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Economic Development Authority Minutes <br />July 11, 2011 <br />Page 2 <br />Commissioner Motin stated the Council didn't agree to consult with boards but rather this - <br />was a recommendation from the EDA to Council <br />MOVED BY COMMISSIONER MOTIN AND SECONDED BY <br />COMMISSIONER GUMPHREY TO APPROVE THE JUNE 12, 2011 <br />MINUTES WITH THE CHANGES NOTED ABOVE. MOTION CARRIED 7- <br />0. <br />5. Presentation bvMN District Exhort Council <br />Ms. Deckert introduced Senior Partner Yvonne Halpaus of QNet LLC., who is also a <br />representative for the Minnesota District Export Council, <br />Ms. Halpaus outlined the purpose and services of the Export Council as noted in the staff <br />report. She stated the Export Council advises local business on export financing and theyare <br />looking az building export partnerships with organization such as the EDA <br />She invited the Commission to work with the Export Council to assist local business with <br />exporting needs by attending one of their four meetings scheduled throughout the year. <br />President Touchette suggested it maybe worthwhile for staff to look at the companies in <br />Elk River to see who could be helped by utilizing this service. <br />Discussion on EDA Donation Policy <br />Ms. Deckert presented the staff report. • <br />Commissioners Dwyer and Zerwas stated theywere not in favor of having a donation policy <br />and looking at each request on a case-by~case basis. <br />Commissioner Tveite concurred but further noted the commission needs to be diligent on <br />the rationale of why it's beneficial from an economic development perspective so they don't <br />creaze a precedent that says any good cause is something the EDA will donate to. <br />Commissioner Motin expressed surprise that the city aztorney would recommend a no <br />donation policy. He stated concerns with late requests and feeling pressure to respond az the <br />last minute on a request. <br />President Touchette stated the requests need to be rooted in economic well-being and <br />suggested staff loos az each request and howtheyhelp the growth of economics for Elk <br />River. <br />~t was the Consensus of the Commission to not have a written donation policy. <br />~- <br />Discussion of I-Iiring Process for Assistant Economic Development u-ector <br />Ms. Deckers presented the staff report. <br />Commissioner Dwyer stated, per the EDA Bylaws, a hiring committee recommendation <br />should be brought to the EDA Commission for approval • <br />Commissioner Motin disagreed and stated the only bodythat can hire or fire staff for the <br />city is the City Council He stated the Council should get input from the EDA He stated the <br />