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EDA MEETING PACKET 08-19-2013The Scandia Economic Development Authority met in the Board Room at the Scandia Community Center on Monday, August 19, 2013 beginning at 7pm. Commissioners Present: Tom Triplett, Dan Lee, Greg Isaacson, and Bruce Swenson. Staff Present: Kristina Handt. Commissioners Absent: Sally Swanson. Motion by Lee, seconded by Swenson to approve the agenda. Motion carried. The board reviewed the sample bylaws provided by Assistant City Attorney Pratt. Motion by Triplett, seconded by Lee to recommend approval of the bylaws to the Council after having the Attorney add a section noting the conflict of interest policy and requiring a written statement from the Commissioners each year. Motion carried. The board reviewed a sample conflict of interest policy modeled after one used by the Washington County HRA. Isaacson asked how much detail needed to be disclosed. Just stating that a potential conflict exists is sufficient. It was noted that if a potential conflict exists the commissioner would not influence the decision, take action in the vote or decision or be counted toward a quorum. Motion by Lee, seconded by Triplett to approve the Conflict of Interest Policy. Motion carried. Handt noted the need to determine the terms for the non -council members so that they would be staggered. Per the bylaws the terms of the first commissioners are for 3, 4 or 5 year terms. It was decided to draw slips of paper to determine the length of initial terms. The results were as follows: Triplett-3 years, Isaacson-4 years and Swenson-5 years. The board discussed the election of officers and decided on the following: President -Sally Swanson, Vice President -Tom Triplett, Treasurer -Dan Lee and Secretary/Assistant Treasurer- Kristina Handt. Motion by Triplett, seconded by Swenson that each officer serve a term of one year. Motion carried. The board discussed requesting a tax levy for 2014. Motion by Lee to request $5,000 for EDA. Discussion about need to segregate funds for EDA and HRA purposes. Handt read from Attorney Pratt's memo to confirm this. Lee rescinded his motion. Motion by Swenson, seconded by Lee to seek a $5,000 levy for each EDA and HRA purposes to be used for legal, engineering, planning and other professional services. Motion carried. The board discussed setting future meeting dates. The next meeting will be the third Monday in September at 6:30pm. Starting in October the regular meeting will be on the second Monday of each month at 6:30pm. The board discussed future agenda items and the following list was noted: inviting members of other EDAs to speak to our group about what they have done and lessons learned, creating a vision and mission statement, compiling a list of businesses in Scandia, reviewing zoning and property classifications, presentation from the Executive Director of the Washington County HRA and discussion of infrastructure issues. Public Forum time will be added to the agenda and the commissioners were encouraged to invite members of the public. For September the board would like to invite other EDA members, particularly those from similar communities but also Craig Waldron who wrote a report with DEED on EDAs. Also on the September agenda will be the vision and mission statement discussion. Motion by Swenson, seconded by Lee to adjourn. Motion carried. Meeting adjourned at 8:03pm. Respectfully Submitted, Kristina Handt, Secretary CITY OF SCANDIA ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY Monday, August 19, 2013 7:00 P.M. Scandia Community Center Board Room 1. Call to Order 2. Approval of Agenda 3. Welcome and Introductions 4. Bylaws of the Economic Development Authority 5. Conflict of Interest Policy 6. Terms of Office for Citizen Members 7. Election of Officers 8. 2014 Budget and Tax Levy 9. Set Future Meeting Date/Agenda 10. Adjournment SCANDIA Stall ' Report Date of Meeting: August 19, 2013 To: Economic Development Authority From: Kristina Handt, Executive Director Re: EDA Bylaws Item #: 4 Background: Beginning in January of this year, City Attorney Pratt provided information to the Council regarding Economic Development Authorities. This included a resolution to create an EDA and sample bylaws. I've included a copy of the resolution establishing the EDA for your information. The powers granted to the EDA are of particular importance. The final paragraph mentions the establishment of the bylaws which must also be approved by the Council. Issue: What provisions should be included in the Bylaws of the EDA? Proposal Details: Included in the packet is a copy of the EDA Bylaws drafted by Attorney Pratt. These are standard bylaws he has used for other clients. The bylaws provide more information on the officer positions and their duties, regular and special meetings, meeting rules and