03-28-1983 EDA MIN
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MINUTES OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION
HELD AT THE ELK RIVER PUBLIC LIBRARY
MARCH 28, 1983
Mayor Hinkle called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m.
The following members were present: Doris Anderson, Elaine Anderson,
Lloyd Brutlag, Hank Duitsman, Richard Gongoll, Jerry Hagen, Dick Hinkle,
Keith Holme, Cliff Lundberg, Frank Madsen, Carol Mills, John Pearce,
Gene Schuldt, Jim Simpson, Virgil Stegner, Larry Toth, and Rob
VanValkenburg.
Also in attendance were: Councilmember Engstrom, Councilmember Gunkel,
and Mr. Tom Warner..
Mayor Hinkle indicated that the first order of business was to select
a chairperson for the Commission. John Pearce and Dick Gongoll were
nominated for the position of chairman. An election was held and
Dick Gongoll was elected Chairman.
MR. LARRY TOTH MOVED TO APPOINT JOHN PEARCE AS VICE CHAIRMAN. MR.
GENE SCHULDT SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED.
MR. HENRY DUITSMAN MOVED TO APPOINT PHYLLIS BOEDIGHElMER AS SECRETARY
TO THE COMMISSION. MAYOR HINKLE SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION
CARRIED.
Mayor Hinkle introduced Mr. Mike Mulrooney from the Business Development
Division of the State of Minnesota. Mr. Mulrooney was present to pro-
vide information regarding the Star Cities Program and answer questions
from the Commission about the tasks and duties necessary to obtain the
Star Cities designation.
Mr. Mulrooney indicated that the Star Cities Program was designed to
help cities help themselves in community and economic development. Mr.
mlilrooney sited examples of corporations looking to be located in Minnesota
or looking to leave Minnesota, and how the Star Cities Program has
helped cities organize their development efforts, therefore, have
encouraged industry to come to Minnesota or stay in Minnesota. Mr.
Mulrooney indicated that communites always change and that cities and
communites should work to manage that change.
Mr. Mulrooney then reviewed the tasks of the Star Cities Program, and
what is involved with the completion of each task. Mr. Mulrooney in-
dicated that a city that has received the Star Cities designation has
a greater ability to deal with economic development problems and issues.
Mr. Mulrooney further indicated that the Minnesota Business Development
Division will provide prospects to a City that has attained the desig-
nation.
General discussion was carried on regarding a local development cor-
porationand the requirements of a local development corporation. Mr.
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Dick Gongoll indicated that the Elk River Associated Investors is a
local development corporation already in existance that has expressed
its support of Elk River obtaining the Star Cities designation.
Mr. Mulrooney reviewed the situation the City of Waseca was faced
with, with the Hurters Corporation. Mr. Mulrooney also reviewed the
conunitties that the City of Waseca established. Mr. Mulrooney sug-
gestedthat representatives of the Conunission contact the City of
Coon Rapids, the City of Waseca or the City of Monticello for sug-
gestions regarding the establishment of conunittees.
Ms. Elaine Anderson asked if there were statistics to prove that the
Star Cities Program works. Mr. Mulrooney indicated that the program
has been in existance approximately l~ years, and that the first city
to obtain the designation was approximately 8 months ago.
Mr. Mulrooney indicated that obtaining the designation requires a lot
of work, but that it could be .accomplished through local talent and
volunteer work by the Conununity. Mr. Mulrooney also indicated that
there is a Minnesota Star Cities Conference scheduled for May 11-12,
and that he highly reconunended members of the Conunission to attend.
General discussion was carried regarding the organization of the
Conunission Conunitties, tasks and duties, the hiring of professionals
or recruiting of volunteers, and a 5 year improvement plan for the
City. Further discussion was carried on regarding Conunission Members
meeting with other star cities for support and help in the City of
Elk River's effort.
Mayor Hinkle indicated that he felt the City must not delay, and that
the Conunission must get going and keep the interest and enthusiasim of
the people. Councilmember Duitsman indicated that the City has budgeted
for a Capital Improvement Program, and further indicated that the City
Council wants to move ahead and will budget for the Economic Development
Conunission.
It was the consensus of the Conunission that Mr. John Pearce and Mr.
Bob Middaugh would meet with the City of Coon Rapids, Mr. Cliff Lundberg
to meet with the City of Monticello, and Mr. Dick Gongoll to meet with
the City of Waseca, regarding their experiences with the Star Cities
Program. A meeting was scheduled for April 14, at 3:00 p.m. at the
City Offices to discuss the results of the discussions with the other
conununities, and a full Conunission meeting was scheduled for April 20,
3:00 p.m., at the First National Bank Conununity Room. It was also
agreed that the terms of the officers would be for one year, beginning
April 1, 1983.
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THERE BEING NO FURTHER BUSINESS, MR. JOHN PEARCE MOVED THAT THE
MEETING BE ADJOURNED. MS. ELAINE ANDERSON SECONDED THE MOTION.
THE MOTION CARRIED.
Respectively Submitted,
(J( j~L If":('i,r, 1!r-z) /!~~ "~;~("c1
7 q{'. ,,-,j:/; At. .
Phyllis Boedigheimer
Secretary