HomeMy WebLinkAbout06.16.25 EDA Minutes City of Farmington
Economic Development Authority
Regular Meeting Minutes
Monday, June 16, 2025
The Farmington Economic Development Authority met in regular session on Monday,
June 16, 2025, at Farmington City Hall, 430 Third Street, Farmington, Minnesota.
1. CALL TO ORDER
Chair Hoyt called the meeting to order at 5 pm.
2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Chair Hoyt lead everyone in the Pledge of Allegiance.
3. ROLL CALL
Members Present: Chair Joshua Hoyt
Commissioners Holly Bernatz, Jake Cordes, Nick Lien,
and Steve Wilson
Members Absent: None
Staff Present: Lynn Gorski, City Administrator
David Chanski, Asst. City Administrator/HR Director
Deanna Kuennen, EDA Executive Director
Stephanie Aman, Economic Development Coordinator
Shirley Buecksler, City Clerk
Also Present: Justin Erickson, Vice President of Site Selection and
Economic Development, The Brookshire Company
4. APPROVE AGENDA
Motion was made by Commissioner Wilson 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 May 19, 2025 Regular Economic Development Authority
Meeting
EDA Minutes of June 16, 2025 Page 1 of 3
6.2 Monthly Financial Report
Motion was made by Commissioner Wilson and seconded by Commissioner
Bernatz to approve the Consent Agenda, as presented.
Motion carried: 5 ayes / 0 nays
7. PUBLIC HEARINGS
8. DISCUSSION ITEMS
8.1 Partnership Presentation -The Brookshire Company
Executive Director Kuennen introduced Justin Erickson, Vice President of Site
Selection and Economic Development with The Brookshire Company. Mr.
Erickson presented an overview of The Brookshire Company's mission and
services, shared information on current collaborations, and participated in
conversation with the EDA on how the existing partnership can grow.
Executive Director Kuennen and Coordinator Aman will continue to attend
CVN events, build relationships, and work together to strengthen the
community as a whole.
8.2 2026 Preliminary Budget, Work Plan, and EDA Levy Discussion
Executive Director Kuennen presented the 2026 preliminary budget, work
plan, and EDA levy. A discussion ensued with the EDA expressing support for
the proposals and directing Director Kuennen to work with the Finance
Director to bring a final budget, work plan, and preliminary levy request
forward for approval in August.
8.3 Farmington's EDGE
Coordinator Aman presented Farmington's EDGE (Economic Development
and Growth Exchange), a new initiative designed to strengthen
communication with the local business community. The EDA expressed their
support for this initiative, recognizing the value it will have on both internal
and external communications, and as a tool to educate and inform the
community.
Motion was made by Commissioner Wilson and seconded by Commissioner
Bernatz authorizing the Executive Director to use EDA funds for the website
module and the one-time implementation fee.
Motion carried: 5 ayes / 0 nays
EDA Minutes of June 16,2025 Page 2 of 3
8.4 Continued Discussion - Farmington Local IMPACT Program (IMPACT)
Director Kuennen presented the IMPACT program at the EDA's June I6th
regular meeting but, due to time constraints at that time, discussion was
continued until tonight's meeting.
Discussion included:
• How funds could be used to incentivizing businesses with relocation
expenses.
• Why any new program(s) would require clear parameters.
• Program funds should benefit the business community as a whole (not
only downtown).
• Outside of loan and grants, what other ways can the EDA utilize their
funds to support business growth.
The EDA directed Staff to move away from developing a traditional
loan/grant program and instead research entrepreneurial programs and
ideas that could support and enhance the entrepreneurial ecosystem in
Farmington. They also directed Staff to consider how EDA funds could be
used to implement things such as the wayfinding program, which would
have a positive impact on the community as a whole.
9. DIRECTOR'S REPORT
9.1 Director's Report
10.ADJOURNMENT
Motion was made by Commissioner Cordes and seconded by Commissioner
Bernatz to adjourn the meeting at 6:44 pm.
Motion carried: 5 ayes / 0 nays
R spectfully submitted,
Pirleytiucksle
City Clerk
EDA Minutes of June 16, 2025 Page 3 of 3