a quorum of three, and miscellaneous provisions such as amending the bylaws, compensation, the fiscal year and naming depositories. Fiscal Impact: None at this time. The EDA does not yet have a budget and no compensation has been set for commissioners. Options: 1) Approve the bylaws as presented 2) Amend and then approve the bylaws 3) Take no action on the bylaws at this meeting Recommendation: Option 1. The next step would be to get City Council approval. CITY OF SCANDIA RESOLUTION NO.05-21-13-01 RESOLUTION ENABLING THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY OF THE CITY OF SCANDIA, MINNESOTA, PURSUANT TO MINNESOTA STATUTES, SECTIONS 469.090 THROUGH 469.1082, AS AMENDED BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council (the "Council") of the City of Scandia, Minnesota (the "City"), as follows: Section 1. Recitals. 1.01. The City is authorized pursuant to Minnesota Statutes, Sections 469.090 through 469.1082, as amended (the "Act") to establish an economic development authority for the City and the Council desires to do so in order to promote certain economic, commercial, housing and industrial development and redevelopment goals and objectives. 1.02. The Council hereby finds that the encouragement and financial support of economic development and redevelopment in the City is vital to the orderly development and is in the best interests of the health, safety, prosperity and general welfare of the residents of the City. 1.03. The City has caused notice of a public hearing on the establishment of an economic development authority to be published in a newspaper of general circulation in the City once each week for two consecutive weeks, and pursuant to such notice, a public hearing on the proposal has been held by the Council on the date hereof, at which hearing all persons desiring to present their oral or written comments on the proposal were given an opportunity to do so. Section 2. Establishment of Economic Development Authority. 2.01. Pursuant to the Act, the Council establishes an economic development authority for the City to be known as the Economic Development Authority of the City of Scandia, Minnesota (the "EDA"). 2.02. The EDA shall be governed by a board of commissioners consisting of five members, two of whom shall be members of the Council. The initial appointments of the non- Council commissioners shall be for the following terms: one (1) for three (3) years, one (1) for four (4) years and one (1) for five years. Thereafter, the terms of the non- Council commissioners shall be six (6) years and until their successors are appointed and qualified. The terms of the Council members serving as EDA commissioners shall coincide with their respective terms of office on the Council. Each commissioner of the EDA who is a member of the Council shall cease to be a commissioner effective at such time as he or she is no longer a member of the Council, and a successor commissioner shall be appointed pursuant to the Act to serve the remainder of the applicable term (if any) so vacated. Section 3. Powers. 3.01. The EDA shall have all powers given to an economic development authority pursuant to the Act, as the same may be amended or supplemented from time to time, including the powers of a housing and redevelopment authority contained in Minnesota Statutes, Sections 469.001 through 469.047, as amended, and the powers of a city under Minnesota Statutes, Sections 469.124 through 469.134, as amended. 3.02. The sale of all general obligation or revenue bonds of the EDA must be approved by the Council before such bonds or obligations are issued. 3.03. The EDA shall follow the budget process for City departments as provided by the City and as implemented by the Council. 3.04. All actions of the EDA must be consistent with the adopted comprehensive plan of the City and -any official controls implementing the comprehensive plan. 3.05. The general budget of the EDA must be transmitted and approved by the Council at the same time as the City's general budget. 3.06. Notwithstanding Section 469.101, Subdivision 4 of the Act, the EDA may not take or attempt to take any property within the City by eminent domain without the prior approval of the Council. 