Loading...
The URL can be used to link to this page
Your browser does not support the video tag.
Home
My WebLink
About
11-19-20
CITY OF Meeting Location: FARMINGTONFarmington City Hall 430 Third Street Farmington, MN 55024 ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY REGULAR MEETING AGENDA November 19, 2020 6:00 PM Hannah Simmons, Chair; Steve Wilson, Vice-Chair Katie Bernhjelm, Ryan Butterfield, Jake Cordes, Robyn Craig Stephen Hudlemeyer 1. CALL TO ORDER 2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE 3. ROLL CALL 4. APPROVE AGENDA 5. CITIZENS COMMENTS 6. CONSENTAGENDA (a) Monthly Financial Statements (b) Approve Meeting Minutes (October 22, 2020, Regular Meeting) 7. PUBLIC HEARINGS 8. DISCUSSION ITEMS (a) Business Retention & Expansion Survey (b) City Council Update/Member Roundtable 9. DIRECTOR'S REPORT (a) November Director's Report 10. ADJOURN CITY OF 0 Q 43o Third St., Farmington, MN 55024 FARMINGTON © 651-28o-6800 /YiV11 W O Farmington MN.gov TO: Economic Development Authority FROM: Adam Kienberger, Community Development Director SUBJECT: Monthly Financial Statements DATE: November 19, 2020 INTRODUCTION/DISCUSSION Please find attached the monthly financial statements of the EDA. ACTION REQUESTED Acknowledge the monthly financial statements and ask any questions you may have. ATTACHMENTS: Type Description D Backup Material Financial Snapshot- November Backup Material EDA-Actual Vs Budgeted Rev and Exp- November 2020 Department Actual vs Budget-Generic Time Period Business Object Account Cumulative 12 Cumulative 12 Unit Account Description Actual Budget 2020 2020 2000-HRA/ECONOMIC DEVELOPME 1010 CASH 233,312.44' 2000-HRA/ECONOMIC DEVELOPME 1010 CASH-LGA ASSMNT RELIEF 35,000.00 2000-HRA/ECONOMIC DEVELOPME 3510 UNRESERVED FUND BALANCE -292,073.72 2000-HRA/ECONOMIC DEVELOPME 4955 INTEREST ON INVESTMENTS -3,609.15 2,700.00' 2000-HRA/ECONOMIC DEVELOPME 5205 OPERATING TRANSFERS -33,333.30 -40,000.00: 2000-HRA/ECONOMIC DEVELOPME 5360 REFUNDS&REIMBRSMNT-DBB 115,267.16 -162,911.00 2000-HRA/ECONOMIC DEVELOPME 6110 FULL TIME SALARIES 100,499.16 122,761.00: 2000-HRA/ECONOMIC DEVELOPME 6152 FICA/MEDICARE 7,278.92 9,392.00 2000-HRA/ECONOMIC DEVELOPME 6154 PERA 7,537.37 9,208.00 2000-HRA/ECONOMIC DEVELOPME 6158 EMPLOYEE BENEFITS 17,089.67 21,550.00 2000-HRA/ECONOMIC DEVELOPME 6159 WORKERS COMP 151.80 2000-HRA/ECONOMIC DEVELOPME 6280 BOOKS&SUBSCRIPTIONS 85.00 2000-HRA/ECONOMIC DEVELOPME 6280 BOOKS&SUBSCRIPTIONS-DBB 496.36' 2000-HRA/ECONOMIC DEVELOPME 6401 PROFESSIONAL SERVICES 1,195.00 12,000.00' 2000-HRA/ECONOMIC DEVELOPME 6401 PROFESSIONAL SERVICES-DBB 12.98' 2000-HRA/ECONOMIC DEVELOPME 6403 LEGAL 0.00' 2,500.00 2000-HRA/ECONOMIC DEVELOPME 6404 IT SERVICES 7,305.80 8,767.00 2000-HRA/ECONOMIC DEVELOPME 6412 CELLULAR SERVICES-DBB 424.23 2000-HRA/ECONOMIC DEVELOPME 6422 ELECTRIC 185.76 300.00 2000-HRA/ECONOMIC DEVELOPME 6426 INSURANCE 100.99' 130.00 2000-HRA/ECONOMIC DEVELOPME 6450 OUTSIDE PRINTING 0.00 500.00 2000-HRA/ECONOMIC DEVELOPME 6460 MEMBER DUES&LICENSURE 795.00 2,000.00 2000-HRA/ECONOMIC DEVELOPME 6470 TRAINING &SUBSISTANCE 1,678.71 4,000.00 2000-HRA/ECONOMIC DEVELOPME 6470 TRAINING &SUBSISTANCE-DBB 310.80 2000-HRA/ECONOMIC DEVELOPME 6485 MILEAGE REIMBURSEMENT 21.28' 800.00 2000-HRA/ECONOMIC DEVELOPME 6505 EQUIPMENT REPAIR/MAINTENANCE 12.98 0.00 2000-HRA/ECONOMIC DEVELOPME 6505 EQUIPMENT REPAIR/MAINT-DBB 230.53 2000-HRA/ECONOMIC DEVELOPME 6550 DEVELOPER PAYMENTS 20,000.00 2000-HRA/ECONOMIC DEVELOPME 6570 PROGRAMMING EXPENSE 10,558.55'. 7,733.00 Total 2000-HRA/ECONOMIC DEVELOPM 0.00 -3,970.00 0.00': -3,970.00 0.00 -3,970.00' 11/13/2020 1:16:34 PM Paae 1 of' EDA Actual vs Budgeted 2020 Object January February March April May June July August September October November December Dec YTD Dec YTD Dec YTD Account Actual Actual Actual Actual Actual Actual Actual Actual Actual Actual Actual Actual Actual Budget Actual Budget 2020 2020 2020 2020 2020 2020 2020 2020 2020 2020 2020 2020 2020 2020 Variance 2020 Intergovernmental 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Investment Income 588 496 478 413 351 318 300 361 305 0 0 0 3,609 2,700 909 Misc Revenue 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Total Revenues 588 496 478 413 351 318 300 361 305 0 0 0 3,609 2,700 909 Personnel Services 0 0 34,761 12,191 18,835 12,353 11,179 13,001 11,705 12,353 6,178 0 132,557 162,911 (30,354) Supplies 0 0 0 0 85 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 85 0 85 6401 - PROFESSIONAL SERVICE 0 0 0 0 0 0 495 0 700 0 0 0 1,195 12,000 (10,805) 6403- LEGAL 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2,500 (2,500) 6404-IT SERVICES 731 731 731 731 731 731 731 731 731 731 0 0 7,306 8,767 (1,461) 6422-ELECTRIC 21 20 20 20 20 22 20 21 22 0 0 0 186 300 (114) 6426- INSURANCE 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 0 0 101 130 (29) 6450-OUTSIDE PRINTING 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 500 (500) 6460-SUBSCRIPTIONS&DUES 795 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 795 2,000 (1,205) 6470-TRAINING&SUBSISTANC 1,165 362 206 (181) 0 200 0 (125) 42 10 0 0 1,679 4,000 (2,321) 6485-MILEAGE REIMBURSEME 21 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 21 800 (779) 6505-EQUIPMENT REPAIR SER 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 13 0 0 13 0 13 6550- DEVELOPER PAYMENTS 0 0 0 0 0 10,000 0 0 10,000 0 0 0 20,000 20,000 6570-PROGRAMMING EXPENS 555 5,538 555 0 709 1,405 1,297 0 0 500 0 0 10,559 7,733 2,826 Services and Charges 3,298 6,660 1,521 580 1,469 12,368 2,553 637 11,505 1,264 0 0 41,854 38,730 3,124 Total Exp 3,298 6,660 36,281 12,771 20,390 24,721 13,732 13,638 23,210 13,617 6,178 0 174,496 201,641 (27,145) Transfers In 3,333 3,333 3,333 3,333 3,333 3,333 3,333 3,333 3,333 3,333 0 0 33,333 40,000 (6,667) Transfers Out 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Other Financing Sources 3,333 3,333 3,333 3,333 3,333 3,333 3,333 3,333 3,333 3,333 0 0 33,333 40,000 (6,667) Net Change in Fund Balance 624 (2,831) (32,470) (9,025) (16,705) (21,070) (10,099) (9,944) (19,571) (10,283) (6,178) 0 (137,554) (158,941) 21,387 Paae 1 of 1 CITY OF 0 430 Third St„ Farmington, MN 55024 FARMINGTON © 651-28o-6800 Farmington M N.gov TO: Economic Development Authority FROM: Cynthia Muller, Administrative Assistant SUBJECT: Approve Meeting Minutes (October 22, 2020, Regular Meeting) DATE: November 19, 2020 INTRODUCTION/DISCUSSION Please find attached the draft meeting minutes from the October 22, 2020, EDA meeting. ACTION REQUESTED Approve the October 22, 2020, EDA minutes. ATTACHMENTS: Type Description © Exhibit Minutes MINUTES ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY Regular Meeting October 22, 2020 1. CALL TO ORDER The meeting was called to order by Chair Simmons at 6:00 p.m. Members Present: Simmons, Butterfield, Cordes, Hudlemeyer, Wilson Members Absent: Bernhjelm, Craig Also Present: Adam Kienberger, Community Development Director; Natalie Mouilso, Open to Business Advisor 2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE 3. ROLL CALL 4. APPROVE AGENDA Member Craig had asked Chair Simmons to add an item relating to a downtown holiday festival. MOTION by Hudlemeyer, second by Butterfield to approve the Agenda and add the requested item. APIF, MOTION CARRIED. 