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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2021-01-20 EDA Minutes - Approved APPROVED CITY OF CENTERVILLE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY MEETING MINUTES Wednesday January 20, 2021 6:30 p.m. Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, the City of Centerville held a regularly scheduled Economic Development Authority meeting on January 20, 2021 via videoconference. I. CALL TO ORDER The meeting was called the meeting to order at approximately 6:32 p.m. II. ROLL CALL* PRESENT: President Jeff Hanzal Commissioner Steve King Commissioner Darrin Mosher Commissioner Jim Weatherhead ABSENT: Commissioner Michael Giovinazzo STAFF: City Administrator, EDA Executive Director, Mark Statz *Note that “present” is construed to mean that the noted individuals were visibly and audibly present on the videoconference call III. APPROVAL OF AGENDA 1. Call for Changes to the Agenda Executive Director Statz asked to add a discussion on a conversation with the Chamber of Commerce, and an interview with a new candidate for the open seat on the EDA Commission. tThere was no formal motion or second to accept changes to the Agenda, however President Hanzal took a roll call vote to approve the agenda as noted. All in favor. Motion carried. IV. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. December 16, 2020 Meeting Minutes There was no formal motion to accept the December 16, 2020 Meeting Minutes, however President Hanzal took a roll call vote for their approval. All in favor. Motion carried. City of Centerville EDA Minutes January 20, 2021 V. BILLS AND COMMUNICATIONS 1. Bills a. Check List - None 2. Communications a. Business Group List Emails Executive Director Statz presented a copy of some emails that were sent to local businesses regarding the Anoka County Business Relief Program. He stated that this program was a state program with a wider range than federal CARES Act funds that were rolled out in late 2020, and will be disseminated by the county on a first-come, first-served basis. He discussed who will be eligible to apply, and stated that first time applicants will have priority over previous applicants. He also explained that applicants will be allowed to project expenses under the terms of this program. b. Cougar Cash Executive Director Statz stated that he had met with Lisa Waldo at Midwest One Bank, who was familiar with the previous Cougar Cash program that was administered in 2005. She had informed Mr. Statz that during that program, there had been no way to ensure that the money was being spent in Centerville. Mr. Statz stated that the program seemed to be more complicated than originally thought, and he wanted to check with other city administrators to inquire about similar programs. c. Letter from Dorothy Radermacher - Chamber of Commerce President Hanzal discussed a letter he received from Ms. Dorothy Radermacher of the Quad Area Chamber of Commerce. Ms. Radermacher said she had met with Centerville Floral and wanted to share some ideas she had taken from the meeting, such as plaques for business owners to hang on their walls. She also stated that one business feared that new residents in town weren’t aware of them. President Hanzal suggested that along with a plaque, the EDA held a small celebration for the business on their anniversaries, and to possibly mail a coupon or a welcome packet to new residents to make them aware of the businesses in town. Discussion was had regarding updating the city’s website to make it easier for residents and business owners to find information. Page 2 of 8 City of Centerville EDA Minutes January 20, 2021 3. Candidate Interviews President Hanzal asked a series of six questions that each candidate had been given to review ahead of time. Each candidate was given a chance to interview, and then asked to step out of the meeting while the other interview was taking place. Question 1: Tell us what your qualifications are and why do you want to become a member of the EDA? Question 2: The EDA requires a commitment on the third Wednesday of each month plus the potential for other workshops and occasional community events. Do you foresee any problems attending these meetings on a regular basis? Have you ever attended a meeting? Question 3: The EDA is often required to make decisions on issues which have financial implications for our tax payers. Describe the steps you will go through, as a commissioner, to make decisions. Who will you listen to? Where will you go for advice? Question 4: How do you feel about your ability to provide objective recommendations on grants or other programs that will benefit business in our community? Question 5: Please describe a time you worked as part of a team to reach a consensus. What was your role in helping the team reach this consensus? Question 6: Do you have any additional comments or questions for us? a. Mark Remillard Question 1: Mr. Remillard discussed his education at the Carlson School of Management, where he learned to listen, discuss and debate ideas because he projects were all graded on a group basis. He stated that he has used those skills throughout his career and thought they would be useful here. As a Farmers Insurance Agent, he has direct contact with residents and