- EDA Director Kurk Kramer
February 2013
The mission of the Sleepy Eye Economic Development Authority is to maintain and improve the community through the retention and growth of business, industry, and services.
The February EDA Board Meeting began with the approval of the minutes from the two meetings held in January, and also the approval of the financial report for February. The Inn of Seven Gables and the Eagles Club both are currently delinquent with their EDA Revolving Loan payments. Efforts continue to be made to bring them up to date.
A brief discussion was held regarding the Greater Minnesota Economic Development Partnership membership for 2013. This was tabled to the March meeting for further discussion.
Miles Seppelt, an economic development consultant, gave a presentation to the board on a number of economic development topics which included downtown revitalization and commercial rehabilitation. There was discussion on grant and loan programs, incentives, different options for funding programs, and suggestions on ways to get businesses, business owners, the EDA, city council, and the whole community to buy in to these programs with the understanding that it takes cooperation of them all to build successes. The board felt that there were a number of ideas and suggestions that they would consider and begin to implement regarding one of their goals for 2013, and that is the focus on the revitalization of the downtown district in our community.
The Preservation Alliance of Minnesota has a program called Minnesota Main Street, and the EDA Board discussed the upcoming training session for this program. There was consideration given to having some members of the board, and possibly some downtown business owners, attend this training session. No final decision was made regarding what directives to take regarding this and it will continue to be considered prior to the deadline date for registering.
There was a brief update given on the status of Phase Two of Veteran’s Park. Currently research is being done on prices for the memorial wall and the KIA Memorial, as well as signage for the park. This should be completed within the next week, and then information will become available to the public regarding donations and procedures for purchasing plates for the memorial wall, purchasing benches, planters, picnic tables, and other items that will be located in the park.
January 2013 Meeting
The mission of the Sleepy Eye Economic Development Authority is to maintain and improve the community through the retention and growth of business, industry, and services.
The January EDA Board Meeting began by electing the Board Officers for 2013. All three officers were re-elected to their positions. They are as follows: Kathy Haala, Chairman, Mike Carr, Vice-Chair, and Gary Windschitl, Secretary/Treasurer.
The Financial Report was presented, as were the bills for approval. The EDA Coordinator’s Report was also presented and approved.
Old Business was briefly discussed and this included information on Veteran’s Park, the old Rocky’s Property, and also the Snow property.
The January EDA Board Meeting serves as the Planning Meeting for the upcoming year. The EDA Board reviewed the goals that were set from the past three years. They then spent time reviewing the returned responses to the business questionnaire that was distributed to over 150 of the local businesses, as well as some other possible goals that the Board members felt were worth pursuing.
Some of the topics that were discussed in regards to the Downtown District were completion of Veteran’s Park, capital improvements to downtown buildings, sign and awning programs, storefront revitalization, and the Main Street Program. The Snow property was also discussed in detail and considerations for incentive programs, and the importance of getting business and industry located on the property were covered. Other topics of discussion that related to these aforementioned topics as well as others that were submitted were considered as well.
The Board concluded that the 2013 goals that the EDA would set, would be as follows: number one, the completion of Phase Two of Veterans’ Park, number two, work on the revitalization of the Downtown District in regards to storefront appearances, capital improvements, and the possibility of becoming involved in the Main Street Program, which is part of the Preservation Alliance of Minnesota, and number three, work on securing a minimum of one business on the Snow property within the coming year.
December 2012
The December EDA Board Meeting again began with discussion on the current status of the EDA delinquent loan held by Shane’s Tire which dates back to 2007. The City Attorney, Nip Hauser, is continuing to work with the loan holder to finalize a solution to get this loan current, or paid in full, so that this matter can come to a close.
EDA Board members also met with representatives from the Eagles Club to discuss their current delinquent EDA loan. The EDA has requested information, and for improved communication, from the Fraternal Order of Eagles to keep the EDA updated on pertinent information regarding the repayment of their EDA loan.
An EDA Loan Summary that displayed all EDA loans issued over the years was shared with the Board members. The 25 EDA Rehab Loans issued were listed individually by loan amounts, with interest paid, and of these 25 loans, 23 have been repaid, leaving only 2 loans that were not repaid in full due to bankruptcy or going out of business. That is a 92% success rate for EDA Rehab Loans. There have been 46 EDA Revolving Fund loans administered since 1993; they were listed individually by loan amounts, with interest paid. Five of those loans have been lost due to bankruptcy, 30 have been repaid in full, and eleven are currently active. The Revolving Loan Fund has had an 86% success rate.
Bob Elston from the PUC attended the meeting and explained some ideas on sharing PUC information on energy conservation and rebates of which Kurk could distribute to the local businesses on his regular visits with them. This information also could be displayed on the city website.
The Board approved paying the annual membership dues to GMRPTC, and also for two conferences that Kurk will attend. Tabled to the January meeting was consideration of the annual fee for The Center for Rural Policy & Development.
Two more donations were received for the Veteran’s Park Project. There will be a committee planning meeting at the end of January for phase two of the Veteran’s Park.
Some topics were also discussed by the board regarding the 2013 Planning Meeting that will take place next month. The EDA Board will set their 2013 goals at this meeting.
