HomeMy WebLinkAboutHEDRA Minutes - 2024.06.13HEDRA
HASTINGS ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT and
REDEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY
The Hastings Economic Development and Redevelopment Authority of the City of
Hastings, Minnesota met in a regular meeting on Thursday, June 13, 2024 at 6:00
p.m. at Hastings City Hall.
HEDRA Commissioners Present: Anderson, Carter, Goblirsch, Horsch, and Pemble.
HEDRA Commissioners Absent: Johnson and Fox
Staff Present: Community Development Director John Hinzman
Economic Development Coordinator Alex Menke
I. Quorum
A quorum was established, and the meeting was called to order by Vice President
Anderson at 6:00 PM with five members present.
II. Minutes
Vice President Anderson asked if there were any additions or corrections to the minutes of
the prior meetings. Regular meeting of May 7, 2024 and Special Meeting of June 6, 2024.
Commissioner Pemble motioned to approve the minutes as presented, seconded by
Commissioner Horsch. Minutes were approved as presented.
III. Bills
Hinzman summarized the bills from last month and explained the biggest expense was the
annual membership to Open to Business ($5,500). He continues by explaining that 213
Ramsey Street had some energy costs, there were minimal legal fees, and Block 28
landscape fees will be gone due to the rent agreement with Spiral Pizza.
Commissioner Horsch motioned to approve the resolution, seconded by Commissioner
Goblirsch. Ayes 5; Nays 0. Motion approved.
IV. Business
A. Authorize Purchase of Property: 400 Vermillion Street
This item was removed from this meetings agenda due to not having agreement
on the sale price.
B. Resolution 2024-08: Redevelopment Incentive Grant – 213 Sibley Street
Menke explains that the staff have received an application from the property
owner, Alan Blankenship, for façade improvement Grant funds to make
upgrades to the Marquee. The upgrades include finishing painting, upgrading
the lighting, and tiling the underside. The project has eligible costs totaling
$5,000 and under the program, $1,666.67 would be able to be reimbursed.
Menke continues by stating that Alan Blankenship needs to be in
communication with the Historic Preservation Committee and get all work
approved.
Commissioners discussed that the improvements would look great. Has all
been converted into offices or is the theater still there.
Hinzman explains there is a combination of theater, office, and residential
space in the building at the moment.
Commissioner Horsch motioned to approve this resolution, seconded by
Commissioner Carter.
Ayes 5; Nays 0. Motion approved.
V. Reports and Information
A. Discuss 2025 Budget Priorities
Hinzman explains that we are starting the 2025 budget, and they need to
determine HEDRA priorities. Hinzman summarizes the strategic plan that was
developed and the possibility of funding needs, HEDRA contains 2 different
funding sources. Hinzman continues by summarizing where the funds come
from. This year is a tough budget year because of PFAS treatment plants that
need constructing and that takes up a big portion of the budget. Hinzman states
that there is priorities and other activities to fund, but we need to keep this
large expense in mind.
Hinzman summarizes the 2024 budget. The major topic brought up in last
year’s budget consist of:
- Façade Improvement Program Grants
- Revolving Loan Funds
- Downtown Environmental Cleanup
- Expert and Consultant Service
- Business Incubator
- Western Highway 55 Annexation
- Repair and Maintenance of Buildings
- Community Development Intern
- Marketing
Hinzman will put together a budget for HEDRA activities to provide to the
City Administrator and to the Finance Committee of Council.
HEDRA discusses the most to least important items when it comes to funding.
Commissioner Johnson questions that of the $50,000 in the budget how much
of the Façade Improvement Program and the Revolving Loan Fund have we
used.
Hinzman anticipates $10,000 to $15,000 for the Façade Improvement Program
(2 applications).
Menke explains that a Revolving Loan Fund has not come through in at least 1
year.
Hinzman summarized the Revolving Loan Fund uses in the past.
Commissioner Carter comments that reserving funds for businesses on
highway 61 shows we are prepared and are being mindful.
Commissioner Goblirsch questions the portfolio size of the loans.
Hinzman replies by stating there has been no report on that in a long time.
President Johnson explains that having 0 businesses close on Highway 61
during the construction is very important as well as the money for the
environmental cleanup.
Commissioner Horsch agrees with everything stated about 61. She explains
that there will be a work session with the CDA. She states we are lacking on
being proactive on housing issues.
Commissioner Pemble summarizes how he feels about the budget and explains
that we will have to adjust depending on future budget discussions.
B. Makers Market Update:
Menke provided an update on Makers Market. Events will be held every other
Thursday with the first event being held tonight. Over 30 vendors have signed
up.
C. SE Real Estate Event:
Menke provided an update on the event. Over 125 people attended, with most
being commercial realtors. Many Hastings projects were highlighted
including the shovel ready land in the Industrial Park and the Confluence.
D. Development Updates:
Hinzman provided a summary of development updates.
VI. Adjourn
A. Commissioner Goblirsch made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 7:10 p.m.,
seconded by Commissioner Pemble. Motion passed 5-0. Meeting adjourned
at 7:20pm.
Next Meeting: Thursday, July 11, 2024
Respectively Submitted: Lindsey Duggan