HomeMy WebLinkAboutHEDRA Minutes 05-05-2020 - Special MeetingHEDRA
HASTINGS ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT and
REDEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY
The Hastings Economic Development and Redevelopment Authority of the City of
Hastings, Minnesota met in a special meeting on Tuesday, May 5, 2020 at 6:00 p.m.
via Zoom video conference due to the COVID-19 Pandemic.
HEDRA Commissioners Present: Sullivan, Fox, Sinclair, Goblirsch, Balsanek, and
Vaughan
HEDRA Commissioners Absent: Peine
Staff Present: Community Development Director John Hinzman
Economic Development Coordinator Rusty Fifield
City Administrator Dan Wietecha
I. Quorum
II. Business
A. Resolution: Authorize Establishment of the Hastings Economic Assistance
for Recovery Together (HEART) Business Assistance Program
Fifield presented a summary of the HEART Program to assist business recovery
in implementation of COVID-19 social distancing items.
Commissioner Balsanek questioned whether Hastings Area of Chamber of
Commerce Executive Director Kristy Barse should serve on the loan selection
committee since she is not employed by the City. Fifield responded that two of
the three committee members would be affiliated with the City.
Commissioner Vaughan asked if applicants would be presenting to the loan
committee. Fifield responded that presentations were not planned.
Commissioner Fox asked for clarification on eligible grant activities. Fifield
presented a summary of activities along with proposed changes based on
business feedback.
Commissioner Balsanek asked how notification of grant availability would be
accomplished. Fifield stated notification was planned through the City’s
website and through the Chamber.
Commissioner Goblirsch provided a summary of other governmental programs
and that the HEART program was designed to fill gaps not covered by existing
programs.
Commissioner Sinclair asked how funds would be tracked to ensure
accountability. Fifield stated the grant contains a reporting requirement.
Councilmember Tina Folch shared concerns from local businesses that the grant
may not meet their existing needs to fund current expenses such as rent and
utilities and that businesses may not have sufficient grant eligible COVID
related costs to fully expend the $4,000 allocation.
President Sullivan stated that if grant funds were not fully subscribed the
program could be modified to make eligible items more general.
Commissioner Vaughan agreed with President Sullivan’s statement. Fifield
stated HEDRA will be meeting again on May 14th and could review the status of
funding at that time.
Commissioner Fox stated she supports the current program.
Motion by Commissioner Vaughan to approve HEDRA Resolution No. 2020-06
Establishing the Hastings Economic Assistance for Recovery Together
(HEART) Grant Program including the following actions:
1. The Hastings Economic Assistance for Recovery Together Grant Program is
approved pursuant to the Grant Program Description in the May 4, 2020
memorandum “HEART Grant Program – Revised”.
2. The total amount of grants awarded may not exceed $200,000.
3. The Executive Director is authorized to prepare an application form and to
solicit applications from eligible businesses.
4. A Grant Review Committee is established to review, evaluate and award
funds to the applications. John Hinzman, Kristy Barse and Bruce Goblirsch
will serve on the Committee.
Motion seconded by Commissioner Balsanek. Roll call vote: Ayes 6; Nays 0.
Motion approved.
III. Adjourn
Meeting was adjourned at 6:27pm
Next Meeting: May 14, 2020
Respectively Submitted:
John Hinzman
HEDRA Executive Director