03-30-2001 EDAMHutchinson Community Development Corporation - an EDA
Board of Commissioners
Friday, March 30, 2001
7:00 a.m. at City Center Conference Room
Minutes
Board Members present are in bold print
Don Walser Bob Windel Jeff Haag
Jim Haugen Keith Fischer Duane Hoversten
Tim Ulrich
Chamber Rep: Vi Mayer, Hutchinson Chamber of Commerce
HCDC Staff. Christie Rock, Executive Director
1. Call to order... President Tim Ulrich
Tim Ulrich called the meeting to order at 7:05 a.m.
2. Approval of EDA Board of Commissioners minutes for February 23, 2000
Jim Haugen made a motion to approve the minutes. Jeff Haag seconded the motion. Tim
Ulrich asked for discussion. The motion passed.
3. Approval of January and February financial statements
Jim Haugen made a motion to approve the January and February financial statements.
Keith Fischer seconded the motion. Tim Ulrich asked for discussion. The motion passed.
4. One - Motion Agenda
Bob Windel made a motion to approve the One - Motion Agenda. Jim Haugen seconded the
motion. Tim Ulrich asked for discussion. The motion passed.
5. Executive Director Update
Christie provided an update of the projects she has been working on over the past month.
Projects include the following:
• Main Street Hutchinson organization — Visioning workshop
• State Theater rehab and renovation project — tour with Tim and Jim Fahey
• Demo bids for Leonard Miller property
• RAM Center presentation — BI Phase Technologies
• RFP for Downtown Master Plan
• Meeting with John and Julie to discuss Comprehensive Plan update
• Acquisition of land for industrial park expansion
• Grant application to Southwest Minnesota Foundation
6. Industrial Park Developments
American Energy Systems — Christie updated the Board on the latest developments with AME.
Marc Sebora is working on the purchase agreement, mortgage and note. Closing should take
place sometime before the end of April. Christie indicated that she expects to receive bids for the
demolition of the barn and outbuildings by the end of the day. Christie gave Raske Builders
permission to do soil borings and topography work.
RAM Center — Christie and Tim went to Red Wing on March 28, to present a proposal to BI
Phase Technologies outlining why the company should locate in Hutchinson. Also at the meeting
was Gene Goddard from the Department of Trade and Economic Development and
representatives from the City of Granite Falls.
Each community had an opportunity to meet privately with Larry Lautt, CEO of RAM Center and
Cliff Adel, Controller for RAM Center. Christie provided a copy of the Power Point presentation
she did for the Board's review. Tim indicated that the presentation went very well. The EDA's
financial package was very competitive. Larry Lautt praised Hutchinson for its ability to put the
information together in a short period -of -time. Every indication Larry gave suggests he is very
interested in Hutchinson.
Map of industrial park expansion area — Christie showed the group a proposed layout for
Phase 3 of the industrial park. Ron McGraw is negotiating with Marvin Hackbarth, on behalf of
the EDA, to acquire 20 + acres of his property. A portion of the Hackbarth property would be
used to construct a new facility for BI Phase Technologies.
7. Consideration of application to the Commercial Rehabilitation Loan Program
There was one application to the Commercial Rehabilitation Loan Program.
Rahn Hoseck and Main Street Sports Bar is seeking a loan for $53,855 for a new roof, a new
heating and cooling system, and improvements to his storefront. Mr. Hoseck provided bids from
Plumbing and Heating by Craig, Laraway Roofing, and Dave Skoog Construction. The total
project cost is $65,855.
Keith Fischer made a motion to approve the loan to Rahn Hoseck. Jeff Haag seconded the
motion. Tim Ulrich asked for discussion. The motion passed.
8. Consideration of application to the Sign and Awning Grant Program
There was one application to the Sign and Awning Grant Program.
Nina Meyer at The Coffee Company is seeking a Sign and Awning Grant for $1,920 for a new
lighted awning. Ms. Meyer provided bids from The Sign Shop and GEB Electric.
Don Walser made a motion to approve the grant to The Coffee Company. Jim Haugen
seconded the motion. Tim Ulrich asked for discussion. The motion passed.
9. Consideration of application to the Storefront Revitalization Matching Grant Program
There was one application to the Storefront Revitalization Matching Grant Program
Rahn Hoseck at Main Street Sports Bar is seeking a Storefront Revitalization Matching Grant for
$5,000 to make improvements to his storefront. Mr. Hoseck provided a bid from Dave Skoog
Construction.
Keith Fischer made a motion to approve the matching grant to Main Street Sports Bar.
Jeff Haag seconded the motion. Tim Ulrich asked for discussion. The motion passed.
10. Chamber report
Vi Mayer gave an update of the following Chamber activities:
• Job Fair — April 19
• Chamber Leadership Development Program graduation — April 19
• Dairy Days — June 8
• Lunch with the Governor
• Quality Council
• Jefferson Bus Line — waiting for $50,000 DOT subsidy
• Arts and Crafts Festival — full
• Office relocation — moving next to Realty Plus (2 year lease)
11. New business
The closing of the State Theater offers some real opportunities for the community. Tim Ulrich
suggested that the EDA take the lead on organizing the renovation of the building. There are
seven apartments located above the storefronts. There are three retail spaces. The theater spaces
seat about 800. Christie suggested that the EDA collaborate with the Hutchinson Community
Foundation and Historic Hutchinson to develop a fundraising plan. Christie suggested the
possibility of the Chamber of Commerce or Downtown Association locating their offices in the
building. Christie said she would contact the McKnight Foundation to inquire about the
possibility of them contributing to capital campaign.
12. Next meeting
The next meeting is April 27, 2001
13. Adjournment
A motion was made to adjourn the meeting. The motion was seconded. The meeting
adjourned at 8:15 a.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Jim Haugen, Secretary /Treasurer