EDA Minutes 05-18-2026
Meeting of the Economic Development
Authority
Held at the Elk River City Hall
Monday, May 18, 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, and City Clerk Justin Dunford
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 Commissioner J. Brian Calva and seconded by Commissioner Jeff Hartwig to
approve the agenda. Motion carried 7-0.
4. CONSENT AGENDA
Moved by Commissioner Charlie Blesener and seconded by Commissioner Jennifer
Wagner to approve the following consent items as outlined in their respective staff
reports. Motion carried 7-0.
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
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No one appeared for open forum.
6. PUBLIC HEARINGS
There were no public hearings.
7. GENERAL BUSINESS
7.1 Placer.ai Presentation
Economic Development Specialist Joshua Mollan presented to the Commission data gathered from
Placer.ai. The Commission reviewed data regarding economic activity both inside Elk River and in
adjacent communities. The Commission discussed continued usage of Placer.ai and said that while the
value of the data received is great, ultimately the data needs to be utilized in the appropriate manner.
For example, the Commission was keen to review comparisons of economic activity data from other
communities of a similar size and scope, find ways to share pertinent data with local business partners,
and identify areas and sectors that Elk River can both be a leader in while still fitting within the vision
and future of the city.
8. OPEN DISCUSSION
Staffmembers O'Neil and Mollan gave updates to the Commission. Mr. Mollan's update was that the
Garden Gems contest is open for nominations and showed a yard sign that will be given to each
nominee to try to increase interest and participation in the program. Mr. Mollan also informed the
Commission of upcoming "Development Minute" videos that were going to be filmed and released
regarding major projects taking place in Elk River. Mr. O'Neil provided an update on the CDI project
that the Commission had been discussing in recent meetings, namely that work is ongoing and staff is
working to determine the final cost of the project. Lastly, Mr. O'Neil informed the Commission of a
local dry cleaning company that was closing and that the group planning to move into the vacated
building will be applying for a Downtown Micro Loan for construction costs.
9. MOTION TO ADJOURN REGULAR MEETING
Moved by Commissioner Mike Beyer and seconded by Commissioner J. Brian Calva to
adjourn the meeting. Motion carried 7-0.
The meeting adjourned at 06:00 p.m.
Minutes prepared by Justin Dunford.
10. WORK SESSION
EDA President Matt Westgaard called the meeting to order at 6:01 p.m.
10.1 Project Fit and Nature's Edge Land
The Commission reviewed the final piece of the Nature's Edge Land property and whether the parcel
could be a potential data center site due to its proximity to a new outstation being built by ERMU. The
Commission decided to move discussion on the topic until after June due to another data center
project being under current consideration by council. In addition, the Commission asked staff to
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May 18, 2026
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research what new or additional land could be fresh development areas to consider.
11. MOTION TO ADJOURN
Moved by Commissioner Jennifer Wagner and seconded by Commissioner Jeff Hartwig to
adjourn the meeting. Motion carried 7-0.
The meeting adjourned at 06:09 p.m.
Minutes prepared by Justin Dunford.
__________________________
Matt Westgaard, EDA President
_______________________
Justin Dunford, City Clerk