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Economic Development Authority Minutes Page 5 January 20, 2015 property value abatement. In his position, he can only offer all options to an applicant, and in this case, full abatement is an option that applies. President Tveite concurred that the policy does allow a full abatement and noted there may be exceptions that would benefit from that, but stated in the future to communicate to future applicants that "historically" this is how the EDA has applied the policy and if an applicant feels their reasons to veer off from history because it's compelling they could do so with their eyes wide open. Moved by Commissioner Westgaard and seconded by Commissioner Provo to approve Coin- tainees request for reimbursement for tax abatement application fees in the amount of $5,000. Motion carried 7 -0. Commissioner Provo stated he appreciated the applicant choosing to stay in Elk River even without a full abatement and apologized for the situation. Mr. Walters stated his meeting with Mr. Barnhart was a totally different experience, noting this type of situation will never happen again. He stated he felt Mr. Barnhart was extremely efficient, communicates well, and feels changes are being made in the right direction. Commissioner Westgaard directed staff to address an adjustment with the bill with Springsted. Mr. Barnhart noted the city has used Ehlers & Associates in the past until very recently switching to Springsted. 6.8 Sale of Lots I and 2, Block I, Natures Edge Business Center II Mr. Barnhart presented staff report. The first discussion was regarding the FDA's discretion in selling its own land, and the need to deviate from the master plan for the area to support the project at this location; did they wish to sell the property fora truck service and sales enterprise. Commissioner Provo supported the sale of this property for a truck service and sales enterprise, noting he felt it aligned with the goals to create jobs and a tax base. He felt they were proposing a beautiful facility, and felt it would outperform any other tax base and job performance goals in town. He also asked that a fruit basket be sent to thank them for coming to Elk River. Commissioner Dwyer had previously expressed concern with the size of the proposed building in comparison to the amount of taxes it would generate. He stated he wasn't wild about this project on this site, but after analyzing other commercial property tax amounts in the area, and finding out this business would generate