05-14-2012 EDA MIN - Laserfiche WebLink

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Economic Development Authoaty Minutes T1ap 14, 20]2 Page 2 blr. \\'ilfalut presented the staff report regarding donation requests to the ED_~. He outlined duee options the EDA should consider u-hen deciding on whether or not to adopt a donation polio-: 1) The fast option is to maintain the status quo and discuss donation requests on a case- bv-case basis. Some challenges of this procedure include lack of fletibility in offering donations if funds aren't budgeted; the number of requests coming in aze unknown; :-luthoritx- to feel xulnerable to emotional appeal. 2) The second option is to adopt a no-donation policy. Requests would be sidestepped and the EDA would Eocus funding on other EDA inidadx-es. The budget and timeframe issues would be resoh-ed. Hoa-ever, a donation may create an economic benefit to die community and conflict with the intent of the Authority. 3) The third option xvould be to adopt a donation policy that requires an applicarion and clear deadline that at a minimum meets die state starutory guidelines. The EDA would then discuss and approve all donation requests for the remainder of die year. This policy allows for funding and a fau deliberative process. Commissioner Dwg~er stated he still felt there be no donation policy in place based upon the recommendations of the city attorney. Mr. ~a/ilfalut stated die city attorney did not have any preference with these three options but any policy in place should be clearly worded and folloxved 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 communiij~. 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 reques[. 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 giant 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. f Commissioner Provo asked if there was a specific amount earmazked for donation requests. E~