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. 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. Monday, December 6, 2021 Council Chambers Meeting will take place immediately following the City Council meeting 1 Call to Order The meeting was called to order at 9:18PM by President Sanders followed by the Roll Call. 2 Roll Call PRESENT: President Tim Sanders, Commissioners Wes Hovland, Julie Jeppson, Chris Massoglia, Richard Paul, and Jess Robertson. ABSENT: Commissioner Jason Smith. Quorum Present. ALSO PRESENT: City Manager Michelle Wolfe; Community Development Specialist Elizabeth Showalter; Public Works Director Jon Haukaas; Police Chief/Safety Services Manager Brian Podany; Finance Director Joe Huss; City Engineer Dan Schluender; City Planner Lori Johnson; Communications Manager Ben Hayle; and City Clerk Catherine Sorensen. Present: 6 - Commissioner Jeppson, Commissioner Robertson, Commissioner Paul, Commissioner Hovland, Commissioner Massoglia, and President Sanders Absent: 1 - Commissioner Smith 3 Minutes .Title 3-1 Approval of the November 15, 2021 EDA Minutes City of Blaine Page 1 EDA Minutes December 6, 2021 Attachments: November 15 Minutes Moved by Commissioner Robertson, seconded by Commissioner Jeppson, that the Minutes of November 15, 2021, be approved. Motion adopted 5-0-1 (Commissioner Hovland abstained). Aye 5 - Commissioner Jeppson Commissioner Robertson Commissioner Paul Commissioner Massoglia President Sanders Abstain 1 - Commissioner Hovland 4 New Business 4-1 Loan Origination Contract Renewal Attachments: Center for Energy and Environment Proposal Community Development Specialist Showalter stated the Center for Energy and Environment (CEE) has served as the loan originator for the home improvement loan program since it was created in 1998. As the EDA’s contract with CEE is expiring at the end of year, staff issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) for loan origination services. CEE was the only respondent to the RFP and staff recommends renewal of the contract. They have provided excellent service to borrowers and the EDA. The contract outlines the fees charged to the EDA for the services provided. The services provided by CEE are not able to be completed by city staff due to the volume and specialized nature of the work. CEE also administers other loan programs that Blaine residents are eligible for, giving prospective borrowers a greater range of lending options. Commissioner Paul asked how many loans are applied for each year by Blaine residents. Ms. Showalter reported the number of loans have been down in the past few years. She estimated there has been one to three loans per year. She noted in previous years there had been 15 up to 15 loans. She was hoping that with modifications, more loans would be applied for. She noted the EDA approved changes to the program in order to better utilize these restricted funds. Moved by Commissioner Robertson, seconded by Commissioner Hovland, that Resolution No. 21-19, “Loan Origination Contract Renewal,” be approved. Motion adopted unanimously. Aye 6 - Commissioner Jeppson Commissioner Robertson Commissioner Paul Commissioner Hovland Commissioner Massoglia President Sanders 5 Other Business None. 6 Adjournment City of Blaine Page 2 EDA Minutes December 6, 2021 Moved by Commissioner Robertson, seconded by Commissioner Jeppson, to adjourn the meeting at 9:28PM. Motion adopted unanimously. Aye 6 - Commissioner Jeppson Commissioner Robertson Commissioner Paul Commissioner Hovland Commissioner Massoglia President Sanders City of Blaine Page 3