3.1. EDSR 06-11-2012 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Economic Development Authority Minutes May 14, 2012 Page 2 Mr. Wilfahrt presented the staff report regarding donation requests to the EDA. He outlined three options the EDA should consider when deciding on whether or not to adopt a donation policy: 1) The first option is to maintain the status quo and discuss donation requests on a case- by-case basis. Some challenges of this procedure include lack of flexibility in offering donations if funds aren't budgeted; the number of requests coming in are unknown; Authority to feel vulnerable to emotional appeal. 2) The second option is to adopt a no-donation policy. Requests would be sidestepped and the EDA would focus funding on other EDA initiatives. The budget and timeframe issues would be resolved. However, a donation may create an economic benefit to the community and conflict with the intent of the Authority. 3) The third option would be to adopt a donation policy that requires an application and clear deadline that at a minimum meets the state statutory guidelines. The EDA would then discuss and approve all donation requests for the remainder of the year. This policy allows for funding and a fair deliberative process. Commissioner Dwyer stated he still felt there be no donation policy in place based upon the recommendations of the city attorney. Mr. Wilfahrt stated the city attorney did not have any preference with these three options but any policy in place should be clearly worded and followed consistently. President Tveite stated he would like to see donation requests considered on a case-by-case basis and determine if these events have an intrinsic value and merit for the business community. Commissioner Zerwas agreed, and requested the Authority continue handling requests as they had been and continuing to consider the economic impact of the individual request. He didn't feel a deadline should be required to make a donation request. Commissioner Motin felt no policy should be in place but felt an application deadline would work best, allowing the Authority to take time in considering each request on a case-by-case basis with advance notice so the Authority can make a thoughtful decision. He felt that all requests must be presented to the Authority three months ahead of time. Commissioner Provo stated perhaps the donation amount should be based on what you have coming in, not what the needs are of others. Commissioner Provo stated the EDA should grant money on anon-biased basis. Commissioner Westgaard agreed with not having a polity, and rather, on an individual basis, evaluate each request on its own merits. A deadline would be nice to allow for budgeting, but sometimes these requests and events don't correlate with the budget process also. In favor of case-by-case basis. Commissioner Dwyer agreed that the EDA does more than business and industrial recruiting and that some events bring people and economic impact to the community. Commissioner Provo asked if there was a specific amount earmarked for donation requests.