5. CITIZEN COMMENTSIPRESENTA TIONS 6. CONSENT AGENDA MOTION by Cordes, second by Butterfield to approve the Consent Agenda as follows: a) Approved Meeting Minutes (September 24, 2020, Regular Meeting) b) Received Monthly Financial Statements APIF, MOTION CARRIED. 7. PUBLIC HEARINGS 8. DISCUSSION ITEMS a) Open to Business Update Ms. Natalie Mouilso, Open to Business Advisor, introduced herself and provided an update on the program. This program continues to provide one-on-one support to new and existing business owners at no cost. Farmington has had 11 businesses obtain assistance and she has worked with 11 Farmington residents. She asked EDA members to encourage businesses to contact her if they need assistance. Staff often works on the regulatory side for businesses, so they have sent entrepreneurs to Open to Business to help with what they can do. The next time she attends, members would like to hear what is working and not working with committees in other cities. She responds to inquiries within one business day and has weekly office hours, which will be on the Farmington website. One major concern the EDA has is a handful of Farmington businesses have relocated EDA Minutes(Regular) October 22,2020 Page 2 just over the border in other cities. One major business concern was the cost for leasing property in Farmington was as high or higher than space in other locations which are more visible. Businesses have suggested having someone to advocate with the landlord on lease rates. Ms. Mouilso stated she is well versed in lease negotiations and has already helped a handful of business owners with that. She is willing to talk to anyone about leasing. Open to Business services are free and confidential. Members discussed empty buildings. Some building owners are out of touch with market rates, etc. and for some renting their building is not a priority. Staff reminded the EDA of the Redevelopment Program discussed at the last meeting. We could actively promote that program to building owners similar to what we did with the Fagade Program. Members asked about her relationship with Farmington bankers. She will help business owners with taking a plan to a bank to see if they will work with them, and if not, try another bank. Staff has given her a list of local banks so that is on the top of her to do list. Open to Business can partner with banks to fill any gaps. There is a 50/50 split with current and new businesses. She has received a lot of calls from home-based businesses that want to move to a building in 2021. b) Marketing and Communications Strategy In September, staff asked if there was anything the EDA wanted to change in their 2019-2021 Strategic Plan. The discussion involved three main communication themes—partnership,promotion and perception. In 2013, the EDA commissioned a marketing plan. Many of the findings are still relevant to the work the EDA wishes to continue. In 2017 the Urban Land Institute provided an outside perspective via their"Navigating Your Competitive Future Workshop." Much of the work staff has done over the past several years and continues to do today are based largely on the key findings of the 2013 Marketing Plan: 1. Deepen relationships with Farmington business owners through an aggressive business retention and expansion program. 2. Get closer to land owners/developers in order to be better prepared for industrial development in the city. 3. Get connected to site selectors and business owners who conduct site searches in the area. 4. Get smarter about the industry through active participation in industry associations like Economic Development Association of Minnesota(EDAM) and Minnesota Commercial Association of Realtors (MNCAR). The current business retention and expansion program is an initial step in re- establishing communication with local businesses. A letter was sent to 216 businesses to establish a connection with them. The results of the BR&E survey will be presented at the next EDA meeting. The EDA has implemented several new tools and initiatives to support local development including a revised business subsidy policy, TIF and tax abatement policies, a new tool for site readiness, commercial rehabilitation grant program EDA Minutes(Regular) October 22,2020 Page 3 (CDBG), a facade improvement grant program, city utility fee program and the recently enacted redevelopment and reinvestment grant program. Initiatives include the Downtown Redevelopment Plan, participation in the updating of the 2040 Comprehensive Plan, Trunk Highway 3 Corridor Small Area Plan and the recently launched BR&E program. The EDA has provided direction to focus on the marketing and communication of this groundwork. This can be accomplished via partnership, promotion and perception. Partnership—The city maintains active partnerships with myriad groups, agencies and professionals. These partnerships are leveraged to further the goals of the EDA on a daily basis. For example, staff meets monthly with the Dakota County Regional Chamber; staff has bi-monthly meetings with the CDA, etc. Promotion—The EDA provided guidance on updating the city's website to include a more "bucketed" approach for local resources. Other promotional activities that can occur in the remainder of 2020 and into the first quarter of 2021 include: - Completing the initial BR&E program - Social media"business campaign" in collaboration with our communications department - Relaunch and promote ribbon cuttings when safe for public gatherings - Engaging our partners with a frequent and consistent positive message - Highlighting new business openings/celebrations via city"Currents" newsletter - Direct outreach of established tools and programs through the Open to Business program advisor Perception—One of the biggest challenges is steering and responding to negative perceptions of the community. One way to mitigate negativity would be to utilize specific key messages through elected and appointed officials. Previously discussed key messages include: - Farmington is business friendly(easy to work with) - Farmington cares and will help you grow your business (knowledgeable of resources) - Professional staff to facilitate the process and assist you in meeting your goals (customer-focused) - Hometown feel (differentiator from other suburban communities) Members would like to see