EDA

Blaine City Hall City of Blaine 10801 Town Sq Dr NE Blaine MN 55449 Anoka County, Minnesota Minutes EDA The purpose of the Blaine Economic Development Authority is to increase the City’s commercial/industrial tax base, provide employment opportunities, undertake redevelopment to enhance and maintain neighborhood economic stability, and address special needs, such as senior housing. As authorized under Minnesota State statutes, the Blaine City Council also serves as the Blaine Economic Development Authority. Public comment options prior to the meeting must be received by noon on Monday, June 15. Email comments to: PublicComment@BlaineMN.gov or phone 763-717-2782. Zoom is for members of the public who want to comment during the meeting on an agenda item. Join Zoom Webinar at https://blainemn.zoom.us/j/93136264336 Ways to watch if not commenting on an agenda item: BlaineMN.gov/Video or North Metro TV on Comcast, Apple TV, or Roku Questions? Email - Communications@BlaineMN.gov Monday, May 4, 2020 This meeting will take place immediately following the CIty Council meeting 1 Call to Order The meeting was called to order at 9:23PM by President Ryan followed by the Roll Call. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic this meeting was held virtually. 2 Roll Call Quorum Present. ALSO PRESENT: City Manager Michelle Wolfe; Community Development Director Erik Thorvig; Public Works Director Jon Haukaas; Police Chief/Safety Services Manager Brian Podany; Finance Director Joe Huss; Public Services Manager/Assistant City Manager Bob Therres; City Engineer Dan Schluender; City Planner Lori Johnson; Senior Engineering Technician Jason Sundeen; and City Clerk Catherine Sorensen. Present: 7 - President Ryan, Commissioner Swanson, Commissioner Jeppson, Commissioner Garvais, Commissioner Robertson, Commissioner Paul, and Commissioner Hovland City of Blaine Page 1 EDA Minutes May 4, 2020 3 Minutes 3-1 APPROVAL OF APRIL 20, 2020 EDA MINUTES Attachments: April 20 Minutes Moved by Commissioner Jeppson, seconded by Commissioner Robertson, that the Minutes of April 20, 2020, be approved. A roll call vote was taken. Motion adopted unanimously. Aye 7 - President Ryan Commissioner Swanson Commissioner Jeppson Commissioner Garvais Commissioner Robertson Commissioner Paul Commissioner Hovland 4 New Business 4-1 APPROVAL OF DEMOLITION LOAN AGREEMENT FOR FRESH PICKED PIZZA Attachments: Attachments Community Development Director Thorvig reported the restaurant owner of Fresh Picked Pizza is requesting a $72,500 grant to assist in the overall $145,000 demolition costs. It's not uncommon for a developer to ask for assistance with demolition costs under a redevelopment scenario. Demolition is an additional significant expense for developers who buy a redevelopment site. Redevelopment of blighted sites is a benefit to the City, so the EDA has provided demolition assistance in a variety of ways including grant and loan. Assisting a developer in demolition is often a less expensive for the EDA than the EDA purchasing a blighted property. This topic was discussed at recent workshop and there was support to provide to provide assistance to the business owner. In 2019 the EDA allocated $250,000 to a small business loan program. This program was established for projects like this and provides the EDA flexibility on terms and rates to assist small businesses. Staff noted it was not uncommon for business owners to request a demolition loan and he commented on the loans the EDA had approved in the past. He reviewed the terms of the loan in further detail with the EDA and recommended approval. Commissioner Jeppson expressed concern with the number of asks from this business owner and that the EDA could be setting a precedent in relation to current business owners who will be needing help because of the COVID-19 pandemic. She understood this site was very run down and was in need of help. She indicated she was pleased this was a loan versus a grant. Moved by Commissioner Hovland, seconded by President Ryan, that Resolution No. 20-07, “Approval of Demolition Loan Agreement for Fresh Picked Pizza,” be approved. City of Blaine Page 2 EDA Minutes May 4, 2020 A roll call vote was taken. Motion adopted 6-1 (Commissioner Jeppson opposed). Aye 6 - President Ryan Commissioner Swanson Commissioner Garvais Commissioner Robertson Commissioner Paul Commissioner Hovland Nay 1 - Commissioner Jeppson 5 Other Business None. 6 Adjournment Moved by Commissioner Robertson, seconded by President Ryan, to adjourn the meeting at 9:29PM. A roll call vote was taken. Motion adopted unanimously. Aye 7 - President Ryan Commissioner Swanson Commissioner Jeppson Commissioner Garvais Commissioner Robertson Commissioner Paul Commissioner Hovland City of Blaine Page 3