3.07 As a means of more clearly setting forth its powers and rules of procedure, at its initial organizational meeting the EDA shall adopt a set of By -Laws, which shall, among other things, establish the general policy duties and provide for the appointment of the President, Vice -President, Treasurer, Assistant Treasurer, and Secretary. The initial By -Laws and subsequent amendments thereto must also be approved by a majority vote of the Council. Adopted by the Scandia City Council this 21s1 day of May, 2013. Randall Simonson, Mayor ATTEST: Kristina Handt, Administrator/ City Clerk BYLAWS OF THE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY OF THE CITY OF SCANDIA, MINNESOTA ARTICLE I — THE AUTHORITY Section 1. Name of Autlioritv. The name of the Authority shall be the "Economic Development Authority of the City of Scandia, Minnesota" (referred to herein as the "Authority"), and its governing body shall be called the Board of Commissioners (the "Board"). The Board shall be the body responsible for the general governance of the Authority and shall conduct its official business at meetings thereof. The Authority is governed by the provisions of Minnesota Statutes, Sections 469.090 through 469.1082, as amended (the "Act"). Section 2. Seal of Authorily. As required by Section 469.096, Subdivision 1 of the Act, the Authority shall have an official seal, to be established and approved by the Board. Section 3. Office of Authority. The business office of the Authority shall be located at Scandia Community and Senior Center, 14727 209th Street North, Scandia, Minnesota. Section 4. Establishment. The Authority was established by Resolution No. 05-21-13-01, approved by the City Council of the City of Scandia, Minnesota on May 21, 2013 (the "Enabling Resolution"), after a duly noticed public hearing was held pursuant to the Act. The Authority has all the powers set forth in the Enabling Resolution. Section 5. Commissioners. In accordance with the Enabling Resolution, five commissioners will serve on the Board, who shall either be residents of or own real property in the area of operations of the Authority. Two City Council members will simultaneously serve as Board Commissioners. The terms of the City Council members also serving as Board Commissioners are coterminous with their respective terms on the City Council. TICLE II — OFFICERS Section 1. Officers. The officers of the Authority shall be a President, Vice -President, Treasurer, Secretary, and Assistant Treasurer. The President and the Treasurer shall be members of the Board and elected annually. The Vice -President shall be a member of the Board and may hold office for any term designated by the Board. No Commissioner may be both President and Vice -President simultaneously. The Secretary need not be a member of the Board, but is elected annually by the Board. The Assistant Treasurer need not be a member of the Board and may hold office for any term designated by the Board. Section 2. President. The President shall preside at all meetings of the Board. Except as otherwise authorized by resolution of the Board, the President and the Secretary (or the Vice -President, in case of the Secretary's absence) shall sign all contracts, deeds and other instruments made or executed by the Authority, except that all checks of the Authority shall be signed by the Treasurer and the Assistant Treasurer. At each meeting of the Board the President shall submit such recommendations and information as the President may consider proper concerning the business, affairs and policies of the Authority. Section 3. Vice -President. The Vice -President shall perform the duties of the President in the absence of the President, and in case of the resignation of the President, shall perform such duties as are imposed on the President until such time as the Board shall select a new President. Section 4. Secretary. The Secretary shall keep minutes of all meetings of the Board and shall maintain all records of the Authority. The Secretary shall also have such additional duties and responsibilities as the Board may from time to time and by resolution prescribe. Section 5. Treasurer, Assistant Treasurer. The Treasurer shall have the care and custody of all funds of the Authority and shall deposit the same in the name of the Authority in such bank or banks as the Board may select. The Treasurer and the Assistant Treasurer shall sign all orders and checks for the payment of money and shall pay out and disburse such money under the direction of the Board. The Treasurer shall keep regular books of accounts showing receipts and expenditures and shall render to the Board, at least annually (or more often when requested), an account of such transactions and also of the financial condition of the Authority. The Treasurer shall post a bond as required by Section 469.096, Subdivision 6 of the Act. The Assistant Treasurer shall act as the Treasurer's agent and assistant to perform the above -described duties, subject to the Treasurer's approval thereof. Section 6. Executive Director. The Executive Director of the Authority shall be the City Administrator of the City. The Executive Director shall have the responsibilities as enumerated in the Act and such additional responsibilities as the Board may from time to time and by resolution prescribe. Section 7. Additional Duties. The officers of the Authority shall perform such other duties and functions as may from time to time be