more meat to the website as far as attracting new businesses. Members discussed having space downtown for a business incubator. Staff asked where we want to focus energy and resources. We could dedicate resources to revamping the website. We could work with our communications department to develop a social media campaign on promoting good work and EDA Minutes(Regular) October 22,2020 Page 4 partnerships within the city. Members noted who we are trying to target should drive the type of marketing message we use. Chair Simmons summarized the discussion as revising this discussion to be a targeted and tiered communication plan; a more specific plan that describes who the audience is, what is our timeline, what is the messaging, what platforms are we going to use. Update the website such as the landing page, the"why Farmington" should be front and center that would appeal to businesses. We have more staff supporting the marketing and communications work than we have in the past, so she would not feel comfortable allocating more dollars for an outside vendor or an external consultant. She would like to see current staff work on the priorities. Members felt we do not need a complete marketing revamp. Simplistic, authentic communication have come to the forefront. No flair,but highlighting people and success rates have played out strong in 2020 from a marketing standpoint. Focus on the people who make those things happen and let the rest cultivate naturally. Members agreed staff could handle any marketing updates needed. Members discussed having more story telling marketing; how the community supported businesses that were about to move or close in order to keep them here. Staff will discuss what can be done and a timeframe. C) City Council Update No information was provided. d) Downtown Holiday Festival Councilmember Craig has been working with the FBA and the downtown businesses would like to have a multi-weekend holiday festival downtown this year. Some of the barriers for them to do this is advertising in the entire south metro which has a cost of about$500. They also want to have a food vendor, outdoor singers, incentives to come into stores, etc. They would like to start this tradition this year if they can overcome the barriers. She asked if the EDA sees any opportunity to assist them with any of the financial barriers, such as bringing in a vendor, horse and buggy, advertising, etc. Chair Simmons would like to see this happen, but she is concerned that we are offering this in response. We should have an objective or program that we are using. If we are sponsoring things with city dollars we would have to make sure we are promoting the public health practice. The EDA has not interacted monetarily with other events. Members recalled a similar event has been held at the Fairgrounds the last few years. Staff noted in talking with the city attorney about the expenditure of public dollars toward a non-profit for a donation, we do have the ability to provide a donation to an eligible non-profit. An ask should be formally prepared and presented to the EDA for financial assistance for the activity. If the EDA wants to do this, we would adopt a resolution that would support that and provide that at the conclusion of a successful event. Members noted we are 60 days away and that is a lot of work to get off the ground. This should have been addressed in August. If they are hinging the success on this whether the EDA will donate money, that is not in our wheelhouse as an EDA. Members noted there are a lot of non-profits EDA Minutes(Regular) October 22,2020 Page 5 and this opens the door to everyone. Chair Simmons suggested this be a part of a program to support businesses next year and include it in the strategic plan. A summary back to the FBA would be more discussion is needed to develop a program to do these sorts of things and it is not a priority for the EDA this year. Staff will respond to Councilmember Craig. 9. DIRECTOR'S REPORT a) October Director's Report Dakota County authorized a second round of the small business relief program. Applications will open October 26—November 6, 2020. Home based businesses are eligible. Our role is to promote this program. The Dakota County Board allocated$5 million of their CARES act in a very short time period. It is first come, first served. Chair Simmons asked for the next meeting that a standing item of action items be added to start the meeting. 10. ADJOURN MOTION by Cordes, second by Wilson to adjourn at 8:15 p.m. APIF,MOTION CARRIED. Respectfully submitted, C&wtKa Mu.U,er Cynthia Muller Administrative Assistant CITY OF 0 43o Third St., Farmington, MN 55024 FARMINGTON © 651-28o-6800 All hh O Farmington M N.gov TO: Economic Development Authority FROM: Kalley Swift, Community Development Specialist SUBJECT: Business Retention & Expansion Survey DATE: November 19, 2020 INTRODUCTION/DISCUSSION Encouraging the retention and expansion of existing businesses in the community is a core strategy of the EDA. I n March 2020, the EDA subcommittee for Business Retention & Expansion (BR&E) had to pause their pilot program for traditional BR&E due to COVI D-19.The traditional BR&E Program is based on business assessment surveys and in-person business visits to business facilities to sit down and have face-to-face conversations with business leaders in the community.This program allows for individual business concerns to be addressed while also gathering data and support for bigger policy decisions, programs, and discussions to support Farmington businesses. The traditional BR&E Program uses a probability sampling method of stratified sampling(sampling based off of size, location, sector, etc.). Stratified sampling allows for more precise conclusions by ensuring that every subgroup is properly represented in the sample. COVI D-19 has transformed the business and economic climate to foster more of a business retention movement at this time. With new measures for safety and health,the BR&E subcommittee approved a short-term pivot of our traditional BR&E Program by offering a 10-minute BR&E survey which was open to all businesses in Farmington to participate in if they wished. The survey was originally open for two weeks between October 12—October 25, 2020, but was extended by one week until November 1. 