HomeMy WebLinkAboutHEDRA Minutes - 2025.09.11HEDRA
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, September 11, 2025 at 6:00
p.m. at Hastings City Hall.
HEDRA Commissioners Present: Anderson, Carter, Johnson, Haus, Horsch, and Pemble.
HEDRA Commissioners Absent: Goblirsch
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
Anderson at 6:00 PM with seven members present.
Commissioner Haus motioned to add the resolution to approve an internal loan for the
purchase of 400 Vermillion St. to the Business portion of the agenda, seconded by
Commissioner Carter. Ayes 6; Nays 0. Motion approved.
II. Minutes
President Anderson asked if there were any additions or corrections to the minutes of the
regular meeting of August 14, 2025.
Minutes were approved as presented.
III. Bills
Hinzman summarized the bills including payments for staff education, legal services, and
fees for utilities associated with Block 28.
Commissioner Horsch motioned to approve, seconded by Commissioner Pemble. Ayes 6;
Nays 0. Motion approved.
IV. Business
A. Strategic Plan Quarterly Update
Hinzman reviewed the 2024 – 2025 HEDRA Strategic Plan and reviewed the
specific project items.
Commission discussion on the original timing of the HWY 61 reconstruction
project and the impact it may have on future development to Block 28.
Commission discussion on the Block 16 parking lot and potential interest in
having the property appraised and the potential risks and costs associated with
selling part of the property. Commissioners posed questions regarding an
update on the location of Spiral Pizza and the future of the development lot.
Commissioners posed questions regarding any environmental challenges of the
Block 28 site. Menke provided an update on the authorized agreement with
GZA GeoEnvironmental, Inc. for geotechnical engineering services for Block
28.
B. Authorize Signature: Appraisal Services – Block 16 TaTonka
Menke introduced the request to authorize signature for appraisal services for
Block 16. The existing parking lot was constructed using funds from State
bonding with a 40-year lease with Met Council. Menke provided an overview
of the steps needed to absolve the property of the lease.
Commissioners inquired whether the City had previously worked with the
advisory firm. Menke responded that, while he has not personally worked with
the firm before, he received their contact information from another department
within the City.
Commissioner Pemble motioned to authorize signature for Appraisal Services
with TaTonka Real Estate Advisors, seconded by Commissioner Carter. Ayes
6, Nays 0. Motioned approved.
C. Resolution: Authorize 2026 HRA Levy
Menke introduced the request for the proposed 2026 HRA Levy. Staff is
recommending the full HRA tax levy which would generate approximately
$548,904 in revenue for HEDRA.
No Commission discussion.
Commissioner Haus motioned to adopt the 2026 HRA Levy, seconded by
Commissioner Johnson. Ayes 6, Nays 0. Motioned approved.
D. Resolution: Façade Improvement Program Grant – 2137 Vermillion St.
Menke introduced the request to rebuild the outside of the building to
accommodate a new business relocating from another City. The total costs of
the improvements are projected to be above $16,000.00. Staff is seeking a
motion to approve the grant award in the amount of $5,000.00.
No Commission discussion.
Commissioner Horsch motioned to approve the Façade Improvement Grant for
2137 Vermillion St., seconded by Commissioner Pemble. Ayes 6, Nays 0.
Motioned approved.
E. Resolution: Approval of Internal Loan – Purchase of 400 Vermillion St.
Hinzman introduced the request to authorize the approval of an interfund loan
from the City Council for the purchase of the former Wells Fargo Bank
property at 400 Vermillion St. On November 4, 2024, the City Council
approved a financing plan to allow HEDRA to purchase the property as part of
the Block 28 Gateway Redevelopment Project. The approved plan for the
$700,000 purchase consisted of $300,000 in HEDRA Fund Reserves and the
requested internal loan of $400,000 to HEDRA which will be repaid through
HEDRA revenues.
Commissioners posed questions regarding repayment of the loan and updates
regarding the Rio Gran sale. Hinzman indicated the repayments would be
taken from revenue from future sales of property owned by HEDRA and
provided an update on the sale of the lot to Rio Gran.
Commissioner Carter motioned to approve the internal loan for the purchase of
400 Vermillion St., seconded by Commissioner Johnson. Ayes 6, Nays 0.
Motioned approved.
V. Reports and Information
A. Industrial Park Marketing – Gaughan
Menke provided an update on the brokerage agreement with Gaughan
Companies to market the 50-acre Industrial Park site.
No Commission discussion.
B. Downtown Parking Study
Hinzman provided a summary of the 2025 Downtown Parking Study.
No Commission discussion.
C. Development Updates:
Hinzman provided an update on current developments.
Commissioners posed questions regarding 315 Pine Street - Thorwood and
Vermillion Acres. Hinzman provided an update on the reconstruction project
at 315 – Pine Street - Thorwood. Hinzman shared there is no definitive
timeline for completion.
VI. Adjourn
A. Commissioner Haus made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 6:49 p.m.,
seconded by Commissioner Johnson. Motion passed 6-0. Meeting
adjourned.
Next Meeting: Thursday, October 9, 2025
Respectively Submitted: Emily King