HomeMy WebLinkAbout2001.11.13 MINUTES • CITY OF COTTAGE GROVE
ECONOMIC
DEVELOPMENT
AUTHORITY
MINUTES
November 13, 2001
Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, a regular meeting of the Economic Development
Authority was held at City Hall, 7516 80th Street South, Cottage Grove, Minnesota on the 13th
day of November, 2001.
CALL TO ORDER
President Jim Wolcott called the meeting to order at 7:00 AM.
ROLL CALL
• Members Present: Glen Kleven, Dick Pederson, Sandy Shiely, Jim Wolcott, and
Fred Luden
Members Absent: Gerard Weingartner
Others Present: Ryan Schroeder, City Administrator
Michelle Wolfe, Assistant City Administrator
Scott Johnson, Management Analyst
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Jim Wolcott moved to approve the October 9, 2001 Economic Development
Authority minutes. Dick Pederson seconded the motion and the motion carried
unanimously.
Project Updates
Tradehome Shoes — Project is currently being constructed.
Hotel — This project recently closed. The footings for the new hotel and restaurant pad
might be constructed this fall.
Post Office—This project has been completed.
• Walgreen's — Recently closed on the Rose of Sharon Lutheran Church site.
Construction may begin this fall.
Economic Development Authority - Minutes
November 13, 2001 •
Page 2
Advance Corporation —Grand opening will occur soon.
Kohl's—Currently in the process of talking to property owners
Up North Plastics—Construction of their new addition will begin in the spring of 2002.
Amoco Remodel—This project will begin in the near future.
American AgCo—Groundbreaking ceremony was held on Friday, November 2"d
EDA Vacancy
Sandy Shiely moved to appoint Mike Wennen to the open EDA seat. The motion was
seconded and approved by the EDA. The EDA recommends approval to the Mayor and
Council to appoint Mike Wennen to the EDA.
Marketing
The EDA thought the Development Update and Biography Brochure would be good
ways to market the City. Members were also supportive of the direct mail campaign, •
which includes quarterly post cards and the Annual Report. Ryan Schroeder also
suggested the idea of having sponsors for all of the post cards. The EDA members will
discuss this topic further at the next meeting.
EDA Bylaw Changes
The City Council approved the bylaws at the October 17 meeting, with two changes.
According to the bylaws, the EDA must now approve the revised bylaws, after having
them presented for review at least 10 days in advance of a meeting. Therefore, the
bylaws as adopted by the City Council will be sent out to the EDA in the next packet, for
review and action at that meeting.
EDA Trust Fund
The City Council recently accepted a donation from Cogentrix Energy. The Council is
interested in exploring the types of things that can be funded by the EDA trust fund.
Specifically, the Council would like to find out if the trust fund could be used for third-
party charges and possibly lower the general tax levy. EDA members were concerned
about using the fund for day-to-day functions of the City. All of the EDA members think
the trust fund is strongly linked to future development in Cottage Grove. Jim Wolcott
pointed out that all legal and engineering expenses must be related to the project. The
EDA Trust Fund according to the adopted policy is for infrastructure and land costs.
•
Economic Development Authority- Minutes
• November 13, 2001
Page 3
Senior Housing
The EDA is in support of the Human Services/Rights Commission's current study of
senior housing in Cottage Grove. They would like to bring in a member of the Human
Services/Rights Commission to discuss senior housing. This issue will be discussed
further at the next EDA meeting.
Annual Business Breakfast
The Annual Business Breakfast will be held on January 28th at 3M. It will begin promptly
at 7:00 AM. Jim Wolcott will ask Commissioner Elwyn Tinklenberg, MNDOT, or Ted
Mondale to speak at this year's event. A time line for the Wakota Bridge Project will also
be included at this year's event. Individual cities will decide whether the Mayor,
Administrator, or both make the state-of-the-city addresses.
2002 EDA Golf Outing
The EDA approved the ordering of Silver Magnetic Divot Repair Tools for the participants
in next year's EDA golf outing. Jim Wolcott would like staff to find out if it is possible to
• get two logos placed on the item.
MEDP Connections Event
The Connections Event held this year on October 18th had a better than expected turn
out at River Oaks Golf Course. The feedback from attendees has been positive.
Strategic Work Plan for 2002
The current plan should be e-mailed or mailed to members for comments and changes.
The changes will be brought up and discussed at a future EDA meeting.
Misc.
EDA members will receive their stipends for 2001 in December. The official annual
meeting will be held in February.
ADJOURN
EDA President Jim Wolcott adjourned the meeting at 9:15 AM.
Respectfully submitted,
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• Scott Johnson
Management Analyst