50 businesses in total responded to the BR&E Survey when it was open. The typical time spent on the survey was 9 minutes. The fall 2020 BR&E survey used a non-probability sampling method of voluntary response sampling where the businesses volunteered themselves for giving us survey responses.This type of sampling is easier to access, but it provides a higher risk of sampling bias and you cannot necessarily use it to make statistical inferences about the population as a whole. Non-probability sampling is appropriate when the aim is not to test a hypothesis about a broad population, but rather to develop an initial understanding of a topic. The purpose of the fall 2020 BR&E survey was to learn from the Farmington business community how COVI D-19 has impacted them this past year, in the current moment, and what their outlook is for moving forward. Attached are the responses from the 50 Farmington businesses who voluntarily chose to complete our BR&E survey.The results presented are not in their final format, but instead aggregated together for the EDA to review at this meeting.The responses are currently in the process of being displayed on the City of Farmington's website in a more user-friendly and digestible manner. The BR&E results will live in their own BR&E section of the city website(www.farmingtommn.gov/BRE) and will also serve as an informational page for all businesses in Farmington during COVI D-19 and post-COVI D-19 when the traditional BR&E pilot program begins.The webpage www.farmingtommn.gov/COVI D-19 will remain the city's webpage for general information for residents regarding COVI D-19.The current landing page for the/BRE webpage is the EDA's home page. Please note that this will change.There is also an introduction piece for BR&E in the winter Farmington Currents which is set to arrive in homes on November 25. Multiple forms of outreach were utilized for gathering survey responses. I nitial outreach occurred with an invitation letter to 226 Farmington businesses. Outreach continued to occur every 48 hours while the survey was open.The outreach methods included mailings to business facilities, social media posts on City of Farmington accounts, multiple emails through the Farmington Business Association (FBA), multiple targeted emails to businesses which the City of Farmington has on file or I was able to find, and direct messages on individual business websites which had a "Contact Us" option. The most successful outreach (i.e. large spikes in survey participation) was outreach through email or the"Contact Us" option on websites because it provided a direct link the businesses could click on. As the BR&E survey results are reviewed, a reminder that all individual business answers to the BR&E survey are confidential and the identity of the respondents will not be released except as required by law. This is still the initial stages for reviewing the BR&E survey results, and the results are summarized in overall percentages and averages. For those businesses which selected "Yes"to our Release of Data question, individualized and relevant resources will be directly sent to the businesses shortly along with connecting individual businesses with the proper resources for identified red flags. All businesses which selected "No"to the Release of Data question will be receiving general beneficial information based on the data results observed.These survey responses will continue to be referenced and utilized to allow for successful short-term and long-term policies, programs, and discussions to occur. I n addition to the results,the PDF export of the survey hosted on surveymonkey is also included, but the survey is still available for viewing here- https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/BRE Farmington General themes from the BR&E survey results: • BR&E survey responses show us responses scattered all across the board. o Some business operations were severely impacted while others were able to keep going without interruptions. o Some businesses had to terminate employees due to decreased revenues and demands while others had to hire new staff to keep up with increased revenues and demands. o Some businesses are currently considering improving their business facility or expanding while others are considering moving, downsizing, selling, or closing permanently. • Overall, the majority of business survey responses are reporting optimistic outlooks for their business over the next five years. • The majority of businesses (66%) selected that they are unsure as to whether or not they would like to participate in our BR&E Program once it launches. An increased effort to promote the BR&E pilot program should occur the closer we get to starting it. • The survey results show us that the City of Farmington as a whole—city staff,the EDA,the City Council, and other groups—should continue to be communication champions regarding the disbursement of vital information and resources available to our business community, especially when some resources have limited timelines for application. o Information on financial assistance available for my business was the most selected answer for Question#18 (Which of the following types of assistance would be helpful to your business?). o The EDA could have a larger promotion of their current financial programs available to assist businesses. • The City should look at expanding and gathering information for the current breadth of resources available, especially at the higher levels of government(county, state, and federal), as well as other public and private groups. o The Dakota County Library career and small business workshops was brought to our attention through a survey response (https://www.co.dakota.mn.us/libraries/Programs/Adults/Pages/career-small- business.aspx). o The Dakota County Library system is offering workshops with sessions such as business planning, controlling your budget, small business tax workshop, and buying or selling a business. These are all topics identified in the survey responses as either red flags or concerns of many businesses and the workshops are key resources to promote out. • Based on past and current EDA discussions,the EDA may want to look at strengthening their role of being a communicator of resources to businesses/the business community. • Identify and start to address some long-term action items on a variety of struggles businesses are facing. One example is looking at how to aid businesses which are currently not using the internet as a resource. o Survey results to back up addressing this issue include: Lack of websites for businesses (11/50), lack of an online or virtual sales/services component(29/50), businesses seeking assistance on technical training for social media, website development, etc. (11/50). ACTION REQUESTED Review the fall 2020 BR&E survey results. ATTACHMENTS: Type Description D Exhibit Survey Monkey Questions - PDF Export D Exhibit BR&E Survey Results CITY OF FARMINGTON Business RetentionExpansion 2020 COVID 19 Business Assessment Survey A traditional Business Retention & Expansion (BR&E) Program was ready to launch in March 2020 and was a cooperative effort between the City of Farmington, the Economic Development Authority, and the subcommittee for Business Retention & Expansion.A traditional BR&E Program consists of a business assessment survey and an in-person visit to the business facility.The purpose of the traditional program is to identify opportunities to enhance success, encourage the retention and expansion of existing businesses, provide beneficial resources to businesses, foster an environment for business growth and success, and to formulate and enhance relationships with the business community. We understand that the current business and economic climate fosters more of a business retention movement.Through this short 10 minute survey,we hope to gather a greater understanding of the current Farmington business environment and how COVID-19 has impacted our local businesses. We still believe our existing businesses are our best prospects for future development, and we are devoted to actively seeking conversations with businesses and gathering information to understand where businesses are right now. Thank you for taking time to participate in our BR&E Recovery Edition Program, and we hope you consider and are interested in participating in the traditional BR&E Program in the future. CITY OF FARMINGTON Business Retention p, 0 2020 Business,Information ' Your individual answers to this survey are confidential and will not be released except as required by law. Your responses will be summarized with those of other businesses in Farmington to produce an overall result in percentages and averages. If we find an issue in your survey response in which a certain individual or group may be able to respond to your concern in a beneficial way, you will be asked at the end of the survey whether you authorize us to release your contact information and survey responses to them. 1. Business Contact Information f Business Name Address of Business Facility City _._. .. StatelProvince ZIPIPostal Code Business Website Phone Number 2. Business Official Filling Out Survey Name I Job Title Today's Date i Email j 6 Phone Number -CITY OF FARMINGTON Business Retention & Expansion (BR&E) Fall2020 General Information 3. Which of the following North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) categories best describes your business? (Select one answer) 4. How long has your business been operating in Farmington? Less than 1 year 1-2 Years 3-5 Years 6-10 Years 11-20 Years More than 20 years CITY OF FARMINGTON Business • •. • 2020 Operating status 5. Did your business suspend or limit business operations as a result of the COVID-19 public health emergency? Yes-suspended business operations 1 Yes-limited/partial business operations No 6. If yes, what is your current business operations status? Full business operations available Limited/partial business operations available Not Applicable 7. Does your business have an online or virtual sales/services component? Yes No -CITY OF FARMINGTON Business R etention & Expa nsion (BR&E) Fall 2020 Employment and Workforce 8. As of January 1, 2020, how many employees were working at this business facility in Farmington? Full-Time i Part-Time(year-round) Temporary/Seasonal 9. Has your employee count changed due to COVID-19 specifically? Yes No 10. If yes, what is the workforce change? New hires Furloughed Laid off/Terminated CITY OF FARMINGTON Business Retention & Expansion1 Finance 11. How has your business revenue changed since COVID-19 became a widespread concern in March 2020? Decreased by more than 75% Increased by less than 25% Decreased between 50%and 75% ' Increased between 25%and 50% Decreased between 25%and 50% Increased between 50%and 75% Decreased by less than 25% Increased by more than 75% No observed revenue change(i.e.normal revenue levels) 12. Based on your selected answer to Question#11, how many of your employees are at risk of unemployment at your business if your revenue continues at this rate? I will need to hire additional employees 0 employees 1-3 employees 4-6 employees 7-10 employees 11-20 employees More than 20 employees -CITY OF FARMING Business Retention & Expansion (BR&E) Fall 2020 Outlook 13. Are you currently considering any of the following? (Select all that apply) Downsizing Selling Moving ElClosing permanently Merging with or acquiring another business Expanding-At this location Expanding-Adding another location Improving current business facility Changing your business plan Creating a business plan if one does not exist None of the above Other(please specify) i i i 14. How has COVID-19 affected your business? (Select all that apply) Added expenses to mitigate public safety risks(i.e.cleaning supplies,gloves,masks,etc.) Change of business hours Change of business model Employee loss Temporary business closure(voluntary or mandated) Loss of revenue/slower sales/no sales Had to modify the products and services offered Off-site working options for employees Supply chain disruptions (_i Change of insurance rates Established an alternative mode of business operation to sell and deliver products(i.e.online,telephone,etc.) I� Enhanced your secondary mode of business operation to sell and deliver products(i.e.online,telephone,etc.) Other(please specify) i i i i I 15. At this current time, what are you most concerned about? (Select all that apply) ❑ Paying this month's rent,mortgage,utilities,etc. Making payroll this pay period and beyond My employee's financial welfare Losing work(i.e.clients, projects,sales,etc.) ElLosing employees Getting inventory and supplies Customer traffic Accessing government support(locally,regionally,&nationally)relating to the COVID-19 public health emergency Other(please specify) i 3 E i 16. What was your outlook for your business prior to COVID-19 becoming a widespread concern in March 2020? 17. What is your outlook for your business over the next: Outlook One month Six months r► One year Two to five years f CITY OF FARMINGTON Business Retention & Expansion1 Business Assistance 18.Which of the following types of assistance would be helpful to your business? (Select all that apply) You can find some information here: https://www farmingtommngoy/government/communications/current—news/covid-19�updates How to protect my employees from COVID-19 How to protect my customers from COVID-19 Information on financial assistance which may be available for my business over the next 90 days Penalty-free extensions on expenses(rent,utilities,etc.) Guidance on how to modify my business model Technical training for social media,website development,e-commerce,etc. ❑ Information on costs and risks for providing new goods(e.g. products)or services(e.g.delivery) Information on business succession planning Information on selling my business Other(please specify) 19. Have you received any financial assistance to mitigate the impacts of COVID-19 on your business? (E.g. Payroll Protection Program, Dakota