required by the Board or these Bylaws, or the rules and regulations of the Authority. Section 8. Vacancies. Should the office of the President, Vice -President, Treasurer, Secretary or Assistant Treasurer become vacant, the Board shall elect a successor at its next regular meeting, or at a special meeting called for such purpose, and such election shall be for the unexpired term of said officer. Section 9. Additional Personnel. The Board may from time to time employ such personnel as it deems necessary to exercise its powers, duties and functions. The selection and compensation of such personnel shall be determined by the Board. ARTICLE III — MEETINGS Section 1. Regular Meetings. The regular meetings of the Board shall occur according to a meeting schedule, if any, adopted or revised from time to time by resolution of the Board. Section 2. Special Meetings. Special meetings of the Board may be called by the President or by any two members of the Board for the purpose of transacting any business designated in the call for special meeting. The call for special meeting may be delivered at any time prior to the time of the proposed special meeting (in accordance with state law notice requirements) to each member of the Board or may be mailed to the business or home address of each member of the Board. Notice of any special meeting shall be posted and published as may be required by law. Section 3. Quorum. The powers of the Authority shall be vested in the Board. Three Commissioners shall constitute a quorum for the purpose of conducting the business and exercising the powers of the Authority and for all other purposes. When a quorum is in attendance, action may be taken by the Board upon a vote of a majority of the Commissioners present. Section 4. Rules of Procedure. The meetings of the Board shall be governed by the most recent edition of Robert's Rules of Order. Section 5. Manner of Voting, Adoption of Resolutions. Voting on all questions coming before the Board shall be by voice vote unless any Commissioner calls for a roll call vote. The yeas and nays shall be entered upon the minutes of such meeting. Resolutions need not be read aloud prior to vote. Resolutions are deemed adopted if approved by at least a simple majority of all Commissioners present, unless State law requires otherwise. ARTICLE IV — MISCELLANEOUS Section 1. Initial Approval and Amendments to Bylaws. These Bylaws shall not become effective until approved by the City Council. These Bylaws shall be amended only by written resolution of the Board. Amendments are to be effective only upon approval of the City Council. Section 2. Fiscal Year. The fiscal year of the Authority shall coincide with the fiscal year of the City of Scandia, Minnesota. Section 3. Commissioner Compensation. Commissioners of the Authority shall be paid for attending each regular or special meeting of the Authority in an amount to be determined by the City Council. In addition, Commissioners shall be reimbursed for actual expenses incurred in doing official business of the Authority. All money paid for compensation or reimbursement must be paid out of the Authority's general budget. Section 4. Removal for Cause. A Commissioner may be removed by the City Council for inefficiency, neglect of duty, or misconduct in office, all pursuant to the procedural requirements contained in Section 469.095, Subdivision 5 of the Act. Section 5. Depositories. In accordance with Section 469.099 of the Act, every two years the Authority shall name national or state banks within the State of Minnesota as depositories. Before acting as a depository, a named bank shall give the Authority a bond approved as to form and surety by the Authority. Approved: 120 President ATTEST: Secretary SCANDIA Staff Report Date of Meeting: August 19, 2013 To: Economic Development Authority From: Kristina Handt, Executive Director Re: Conflict of Interest Policy Agenda Item #: 5 Background: Commissioner Triplett has suggested we adopt a conflict of interest policy for the EDA. He has provided an example from the Washington County HRA which would also work for the EDA. A copy is included in your packet. MN Statutes Chapter 469 which gives EDAs and HRA their statutory powers also includes provisions related to conflicts of interest. Similar language is included in the proposed policy. Issue: Should the EDA adopt a Conflict of Interest Policy? Proposal Details: The policy prohibits known conflicts of interests and requires commissioners or employees to disclose potential conflicts of interest. Even the potential of a conflict of interest can be damaging to the EDA and City's reputation. Before taking an action or making a decision which could substantially affect the commissioner's (or an employee's) financial interests (or those of an organization with which the commissioner or an