05-12-1997 EDA MIN
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SPECIAL MEETING OF THE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
AUTHORITY
HELD AT THE ELK RIVER CITY HALL
MONDAY, MAY 12, 1997
Members Present:
President Dwyer. Commissioners Holmgren. Farber. Gongoll,
Thompson. and Duitsman
Members Absent:
Commissioner Bender
staff Present:
Paul Steinman. Director of Economic Development; Steve
Rohlf. Building & Zoning Administrator; Debbie Kleckner,
Recording Secretary
Also Present:
Sara Coppock. Minnesota Environmental Initiative
1 . Call Meetinq To Order
Pursuant to due call and notice thereof. the meeting of the Economic
Development Authority was called to order at 6:00 p.m. by President Dwyer.
2.
Consider Aqenda
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COMMISSIONER GONGOLL MOVED TO APPROVE THE MAY 12,1997, EDA AGENDA
WITH THE FOLLOWING ADDITION:
- ITEM 9.1. - INVOICE FROM LEGAL REPRESENTATION
COMMISSIONER DUITSMAN SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 6-0.
3. Consider Consent Aqenda
COMMISSIONER THOMPSON MOVED TO APPROVE THE CONSENT AGENDA AS
FOLLOWS:
3.1. EDA CHECK REGISTER - APPROVED
3.2. APRIL 14, 1997, EDA MINUTES - APPROVED
COMMISSIONER GONGOLL SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED
6-0.
4. Open Mike
No one appeared for open mike.
5.
Business Center Foreclosure
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Paul indicated the sheriff's sale for the Country Crossing Business Center property
will be held on Thursday. May 22, 1997, at 10 a.m. After the sheriff's sale, staff will
begin discussing a cooperative marketing agreement with the owners. Paul
noted no sale of the property could be undertaken until the end of the six month
Special EDA Meeting Minutes
May 12, 1997
Page 2
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redemption period. Staff intends to meet with Mr. Gagne and Mr. Wilson to
discuss the same type of cooperative agreement.
The EDA requested staff to encourage the county to move forward with their
petition for improvements. This item will be brought back to the EDA after staff
meets with property owners.
6. Industrial Park Lot
Paul updated the EDA on the lot which is available in the Elk River Industrial Park.
The EDA discussed possible use of T1F funds in purchasing the property. Chair
Dwyer indicated there may be prospect who is interested in purchasing a portion
of the property.
COMMISIONER DUITSMAN MOVED THE EDA AUTHORIZE STAFF TO NEGOTIATE
PURCHASING THE REMAINING LOT IN THE ELK RIVER INDUSTRIAL PARK.
COMMISSIONER HOLMGREN SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 6-0.
7.
Enerav City Update
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Sara Coppock of the Minnesota Environmental Initiative, updated the EDA on
progress of the Energy City project. The Marketing Committee has reviewed a
marketing plan by Sable Advertising which is currently being revised and will be
available in two weeks. Ms. Coppock noted the main objective of the plan is to
ensure the prospective businesses involved in the various aspects of the Energy
City program are economically viable. She indicated they are now at the point
where the EDA can become more involved in Energy City programs. Ms.
Coppock highlighted the following upcoming events:
- Presentation in Amherst, WI - Renewable Energy Fair
- League of Minnesota Cities Presentation at the St. Cloud Civic Center in
in June by Paul Steinman
The Energy Use Committee is currently setting up a data base to access existing
demonstration sites (energy-related businesses) in Elk River. The committee plans
to advertise these existing businesses and will be conducting tours.
Steve Rohlf updated the EDA on the following Energy City projects:
Enerav House - A site has been located in the Pleasant Hills subdivision,
with the ground breaking ceremony scheduled for mid-June. Steve
expressed his thanks to the Bank of Elk River for financing the loan on the
project.
Wind Generator - It appears the proposed wind generator project will
move forward. The wind generator will be the largest in North America.
Steve noted the initial cost is quite high but then becomes very
economical over the life of the generator.
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Methane Gas - Elk River Landfill - Costs associated with project are high
but support for the project is still strong.
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May 12,1997
Page 3
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Solar Wall - A grant from the Department of Energy will be used to fund a
solar wall project. The solar wall consists of black metal panels with holes in
them and is used to preheat ventilation air. Staff is seeking a building with
a large need for make-up air such as an automobile repair shop.
Electric Car - The City may consider purchasing an electric car which
would be plugged in during the night and used throughout the workday.
Steve Rohlf encouraged the EDA and City Council to attend the Energy City
events whenever possible.
8. Marketina Video
Members of the EDA viewed the City of Elk River marketing video which was done
several years ogo. The Commissioners were in agreement the video needs to be
updated and directed staff to obtain an estimate from the original producer.
Ideas for updating the video included Energy City, Elk Park Center, the Strategic
Plan, Tescom, Ice Arena, Menards and Sax. Paul noted the supply of 4 color city
brochures is low and stated he will also advise the EDA of the cost of updating
and reprinting the brochures.
9.1.
Invoice from Leaal Representation
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Chair Dwyer expressed his concern for legal fees associated with the Eastey and
. Johnson micro loan. He felt routine micro loan documents could be completed
by staff and reviewed by legal counsel.
COMMISSIONER HOLMGREN MOVED AUTHORIZATION FOR THE EDA CHAIR TO
EXPRESS WRITTEN CONCERN TO THE EDA'S LEGAL COUNSEL FOR COSTS ASSOCIATED
WITH THE EASTEY/JOHNSON MICRO LOAN, TO WORK WITH STAFF IN THE FUTURE TO
PROVIDE THESE DOCUMENTS "IN HOUSE", AND TO REQUEST A REDUCED FEE FOR
EDA. COMMISSIONER GONGOLL SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED
6-0.
10. Adiournment
There being no other business, COMMISSIONER FARBER MOVED TO ADJOURN THE
MEETING. COMMISSIONER THOMPSON SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION
CARRIED 6-0.
The meeting of the Elk River Economic Development Authority adjourned at 6:58
p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
lJeMU Y)it~
Debbie Kleckner
Recording Secretary
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