HomeMy WebLinkAboutHEDRA Minutes - 2025.03.13-DRAFTHEDRA
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, March 13, 2025 at 6:00
p.m. at Hastings City Hall.
HEDRA Commissioners Present: Anderson, Carter, Johnson, Goblirsch, Haus, Horsch, and Pemble.
HEDRA Commissioners Absent: None
Staff Present: Community Development Director John Hinzman
I. Quorum
A quorum was established and the meeting was called to order by President
Anderson at 6:00 PM with seven members present.
II. Minutes
President Anderson asked if there were any additions or corrections to the minutes of the
regular meeting of January 9, 2025.
Minutes were approved as presented.
III. Bills
Hinzman summarized the bills including payments for membership subscriptions,
conference fees, legal services, and fees for services associated with Block 28.
Commissioner Johnson motioned to approve, seconded by Commissioner Horsch. Ayes 7;
Nays 0. Motion approved.
IV. Business
A. Block 28 Gateway – Vermillion Corridor Vision
Hinzman provided a summary of the request to have HEDRA review the
model site development outlines. Hinzman requested feedback and provide
any modifications.
Commission discussion on the improvements needed for the Fire Department
and concerns with the effect on residential development in the area.
Commissioners expressed concerns about underground water flow, sound
proofing, and shared interest in highlighting the neighboring park.
B. Façade Improvement Grant Language
Hinzman introduced the request to review the current process for the façade
improvement program. Hinzman indicated the current process allows HEDRA
to approve a specific amount to reimburse based on supplied quotes from the
applicant. To better streamline the process, staff is suggesting language be
structured to allow staff to sign off on amended grant amounts.
Commissioners expressed support for the grant language amendments.
Commissioner Haus motioned to approve the Façade Improvement Grant
Language, seconded by Commissioner Carter. Ayes 7, Nays 0. Motioned
approved.
C. Façade Improvement Program Changes
Hinzman provided a summary of the existing façade improvement program to
ensure the funds are being disbursed annually. Staff has proposed several
changes to the program to help increase utilization. Hinzman summarized
these changes which will include the removal of the location restriction,
include parking lot repair, and certain interior projects as eligible expenses.
Commissioners expressed support for broadening the program across the City
and shared concerns including interior projects within the program.
Commissioners posed questions regarding requests from businesses outside of
the currently allowed area. Hinzman indicated he has not heard requests
specific to the program but has heard from businesses interested in proposing
future projects. Commissioners discussed the priority of the program should
remain to continue focusing funds on façade improvements, discussed other
front facing qualifying projects and focusing the program on Commercial
properties.
Commissioner Horsch motioned to approve Façade Improvement Program
Changes to remove the location restrictions and include front facing parking
lot repairs as an eligible expense, seconded by Commissioner Johnson. Ayes 7,
Nays 0. Motioned approved.
D. Authorize Signature: Legal Services Contract – Campbell Knutson
Hinzman introduced the request to authorize signature to a execute a two year
agreement with Campbell Knutson to provide supplemental legal assistance
for tax increment financing and development projects.
Commissioners asked if the agreement is an extension or a new agreement for
legal services. Hinzman indicated this is a new agreement similar to the one
that is expired with the same firm.
Commissioner Pemble motioned to Authorize Signature for the Legal Services
Contract, seconded by Commissioner Haus. Ayes 7, Nays 0. Motioned
approved.
E. Resolution 2025-03: Façade Improvement Grant for 411 Vermillion Street
Hinzman introduced the request to approve the façade improvement grant for
411 Vermillion Street. The scope of the project includes removal of the
existing doorway and installation of a new door with proper hardware. The
total eligible costs are $5,425.00 which would total the grant award to
$1,808.33.
No Commission discussion.
Commissioner Johnson motioned to approve the Façade Improvement Grant
for 411 Vermillion Street, seconded by Commissioner Goblirsch. Ayes 7,
Nays 0. Motioned approved.
F. Authorize Signature: Right of First Refusal – South Frontage Rd and
Pleasant Dr
Hinzman introduced the request to authorize signature of the Right of First
Refusal for the HEDRA owned property located at the southwest corner of
Pleasant Drive and South Frontage Road with Joe Schnell of Stretch Holdings
LLC. Stretch Holdings LLC plans to conduct due diligence in conjunction
with a potential offer to purchase the property, seeking the ability to counter
any future purchase offers. Hinzman provided the specifics of the agreement.
Commissioners posed questions on if the City is marketing the property at this
time and questions regarding the purchase price. Hinzman indicated that the
City has not been actively marketing the property and the purchase price
would be negotiated at the time of first refusal. Hinzman shared the value of
the property would partially depend on grading and stormwater retention on
the property. Commissioners posed questions regarding the process and
timeline and support for the request.
Commissioner Haus motioned to Authorize Signature: Right of First Refusal –
South Frontage Rd and Pleasant Dr, seconded by Commissioner Pemble. Ayes
7, Nays 0. Motioned approved.
V. Reports and Information
A. Open to Business 4th Quarter Report
Hinzman provided an overview of the 1st quarter report.
No Commission discussion.
B. HEDRA Strategic Plan Update
Hinzman provided a summary of the Strategic Plan Update.
Commission discussion on Block 28. Hinzman indicated there is one
residential tenant remaining, indicating the building will be vacant at the end
of the month. Commissioners posed questions regarding various project
developments. Hinzman indicated the City’s Building Department is in
communication with Vermillion Acres on their current improvements and that
Suite Living Senior Apartments has indicated they plan to break ground this
Summer.
C. Development Updates:
Hinzman provided an update on current developments.
VI. Adjourn
A. Commissioner Goblirsch made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 6:38 p.m.,
seconded by Commissioner Haus. Motion passed 7-0. Meeting adjourned.
Next Meeting: Thursday, April 10, 2025
Respectively Submitted: Emily King