12-17-2018 EDA MIN SPECIAL - Laserfiche WebLink

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City of Elk River Members Present: Members Absent: Special Meeting of the Elk River Economic Development Authority Held at the Elk River City Hall Monday, December 17, 2018 President Dan Tveite, Commissioners Jerry Olsen, Matt Westgaard, Nate Ovall, Jennifer Wagner, and Charlie Blesener Commissioner Provo Staff Present: Economic Development Director Amanda Othoudt, Economic Development Specialist Colleen Eddy, and Deputy Clerk Jessica Miller I . 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 5:00 p.m. by President Tveite. 2.1 Energy Incentive Program Ms. Othoudt presented the staff report and a draft Energy Incentive Program policy. Commissioner Westgaard questioned if we are missing out by not including existing buildings. Dan Weber, Assistant Sherburne County Administrator, indicated we are not because no new property taxes would be generated from an existing building. President Tveite stated this seems like a program that would help attract retail or larger projects and any tool we can implement to assist in that is good. Ms. Othoudt explained this program would be a tool used to seal the deal on larger projects, something other cities don't offer. Commissioner Wagner questioned if the business could apply for multiple programs as it could cost the city a lot. Ms. Othoudt indicated businesses can apply for all programs for which they qualify noting the City Council has final authority to approve or deny requests. Commissioner Blesener recommended recouping actual fees during the application process. Ms. Othoudt explained the applications for this program could be handled like other applications with an escrow up front with actual costs tallied and any remaining money refunded after approval. President Tveite indicated he would like to keep the fee structure similar to other programs for consistency.