HomeMy WebLinkAbout07.21.25 EDA Minutes City of Farmington
Economic Development Authority
Regular Meeting Minutes
Monday, July 21, 2025
The Farmington Economic Development Authority met in regular session on Monday,
July 21, 2025, at Farmington City Hall, 430 Third Street, Farmington, Minnesota.
1. CALL TO ORDER
Chair Hoyt called the meeting to order at 5:30 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, Nick Lien, and Steve Wilson
Members Absent: Councilmember Cordes
Staff Present: David Chanski, Asst. City Administrator/HR Director
Deanna Kuennen, EDA Executive Director
Stephanie Aman, Economic Development Coordinator
Shirley Buecksler, City Clerk
Also Present: Jon Althoff, President and Chief Mission Officer, Dakota
County Regional Chamber of Commerce
Kara Hilger, Dakota County Tribune
4. APPROVE AGENDA
Motion was made by Commissioner Lien and seconded by Commissioner Wilson
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 June 16, 2025 Regular Economic Development Authority
Meeting
6.2 Monthly Financial Report
EDA Minutes of July 21,2025 Page 1 of 3
Motion was made by Commissioner Bernatz and seconded by Commissioner
Wilson to approve the Consent Agenda, as presented.
Motion carried: 4 ayes / 0 nays
7. PUBLIC HEARINGS
8. DISCUSSION ITEMS
8.1 Partnership Presentation - Dakota County Regional Chamber (DCR)
Executive Director Kuennen introduced Jon Althoff, President and Chief
Mission Officer, Dakota County Regional Chamber of Commerce. The
Dakota County Regional Chamber of Commerce (DCR) has the mission of
being the voice of business and the vision of being the key connector and
catalyst for growth. They fulfill their mission and vision by hosting signature
events and regional programs, providing information to members,
conducting advocacy work, giving back to their communities, and being a
resource. This work extends to Farmington where the DCR has hosted /
co-hosted candidate forums, State of the City, coffee breaks, and more
recently -support for data center development within the region.
Mr. Althoff thanked the EDA for being the first City to ever ask the DCR to
come and explain what they do as a Chamber. The Dakota County Regional
Chamber of Commerce began in West St. Paul on January 1, 1957. Mr.
Althoff presented an overview of the current work, focus, and initiatives of
the DCR. He talked about how the work between and with the City of
Farmington can grow and strengthen, and he also discussed future DCR
initiatives. Mr. Althoff also mentioned that he would like to set up quarterly
meetings with the new City Administrator when this person comes on board.
Director Kuennen thanked Mr. Althoff for coming and for his and the
Chamber's support of the City in regard to the data center. This is a great
reflection of how the Chamber supports its Cities. Our partners are important,
and we cannot do any of this alone.
Council thanked Mr. Althoff for being a huge advocate for Farmington,
saying that your engagement is very valuable and we appreciate
everything you're doing.
9. DIRECTOR'S REPORT
9.1 Director's Report
EDA Minutes of July 21, 2025 Page 2 of 3
10.ADJOURNMENT
Motion was made by Commissioner Lien and seconded by Commissioner Bernatz
to adjourn the meeting at 6:35 pm.
Motion carried: 4 ayes / 0 nays
Re pectfully submitted,
S ' ey sler
City Cler
EDA Minutes of July 21,2025 Page 3 of 3