employee is associated), commissioners or employees of an EDA are required to disclose their interests. Per state law, individuals face criminal penalties for noncompliance. The policy also includes a one year waiting period before any commissioner or employee may appear before any court or government agency (on behalf of the EDA) or be employed by a contractor doing business with the EDA, allows the Board to decide if an employee's affiliation presents a conflict of interest, and sets the procedure for commissioners to seek guidance on the policy from the board. Some exceptions allowed in state statute (MN Stat. 471.88) are not included in the policy. These would allow the EDA to contract for services where a member has an interest provided the members discloses the affiliation, abstains from voting and the rest of the board unanimously votes to approve the contract. Fiscal Impact: NA Options: 1) Approve Conflict. of Interest Policy as presented 2) Amend and then Approve the Conflict of Interest Policy 3) Take no action on the Conflict of Interest Policy at this meeting. Recommendation: Option 1. City of Scandia Economic Development Authority Conflict of Interest Policy Purpose The Commissioners and employees of the City of Scandia Economic Development Authority (the "EDA") are expected to carry out their respective responsibilities in furtherance of EDA policies and procedures. Conflicts of interest, both actual and perceived, do not serve the public trust and are detrimental to the proper functioning of the EDA. No Commissioner or employee shall have a personal interest, whether direct or indirect, in any act or decision of the EDA except as may be specifically allowed by law. For purposes of the following provisions of the Conflict of Interest Policy, a Commissioner or employee may have a direct or indirect personal interest, including a personal financial interest, in a matter if the spouse, child, parent or sibling of such Commissioner or employee has a direct or indirect personal interest, including a personal financial interest, in such matter.' This Conflict of Interest Policy is promulgated to assist EDA Commissioners and employees in the performance of their duties and responsibilities. Conflicts of Interest are Prohibited. Neither EDA Commissioners nor EDA employees shall knowingly take part in any manner in making any sale, lease or contract in the Commissioner's or employee's official capacity, in which the Commissioner or employee has a personal financial interest. 2. Potential Conflicts of Interest are Prohibited. A potential conflict of interest is present if the Commissioner or employee knows or has reason to know that the organization with which the Commissioner or employee is affiliated is, or is likely to become, a participant in a project or development, which will be affected by an action or decision of the Commissioner or employee. 3. Potential Conflicts of Interest Must Be Disclosed: Before taking an action or making a decision, which could substantially affect the personal financial interests of the Commissioner or employee, or those of an organization with which he or she is associated, the potential conflict of interest must be disclosed. The disclosure must be in writing and describe the matter requiring an action or decision and the nature of the potential conflict. The statement must be submitted to the EDA Board no later than one week after the Commissioner or employee becomes aware of the potential conflict of interest. 4. Effect of Disclosure. A. If an employee has a potential conflict of interest, the employee's supervisor shall immediately assign the matter to another employee who does not have a potential conflict. B. If a Commissioner has a potential conflict of interest, the Commissioner shall not: 1) attempt to influence any employee in any matter related to the action or decision in question; 2) take part in the action or decision; or 3) be counted toward a quorum during the portion of any meeting in which the action or decision is to be considered. 5. Conflicts of Interest are Prohibited if Arising Within One Year Following Termination. For one year after terminating a position as employee or Commissioner, no former employee or Commissioner shall appear personally before any court or governmental agency (on behalf of anyone other than the EDA) in connection with any matter in which the EDA is substantially interested, with respect to which the Commissioner or employee took any action or made any decision within a year prior to the termination of that position. Every current and prospective vendor, contractor, supplier or any other party doing, or seeking to do, business with the EDA shall be required to disclose whether any former EDA Commissioner or employee is or will become an owner, shareholder, partner, director, officer or employee with one year following termination of such EDA Commissioner's or employee's position with the EDA and in such case the EDA Board of Commissioners may determine that an actual or perceived conflict of interest may arise pending expiration of such one- year period. 