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HomeMy WebLinkAboutHEDRA Minutes - 2025.10.09-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, October 9, 2025 at 6:00 p.m. at Hastings City Hall. HEDRA Commissioners Present: Carter, Goblirsch, Haus, Horsch, and Johnson. HEDRA Commissioners Absent: Anderson and Pemble 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 Vice President Carter at 6:00 PM with five members present. II. Minutes Vice President Carter asked if there were any additions or corrections to the minutes of the regular meeting of September 11, 2025. Minutes were approved as presented. III. Bills Hinzman summarized the bills including payments for staff subscriptions, staff education and fees for utilities associated with Block 28. Commissioner Horsch motioned to approve, seconded by Commissioner Goblirsch. Ayes 5; Nays 0. Motion approved. IV. Business A. (1) Block 28 – Gateway Environmental – Phase I Environmental Report Menke reviewed the previously executed contract with GZA GeoEnvironmental, Inc. to perform a Phase I Environmental Site Assessment (ESA) and a Hazardous Material Assessment. Staff received the reports from the consultants which indicated evidence of recognized environmental conditions were found. Menke shared the consultant is recommending a Phase II ESA be performed along with planning to prepare a Response Action Plan (RAP) and any abatement plans for hazardous materials found. Commission discussion regarding the specific initiatives and activities in Phase II. Hinzman provided an overview of the different components and timeline of Phase II. (2) Resolution 2025-10: Authorize Submittal of Application for Tax Based Revitalization Account Grant Menke introduced the request to authorize submittal of an application for a Tax Based Revitalization Account – Site Investigation Grant to financially assist HEDRA in performing a Phase II ESA, develop a Response Action Plan (RAP) and an Abatement Plan for Block 28. This grant is administered by the Metropolitan Council and total grant allowance is up to $50,000 to assist in further environmental investigation activities. Menke indicated this requires a 25% match and that the grant funds must be spent in one year. The Commission discussed the source of funding for the 25% match. Menke stated that HEDRA had budgeted for professional services and that the funds would be drawn from that allocation. Commissioner Haus motioned to authorize submittal of an Application for Tax Based Revitalization Account Grant, seconded by Commissioner Johnson. Ayes 5, Nays 0. Motioned approved. B. Resolution 2025:09: Façade Improvement Program Grant – Hafstad – 221 Sibley St Menke introduced the request for a façade improvement program grant from Luke Hafstad, representing the property at 221 Sibley St. The project includes replacing windows and tuckpointing. The project has eligible costs totaling $9,440.00 which would allow for the grant award to amount to $5,000.00. No Commission discussion. Commissioner Horsch motioned to approve the Façade Improvement Program Grant for 221 Sibley St., seconded by Commissioner Goblirsch. Ayes 5, 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. Business Retention & Expansion Visits Menke provided an overview of the visits staff had Intek Plastics to discuss their remodel. Menke indicated staff are scheduling visits with Allina Health, ABM Machining, Graphic Design, Inc. and Ardent Mills. The Commission discussed how staff determines which businesses to visit. Menke explained that visits are planned by analyzing employer size, prior knowledge of businesses that have expressed interest in expansion and by making introductory calls. Commissioners expressed appreciation to staff for their work with local businesses. C. Development Updates: Hinzman provided an update on current developments. Commission discussion on the next steps with the Hastings Coop Creamery. Hinzman provided additional information into the communications with the owner’s legal representative and next steps. Commissioners posed questions regarding the Walden – Red Wing Blvd. and Michael Avenue plans. Hinzman noted that 310 Design Build is eager to begin work on the site and has proposed a demanding timeline for the project. Hinzman shared the plans contain a smaller number of housing units than previously proposed, but the developable area remains the same. VI. Adjourn A. Commissioner Haus made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 6:19 p.m., seconded by Commissioner Johnson. Motion passed 5-0. Meeting adjourned. Next Meeting: Thursday, November 13, 2025 Respectively Submitted: Emily King