EDA Minutes 09-21-2026
Meeting of the Economic Development
Authority
Held at the Elk River City Hall
Monday, September 21, 2026
Members Present: President Matt Westgaard, Commissioners Cory Grupa, Jeff Hartwig, Mike Beyer,
Jennifer Wagner, and Charlie Blesener
Members Absent: Commissioner J. Brian Calva
Staff Present: Economic Development Director Brent O'Neil, Economic Development Specialist
Joshua Mollan, and Recording Secretary Jolene Richter
1. CALL MEETING TO ORDER
Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, the meeting was called to order at 5:31 p.m..
2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.
3. CONSIDER AGENDA
Moved by Commissioner Jennifer Wagner and seconded by Commissioner Cory Grupa to
approve the agenda. Motion carried 6-0.
4. CONSENT AGENDA
Moved by Commissioner Charlie Blesener and seconded by Commissioner Mike Beyer to
approve the following consent items as outlined in their respective staff reports. Motion
carried 6-0.
4.1 DRAFT Minutes - August 17, 2026
4.2 Check Register
4.3 Balance Sheet
4.4 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 Resolution 26-11 TIF 30 Interfund Loan
The staff report was presented.
Moved by Commissioner Jennifer Wagner and seconded by Commissioner Jeff Hartwig to
approve Resolution 26-11 establishing an interfund loan related to Tax Increment District
(TIF) 30. Motion carried 6-0.
8. OPEN DISCUSSION
Mr. Mollan noted the following items:
▪ Beautification Public Art Committee had a presentation from Liquor Operations for a potential
mural at the new liquor store site. They will be applying for a public art grant for a mural onsite
and would be looking for a letter of support from the committee and/or the Economic
Development Authority. He will continue to talk to Liquor Operations and bring something back
in the following months.
▪ Beautification Public Art Committee had a kickoff for a public art plan discussion for community
guidance and is planning a final plan approval in early 2027. They will be working on a plan in the
next few months.
Mr. O'Neil noted the following items:
▪ Project Fit, which is a distributor of seat covers, decided on a location in Monticello.
▪ They have had multiple conversations with some brokers representing a large project of 30-50
acres, with a minimum building footprint of 250,000 sq ft possibly doubling that number, and
they could potentially have up to 500 jobs. They liked all three properties; however, all three
properties have utility considerations, as the properties are outside of the service districts. Mr.
O'Neil will keep this on the commission's radar. He would like to start having discussions
regarding the costs of expanding services to these areas.
▪ Kwik Trip will have their final inspection coming up.
▪ The Tai restaurant will be moving in a couple of weeks.
Commissioner Blesener commented that the historic water tower site could be a potential site for
public art pieces.
President Westgaard asked about the former Elk River and Stone building and asked if they had heard
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what the potential was for that site. Mr. O'Neil explained that there is an item on the Council meeting
for that evening for a rezoning request for that area. Mayor John Dietz explained that the owners are
asking the city to keep that area zoned industrial.
9. MOTION TO ADJOURN REGULAR MEETING
Moved by Commissioner Mike Beyer and seconded by Commissioner Cory Grupa to
adjourn the meeting. Motion carried 6-0.
The regular meeting adjourned at 5:46 p.m. President Westgaard called the work session to order at
5:47 p.m.
10. WORK SESSION
10.1 Distinctive Iron Loan Extension Discussion
The staff report was presented.
President Westgaard asked how long of an extension are they requesting. Mr. O'Neil stated a 2-5 year
extension.
Commissioner Grupa asked if they were in good standing. Mr. O'Neil stated yes, they are.
Commissioner Blesener stated that if they extended, interest rates should be looked at.
Commissioner Wagner stated they are a great company and have done well within the community;
however, recommended looking at the terms of the loan.
President Westgaard echoed that they should look into the terms and stated that they should explain
why they are approving the extension.
The commission discussed and agreed as long as they are staying consistent and look at the terms and
interest rates of the loan to make sure we are working with them for the reason of them asking for the
extension.
11. MOTION TO ADJOURN
Moved by Commissioner Mike Beyer and seconded by Commissioner Charlie Blesener to
adjourn the meeting. Motion carried 6-0.
The meeting adjourned at 5:55 p.m.
Minutes prepared by Jolene Richter.
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__________________________
Matt Westgaard, EDA President
_______________________
Justin Dunford, City Clerk