County's Small Business Relief Grant Program, City of Farmington Utility Fee Program, etc.) Yes No 20. If yes, which programs have you received funding from? CITY OF FARMINGTON Business Retention & Expansion (BR&E) Fall 2020 Interest in Traditional BR&E 21. A traditional Business Retention & Expansion (BR&E) Program which consists of a different online business assessment survey and an in-person visit to your business facility was going to launch in March 2020 but has been put on hold due to COVID-19. Once the traditional BR&E Program is able to launch after the COVID-19 pandemic, would your business be interested in being a participant? Yes No Unsure-Provide outreach when the BR&E Program starts -CITY OF FARMINGTON Business Retention & Expansion0 Release of Data 22. If the BR&E team finds an issue in any of your survey responses in which a certain individual (city, county, or state staff) or group of individuals (Economic Development Authority, Small Business Association, Open to Business, Department of Employment and Economic Development, etc.) may be able to respond to your identified concern in a beneficial way, do you authorize the BR&E team to release your survey information to a selected resource? ' Yes-My contact information and survey answers provided can be shared with an appropriate resource which may aid me and my business. No-I will need to make direct contact to possible resources which may aid me and my business. BR&E FaLL 2020 Survey Results 50 businesses in total responded to the Fall 2020 BR&E Survey. All individual business responses have been summarized together to provide overall results for each individual question in averages and percentages. No individual business identity Will be released. Business Information Section Question #1: Business Contact Information BUSINESS NAME ADDRESS OF WEBSITE PHONE NUMBER BUSINESS FACILITY ■ANSWER ■No ANSWER Question #2: Business Official Filling Out the Survey NAME .JOB TITLE EMAIL PHONE NUMBER ■ANSWER ■No ANSWER General Information Section Question #3: Which of the following North American Industry Classification System (NAICS)categories best describes your business?(Select one answer) UTILITIES 1 EDUCATIONAL SERVICES 1 ARTS/ENTERTAINMENT/RECREATION 1 TRANSPORTATION&WAREHOUSING 2 INFORMATION 2 CONSTRUCTION 2 REAL ESTATE/RENTAL&LEASING " '"""" 3 HEALTH CARE SERVICES/SOCIAL ASSISTANCE _ 3 FINANCE/INSURANCE NFWW 3 ACCOMODATION/FOOD SERVICE 3 MANUFACTURING 4 PROFESSIONAL/SCIENTIFIC/TECHNICAL SERVICE 4 RETAIL TRADE 4 NO RESPONSE GIVEN 8 OTHER SERVICES 9 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 "Other Services" Responses: 1. Marketing 6. Childcare 2. Environmental Services 7. Community Services 3. Animal Services 8. Community & Employment 4. Physical Exercise &Wellness Services 5, Commercial Cleaning/Janitorial g. Health & Beauty Services Services Question #4: How Long Has Your Business Been Operating in Farmington? 17 15 12 2 3 1 < 1 YEAR 1-2 3-5 6-10 11-20 MORE THAN YEARS YEARS YEARS YEARS 20 YEARS Operating Status Section Question #5: Did Your Business Suspend or Limit Business Operations as a Result of the COVID-zg Public Health Emergency? 13 ■No 26% ■YES—LIMITED/PARTIAL BUSINESS OPERATIONS ■YES—SUSPENDED �5 a BUSINESS OPERATIONS 30% Question #6: If You Selected Yes(Limited/Partial Business Operations or Suspended Business Operations) in Question #5,What Is Your Current Business Operation Status? Yes - Suspended Business Operations Yes - Limited/Partial Business Operations 1,� Responses - 26% 15 Responses - �o% ■FULL BUSINESS ■FULL BUSINESS OPERATIONS OPERATIONS AVAILABLE AVAILABLE ■LIMITED/PARTIAL ■LIMITED/PARTIAL BUSINESS BUSINESS OPERATIONS OPERATIONS AVAILABLE AVAILABLE Question #7: Does Your Business Have An Online or Virtual Sales/Services Component? ■YES ■ No Employment and Workforce Section Question #8: As of January 1, 2020, Howl Many Employees Were Working At This Business Facility In Farmington? 'Answers Broken Down By Business Size 1-5 TotaL Employees - 22 of the 5o Responses (44%) 5 4 3 2 1 0 ■FULL-TIME ■PART-TIME(YEAR-ROUND) ®SEASONAL/TEMPORARY 6-10 Employees - 14 of the So Responses (28%) 10 1 8 6 4 7 2 0 ■FULL-TIME ■PART-TIME(YEAR-ROUND) ®SEASONAL/TEMPORARY 11-2o Employees - 6 of the 5o Responses (12%) 15 10 5 0 ■FULL-TIME ■PART-TIME(YEAR-ROUND) 21- 5o Employees - ,F)of the 5o Responses (10%) 40 30 20 10 O ■FULL-TIME ■PART-TIME(YEAR-ROUND) 51+ Employees - of the 5o Responses (6%) 200 6. 150 2 100 2 • 50 0 ■FULL-TIME ■PART-TIME(YEAR-ROUND) SEASONAL/TEMPORARY Question #g: Has Your Employee Count Changed Due to COVID-sg Specifically? ■YES ■No Question #1o: If Yes,What is the Workforce Change? Graph shoves the numberof responses Graph shows the total employment received for each answer choice from change in each category from the 18 the 18 businesses which selected "Yes" in businesses which selected "Yes" in Question #g. Question #g. 10 28 8 �4 20 6 16 4 12 2 8 4 0 0 NEW HIRES FURLOUGHED LAID NEW HIRES FURLOUGHED LAID OFF/TERMINATED OFF/TERMINATED List lays out the responses by the 18 individual business answers: Business Of 2 - 1 Furloughed Business of 2 - 1 New Hire Business of 3 -2 Furloughed Business of 3 - 1 Terminated Business of 4 -3 New Hires - 1 Terminated Business of 4 -4 New Hires - i Terminated Business of 6 - 1 New Hire Business of 7 - 0.5 Furloughed Business of 8 - 1 New Hire - 2 Terminated Business of 8 -1 Furloughed - 1 Terminated Business of g - 3 Terminated Business of 11- i Terminated Business of 12 - 1 Terminated Business Of 12 - 6 New Hires - 6 Furloughed - 6 Terminated Business of 16 - 1 New Hire Business of 22 -2 New Hires Business of 23 - 10 Terminated Business Of 130 -4 New Hires Finance Question #11: How Has Your Business Revenue Changed Since COVID-1g Became A Widespread Concern in March 2020? NO ANSWER GIVEN 2 INCREASED BY MORE THAN 75% 1 INCREASED BETWEEN 50%-75% 1 INCREASED BETWEEN 25%-,50% I" 5 INCREASED BY LESS THAN 25% 6 Individual Answers NO OBSERVED REVENUE CHANGE 13 DECREASED BY LESS THAN 25% 10 DECREASED BETWEEN 25%-50% - 4 DECREASED BETWEEN 50%-75°0 4 DECREASED BY MORE THAN 75% � 4 0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 J'A ■DECREASE IN REVENUE ■ NO OBSERVED REVNUE CHANGE > j • INCREASE IN REVENUE I Generalized Answers ■NO ANSWER GIVEN Question #12: Based on Your Selected Answer to Question #11, How Many Employees Are At Risk of Unemployment At Your Business If Your Revenue Continues At This Rate? NEED TO HIRE ADDITIONAL EMPLOYEES 8 0 EMPLOYEES 33 1-3 EMPLOYEES €: 6 4-6 EMPLOYEES 1 7-10 EMPLOYEES 0 11-20 EMPLOYEES N 1 MORE THAN 20 EMPLOYEES 0 NO ANSWER GIVEN n 1 0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 Outlook Question #13 Are You Currently Considering Any Of The Following?Select All That Apply IMPROVING CURRENT BUSINESS FACILITY g EXPANDING-AT THIS LOCATION 6 MOVING 6 CHANGING YOUR BUSINESS PLAN 5 EXPANDING-ADDING ANOTHER LOCATION 4 DOWNSIZING 3 MERGING WITH OR ACQUIRING ANOTHER BUSINESS 2 CLOSING PERMANENTLY 2 SELLING 2 NONE OF THE ABOVE 17 OTHER g 0 4 8 12 16 Other(Please Specify): 1. Limited days/times of operations 2. 