HomeMy WebLinkAbout08.21.23 EDA Minutes City of Farmington
Economic Development Authority
Regular Meeting Minutes
Monday, August 21, 2023
The Farmington Economic Development Authority met in regular session on Monday,
August 21, 2023, at Farmington City Hall, 430 3rd Street, Farmington, Minnesota.
1. CALL TO ORDER
Chair Wilson called the meeting to order at 5:30 p.m.
2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Chair Wilson lead everyone in the Pledge of Allegiance.
3. ROLL CALL
Members Present: Chair Steve Wilson
Commissioners Holly Bernatz, Joshua Hoyt, and Nick Lien
Members Absent: Commissioner Porter (excused absence)
Also Present: Lynn Gorski, City Administrator
Julie Flaten, Asst City Administrator/HR Director
Deanna Kuennen, Community Development Director/EDA
Executive Director
Stephanie Aman, Economic Development Coordinator
John Powell, Public Works Director
Shirley Buecksler, City Clerk
4. APPROVE AGENDA
Motion was made by Commissioner Hoyt and seconded by Commissioner Bernatz to
approve the agenda, as presented.
Motion carried: 4 ayes / 0 nays.
5. CITIZEN COMMENTS
No one addressed the Commission to speak.
6. CONSENT AGENDA
6.1 Minutes of the Economic Development Authority Meeting dated July 17, 2023
6.2 Monthly Financial Statement
6.3 Open to Business — Q2 Report, 2023
Motion was made by Commissioner Hoyt and seconded by Commissioner Bernatz
to approve the Consent Agenda, as amended.
Motion carried: 4 ayes / 0 nays.
Economic Development Authority Minutes
August 21, 2023
Page 2 of 3
7. PUBLIC HEARINGS
There were no public hearings.
8. DISCUSSION ITEMS
8.1 Approval of Micro Grant for The Pam McCarthy Agency Inc. — R08-23
The Pam McCarthy Agency Inc., located at 402 3rd Street, applied for $2,500.00
in matching grant funding from the EDA Micro Grant Program to execute a robust
direct mail marketing campaign.
Data points provided by The Pam McCarthy Agency show the potential impact
that the marketing campaign could have to spur business, increase awareness
of the agency's offerings, and improve closing rates. Staff have reviewed the
marketing plan and the data point explanation and see the benefit that the
marketing campaign could have for this business. This request meets the
eligibility parameters for receiving the EDA Micro Grant funding.
Motion was made by Commissioner Bernatz and seconded by Commissioner
Lien to adopt EDA Resolution No. R08-23 Approving Micro Grant Funding to The
Pam McCarthy Agency Inc. for Certain Business Improvements.
Motion carried: 3 ayes / 0 nays / 1 abstain —Commissioner Hoyt abstained.
8.2 Understanding Tools and Available Land for Economic Development
Understanding available land and properties is crucial to economic development.
Equally as important to economic development is Staff's understanding of the
tools available to present land to potential developers.
Director Kuennen and Coordinator Aman demonstrated some of the methods
used to determine available property and land inventory, along with various tools
that are available to help Staff understand and present those properties to clients.
The GIS map created by GIS Specialist Dani Olson provides Staff with many
layers of information on any specific property. When printed, these maps will be
branded with the Farmington logo. Having GIS capabilities in-house is important
and beneficial. Staff listen and respond to each request, and the additional tools
on this site give us the ability to apply specific details to individual property maps.
The software, data, and the talent of City Staff will allow us to create tools that
give us accurate and thorough information. We are building an available land
database that elevates our capacity to site selectors. This tool is a starting point
and a good statewide tool. The Economic Development team works closely with
other departments to ensure Farmington is providing each project with a
sophisticated and customized response.
Economic Development Authority Minutes
August 21, 2023
Page 3 of 3
Due to lack of time, Chair Wilson asked Staff to incorporate any other items and
share this again at a future meeting.
9. DIRECTOR'S REPORT
9.1 Director's Report
The July 2023 summary, focusing on projects, prospects, business visits,
meetings, and other activities and initiatives was provided in the Director's Report
in the packet for this evening. Staff answered questions from Commissioners.
10.ADJOURNMENT
Motion was made by Commissioner Lien and seconded by Commissioner Hoyt to
adjourn the meeting at 6:05 p.m.
Motion carried: 4 ayes / 0 nays.
R pectfully submitted,
ISi Iey R cksler
City Clerk