08 14 2006 EDA MIN - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

Economic Development Authority Minutes August 14, 2006 Page 2 BUDGET AS PRESENTED BY STAFF IN THE MEMO TO THE EDA DATED AUGUST 14, 2006. MOTION CARRIED 6-0-. MOTION BY COMMISSIONER KLINZING AND SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER MOTIN TO APPROVE RESOLUTION 06-02, A RESOLUTION ESTABLISHING THE 2007 TAX LEVY FOR THE ELK RIVER ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY IN AND FOR THE CITY OF ELK RIVER, MINNESOTA. MOTION CARRIED 6-0. President Gongoll requested that staff provide information in an upcoming packet on the EDA's program fund balances. 6. Director of Economic Development Catherine Mehelich introduced Sandy Voight, Project Manager for Technology Finance from the Initiative Foundation. Ms. Voight provided an overview of the ENSA project. She noted that the project includes fourteen counties which are divided into 4sub-groups: the Metro Fringe (Sherburne and Wright Counties), the East Central (Pine City area), North Central (Brainerd area), and the Benton and Stearns Counties area. She explained the Metro Fringe analysis resulted in 57 potential industries for the Sherburne-Wright Counties area and then using a ranking system, ultimately narrowed those down to six for further exploration. The goal is to locate two industries as aresult of the analysis tool for expansion, startup, or relocation; one in Sherbturne County and one in Wright County. A Request for Proposals (RFP) for a consultant to complete the comprehensive research phase resulted in a cost of $10,000. Ms. Voight explained that the Initiative Foundation proposes to contribute $7,500 of the cost, and requests that the participating groups come up with the rema;ning $2,500. Wright County has conututted to half of the amount ($1,250), and Sherburne County and Big Lake have each conurtitted up to $500. Elk River is asked to contribute up to $500 to cover the remaining cost. Ms. Voight explained the next steps in the process and benefits of having access to the data base information. President Gongoll asked what the time frame is for the project. Ms. Voight stated that as soon as the funds are committed, Phase I will begin in 30 days. President Gongoll asked if the City would have rights to the data base. Ms. Voight stated that Elk River would have access to all the data which is in an Access format. Commissioner Klinzuig expressed her concern for competition between communities and asked how they could be assured that one community would not be "pitted" against another in competing for a business. Ms. Voight stated that their intent is to have as many "players as possible at the table". She noted that if a business was interested in Elk River, they would not attempt to change their mind and go to another community. Commissioner Farber stated that the cost was very muvmal in comparison to other venues they have pursued for attracting industry. Commissioner Tveite noted that they would have access to the database and give the EDA rights to pursue prospects on their own. Ms. Voight stated that they would have access to additional data, not just data for this particular project. Ms. Mehelich stated that Big Lake and Elk River would directly benefit from the project, since there is no one cunrently at Sherburne County who can currently use the infom~ation.