HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes_2015_6_22_Meeting(109)MINUTES
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY
Regular
June 22, 2015
1. CALL TO ORDER
The meeting was called to order by Chair Larson at 6:30 p.m.
Members Present: Larson, Jolley, Bonar, Wilson, Zeaman
Members Absent: None
Also Present: Adam Kienberger, Community Development Director; Chris Kulus — FBA
President; Mark Lofthus, Dakota Electric Association
4. APPROVEAGENDA
MOTION by, Wilson second by Jolley to approve the Agenda. APIF, MOTION CARRIED.
6., CONSENTA GENDA
MOTION by Jolley second by Wilson to approve the Consent Agenda as follows:
a) Meeting Minutes — May 26, 2015 Regular Meeting
b) Meeting Minutes — June-22; 2015 Regular Meeting
c) Monthly Statements
APIF, Motion Carried.
7. PUBLIC HEARINGS
8. DISCUSSION ITEMS
a) Economic Development Update from Dakota Electric Association — Mark Lofthus with Dakota
Electric updated the EDA on some trends. He discussed the DataBank, data center that was recently
located in Eagan. They are a server hosting site for companies. Data storage facilities are drawn to the
Midwest due to the winter and the natural cooling season. Farmington could be a good fit for this type
of business because they don't like to be located close to major highways, airports, or trains.. They need
fiber optic availability. Some of the best sites may be in the townships and surrounding areas.
b) EDA Budget Update/Fund Balance — Director Kienberger referenced the March 2014 minutes and
noted $250,000 is the current fund balance for the EDA. Director Kienberger would like to have a
discussion regarding uses for the funds. Some options are, micro grants, revolving loans, opportunity
fund, investing in infrastructure (broadband, sewer/water connections, etc.). These funds are in addition
to CDBG funds. A suggestion was to take percentages and earmark them for certain uses and keep a
balance available for priority issues, Director Kienberger wanted to have this discussion to give the
members time to formulate ideas and suggestions. Member Zeaman feels that there should be
"minimum requirements" for applicants.
EDA Minutes (Regular)
June 22, 2015
Page 2
c.) Upcoming EDA Items -
1. Downtown Redevelopment Plan — The RFP's have been sent and the Director is looking for
a volunteer to serve on the review committee. Member Wilson indicated he would be interested.
2. 2016-2018 Strategic Plan for Economic Development — Director Kienberger stated that
strategic planning is an important tool for economic development and is recommending that the
EDA conduct a professionally facilitated strategic planning process in September/October 2015
so it can be presented to the City council before year end.
3. 2040 Comp Plan — Director Kienberger indicated that the 2040 Comp plan update will begin
in 2016. He reviewed with the board what a comprehensive plan is and how it is a long-term
development planning tool.
9. DIRECTOR'S REPORT
June Director's Report
1. Midwest Dental has signed a lease for space in the Tamarack Ridge Shopping Center. They are
planning on opening in the early fall.
2. Building Permit Report — 25 building permits for new single family homes have been issued through
June 12, 2015,
3. Director Kienberger contacted the prospective hotel people and is waiting to hear back.
Member Bonar asked about the composition of the board and he was suggesting increasing the members
to 7 including a School Board member and a Planning Commission member. Member Wilson.felt the
current composition is working and suggested that a school board member could come give updates
several times a year. Member Larson liked the idea of including a school board member so they can
report back to their board with information on what the EDA is doing.
10. ADJOURN
MOTION by Bonar, second by Wilson to adjourn at 8:25 p.m. APIF, MOTION CARRIED.
Respectfully submitted,
Sue Miller
Administrative Assistant