HomeMy WebLinkAboutHEDRA Minutes 06-11-2020HEDRA
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 11, 2020 at 6:00
p.m. via Zoom video conference.
HEDRA Commissioners Present: Sullivan, Peine, Fox, Goblirsch, Balsanek, and
Vaughan.
HEDRA Commissioners Absent: Sinclair
Staff Present: Community Development Director John Hinzman
Economic Development Coordinator Rusty Fifield
City Administrator Dan Wietecha
I. Quorum
A quorum was established and the meeting was called to order by President Sullivan
at 6:00 PM with six members present.
II. Minutes
Motion by Commissioner Vaughan to approve the minutes from the May 14, 2020
Regular Meeting as presented. Seconded by Commissioner Fox. Roll call vote: Ayes 6;
Nays 0. Motion approved.
III. Bills
Hinzman summarized the bills.
Commissioner Goblirsch motioned to approve as presented, seconded by Commissioner
Fox. Roll call vote: Ayes 6; Nays 0. Motion approved.
IV. Business
A. Preliminary Development Agreement - Spades
Fifield introduced Ray Menard, Bill Keneally, and Joy Hazucha from Spades
SBC who seek to acquire a 1.5 acre HEDRA owned parcel located north of
Artspace to construct an office building site for Spades SBC
Ray Menard, CEO of Spades provided a summary of Spades operation which
involves tree growing technology and the establishment of a special benefits
corporation (SBC) to meet the demands of tree planting around the world. They
are exploring the HEDRA site to house 200 employees and seek execution of a
Preliminary Development Agreement to provide a period of exclusivity for
potential acquisition.
President Sullivan thanked Spades for their presentation and asked how planting
involves private property and how they work with governments to ensure
success. Mr. Menard stated they have worked with governments and
indigenous peoples throughout the world.
Commissioner Vaughan asked how much time Spades is looking for from the
City to review the site. Mr. Menard stated 1.5 to two years. Fundraising is
occurring now and will continue over the next six months.
Commissioner Balsanek asked if any other locations are being considered for
their site. Mr. Menard stated Hastings is their first choice; this is his hometown.
The setting on the Mississippi River is also a draw.
Mr. Fifield stated in all his years of economic development he has not seen
something like this before, being on the ground floor of an opportunity that
could have a substantial effect on the future of Hastings.
Mr. Menard stated Spades is currently partnering with billion dollar companies
to provide tree planting projects in four dozen nations throughout the world.
Commissioner Balsanek asked about the potential for other businesses being
attracted to the area due to Spades’ presence. Would a business incubator be
helpful? What would be the expertise of the planned 200 employees? Mr.
Menard stated he believed there would be growth in related businesses. They
are primarily a tech and financial company. He agrees additional incubator
space would be helpful. The presence of high speed internet on the Hastings
bridge is also helpful. The Hastings location would contain highly educated
executives, environmental, marketing, accounting, and tech people.
Commissioner Goblirsch asked what are the goals of fundraising and
development over the next six months. Mr. Menard stated fundraising for trees
and start up capital for the company.
Commissioner Vaughan asked if we should wait on drafting an agreement prior
to hearing the other offer from Mint Development for the site. Mr. Fifield
stated drafting an agreement would not take too much time, and would provide
the Board a more complete proposal to consider along with Mint Development.
Motion by Commissioner Peine to draft a preliminary development agreement
with Spades for future consideration by HEDRA. Seconded by Commissioner
Balsanek. Roll call vote. Motion approved 6-0.
B. Strategic Plan for Economic Development
Mr. Fifield presented an update to the Strategic Plan.
Commissioner Goblirsch stated housing growth continues to be important.
Commissioner Peine stated the Spades proposal will bring a different housing
need to the City.
Mr. Fifield stated the Downtown Property Use Study will be a helpful tool in
determining future housing needs.
V. Reports and Information
A. Commercial Vacancy
Mr. Hinzman indicated changes in vacancy
B. COVID Business Flexibility
Mr. Hinzman provided an update on measures taken to assist businesses
including expanded use of sidewalks, use of on street parking for dining, and
installation of more seating and toilets in the downtown.
C. Development Update
Mr. Hinzman provided the following development updates:
Epcon Development is holding a neighborhood meeting on June 11th
to discuss a concept for 33 detached senior villa homes at Pleasant
and Northridge
Spiral Brewery has submitted plans for roof top seating.
VI. Adjourn
Commissioner Vaughan motioned to adjourn the meeting at 7:29 p.m., seconded by
Commissioner Goblirsch. Roll call vote. Motion passed 6-0.
Next Meeting: July 9, 2020
Respectively Submitted:
John Hinzman