ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY
3:00 P.M. October 13, 2015
Present:Wade LeBlanc
Shane Hoff J T Starkovich – excused
Richard DeRosier
Phil Popehn
Lana Fralich, City Administrator
LeBlanc called the meeting to order at 3:02p.m.
Agenda – Motion by DeRosier, second Hoff to approve the agenda as presented. MOTION CARRIED.
Minutes – Motion by Hoff, second DeRosier to approve the minutes of the September 15 regular meeting. MOTION CARRIED.
The members welcomed Popehn to the board.
COMMUNICATIONS
Loan Receivable – The Board reviewed the loan receivable.
OLD BUSINESS
Comprehensive Plan Update –It was noted that the Planning and Zoning Commission is reviewing the Plan, will hold a public hearing, and make a recommendation to the Council.
Eco-Industrial Park – It was noted that the Council has approved a purchase agreement for Lot 6, Block 2 in the Eco-Park for the appraised value of $53,000, for construction of a Dollar General Store. Fralich reported on a meeting with IRRRB about development of the Eco-Park.
Campground/Beaches– The City will be submitting a final report for State bonding funds for the campground. It was noted that no bids were received for installation of lavatory vaults for the beach area, due to MN PCA installation licenses issues. The City will research this issue, and then advertise for bids a second time.
Billboard Sign – It was noted that the City has obtained the final permit from MN DOT, and that construction is scheduled to begin this fall.
Contamination Cleanup and Investigation Grant Application – No new information on this subject was available at this time. There was discussion about parking issues, and ideas for redevelopment of the property on the corner of Highway 61 and Outer Drive, including moving the Rocky Taconite statue to this site.
Neighborhood Revitalization Grant Program – The board reviewed a summary of the properties that participated in this grant program. It was noted that $10,000 is budgeted for this program in 2016, with $10,000 in matching funds to come from the Lake County HRA. There was discussion about requiring matching funds, and making specific landscaping guidelines. It was noted that there is a 21 day time period to complete the grant work, and that this is a reimbursement grant.
NEW BUSINESS
Owner Occupied Housing and Commercial Revitalization Grant – It was noted that the former grant, that covered an area from Adams Drive up to, but not including, Davis Drive, has expired. The board reviewed a map for a new grant area to include properties from Davis Drive to Edison Blvd. There was discussion to include Garden Drive and all commercial properties in grant. Fralich will meet with AEOA on October 14 about this grant application. It was noted that AEOA would write and administer the grant on behalf of the City, and would keep all developer fees. Motion by LeBlanc, second Hoff to apply for the Owner Occupied Housing and Commercial Revitalization Grant, for the area highlighted on the map presented, to add Garden Drive and all commercial properties within the City, to have AEOA write and administer the grant for the City, under the same terms as the former Owner Occupied Housing Revitalization Grant. MOTION CARRIED.
Motion by Hoff, second DeRosier to adjourn at3:59p.m. MOTION CARRIED.