HomeMy WebLinkAbout09.18.23 EDA Minutes City of Farmington
Economic Development Authority
Regular Meeting Minutes
Monday, September 18, 2023
The Farmington Economic Development Authority met in regular session on Monday,
September 18, 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, Nick Lien
and Katie Porter
Members Absent: None
Also Present: Lynn Gorski, City Administrator
Julie Flaten, Asst City Administrator/HR Director
Deanna Kuennen, EDA Executive Director
Stephanie Aman, Economic Development Coordinator
Gary Rutherford, Police Chief
John Powell, Public Works Director
Shirley Buecksler, City Clerk
4. APPROVE AGENDA
Motion was made by Commissioner Bernatz and seconded by Commissioner Lien to
approve the agenda, as presented.
Motion carried: 5 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 August 21, 2023
6.2 Monthly Financial Statement
Motion was made by Commissioner Hoyt and seconded by Commissioner Bernatz
to approve the Consent Agenda, as amended.
Motion carried: 5 ayes / 0 nays.
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7. PUBLIC HEARINGS
There were no public hearings.
8. DISCUSSION ITEMS
8.1 Approval of Micro Grant for Grant Heating and Air, LLC — Resolution R09-23
Grant Heating and Air, LLC, located at 509 First Street, applied for $2,500.00 in
matching grant funding from the EDA Micro Grant Program to assist in creating
awareness of their business. Grant funds would be used to update curb appeal
items, including painting of the building and construction and installation of
signage, including door wraps. Grant Heating and Air, LLC recently purchased
their building and are working to beautify the site and ensure that residents and
others know where they are located and what they do. This cleanup with signage
will help attract customers by creating a welcoming environment for clients. The
business provided estimates for signage and painting that total $5,044.94, and
this request meets the eligibility parameters for receiving the EDA Micro Grant
funding.
Commissioners asked questions and received answers.
Motion was made by Commissioner Hoyt and seconded by Commissioner
Bernatz to adopt Resolution R09-23 Approving Micro Grant Funding to Grant
Heating and Air LLC for Certain Business Improvements.
Motion carried: 5 ayes / 0 nays.
8.2 Bold Marketing Opportunity — 'My Town'
As a continuation of the marketing plan and efforts to boldly promote Farmington
and highlight our unique story and value proposition, Staff shared a new
opportunity to be involved in a docuseries that will be filmed and produced in
2024.
Staff met with Cory Hepola, who some may remember as a news anchor for Kare
11. In Cory's new role with The Brookshire Company, he brings attention to rural
America through a docuseries called "My Town". Cory's work on "Rural by
Choice" is a well known and loved docuseries that is currently nominated for 2
Emmy awards and was selected into the Twin Cities Film Fest, as well as
spotlighted in Times Square in New York City.
The new series, "My Town", will feature eight (8) rural communities each year,
and with this professional production comes full rights after produced as the City
would be co-owners of the content. This means Staff would be able to 'snip'
shorter sections of the 13-23-minute video to use in different scenarios
depending on the targeted audiences. We will also have full rights to share on
social media and in public settings. The videos would be an asset to the
Economic Development team as staff work to bring business to Farmington. The
docuseries feature would allow a true representation of the city of Farmington
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from residents to businesses large and small, allowing future businesses to truly
see themselves here.
Staff are finalizing budgets for fiscal year 2024 and have prioritized the activities
needed to bring awareness to Farmington for businesses. Staff recognize
Farmington's location to the metro as an asset and by considering participation
in "My Town", there is opportunity to also highlight and celebrate the value of the
rural commitment in this community. With Cory's expertise, connections, and
influence, staff see that the goals of creating a marketing video with Cory and
The Brookshire Company as a next step in elevating Farmington to be top of
mind for business and industry projects.
9. DIRECTOR'S REPORT
9.1 Director's Report
The August 2023 summary, focusing on projects, prospects, business visits,
meetings, and other initiatives was provided in the Director's Report. Staff
answered questions from Commissioners.
10.ADJOURNMENT
Motion was made by Commissioner Porter and seconded by Commissioner Bernatz
to adjourn the meeting at 6:17 p.m.
Motion carried: 5 ayes / 0 nays.
Respectfully submitted,
S 'rley B ecksler
City Cl k
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