06-13-2005 EDA MIN - Laserfiche WebLink

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Economic Development Authority Minutes June 13, 2005 Page 2 Director of Economic Development Catherine Mehelich stated that the design and construction plans only require City Council approval and that the HIiA Chair requested the I-IRA's review and comments on the plans following the Council's approval. Commissioner Dwyer stated that he could not imagine the City allowing another T'IF' project developer to make these types of drastic changes. Commissioner Klinzing stated she did not see a great deal of change in the construction plans from what was originally presented. She stated she did not expect that the developer would duplicate what exists downtown. Commissioner Dwyer stated that he felt the changes were dramatic and cheapened the overall look of the buildings. Commissioner Kliuzhig stated that the buildings are new and were not meant to look like old buildings. Commissioner Dwyer stated that it was his understanding that they would blend in with the old buildings. Commissioner Motin stated that he concurred with Commissioner Klurzing, in that it was not his understanding that the developer would duplicate what cttrrently exists downtown, and that it is meant to compliment it. He stated the HRA wants something that will last. Commissioner Dwyer stated that he felt the facades shown in the architectural drawings were more in step with what is downtown. 5. Strategic Industrial Marketing Activities Update Assistant Director of Economic Development Heidi Steinmetz reviewed a memo to the City Council from Steve Rohlf, Building & Environmental Administrator, regazding the creation of an Energy City Commission. Ms. Steinmetz discussed staff's visit with Randy Krenz of AllTool on May 4~. Mr. Krenz told staff he would be happy to provide a reference for Elk River's business recruitment efforts or marketing. Ms. Steinmetz also discussed staff's BRE lunch visit with Ed Cunnington, President of Tescom on June 3~d. The business was purchased by Everson Electric and Mr. Cunnington will be retiring after almost 30 yeazs in the business. Commissioner Tveite arrived at this time (5:40 p.m.) Commissioner Dwyer stated that he is sorry to see Ed go, but that the new president of Tescom will be a nice addition to Elk River. He noted that in his visit with Tescom, he Teamed that their "clean room" is 1,000 times cleaner than a hospital. President Gongoll noted that Mr. Cunnington has been a strong Elk River supporter of Elk River over the years, serving as Chamber president. President Gongoll also noted that a colleague of his in Fatibault serves on a committee with Mr. Gary Kindseth, Vice President of Faribault Foods, the buyer of SoftPac, and that Mr. Kinseth has a strong background of City Council service. Mr. Kinseth indicated that he appreciated staff's recent BRE with SoftPac and Faribault Foods.