04-16-2018 EDA MIN - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

Economic Development Authority Minutes Page 2 April 16,2018 6.1 Director's Report III Ms. Othoudt presented the Director's Report. Ms. Othoudt asked for input on a date for an EDA retreat to set goals and strategic planning for the next year.The tentative date was set at May 25, 2018 from 8:00 a.m. — 10:00 a.m. Ms. Othoudt stated the city does not currently have a sale and acquisition policy. President Tveite asked if there are state guidelines. Ms. Othoudt responded that the League of MN Cities establishes criteria but does not set policy;policy is set by individual communities. 7. Other Business There was no other business. In order to extract value from the Golden Shovel Report, Commissioner Ovall asked that information on the report, such as statistics,bounce rate, and average session duration,be clarified as it is unclear whether they are good or bad analytics. He also asked the cost of the report. Ms. Eddy responded that the report cost is split between the HRA and EDA with each paying$5,700. III Commissioner Olsen arrived at 5:43 p.m. The Commissioner recessed at 5:45 p.m. in order to go into work session. The Commissioner reconvened the meeting at 5:47 p.m. 8.1 Business Incubator Program Policy Ms. Othoudt presented the staff report. The intended purpose of the Business Incubator Program would be to assist home based businesses and startups in finding leasable space. President Tveite stated it is not practical for many home based businesses to have a location outside the home because of the amount of money they are earning. Ms. Othoudt asked if the commission may be interested in setting aside funds to test the program. Commissioner Westgaard asked if any of the current EDA programs could help home based businesses find a location. Ms. Othoudt responded that current programs assist in purchasing equipment and focus on helping already established businesses. IIII 1 0 ■ EAE 1 1 1 NATURE