving a land sale agreement and business subsidy agreement to O'Brien Holdings and Crystal Distribution, Incorporated (CDI). Motion carried 6-0. 6. MOTION TO ADJOURN Moved by Commissioner Beyer and seconded by Commissioner Grupa to adjourn the meeting. Motion carried 6-0. The meeting adjourned at 6:30 p.m. Minutes prepared by Katie Porath. ___________________ Matt Westgaard, EDA President ___________________ Justin Dunford, City Clerk Page 7 of 14 Page 8 of 14 Page 9 of 14 CITY OF ELK RIVER Balance Sheet April 30, 2026 Fund 920 - EDA Assets 920-1010 Cash - EDA 2,603,590.33 Total Assets 2,603,590.33 Fund Equity 920-2400 Fund Balance 2,641,795.06 Revenues over Expenditures - YTD (38,204.73) Total Fund Equity 2,603,590.33 Total Liabilities & Equity 2,603,590.33 Page 10 of 14 CITY OF ELK RIVER Revenues with Comparison to Budget For the Months Ending April 30, 2026 Fund 920 - EDA Period Actual YTD Actual Budget Unexpended PCNT 920-3-0000-3111 Property Taxes - - 429,850.00 429,850.00 0% 920-3-0000-3621 Interest Income 5,915.90 24,240.77 75,000.00 50,759.23 32% 920-3-0000-3629 Miscellaneous Revenue - 31.65 - (31.65) 0% 920-3-0000-3949 Transfer-HRA - - 4,500.00 4,500.00 0% Total Fund Revenue 5,915.90 24,272.42 509,350.00 485,077.58 5% Page 11 of 14 CITY OF ELK RIVER Expenditures with Comparison to Budget For the Months Ending April 30, 2026 Fund 920 - EDA Period Actual YTD Actual Budget Unexpended PCNT 920-4-6210-4101 Regular Pay 10,405.62 30,176.31 138,000.00 107,823.69 22% 920-4-6210-4103 Part-time Pay 1,050.00 3,150.00 12,600.00 9,450.00 25% 920-4-6210-4104 PERA 798.86 2,319.34 10,550.00 8,230.66 22% 920-4-6210-4105 FICA 648.25 1,928.74 9,250.00 7,321.26 21% 920-4-6210-4107 Medicare 157.04 467.62 2,200.00 1,732.38 21% 920-4-6210-4108 Insurance 1,512.00 4,536.00 31,100.00 26,564.00 15% 920-4-6210-4109 Workers Comp 284.00 284.00 650.00 366.00 44% 920-4-6210-4112 PFML 48.85 144.75 800.00 655.25 18% 920-4-6210-4201 Office Supplies 27.00 240.40 2,000.00 1,759.60 12% 920-4-6210-4212 Fuels & Lubes - - 50.00 50.00 0% 920-4-6210-4304 Legal Fees - - 10,000.00 10,000.00 0% 920-4-6210-4319 Professional Services - - 25,000.00 25,000.00 0% 920-4-6210-4321 Telephone - - 700.00 700.00 0% 920-4-6210-4322 Postage 0.77 12.72 100.00 87.28 13% 920-4-6210-4331 Travel, Conferences & Schools - 591.55 12,500.00 11,908.45 5% 920-4-6210-4349 Advertising/Marketing 4,011.72 10,239.72 115,500.00 105,260.28 9% 920-4-6210-4359 Publishing 197.00 269.00 1,000.00 731.00 27% 920-4-6210-4361 Insurance 27.00 27.00 300.00 273.00 9% 920-4-6210-4404 Software Services - - 17,500.00 17,500.00 0% 920-4-6210-4433 Dues & Subscriptions 3,300.00 5,090.00 6,200.00 1,110.00 82% 920-4-6210-4440 Miscellaneous - 3,000.00 18,500.00 15,500.00 16% 920-4-62104510 Land - - 50,000.00 50,000.00 0% 920-4-6210-4721 Transfer-General Fund - - 49,900.00 49,900.00 0% Total Fund Expenditures 22,468.11 62,477.15 514,400.00 451,922.85 12% Net Revenue Over Expenditures (16,552.21) (38,204.73) (5,050.00) 33,154.73 -657% Page 12 of 14 The Elk River Vision A welcoming community with revolutionary and spirited resourcefulness, exceptional service, and community engagement that encourages and inspires prosperity Request for Action To Economic Development Authority Item Number 7.1 Meeting Date May 18, 2026 Prepared By Joshua Mollan, Economic Development Specialist Item Description Placer.ai Presentation Reviewed by Cal Portner Action Requested Item presented for information and discussion purposes. Background/Discussion Staff will use this time to share a presentation of relevant reports and features from Placer.ai. Financial Impact N/A Mission/Policy/Goal Support Elk River’s existing businesses through relationship building, programmatic offerings, and high-quality city services. Attract new business development to Elk River to build the city’s economic vibrancy, job offerings, and tax base. Attachments None Page 13 of 14 The Elk River Vision A welcoming community with revolutionary and spirited resourcefulness, exceptional service, and community engagement that encourages and inspires prosperity Request for Action To Economic Development Authority Item Number 10.1 Meeting Date May 18, 2026 Prepared By Brent O'Neil, Economic Development Director Item Description Project Fit and Nature's Edge Land Reviewed by Cal Portner Action Requested This item is for discussion and feedback. Background/Discussion We will provide an update on Project Fit and seek feedback on other potential uses for the site. Financial Impact N/A Mission/Policy/Goal Responsibly grow Attachments None Page 14 of 14