business owners in the community, and is soon to be a property owner as well as a business owner because he is buying the building that he currently rents from. Question 2: Mr. Remillard stated that since he owns his own business, he does not see a problems with attending meetings. This was the first meeting he had ever attended. Question 3: Mr. Remillard stated that he did not make gut decisions, and tried to gather as much information as possible. He liked to make pros and cons lists, and tried to understand the short and long term effects. He stated that he listened to all people who have opinions, and would rely on more tenured commissioners for advice before making his own decisions. Page 3 of 8 City of Centerville EDA Minutes January 20, 2021 Question 4: Mr. Remillard stated that daily interactions with business owners gave him insight on the concerns of business owners. He felt that as a Centerville business owner, he had a vested interest. He thought that to take insights and provide recommendations would be a natural progression for him. Question 5: Mr. Remillard stated that he once worked for a large money manager in San Francisco, where he and four other financial advisors came up with a new investment strategy that targeted different clientele than their business was currently targeting. They were asked to come up with a business plan that included entering the market, a fee structure, and bear strategy. The team consisted of several strong personalities with different ideas and opinions, and they worked every night after work plus weekends for several months to put together a program to present to the investment committee. Their plan was approved, and it is now worth over $50 million in assets. Question 6: Mr. Remillard asked what the biggest obstacle for growth is in 2021, outside of COVID. Discussion took place regarding various things the commissioners viewed as obstacles, such as a limited budget, land, affordable store fronts, and attracting businesses to the city. b. David Kubat Question 1: Mr. Kubat explained that he grew up in Minnesota and attended law school here. He had served in the military, and is a practicing attorney in a law firm. He was the president of a home owners’ association in Coon Rapids until he moved to Centerville in August. He is looking for a public service opportunity. Question 2: Mr. Kubat did not see any issues with being able to attend meetings. He had never attended a meeting previously, Question 3: Mr. Kubat answered that he would learn from past precedence, and the advice of other commissioners. He also hoped to provide new perspective. Question 4: Mr. Kubat stated that his job every day was to consider his client’s best interests and put them ahead of his own. Question 5: Mr. Kubat stated that as a partner at his law firm, he met with other staff every day to make decisions, and he felt that the process was as important as the decision itself. Question 6: Mr. Kubat asked about the length of the term he would be serving, and whether or not he would be expected to serve as treasurer. Executive Director Statz stated that the term was up in August, and at that time they may either open the position again and go through another interview process, or ask the city council if they would like to reappoint the person in that role. Mr. Statz also explained that most duties listed in the bylaws were performed by staff, and the role was to act as a check signing authority. Page 4 of 8 City of Centerville EDA Minutes January 20, 2021 VI. REPORTS 1. Administrator’s Report Executive Director Statz presented a copy of Governor Walz’s new safety dial defining types of gatherings and the number of people were allowed at each. City Hall is scheduled to reopen on February 1, 2021, and Staff is committed to having one person there at a time. This is the first time City Hall will be open since March 18, 2020. The building has been remodeled, each staff member now has their own office and there is bullet proof glass at the front counter. Executive Director Statz stated that he feels that everyone can work safely even with more than one person there. Executive Director Statz stated that once everyone has had an opportunity to be vaccinated, he would like to resume holding in-person public meetings. He anticipates that this will happen by June 1, 2020. The Planning and Zoning Commission has two vacancies due to Mr. Mosher’s election to City Council and Mark Haiden’s retirement. At this time there are two candidates for the open seats. The Adopt- a-Garden program is doing well and almost all garden spaces have been spoken for. The Truth in Taxation summary that went out in the last utility billing had some errors and will be published in the Administrator’s Report, and in the paper. The numbers didn’t add up at the bottom of the spreadsheet and were off by several thousand dollars. The Minnesota Tech Corridor study is complete and marketing document has been created to help sell the property. Centerville Elementary is planning an expansion by adding more classrooms and a few common areas. They will not be taking more land as they did in the last project. st Apartment complex concept plan on 21 Avenue across from the Park & Ride has three tenants and possibly a fourth; a gas station, an assisted living /memory care