EDA Minutes 07-20-2026
Meeting of the Economic Development
Authority
Held at the Elk River City Hall
Monday, July 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, and Recording Secretary Dawn Robertson
1. CALL MEETING TO ORDER
Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, the meeting was called to order at 05:30 p.m.
2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.
3. CONSIDER AGENDA
Moved by Councilmember Wagner and seconded by Councilmember Grupa to approve
the agenda. Motion carried 7-0.
4. CONSENT AGENDA
Moved by Councilmember Calva and seconded by Commissioner Hartwig to approve the
following consent items as outlined in their respective staff reports. Motion carried 7-0.
4.1 Check Register
4.2 Balance Sheet
4.3 Revenue/Expenditure Reports
4.4 DRAFT Together Elk River Minutes - March 16, 2026
5. OPEN FORUM
No one appeared for open forum.
6. PUBLIC HEARINGS
There were no public hearings on the agenda.
Economic Development Authority Minutes
July 20, 2026
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Page 2 of 3
7. GENERAL BUSINESS
7.1 CDI Project Update
Mr. O'Neil shared that the projected closing date for the property will be the middle of August. He will
have action items on the August 17, 2026, meeting agenda for the Board and Council's approval. CDI
would like to break ground in August and wants to be operating in the new space in the spring. Staff
shared a map of the property to show where CDI had requested access off of Twin Lakes. Staff and
CDI have considered putting access on the property line. Mr. O’Neil noted the shared costs that would
be involved and is working on the 1st draft, including cost share including the EDA property. There
were several comments and considerations from the board about the shared easement and entrance,
such as: any future buildings on the adjacent property would share the driveway with CDI, current
traffic levels on Twin Lakes Road and sight lines for turning vehicles. Mr. O'Neil expressed that where
the proposed entrance will be located has a ridge that helps with views of oncoming traffic.
The Board directed staff to continue working on egress plans for future consideration.
8. OPEN DISCUSSION
Mr. Mollan shared that 16 gardens participated in the Garden Gem program and have been reviewed.
Next month the winners for the six categories will be awarded. Mr. Mollan mentioned that EDA
continues to create Open for Business Reels and Development Minute videos for Social Media Sites.
9. MOTION TO ADJOURN REGULAR MEETING
Moved by Commissioner Jennifer Wagner and seconded by Commissioner J. Brian Calva
to adjourn the meeting. Motion carried 7-0.
10. WORK SESSION
The regular meeting adjourned at 5:45 p.m. President Westgaard called the work session to order at
5:47 p.m.
10.1 2027 Budget Workshop
Mr. O'Neil shared budget updates. The Board and Staff discussed future land purchases and what
amount of money to keep in the operating reserve. Staff would like to hire a consultant to help make
future land purchase recommendations. He mentioned the city should be acquiring 15–20 acre lots, but
an outside expert may determine whether it should be more than that. The board wants to continue
marketing and advertising and will consider an entry level tier of marketing. Mr. O’Neil wants the board
to recognize the impact the 2027 downtown project is having on local businesses and consider ways to
help.
The Board directed staff to continue exploring possible land purchase options.
Economic Development Authority Minutes
July 20, 2026
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Page 3 of 3
11. MOTION TO ADJOURN
Moved by Commissioner J. Brian Calva and seconded by Commissioner Cory Grupa to
adjourn the meeting. Motion Carried 7-0.
The meeting adjourned at 06:05 PM
Minutes prepared by Dawn Robertson.
__________________________
Matt Westgaard, EDA President
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Justin Dunford, City Clerk