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HomeMy WebLinkAbout03.16.26 EDA MinutesCity of Farmington Economic Development Authority Regular Meeting Minutes Monday, March 16, 2026 The Farmington Economic Development Authority met in regular session on Monday, March 16, 2026 at Farmington City Hall, 430 Third Street, Farmington, Minnesota. 1. CALL TO ORDER Chair Cordes called the meeting to order at 5 pm. 2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Chair Cordes lead everyone in the Pledge of Allegiance. 3. ROLL CALL Members Present: Chair Jake Cordes Commissioners Holly Bernatz, Nick Lien, and Steve Wilson Members Absent: None Staff Present: Lynn Gorski, City Administrator David Chanski, Assistant City Administrator Deanna Kuennen, EDA Executive Director Stephanie Aman, Economic Development Coordinator John Powell, Public Works Director/City Engineer Kim Sommerland, Finance Director Kellee Omlid, Parks and Recreation Director Nate Siem, Police Chief Also Present: Laura Hanks and Jared Cooley, Farmington Downtown Social 4. APPROVE AGENDA Motion was made by Commissioner Bernatz and seconded by Commissioner Lien with a request to move Item 8.2 to Item 8.1 on the agenda and approve the agenda as amended. Motion carried: 4 ayes / 0 nays 5. CITIZEN COMMENTS No one addressed the Commission to speak. EDA Minutes of March 16, 2026 Page 1 of 4 6. CONSENT AGENDA 6.1 Minutes of the February 17, 2026 Regular Economic Development Authority Meeting 6.2 Monthly Financial Report Motion was made by Commissioner Bernatz and seconded by Commissioner Lien to approve the Consent Agenda, as presented. Motion carried: 4 ayes / 0 nays 7. PUBLIC HEARINGS 8. DISCUSSION ITEMS 8.1 Funding Request for 2026 Event Series - Downtown Social Downtown Social is beginning its second season of attracting people to Farmington's downtown. The organizers have reached out to the City seeking collaboration with promotion and funding. Staff met with key organizers to better understand what it is that they have done, what they hope to accomplish this season, and how they wish to move forward in the future. Although still in early stages for future bigger events, Downtown Social is working intentionally to build an inclusive model. Organizers have expressed strong interest in ensuring that any Farmington brick -and -mortar business that wishes to participate can be incorporated into the monthly events. These businesses have invested in Farmington, and they are now requesting the EDA to provide an investment into them. Motion was made by Commissioner Wilson and seconded by Commissioner Bernatz to approve up to $6,000 to support the 2026 Downtown Social Event Series. Motion carried: 4 ayes / 0 nays The EDA directed Staff to move forward with the development of a contract. 8.2 Resolution 2026-001 Approving the Acquisition of Real Property in the City of Farmington (PID: 14-77000-08-110) Following discussion of the property, motion was made by Commissioner Lien and seconded by Commissioner Wilson to approve an offer of $53,980. EDA Minutes of March 16, 2026 Page 2 of 4 8.3 Letter of Support - Childcare Economic Development Grant, Mis Tortuguitas Mis Tortuguitas, the only Spanish immersion daycare in Farmington, located at 19645 Pilot Knob Road, recently opened in November 2025. They have already expressed their desire to expand at their current location. To facilitate the expansion, they are pursuing a DEED Childcare Grant. Mis Tortuguitas reached out to the CDA to submit the grant on their behalf. The CDA agreed to partner and has additionally requested a letter of support from the EDA. Priority will be given to projects that demonstrate support from the community in which the project will take place. Providing a letter of support demonstrates the City's own role in supporting our businesses and the importance that this potential project has on addressing the regional childcare shortage and how the expansion of Mis Tortuguitas directly supports workforce participating by enabling additional families to access reliable childcare. Motion was made by Commissioner Bernatz and seconded by Commissioner Lien to authorize the EDA Chair to send a letter on behalf of the EDA to support the Mis Tortuguitas Child Care Economic Development Grant application being submitted by the Dakota County Community Development Agency. Motion carried: 4 ayes / 0 nays 8.4 "Share the Downtown" - 15 Minute Parking Pilot Program With the increased activity in downtown, there is also a greater demand for convenient parking options that support quick visits to local businesses. Several businesses and property owners have expressed interest in seeing the City add short-term parking spots in the downtown. Following discussion of the number and location of "Quick Stop Spots," motion was made by Commissioner Lien and seconded by Commissioner Bernatz to approve version 2, which is a total of ten 15-minute parking spots. Motion carried: 5 ayes / 0 nays 9. DIRECTOR'S REPORT 9.1 Director's Report EDA Minutes of March 16, 2026 Page 3 of 4 10.ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at 6:45 pm. Motion carried: 4 ayes / 0 nays Jectfully submitted, Shi R B c sler City Clerk EDA Minutes of March 16, 2026 Page 4 of 4