facility and a 96 unit apartment complex. Apartment complex would need an amendment to the city comprehensive plan, and the assisted living facility would need to be rezoned from B2 to a B1. Most lots have now been sold to builders in the Old Mill Estates second addition. Bayview Villas is almost complete, with only one home left. There is a small lot on the lake at 7241 Main Street that may be split into two or three lots. The City has put out a request for proposals for Block 7, and 2-4 parties have responded. The Planning and Zoning Commission will hold a meeting on February 2, 2021 to entertain those proposals. Page 5 of 8 City of Centerville EDA Minutes January 20, 2021 Executive Director Statz stated that he has had a lot of inquiries about available property in town, including a restaurant. Executive Director Statz stated that he will be talking with North Metro TV about running a camera system in the Council Chambers during meetings and possibly televising EDA, P&Z and Parks and Rec meetings. Rehbein Black Dirt has been issued an Interim Use Permit through 2022. They have been asked for a letter of credit. City Hall is nearing completion, and Executive Director Statz is targeting February 1 to open the front counter. Council Chambers will open sometime after that. After waiting for approximately 1.5 years, the Public Works Department has received three new trucks. The trucks had been put on hold due to Covid and the city is receiving 2021 models at the same price as the 2020 models originally ordered. Park and Rec may have to cancel their skate night if the governor’s restrictions are still in place by the first week in February. Long time Police Department employee Pat Aldrich has been promoted to Captain. This is a change in structure in the department; there used to be two lieutenants, and now there is one lieutenant and one captain. The Centennial Lakes Fire Department’s new organizational structure will be presented to the steering committee on January 21, 2021 in draft form. Since the department was having trouble finding daytime responders, they have added a duty crew, which has already been responding to calls. 2. Year to Date Financials Executive Director Statz presented a year-end picture of financial state. He said that they had been conservative in their spending, until they knew they would have CARES Act funds, resulting in a $12,000 surplus. 3. Ongoing Programs: a. Blue Logo Sign b. CenterStage Executive Director Statz presented a list of businesses that have had ads made for them in the local paper, as well as commercials and information put out on social media. Page 6 of 8 City of Centerville EDA Minutes January 20, 2021 c. COVID Relief Business Assistance Grant Program (New County Program-State Funds) VII. OLD BUSINESS 1. None VII. NEW BUSINESS 1. Resolution EDA 21-001 - Accepting Resignation of Michael Giovinazzo Motion by President Hanzal, seconded by Commissioner Weatherhead to adopt Resolution EDA21-001, accepting the resignation of Commissioner Michael Giovinazzo. A roll call vote was taken. All in favor. Motion carried. 2. Resolution EDA 21-002 – 2021 Appointments Executive Director Statz presented a copy of the bylaws regarding appointments and suggested that the incoming person take the positon of treasurer. Motion by President Hanzal, seconded by Commissioner Weatherhead, to adopt Resolution EDA21-002, setting the appointments for the EDA Board for 2021. A roll call vote was taken. All in favor. Motion carried. 3. Review 2021 Strategic Plan Executive Director Statz presented an updated version of the September budget, which had been modified to reflect its current state, and wanted to discuss ways to spend the allocation. He stated that he would like to set aside money for celebrations when businesses open, such as the memory care facility, banners on Main Street, large flower pots downtown and an entrance monument. He suggested starting an account to save money for an entrance monument. He stated that he would like to plan to continue running the various programs through the end of the year. Discussion was had regarding different ways the commission might spend their money, and how place-making items such as flower pots and flags attract businesses and contribute to economic development in the city. 4. Declare Potential for a Quorum of the EDA at February 2, 2021 Planning and Zoning Commission Meeting Motion by President Hanzal, seconded by Commissioner Weatherhead, to declare the potential for a quorum of the EDA at the February 2, 2021 Planning and Zoning Commission Meeting. A roll call vote was taken. All in favor. Motion carried. Page 7 of 8 City of Centerville EDA Minutes January 20, 2021 5. Recommendation on EDA Candidate Mark Remillard Discussion was had on the merits and qualifications of each candidate, and ways in which their experiences and education can contribute to the commission. Motion was made by Commissioner Mosher and seconded by Commissioner Kingto recommendMark Remillard to fill the vacant seat on the EDA, a roll call vote was taken. All in favor. Motion Carried. IX. ADJOURMENT Motion by President Hanzal, seconded by Commissioner Weatherhead, to adjourn the January 20, 2021 EDA Commission meeting at 9:10 PM. A roll call vote was taken. All in favor. Motion carried. Page 8 of 8