6. Board of Commissioners May Approve Certain Affiliations. Even if a particular situation does not give rise to an actual or potential conflict of interest, the perception of a conflict of interest should also be avoided. Therefore, before an employee accepts a position of any type, paid or unpaid, or becomes a member of or participant with any vendor, contractor, supplier or any party doing business with or contracting with the EDA (the "Affiliation"), the employee shall give notice describing such Affiliation to the Executive Director. The Executive Director shall present the proposed Affiliation in writing to the Board of Commissioners for approval or disapproval based on whether the perception of a conflict of interest reasonably may be present or an actual or potential conflict of interest reasonably may arise. The Board of Commissioners shall make its determination promptly and the Executive Director shall communicate such determination to the employee. This paragraph is intended to supplement and not to replace conflict of interest provisions contained elsewhere in this Conflict of Interest Policy. Notification or Interpretation If an employee or Commissioner has questions about the applicability of this Policy or the law with respect to any specific situation, he or she should provide the Board with a written explanation of the facts giving rise to the question, and the Board, at its next regular meeting, shall make a determination of the applicability of the Policy to such facts. The provisions of this Policy are to be broadly construed so as to support not only its literal terms but also the spirit and purpose of which it is adopted. 1 SCANDIA Star( Report Date of Meeting: August 19, 2013 To: Economic Development Authority From: Kristina Handt, Executive Director Re: Terms of Office Agenda Item #: 6 Background: The resolution establishing the EDA calls for initial terms of 3, 4 or 5 years for the three citizen members. The initial terms are staggered this way, and then the positions fill 6 year terms. When the Council made the appointments at the June meeting they did not set the initial terms. They are looking for recommendations from the EDA. Issue: What are the terms of the three citizen members of the EDA? Proposal Details: Commissioners Triplett, Swenson, and Isaacson can provide suggestion on the number of years they'd like to serve for their initial term. Alternatively, names could be drawn randomly to establish the initial terms. Fiscal Impact: NA SCANDIA Stu%% Rc port Date of Meeting: August 19, 2013 To: Economic Development Authority From: Kristina Handt, Executive Director Re: Election of Officers Agenda Item #: 7 Background: Per the resolution establishing the EDA and the Bylaws, the following officers of the EDA need to be designated: President, Vice -President, Treasurer, Secretary, and Assistant Treasurer. The President, Treasurer, and Secretary are elected annually. The Vice President and Assistant Treasurer may hold office for any term as designated by the Board. The same person cannot me President and Vice -President at the same time. Issue: Who should be appointed to the officer positions of the EDA? What term is established for the Vice President and Assistant Treasurer? Proposal Details: The Secretary and Assistant Treasurer need not be members of the Board. I would volunteer to be the Secretary, if the Board approves. The President, Vice -President and Treasurer shall be members of the Board. Commissioner Swanson has expressed and interest in being President. Since she is not able to attend the meeting on August 19`h, the Board may want to postpone this election until the nest meeting. Fiscal Impact: NA Options: 1) Make appointments to all offices at this meeting 2) Make appointments to all offices except President at this meeting and postpone President election until the next meeting 3) Post pone all elections until next meeting. SCANDIA Stuff Report Date of Meeting: August 19, 2013 To: Economic Development Authority From: Kristina Handt, Executive Director Re: 2014 Budget and Tax Levy Agenda Item #: 8 Background: A city may, at the request of the EDA, levy a tax in any year for the benefit of the EDA. The tax must be not more than 0.01813 percent of taxable market value for EDA purposes and 0.0185 for housing redevelopment purposes. The amount levied must be paid by the city treasurer to the treasurer of the authority, to be spent by the authority. If taxes are levied for both purposes, the proceeds derived from each levy should be segregated into different sub -accounts, to