4.1. DRAFT MINUTES (2 SETS) 03-18-2019

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Special Meeting of the Elk River Economic Development Authority Held at the Elk River City Hall Tuesday, February 19, 2019 Members Present: President Dan Tveite, Commissioners Garrett Christianson, Matt Westgaard, Nate Ovall (4:35 p.m.), and Jennifer Wagner Members Absent: Commissioners Bryan Provo and Charlie Blesener Staff Present: Economic Development Director Amanda Othoudt, Economic Development Specialist Colleen Eddy, Elk River Municipal Utilities Conservation and Key Account Manager Tom Sagstetter, and City Clerk Tina Allard 1. Call Meeting to Order Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, the meeting of the Elk River Economic Development Authority was called to order at 4:30 p.m. by President Tveite. 2. Work Session-Energy Incentive Program Ms. Othoudt presented the staff report. She reviewed the Economic Development Energy Incentive Program Policy and discussed goals, requirements, and annual Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILOT) as outlined in her presentation. She stated this would be a unique incentive tool not utilized in other cities. The commission discussed whether the program should be for any types of businesses who can meet the policy requirements or strictly for data centers. They also discussed job creation criteria. The commission questioned if data centers needed more incentives. Ms. Othoudt reviewed past projects along with their job creation, taxes and economic output. She noted job creation numbers can vary based on the business type. Chair Tveite feels the underlying goal is to attract larger manufacturers. Commissioner Ovall questioned the need for a lengthy application and review process. He stated he preferred an auto-eligibility process whereby a staff checklist could be utilized. He asked is the juice worth the squeeze because an applicant doesn’t want to go through a lengthy process when they don’t know exactly what they’re getting. He further commented some of the incentive amounts suggested in the draft program seems nominal.