HomeMy WebLinkAbout01.26.15 EDA MinutesMINUTES
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY
Regular
January 26, 2015
1. CALL TO ORDER
The meeting was called to order by Chair Larson at 6:30 p.m.
Members Present: Larson, Jolley, Wilson, Zeaman, Bonar
Members Absent: None
Also Present: Adam Kienberger, Community Development Director; Tom Whelan, Nemer
Fieger; Andy Rogers, Sun This Week
2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
3. ROLL CALL
4. APPROVE AGENDA
MOTION by Wilson, second by Bonar to approve the Agenda. APIF, MOTION CARRIED.
5. CITIZEN COMMENTS/PRESENTATIONS
Carole Kroc —18067 Everglade Court— Ms. Kroc noted she is a land developer and was inquiring about
the proposed hotel in the Vermillion River Crossings (VRC) development. She was asking what the
status was. She has a client that may be,interested if the hotel doesn't go. Director Kienberger informed
Ms. Kroc that the hotel is optimistic about breaking ground this spring. She stated that she was working
with someone at the City, last year regarding HyVee and that they were interested in coming here. Chair
Larson noted that when the City contacted HyVee they were not interested. Is the City offering any
money (incentives)? Larson indicated that the City has committed $50,000 towards payoff on the
assessments for the proposed hotel project in VRC. She also asked about the Bongard property on Akin
Road. She will stay in touch with Adam and Tony.
6. CONSENT AGENDA
MOTION by Jolley second by Wilson to approve the Consent Agenda as follows:
a) Meeting Minutes (11/24/14 Regular meeting and 11/24/14 Special Meeting)
b) Monthly Statements
APIF, Motion Carried.
7. DISCUSSION ITEMS
a) Marketing Plan Update — Director Kienberger introduced Tom Whelan with Nemer Fieger who
assisted with the marketing plan. We had good key messages, and he tested them within the
economic development community. The one that stood out was "Farmington Cares ". Don't change
the key messages. He believes the EDA is on target. Member Jolley asked what we do next.
Larson suggested business visits and send thank you's after. Give them something to remember you
by. Signs with "Farmington hometown feel, willing to work with you" — don't over think it. Look
for input from the businesses about what we can do for them. Wilson suggested getting the council
behind the EDA and get out messages on what we have done and how we are here to assist current
and future businesses. He also suggested inviting businesses /sports groups, etc. in to celebrate their
achievements. Mr. Whelan indicated that we need to move forward. The website needs updating,
EDA Minutes (Regular)
January 26, 2015
Page 2
give the Director the ammunition he needs to be effective in the community. Demonstrate to the
EDA what is being accomplished.
b) Open to Business Joint Powers Agreement -- Director Kienberger explained that Laurie Crow,
with the Open to Business program offers free technical assistance, financial management, loan
information, etc., once a month in Farmington. The Dakota County CDA has provided a one to one
match for the services. Farmington is one of several communities in Dakota County offering this
service. Farmington's cost share is $5,000. Motion by Zeaman second by Wilson to approve the
Joint Powers Agreement. APIF, Motion Carried.
8. DIRECTOR'S REPORT
January Director's Report — Reviewed building permit report for 2014. Downtown Redevelopment
Guide Grant application -- Council approved a grant application to the Dakota County CDA for a
Redevelopment Incentive Planning Grant in the amount of $15,000. Mayor Larson attended the Dakota
County Board of Commissioners meeting on December 18''' in Hastings. He was joined by Lakeville
and Burnsville's Mayors. The Commissioners were discussing the proposed changes to the TIF policy.
The Mayors spoke and shared their concerns. The Board was receptive to the comments and indicated
that they will have a study completed.
9. ADJOURN
MOTION by Jolley, second by Bonar to adjourn at 8 :04 p.m. APIF, MOTION CARRIED.
Respectfully submitted,
Sue Miller
Administrative Assistant