10-13-2008 EDA MINMEETING OF THE ELK RIVER
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY
HELD AT THE ELK RIVER CITY HALL
MONDAY, OCTOBER 13, 2008
Members Present: Vice President Tveite, Commissioners Farber, Klinzing, Motin, Touchette,
and Zerwas
Members Absent: President Dwyer
Staff Present: City Administrator Lori Johnson, Community Development Director Jeff
Gongoll, Director of Economic Development Catherine Mehelich,
Economic Development Assistant Annie Deckert, Planning Manager
Jeremy Barnhart, and Recording Secretary Jessica Miller
1. Call Meeting To Order
Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, the meeting of the Economic Development
Authority was called to order at 5:30 p.m. by Vice President Tveite.
2. Consider Agenda
MOVED BY COMMISSIONER KLINZING AND SECONDED BY
COMMISSIONER MOTIN TO APPROVE THE OCTOBER 13, 2008 EDA
AGENDA. MOTION CARRIED 6-0.
3. Consider Consent Agenda
MOVED BY COMMISSIONER ZERWAS AND SECONDED BY
COMMISSIONER MOTIN TO APPROVE THE CONSENT AGENDA AS
FOLLOWS:
3.1. AUGUST 11, 2008 SPECIAL MEETING WITH CITY COUNCIL
MINUTES
3.2. SEPTEMBER 8, 2008 REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
3.3. CHECK REGISTERS
3.4. BALANCE SHEET
3.5. REVENUE/EXPENDITURE REPORT
3.6. YMCA PAY ESTIMATE
MOTION CARRIED 6-0.
4. Open Mike
There was no one was present for open mike.
5. Update on Marketing Activities
Ms. Deckert provided an update on marketing activities as outlined in her staff report.
Economic Development Authority Minutes
October 13, 2008
Page 2
Ms. Deckert highlighted the Manufacturer's Week events. She stated that EDA members
wishing to attend the tour of Classic Acrylics and the luncheon should RSVP to the
Chamber by October 14.
Ms. Deckert also highlighted the Retail Trade Analysis. She explained that the workshop has
been scheduled for Thursday, November 13 at 9 a.m. at City Hall. She noted that invitations
will be mailed and an update with additional details would be provided at the next EDA
meeting.
6. Discuss 1715L Avenue Focused Area Studv
Mr. Gongoll presented the staff report.
Commissioner Klinzing explained that she believes all three firms have strengths and
questioned how staff arrived at the decision to recommend the Cuningham Group. Mr.
Gongoll stated that all three firms have strengths and noted that extensive discussion was
held at the staff level and based on that he is recommending Cuningham. Ms. Johnson stated
it was a split decision at the staff level and that it was not unanimous to recommend
Cuningham. Commissioner Klinzing suggested the three firms come before the EDA so
questions and concerns regarding their proposals can be addressed.
Vice President Tveite stated that if one of the firms is chosen it should be made very clear
that the second phase cannot contradict the first phase of the project. Commissioner Zerwas
expressed concern that the RFP did not consider the larger area in total because the Request
for Proposal map described a detailed boundary and the EDA's direction was to study the
larger area. Ms. Mehelich explained she spoke to all three firms and they are all very
cognizant to the fact that what happens in the first phase of the project determines what
happens in subsequent phases.
Ms. Johnson stated staff understood the EDA's direction about the study. Ms. Johnson
suggested an addendum to the RFP including the entire area be sent to the firms. She stated
the EDA could interview all three firms if they wish.
Commissioner Touchette questioned the timing of the study given the current changes in the
financial market. He would like to hold off on the study for six months. Vice President
Tveite indicated he would like to see a moratorium on development in this area if the EDA
decides to wait six months. Commissioner Motin concurred. Commissioner Farber indicated
he does not want to rush into a decision but does not want to see a moratorium. He would
like to meet with the firms.
Ms. Mehelich explained that based on her discussions with metro area developers, this is the
best time for the City to undertake this study. She has been told developers are watching the
northwest areas, especially near the rail stations, and believes the City should be prepared to
respond to development requests.
The consensus of the EDA was to send out an addendum to the RFP that would expand the
study to include the entire study area, and to interview the three firms who submitted
Request for Proposals for the project: Landform Engineering Company, LHB Corporation,
and Cuningham Group at the next EDA meeting.
Economic Development Authority Minutes Page 3
October 13, 2008
7. Other Business
There was no other business.
8. Adjournment
There being no other business, Vice President Tveite adjourned the meeting of the Elk River
Economic Development Authority at 6:03 p.m.
Minutes prepared by Jessica Miller.
Tina All
City Clerk