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. This meeting will be a hybrid of Zoom and in-person. The Mayor has signed a declaration allowing members of the council, staff, and the public to attend the meeting remotely via Zoom as has been done during the COVID-19 pandemic. The council chambers will have limited seating, with audience chairs being set up at least six feet apart. There will be an overflow area where the meeting can be watched in the Cloverleaf Farms Room, also with chairs set up at least six feet apart. Please note that all visitors to city hall are required to wear a face mask while inside the building. Public comments may be submitted prior to the meeting by sending an email to PublicComment@BlaineMN.gov or by calling 763-717-2782 no later than Noon on Monday, July 6. Public comment during the meeting will be taken both remotely via Zoom and in-person in the council chambers. Members of the public can join the Zoom webinar at, https://blainemn.zoom.us/j/99599968252. Monday, June 15, 2020 7:20 PM Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, city meetings will now be held as virtual meetings until further notice 1 Call to Order The meeting was called to order at 7:28PM. 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; Communications Technician Roark Haver; Communications City of Blaine Page 1 EDA Minutes June 15, 2020 Coordinator Ben Hayle; and City Clerk Catherine Sorensen. Present: 7 - President Ryan, Commissioner Swanson, Commissioner Jeppson, Commissioner Garvais, Commissioner Robertson, Commissioner Paul, and Commissioner Hovland 3 Minutes 3-1 APPROVAL OF JUNE 1, 2020 EDA MINUTES Attachments: Unapproved Minutes 060120 Moved by Commissioner Robertson, seconded by Commissioner Jeppson, that the Minutes of June 1, 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 ESTABLISHING AN EMERGENCY FUNDING PROGRAM FOR BUSINESSES RELATED TO COVID-19 Community Development Director Thorvig stated since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, there have been a multitude of programs offered to businesses from the state and federal level to assist them with the financial impacts of COVID-19. Staff has been monitoring programs that other cities have offered. There are several peer cities, including Edina, Brooklyn Park, Maple Grove, St. Louis Park, Richfield, and Minnetonka that have adopted grant/loan programs. The structure between cities is very similar and generally involves a $250,000-$300,000 allocation from the HRA or EDA, a maximum loan/grant amount of $7,500-$10,000, and an application scoring system to prioritize need. Staff feels it is an appropriate time for Blaine to consider adopting an emergency program for businesses related to the financial impacts of COVID-19. The proposed structure of the program was discussed and it was noted this program was modeled after similar programs in other cities. Staff commented further on the proposed program and noted the program may be eligible for reimbursement through the CARES Act, but staff was still uncertain. President Ryan commented he supported the proposed loan program. Commissioner Robertson explained she would like more information on whether or not the program would be reimbursed by the CARES Act. She understood this was EDA dollars and not general fund dollars, however, she also knew this was a challenging time for the City. She supported the City offering loans versus fully City of Blaine Page 2 EDA Minutes June 15, 2020 forgivable grants. Commissioner Hovland stated wanted to see the EDA supporting its local businesses because they pay taxes and provide jobs. He explained he could support providing loans with a 0% interest rate. President Ryan reported the local businesses have been struggling March through July. He anticipated these dollars may save a few businesses. Commissioner Jeppson agreed the EDA should be giving preference to the businesses applying for aid. She recommended the EDA use these dollars to help businesses survive and make it through these tough times. Commissioner Garvais stated he also supported President Ryan and Commissioner Jeppson’s comments. Commissioner Paul explained he supported using these funds to help local businesses that were struggling at this time. He reported he supported the EDA offering loans without interest. Commissioner Swanson supported the EDA offering grants. Commissioner Robertson commented she wanted to make sure the EDA’s message was consistent, given the fact the City has had several requests in the last six months from other struggling local business owners. She recommended the loans be described as being forgivable. Commissioner Jeppson agreed the program should be established with full forgivable loans and not be deemed grants. Commissioner Garvais supported this recommendation. Moved by Commissioner Robertson, seconded by President Ryan, that Resolution No. 20-10, “Establishing an Emergency Funding Program for Businesses Related to COVID-19,” be approved. Amendment moved by President Ryan, seconded by Commissioner Swanson, that the program be established with fully forgivable loans. A roll call vote was taken. Amended motion adopted unanimously. Aye 7 - President Ryan Commissioner Swanson Commissioner Jeppson Commissioner Garvais Commissioner Robertson Commissioner Paul Commissioner Hovland 5 Other Business None. City of Blaine Page 3 EDA Minutes June 15, 2020 6 Adjournment Moved by Commissioner Jeppson, seconded by Commissioner Robertson, to adjourn the meeting at 7:47PM. 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 4