3.5 EDSR 02-11-2013 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Wilfahrt, Clay From: Annie Deckert <annie @decklangroup.com> Sent: Wednesday, January 23, 2013 5:12 PM To: Wilfahrt, Clay Cc: Fischer, Suzanne Subject: Request for exceptions to COI provisions Clay, I am writing to formally request an exception from the COI provisions as outlined in the Federal Guidelines for the forgivable loan program the city is currently working on for the following: • Alliance Machine-potential expansion • Decklan Group-economic development consulting services I have read and understand the COI provisions, however I feel justification for allowing exceptions for each item outlined above. Alliance Machine As you know, Bryan Provo, owner of Alliance Machine, sits on the EDA and DTED subcommittee. Mr. Provo has retained me for my services to prepare and submit the forgivable loan program upon approval. As outlined in the provisions, it indicates that he is unable to apply for the forgivable loan because of his position on the EDA because of a conflict of interest. From day one of the process,there was no point in time which Mr. Provo was privvy to any information which was not public information-all documents, discussions, etc. involved contain no proprietary information, and would be made available to public upon request. Because of the way the program is currently structured(draft form), Mr. Provo would go through the same process as all other applicants. His application would be scored using the same score sheet as all other applicants, and he would abstain from voting when it came in front of the EDA for consideration. While I understand the intent of the COI provisions, I feel it unfair that because of Mr. Provo's community involvement,passion for assisting the Elk River business community through his role on the EDA and valuable input as a business owner through the EDA,he is being punished by not being allowed to apply for the funds. At the time Mr. Provo was appointed to the EDA,this program did not exist, nor was there any indication that it would exist in the future- had Mr. Provo known he would later be excluded from the opportunity to grow his business, create jobs and increase Elk River's tax base because of his involvement on the EDA through the forgivable loan program,he may have thought twice before committing to serve for six years. I feel this particular case is an exception to the rule, and I don't see the conflict of interest as long as this program is promoted and marketed equally to all eligible businesses, and Mr. Provo goes through the same process as all other applicants. Mr. Provo is a key community leader and business owner in Elk River. He bought his property from the city and received Tax Abatement and Microloan funds for his business. I feel excluding him from this opportunity will not only discourage other Elk River manufacturer's from volunteering in leadership roles in the community, but opens up all other subsidies provided business who have folks associated who sit on other boards and commissions (i.e.: Bank of Elk River, etc.) Decklan Group i