HomeMy WebLinkAboutII.A - Minutes - May 7HEDRA
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 Tuesday, May 7, 2024 at 6:00
p.m. at Hastings City Hall.
HEDRA Commissioners Present: Johnson, Carter, Fox, Goblirsch, Horsch, and Pemble.
HEDRA Commissioners Absent: Anderson
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 President Johnson
at 6:00 PM with six members present.
II. Minutes
President Johnson asked if there were any additions or corrections to the minutes of the
regular meeting of April 11, 2024.
Commissioner Pemble motioned to approve the minutes as presented, seconded by
Commissioner Goblirsch.
Minutes were approved as presented.
III. Bills
Hinzman summarized the bills and pointed out the payments for a façade improvement
grant, legal bills, and staff development conference expenses. President Johnson asked if
there were questions regarding the bills.
Commissioner Horsch motioned to approve the resolution, seconded by Commissioner Fox.
Ayes 6; Nays 0. Motion approved.
IV. Business
A. Wastewater Treatment Plant Update – Land North of Artspace
Hinzman introduced Public Works Director Ryan Stempski and Chad
Davison, Metropolitan Council. Mr. Davison provided a summary of the
Wastewater Treatment Plan relocation and the need to place a lift station and
associated infrastructure near the existing plant location. Davison provided an
overview of the six properties that were reviewed for the project. Stempski
provided additional detail of the potential improvements.
Commissioners discussed the need for some kind of public use on the lot along
with the station and expressed support on the various resources the potential
improvements may offer. Commissioners discussed the potential impact to
businesses and residents in the Downtown area. Hinzman clarified the items
presented are hypothetical but help provide a better understanding of the
potential of the space. Commissioners posed questions regarding existing lines
and the placement and size of the generator. Stempski clarified the lines exist
already. Davison provided an overview of the construction needs to be able to
complete the project. Stempski shared they have been in communication with
Xcel Energy to ensure compliance and constructability. Commissioners
expressed concerns regarding security of the facility, timeframe of
construction, and decommissioning of the old plant. Stempski shared security
measures are being considered. Davison provided an overview of the
timeframe for construction and decommissioning.
Commissioner Pemble motioned to endorse the proposed relocation site,
seconded by Commissioner Carter. Ayes 6, Nays 0. Motioned approved.
B. Strategic Plan
Hinzman reviewed the 2024 – 2025 HEDRA Strategic Plan and reviewed the
specific project items.
Commissioners discussed the timeline of the TH 61 reconstruction project and
the importance of affordable housing. Hinzman indicated reconstruction
information is not readily available.
Commissioner Fox motioned to adopt the 2024 – 2025 Strategic Plan,
seconded by Commissioner Carter. Ayes 6, Nays 0. Motioned approved.
C. Rio Gran Extension
Menke introduced the request to extend the Purchase Agreement. The buyer is
required to receive site plan approvals before closing on the property. Initial
evaluation of their site plan concluded insufficient geotechnical information.
Gathering the proper information will delay the site plan approval process.
No Commission discussion.
Commissioner Horsch motioned to approve the Rio Gran Purchase Agreement
Extension, seconded by Commissioner Pemble. Ayes 6, Nays 0. Motioned
approved.
D. Lease Agreement – 5th Street Garage
Menke introduced the request to approve the lease agreement for the garage
space at 114 5th Street West for storing equipment. Hastings Holding
Company LLC originally inquired about placing a storage container on the
property, City staff proposed leasing one of the garages. In lieu of cash
payments, the lessee will perform lawn mowing services for the property. The
lease is effective until May 30, 2026.
Commission discussion on the need to clean up the overgrown vegetation,
posed questions on liability insurance requirements for the lessee as well as the
responsible party for snow removal. Menke indicated the vegetation will be
cleaned up. Hinzman shared the liability insurance for the structure with the
equipment stored inside falls on Hastings Holding Company LLC and that the
Parks and Recreation Department is handling snow removal. Commissioners
discussed potential ramifications of not maintaining the lawn. Hinzman shared
potential outcomes.
Commissioner Fox motioned to approve the Strategic Plan, seconded by
Commissioner Carter. Ayes 6, Nays 0. Motioned approved.
V. Reports and Information
A. Makers Market Update
Menke provided a summary of the upcoming 2024 Makers Market season.
Menke shared there is an increase in the number of events to six, occurring on
the second and fourth Thursdays of June, July, and August. Menke introduced
the new non-refundable fee registration fee of $50.00 which allows vendors to
attend all six events.
Commissioners discussed the potential of funding for the Summer Concert
Series again. Hinzman indicated staff work closely with the Parks and
Recreation Department for scheduling these events.
B. SE Real Estate Event
Menke shared information on the 2nd annual Southeast Metro Development
Summit which provides real estate professionals an in-depth view into the
development climate of the southeast metro area. Hinzman shared Hastings
will be represented at the event through recent developers in the area.
C. Open to Business 1st Quarter Report
Hinzman provided an overview of the 1st quarter report.
Commission expressed appreciation for the Open to Business program.
D. Development Updates:
Hinzman provided an update on current developments.
Commissioners posed questions of the location of the Hwy 55 small area plan
and if a future industrial park is being considered. Menke clarified the
location. Hinzman shared land on the County Road 46 Corridor is designated
for industrial park space in the Comprehensive Plan.
VI. Adjourn
A. Commissioner Goblirsch made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 7:10 p.m.,
seconded by Commissioner Pemble. Motion passed 6-0. Meeting adjourned.
Next Meeting: Thursday, June 13, 2024
Respectively Submitted: Emily King