HomeMy WebLinkAbout2009-03-10 EDA MinutesCITY OF COTTAGE GROVE
ECONOMIC
DEVELOPMENT
AUTHORITY
MINUTES
March 10, 2009
Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, a regular meeting of the Economic Development
Authority was held at River Oaks Golf Course, 11099 South Highway 61, Cottage Grove,
Minnesota on the 10th day of March 2009.
CALL TO ORDER
The meeting was called to order at 7:32 a.m. by EDA President Bailey.
R()1 I CAI I
Members Present: Myron Bailey, EDA President
Tony Jurgens, EDA Member
Justin Olsen, EDA Vice President
Paul Poncin, EDA Secretary /Treasurer
Chris Reese, EDA Member
Members Absent: Richard Remackel, EDA Member
Sara Westall, EDA Member
Staff Present: Bruce Anderson, Golf Course Manager
Howard Blin, Community Development Director
Joe Fischbach, Management Analyst
Sue O'Connell, Assistant Golf Manager /Food & Beverage
Ryan Schroeder, EDA Executive Director
Ken Smith, Management Analyst
Jesse Swenson, Management Analyst
Others Present: None
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
A motion was made by EDA Secretary /Treasurer Poncin to approve the February 10, 2009
Economic Development Authority minutes. Seconded by EDA Member Jurgens, All Present in
Favor.
Economic Development Authority - Minutes
March 10, 2009
Page 2
Chris Reese was introduced as the newest member of the EDA.
DEVELOPMENT UPDATE
EDA Executive Director Schroeder gave the EDA a development update. Nine single family
building permits have been issued thus far in 2009. Commercially, there is a tenant buildout at
7500 80 Street and various mechanical upgrade projects. All told, including residential,
commercial and residential remodeling, the City has issued permits valuing $6,003,472 thus far
in 2009. Federal stimulus money has been made available to rail projects that are federally
recognized. There is currently a federal recognized high speed rail initiative that would run from
Minneapolis /St. Paul, through Cottage Grove, in to Chicago. Because this initiative is federally
recognized it is a good candidate for federal funding. Cottage Grove will be part of a joint
powers commission as a voting, non - financially contributing member. The Neighborhood
Stabilization Program that the City partnered with the Washington County HRA on has received
its grant funding. Updates to the EDA can be expected as the program progresses.
RIVER OAKS GOLF COURSE DISCUSSION
Members of the EDA were given a tour of the River Oaks Golf Course facility including
Maintenance Garage, Pro Shop and Clubhouse by Golf Manager Anderson and Assistant Golf
Manager /Food & Beverage O'Connell. After the tour the EDA had several questions related to
the operations of the golf course. The EDA wanted to know how many weddings and events
were held at River Oaks and what the profit margin was. The EDA also wanted to know what
specific initiatives River Oaks uses for marketing and exposure including what has been tried
and what does not work. They also inquired about what days and times the course is
underutilized and if there were ways to increase patronage during those times. Staff also
explained the details of the full -time pay incentive plan and the proposed incentive plan for the
part -time employees.
BR &E UPDATE
EDA Executive Director Schroeder gave a BR &E update.
6 H ANNUAL BUSINESS SHOWCASE UPDATE
The 6 th Annual Business Showcase will be on March 26 from 4:30 to 7:30 PM at the Cottage
Grove Armory.
CALENDAR
The EDA members were reminded of upcoming meetings and events.
MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS ITEMS
Economic Development Authority - Minutes
March 10, 2009
Page 3
EDA President Bailey explained the process for the Community Center Task Force. They are
looking for 25 members that represent diverse interests in the community. EDA President Bailey
was going to meet with the leadership of the Cottage Grove Area Chamber of Commerce to see
if they could identify ways for the Chamber to become more visible in the community.
ADJOURN
EDA Vice President Olsen moved to adjourn the meeting. Seconded by EDA
Secretary /Treasurer Poncin, All Present in Favor. The meeting adjourned at 9:41 AM.
Respectfully Submitted,
Joe Fischbach
Management Analyst