1 am waiting to see how the upcoming year turns out. 3. We have adapted our programs to an online format so that we can continue to engage with our patrons. This has opened up new service avenues and exposed us to a wider audience. 4. Waiting it out 5. 1 have installed new equipment and expanded to the entire building, but as the economy slows we may be forced to do some layoffs. 6. We may need to consolidate our production shifts - we currently have 2 but really only need 11/2 based on current volume. We have not had any layoffs, but people who have Left us for a variety of reasons have not been replaced. 7. 1 am currently in the process of building an addition at our(Address) location but that has been a slight struggle with the city. It's as if they don't want any business in this town. Make the process much more difficult that it should be. 8. Based on the changes to the economy so far, revenue is up year over year, however that growth pace has been significantly impacted by the shut down of the MN economy... many of our current clients have either closed their businesses or significantly limited employees being paid. In particular the entertainment and food industries. If the shutdown continues or is fully re-implemented, I have had several business owners that have told us that they will be closing their businesses. These shutdowns area devastating to the small business community and my conclusion is that the state political leadership has been inept at best in dealing with this crisis. g. Things depend on what transpires from the closing of(Business).sines). My lease contract may allow the landlord to make me pay the CAM costs that were paid by (Business) before they closed. This is thousands of dollars more in overhead that I cannot afford, so it may force me to either close or sell. Question #14: Howl Has COVID-ig Affected Your Business?(Select ALL That Apply). ADDED EXPENSES TO MITIGATE PUBLIC SAFETY RISKS 36 LOSS OF REVENUE/SLOWER SALES/No SALES 22 SUPPLY CHAIN DISRUPTIONS 18 TEMPORARY BUSINESS CLOSURE(VOLUNTARY/MANDATED) 16 HAD TO MODIFY THE PRODUCTS AND SERVICES OFFERED 15 EMPLOYEE LOSS 14 CHANGE OF BUSINESS HOURS 14 CHANGE OF BUSINESS MODEL 14 OFF-SITE WORKING OPTIONS FOR EMPLOYEES 9 ENHANCED SECONDARY MODE TO SELL AND DELIVER 8 ESTABLISHED ALTERNATIVE MODE TO SELL AND DELIVER 8 CHANGE OF INSURANCE RATES 5 OTHER 5 0 10 20 30 Other(Please Specify): 1. Insurance - no affect on health insurance. 2. 1 had to deliver a lot of(Se�s) that had been previously ordered via door drop off. This added expense and a lot of time/inconvenience. 3. We are being sued by an employee for enforcing the MN mask mandate, because he didn't want to wear a face mask so he walked off the job. 4. Just needed to provide hand sanitizer, masks and other products and education to consumers, etc... 5. More screening and disinfection protocols. 6. Channel shift among customer base. Question #15: At This Current Time, What Are You Most Concerned About?(Select ALL That Apply). LOSING WORK(I.E.CLIENTS,SALES,PROJECTS) 23 CUSTOMER TRAFFIC 1 19 GETTING INVENTORY/SUPPLIES 14 MY EMPLOYEES FINANCIAL WELFARE 13 MAKING PAYROLL THIS PAY PERIOD/BEYOND 9 PAYING THIS MONTHS RENT, MORTAGE, UTILTIES,ETC. 8 LOSING EMPLOYEES 8 ACCESSING GOVERNMENT SUPPORT RELATING TO COVID 7 OTHER 11 0 5 10 15 20 Other(Please Specify): 1. Bankruptcy/non-payments/slow payments. 2. Keeping employees safe and working with the increased traffic to our location. 3. It's an overall concern of people developing different purchasing patterns (like shopping only big box and online). Once these patterns are established and the old paths of purchasing are eroded, it will be extremely difficult to build new roads back to old traditions of shopping small businesses. 4. 1 pay myself last. I'm down about 50% in salary from what I should be. 5. Our business is doing fine with minor disruptions. 6. Access to bandwidth and, more importantly, high tower sites such as water towers to distribute internet service. 7. LOSING BUISNESS BECAUSE FARMINGTON ALLOWED ANOTHER (BUS 'If�-S SF�QTQIQ), TO COME INTO TOWN!!!!! 8. Nothing. Has not affected our business to speak of. More hassle factor if anything. g. There is potential a serious tax ramification with the Pay Roll Protection Loan Forgiveness that could put us out of business. I have been told that the State will NOT make the forgiveness tax exempt - meaning we will have give the State $50,000 of our$500,000 loan as a tax on Loan Forgiveness. The IRS has ruled that the payroll expenses that we used the money for will NOT be allowed as a business deduction.That means it will in effect become income - another -$180,000 in Federal Tax PLUS the State will take another -$50,000 in income taxes. All together, our accountants tell us that -50% of our PPP loan forgiveness will need to be returned as taxes.Yet I spent it all on payroll and did NOT lay off anyone. It's going to be a very very hard tax year. 10. Government interference and suppressing our business partners by taking away their freedom to make decisions as adults and business owners. 11. Resolution of COVID issues that will allow planned improvements to facility for purpose of making internal office spaces available for rent to other businesses (office share space). Question #16: What Was Your Outlook For Your Business Prior to COVID-19 Becoming a Widespread Concern in March 2020? 2% Optimistic: 94% Pessimistic:4% Very Optimistic Optimistic Moderately Optimistic Slightly Optimistic Slightly Pessimistic Pessimistic Moderately Pessimistic Ver Pessimistic U11 nsure Question #17: What Is Your Outlook For Your Business Over The Next: One Month Six Months Optimistic:73% Optimistic: 68% Pessimistic: 21% Pessimistic: 21% 9 6% r# 28% 25 One Year Two - Five Years Optimistic: 83% Optimistic: 91% Pessimistic: 9% Pessimistic: 0% t Business Assistance Question #18: Which Of The FoLLowing Types Of Assistance Would Be Helpful To Your Business?