05-31-2002 EDAMHutchinson EDA
Board of Directors
Minutes of Meeting
Friday, May 31, 2002
Members present in bold print
Members:
Tim Ulrich Bob Windel
Don Walser Jeff Haag
Keith Fischer
Chamber Rep. Peggy Glass
Staff: Christie Rock, EDA Executive Director
1. Tim Ulrich called the meeting to order at 7:00 a.m.
Jim Haugen
Duane Hoversten
2. Consideration of minutes from April 26, 2002 meeting.
Duane Hoversten noted that he was present at last month's board meeting. Christie stated
that she would make the correction.
Jim Haugen made a motion to approve the minutes from the April 26, 2002 meeting.
Jeff Haag seconded the motion. Tim Ulrich asked for discussion. The motion passed.
3. Consideration of minutes from the April 3, 2002 meeting.
Tim noted that this was the special meeting called to discuss the industrial park expansion. It
was at this meeting that the board made a recommendation to the city council to move
forward with acquisition of the Hackbarth property via negotiation or condemnation.
Duane Hoversten made a motion to approve the minutes from the special meeting held
on April 3, 2002. Jeff Haag seconded the motion. Tim Ulrich asked for discussion. The
motion passed.
4. Consideration of Financial Statements from April 2002
Don Walser made a motion to approve the financial statements from April 2002. Keith
Fischer seconded the motion. Tim Ulrich asked for discussion. The motion passed.
5. Consideration of one - motion agenda
Christie mentioned some of the items listed under communications. Tim mentioned the tax
abatement policy drafted by McLeod County.
Jeff Haag made the motion to approve the one - motion agenda. Duane Hoversten
seconded the motion. Tim Ulrich asked for discussion. The motion passed.
6. Executive Directors Report
Christie Rock updated the board on projects she has been working on over the past month.
• 2003 budget
• How to Start a Business workshop and brochure
• HDA newsletter, annual appeal, Farmers' Market, Crazy Days, Adopt a Flowerpot
Sign project for industrial park entrance
• Downtown revitalization master plan
• Minutes, meeting notices, agendas, etc...
Christie also mentioned that she was invited to speak on the topic of downtown revitalization
at an event sponsored by the Central MN Initiative Foundation. The seminar is scheduled for
July 11. Christie encouraged any board member who was interested to attend.
7. Consideration of applications to the Sign and Awning Grant Program
There was one application to the Sign and Awning Grant Program. The application was from
a new business located in 101 Park Place called Drop -n -Go Shipping. Drop -n -Go Shipping
is seeking a grant in the amount of $2,000 for a new sign. The sign would look similar to the
Picture the Pages sign. The Finance Team approved this application at its May meeting.
Keith Fischer made a motion to approve a Sign and Awning Grant to Drop -n -Go
Shipping in the amount of $2,000. Jeff Haag seconded the motion. Tim Ulrich asked
for discussion. The motion passed.
Christie mentioned that Rexall Drug is interested in applying for funds from the Sign and
Awning Grant Program, as well as Curt Bradford.
8. Consideration of participating in the MN Community Capital Fund
Tim Ulrich asked the board members to refer to the information that Christie provided in the
board packets. Christie explained that in order to transfer the money from our revolving loan
program to MCCF, the enclosed resolution needed to be approved. She indicated that the
resolution language was provided to her by the MN Community Capital Fund, and that the
language was approved by the MN Department of Trade and Economic Development. Tim
reminded the board that it had approved a contribution of $25,000 to the MCCF. This would
enable us to access up to $250,000 in MCCF monies. Christie noted that the resolution
would be forward to the City Council for its consideration.
Duane Hoversten made a motion to approve the resolution. Jeff Haag seconded the
motion. Tim Ulrich asked for discussion. The motion passed.
9. Update on the Downtown Revitalization Master Plan
Christie Rock gave an update on progress being made toward the completion of the
Downtown Revitalization Master Plan. She reminded the board of the next steering
committee meeting scheduled for Thursday, June 13.
10. Industrial park expansion update
Christie indicated that Marc Sebora was unable to attend the board meeting due to daycare
issues. He did report that he has not received a counteroffer to the offer made by the EDA
about three weeks ago. If negotiations do not move forward by the next board meeting, he
will start condemnation proceedings.
11. Miller / McGraw cleanup — Review and discuss the MPCA fine
Christie indicated that she received a letter from the MPCA regarding the problems that took
place during the demolition of the farm buildings on the Leonard Miller property last May.
The MPCA is levying a $5,000 fine on the city of Hutchinson for its failure to follow proper
procedure. Discussion took place among board members regarding which city department
should pay for the fine. Ultimately the board concluded that $5,000 wasn't worth fighting
over. Christie indicated that Marc Sebora is working to reduce the fine.
12. Chamber of Commerce Update
Peggy Glass gave the Chamber of Commerce Report. Peggy reported that Vi Mayer is
working longer hours and is doing much better. She indicated that Sue Mortenson has had a
setback in her recovery:
• Music in the Park starts June 10
• Arts and Crafts Festival scheduled for September 13 and 14
• Quality Council events will be held at new events center
• Dairy Days is scheduled for June 7 in Library Square
13. New Business
Tim Ulrich discussed the situation at Plastic Specialties. Plastic Specialties has a $60,000
note outstanding with the HCDA. Annual payments have been extended for the past two
years. Tim indicated that Citizens Bank is working with the company to resolve its financial
issues. He will keep the board apprised of the situation as it changes.
14. Communications
Downtown Revitalization Master Plan Steering Committee meeting scheduled for
Thursday, June 13, at 5:30 p.m. at City Center.
15. The next meeting is scheduled for June 28, 2002
16. Adjournment
A motion was made and seconded to adjourn the meeting. The meeting adjourned at
8:45 a.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Christie Rock, Executive Director
C!