ensure the EDA levy is being used for EDA purposes, and the HRA levy is being used for HRA purposes. Scandia's preliminary taxable market value for 2014 is $506,560,800. Issue: Should the Board seek a tax levy for 2014? Proposal Details: Since this is the first meeting of the EDA, no budget has been prepared yet. Staff needs more information on the EDA's goals and priorities. That being said the City Council must certify its maximum levy to the County by September 16t" . The last City Council work session on the budget before this deadline is scheduled for September 10"'. While the EDA may not have specific goals and priorities established yet, the Board may consider seeking a small tax levy, $5,000-10,000, for possible consulting work to be completed in 2014, compensation for commissioner or other operating supplies. Any funds levied for EDA purposes count toward the levy limit imposed on cities (3% for taxes payable in 2014). HRA funds may be outside the levy. The current draft of the City's 2014 budget would allow for an additional $17,500 to be levied before reaching the limit. Fiscal Impact: An additional $5,000-10,000 would increase the tax levy for 2014 by 0.25-0.50%. Options: 1) Seek a tax levy for EDA purposes (determine amount) 2) Seek a tax levy for HRA purposes (determine amount) 3) Both of the above 4) None of the above Recommendation: Seek a tax levy of $5,000 for each EDA and HRA purposes. SCANDIA Staff Report Date of Meeting: August 19, 2013 To: Economic Development Authority From: Kristina Handt, Executive Director Re: Future Meeting Date/Agenda Agenda Item #: 9 Background: Per the bylaws, the EDA may want to consider establishing a regular meeting schedule. At the very least the Board should decide at this meeting when it will meet next. Issue: When should the EDA meet? What items should be discussed at the next meeting? Proposal Details: Currently, standing committee and council meetings occur on the first Monday, and first, second and third Tuesdays of each month. I would prefer that the regular meeting date be within the first three weeks of the month since I am already attending meetings those weeks. The EDA has one member who works downtown Minneapolis so starting before 6:30pm would be a challenge. Options: Any day except the first Monday or first, second or third Tuesday. Recommendation: Third Monday of each month at 6:30pm. The Board should also provide direction to staff on agenda items for the next meeting. August 19, 2013 Fellow City of Scandia EDA Members: First, I am sorry that my work plans changed and I am not able to participate in person tonight. Second, I want to say that I am very happy and excited to get this committee underway, and have a few comments/observations tonight's meeting as follows: Housing Options: During the committee member interview process, we went through the same list of questions with each of you. In general, your responses were consistent with what I believe are the goals of the majority of the current City Council (I am sure Dan can elaborate, or Kristina). Some indicated a lack of housing options. We do not have readily available rental properties in Scandia, or multi -family complexes. We do have some senior housing, but could possibly use more as our community continues to age. For the past three (3) years that I have been on the Council, there have been discussions regarding attracting younger families and singles by providing an affordable housing option. This would possibly also assist the Fire Department in their recruitment measures. The Fire Department is not able to keep up the member numbers it needs to. I believe as a group we need to identify the most likely option to succeed and develop areas where these types of real estate properties can be developed (and enhance those areas) Existing Business Development/Support: The City Question of the month for August overwhelmingly favors this as the main goal of the EDA. I see this group focusing on ideas on how to assist and enhance local businesses. This should be a topic for our next meeting, and ideas could be submitted prior to the next meeting. Tourism: Do we want to work harder on this as a way to accomplish supporting local businesses? Programs: Tom may be able to head up a meeting regarding types of government programs that are out there that might be of interest to us to support existing businesses and attracting new businesses to the area. I would think that would be at least an entire meeting. These are just a few things that come to mind, and I am sure there are many more from everyone. Finally, I am ok with the Bylaws and a small levy sum as recommended by Kristina I am also ok if you all make any decisions on officers tonight, etc., I am willing to do anything that nobody else wants to do! Have a great meeting, see you next time. 5 pk� SWAN\�-