(Select ALL That Apply). INFORMATION ON FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE AVAILABLE FOR MY BUSINESS 18 TECHNICAL TRAINING FOR SOCIAL MEDIA,WEBSITE DEVELOPMENT,ETC. 11 HOW TO PROTECT MY EMPLOYEES FROM COVID-1g 10 PENALTY-FREE EXTENSIONS ON EXPENSES(RENT,UTILITIES, ETC.) 10 HOW TO PROTECT MY CUSTOMERS FROM COVID-19 8 OTHER 8 INFORMATION ON BUSINESS SUCCESSION PLANNING 5 INFORMATION ON SELLING MY BUSINESS 4 INFORMATION ON COSTS/RISKS FOR PROVIDING NEW GOODS OR SERVICES 4 GUIDANCE ON HOW TO MODIFY MY BUSINESS MODEL 3 0 10 20 Other(Please Specify): 1. There are too many restrictions placed by government. Of course we don't Want our customer sick. Small businesses in particular live off of repeat and regular customers.The respect we need to have from our clients is vital. However, we as businesses should be able to govern ourselves in this area. If we are going to be a strong nation, please let the workers work. 2. We are very fortunate, we are doing fine. Please focus on other businesses, we realize there are many in more need than we are. 3. HOW TO COMBAT THE BIG BOYS WHO SEND ALL THEIR MONEY OUT OF TOWN. WE OWNED ANOTHER (BUSINESS) IN NORTHFIELD, ALONG SIDE OF A PUSINESS) SO I KNOW HOW THEY OPERATE AND WHERE THE MONEY GOES. WE HAVE BEEN OPERATING THERE FOR 37 YEARS. 4. We need some lobbying help on the PPP Loan Forgiveness Tax issue - we need the State to exempt it from taxation. 5. Information on property improvements to my building if anything is available. 6. 1 am sure that many business owners in our community will find a need for most of these items above, however we are not currently in need of these or other services. The biggest immediate need that I see is to begin to fully re-open the MN economy. In the food industry alone (with winter approaching) national stats are telling us that up to 50% of restaurants could fail in MN alone if they are not allowed to have the option of 75% occupancy for this winter. 50% of all food establishment in NY City have already gone out of business. This is only one sector of the economy and our client base, but that sector alone could take up to 6% of our current revenue. If those Losses occur over several sectors of our client base, it would be devastating for those client and end up devastating our business as well. Even the WHO (World Health Org.) is now saying that economic shutdowns need to be lifted... for economic, health and safety concerns. As I write this response - we had another so+ year client (small business specialty manufacturer)call my staff to inform us that they will be closing there doors because of Covid-19 and the MN economic shutdown. there goes another small business = personal economic vitality for business owners, their employees, their customers and their local community.Welcome to a real-time moment of what we are daily dealing with for our clients in the small business community. The damage that this economic shut down has caused will affect our clients that survive this "event" and our organization for years to come. 7. None. 8. Nothing Specified. Question #ig: Have You Received Any Financial Assistance To Mitigate The Impacts of COVID-sg On Your Business? (E.g. PPP, Dakota County Small Business Relief Grant, City of Farmington Utility Fee Program, etc.) 1 2% ■YES i 0 ■ No NO RESPONSE Question #20: If Yes,Which Program(s) Have You Received Funding From PAYCHECK PROTECTION PROGRAM(PPP)-U.S. 24 SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION SMALL BUSINESS RELIEF GRANT- DAKOTA COUNTY EMERGENCY ECONOMIC INJURY DISASTER LOAN (EDU-U.S.SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION 3 UTILITY FEE PROGRAM-CITY OF FARMINGTON 2 DEED GRANT 1 DCSBRP UTILITY 1 0 5 10 15 20 25 30 Interest In Traditional BR&E Question #21:A Traditional Business Retention & Expansion (BR&E) Program Which Consists Of A Different Online Business Assessment Survey And An In-Person Visit To Your Business Facility Was Going To Launch In March 2020 But Has Been Put On Hold Due To COVID-1g. Once The Traditional BR&E Program Is Able To Launch After The COVID-1g Pandemic,Would Your Business Be Interested In Being A Participant? 1 2% $ ■YES 16% 1p ■ UNSURE- PROVIDE OUTREACH WHEN THE BR&E PROGRAM STARTS No ■ NO RESPONSE GIVEN Release of Data Question #22: If The BR&E Team Finds An Issue In Any Of Your Survey Responses In Which A Certain Individual(City, County, Or State Staff)Or Group Of Individuals (Economic Development Authority, Small Business Association, Open To Business, Department Of Employment And Economic Development, etc.) May Be Able To Respond To Your Identified Concern In A Beneficial Way, Do You Authorize The BR&E Team To Release Your Survey Information To A Selected Resource? i 11 ■YES- MY CONTACT INFORMATION AND SURVEY ANSWERS PROVIDED CAN BE SHARED WITH AN APPROPRIATE RESOURCE WHICH MAY AID ME AND MY BUSINESS. ■ NO- I WILL NEED TO MAKE DIRECT CONTACT TO POSSIBLE RESOURCES WHICH MAY AID ME AND MY BUSINESS. L NO RESPONSE GIVEN-AUTOMATICALLY CONSIDERED"No" CITY OF O 43o Third St., Farmington, MN 55024 FARMINGTON © 651-28o-6800 III�IeIY O Farmington M N.gov TO: Economic Development Authority FROM: Adam Kienberger, Community Development Director SUBJECT: City Council Update/Member Roundtable DATE: November 19, 2020 INTRODUCTION/DISCUSSION This is a standing agenda item to allow City Council members the opportunity to provide the EDA with any updates they feel are pertinent to the work plan of the EDA. This agenda item also allows EDA Members to share information with other Members and staff, or ask staff about items not on the agenda. No formal decisions are made during this agenda item. ACTION REQUESTED Receive an update on recent City Council actions or discussions. CITY OF 0 43o Third St., Farmington, MN 55024 FARMINGTON © 651-28o-6800 U r O Farmington M N.gov TO: Economic Development Authority FROM: Adam Kienberger, Community Development Director SUBJECT: November Director's Report DATE: November 19, 2020 INTRODUCTION/DISCUSSION Small Business Relief Grants Dakota County CDA along with their grant administrator finalized a total of 24 Farmington small business relief awards. Disbursement checks were mailed prior to the city's November 15th deadline.Thank you to the Dakota County CDA for their partnership on this CARES Act initiative. Dakota County recently announced a round two of the program allocating an additional$5 million towards small businesses that were not able to utilize the program during the first round. Program guidelines were the same with the new inclusion of eligible home-based businesses. Applications were due on November 6th and administered by Dakota County. No updates on additional local awards were available as of this memo. Active Projects Vermillion Topside Apartments Holiday Station Store I mpact Auto expansion EZ Auto expansion Kemps expansion Northern Natural Gas Stay Safe M N The state of Minnesota launched an updated portal combining all of the guidance for individuals and families along with businesses and organizations. We continue to participate in weekly business calls with the state and provide this information to the public: https://staysafe.mn.gov/. NEXT MEETING Our next regular meeting is scheduled for December 17 at 6:00 p.m. ACTION REQUESTED None, this report is intended to be a monthly update on various development and industry related topics.