November 2012
The November EDA Board Meeting agenda began with discussion on the current status of the final outstanding EDA delinquent loan which dates back to 2007. Action on what the final steps would be that need to be taken by the EDA, along with the City Attorney, to finalize receiving payments on the delinquent loan held by Shane’s Tire, were discussed. The EDA Board has directed the City Attorney to take the appropriate actions needed to bring this matter to a close.
The Board approved paying the bill to S & J Construction for the concrete work completed at Veteran’s Park.
The EDA Coordinator gave his monthly report which included information on the “On the Job Training Program” which is currently being implemented with the interested high school seniors and a number of local businesses. An update on two previous delinquent loans that have recently become active or current was given, as well as information on the Fraternal Order of Eagles delinquent loan status with the EDA. Information was also shared with the Board in the form of a written summary report on the Region 9 Fall Meeting that was attended by the EDA Coordinator.
The Board discussed the current status of the Snow property and plans to make this one of the 2013 priorities for planning and goal setting. There has been interest shown in this property by businesses and individuals, and upon the completion of the infrastructure work, there will be more concrete information regarding the costs and financial figures available to share with those interested in the property for business, industry, and/or residential activity.
The planning for Phase Two of the Veteran’s Park is continuing. There will be some finalizing of information on these plans in the coming weeks, and information will become available for purchasing memorial plates for the memorial wall, as well as items that could be donated like tables, benches, landscaping plants, etc.
Some topics were also discussed by the board regarding the 2013 Planning Meeting that will take place in January. The members of the EDA Board are continuing to brainstorm and explore possibilities for goals that they would like to pursue in the coming new year.
October 2012
The September EDA Board Meeting began with discussion of the Veteran’s Park current financial and physical status. With the donations from local businesses, individuals from the community, and matching funds from LA Amundson Partnership and First Security Bank, over $30,000 were raised to pay for Phase One of the park. There was also a great deal of donated time done by local businesses as well. All of the donors of this time and money will be recognized in a prominent location at the park as part of the Phase Two planning. The proposed budget for Phase One was over $26,000, and the costs to date are under $23,000. The EDA Board was pleased with the financial numbers, as the efforts towards Phase One come to a close. The five flags signifying the military branches, the POW Flag, and the US Flag, along with the lighting are all now on display. The retaining wall should be completed by the end of November, weather permitting. Planning for Phase Two will begin over the coming weeks and months so that when spring returns, work can begin to complete the park.
The EDA Coordinator gave his monthly report, which included information on the “On the Job Training Program” which is going to be ready to implement with some of the local businesses and seniors from the two local high schools, at the start of this school year’s second semester, in January.
The city attorney is currently dealing with the final couple of delinquent EDA loans.
City Manager, Mark Kober, shared information with the EDA Board regarding the progress of the work being done on the Snow property.
There was also some brief discussion on having the EDA Board begin to think about what the focus might be on the goal setting for the EDA in 2013. This will be the major purpose of the Annual EDA Board Planning Meeting coming up in a couple of months. A few good ideas were shared, and will be discussed in more detail at the planning meeting.
August 2012
The August EDA Board Meeting began with discussion of annual contributions to the Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation and the Coalition of Greater Minnesota Cities.
The EDA Coordinator gave his monthly report. Topics included information on the “On the Job Training Program” that is currently being developed with some of the local businesses and the two high schools in Sleepy Eye, Veteran’s Park concrete work and matching fund status, and membership and submission of EDA information for Southern Minnesota SourceLink.
The Veteran’s Park Project was discussed. Presently, the wait for the concrete work to be completed by S & J Construction is what needs to be finished in order to continue to move forward with the project. Grass and a couple of large maple trees will then be planted to complete phase one. The efforts will then begin on phase two of the park, which will include a memorial wall, designated monument for the Sleepy Eye KIA, flags and flag poles, the possibility of requesting excess government property from NNAM, and a structure to recognize the donors and donor levels that were involved in the completion of the park.
The EDA Board will award a $500.00 Scholarship to Jessica Busch upon receiving the revised version of the video she has developed and submitted which will be used to promote the City of Sleepy Eye.
It was announced that the Mark Thomas Company will be participating in the Southern Minnesota Tour of Manufacturing Day in October this year.
The EDA Board will hold a special meeting the first week of September to review a loan application request from the EDA Revolving Loan Fund.
The next EDA Board meeting will be held on September 25.
July 2012
The July EDA Board Meeting was held on July 24.
The Veteran’s Park Project was again the main topic of discussion for the Board. A second letter was sent to the local businesses explaining the matching funds guidelines, the donor levels, and the recognition that will be given in a designated area of the park. The donations are continuing to come in for the completion of phase one of the park. Twenty-one businesses have already donated towards phase one, with over seven thousand dollars being given. With these donations, the halfway point for the matching funds has been reached. The A. L. Amundson Family Philanthropy Partnership through First Security Bank will match the first thirteen thousand five hundred dollars that are contributed. Incidentally, anyone can contribute to the completion of phase one of the park. Donation levels are as follows: General: $1.00 – $99.00, Bronze: $100.00 – $499.00, Silver: $500.00 – $999.00, Gold: $1000.00 – $4999.00 and Platinum: $5000.00+
Presently, the wait for the concrete and/or paver work to be completed is what needs to be completed in order to continue to move forward with the project. Grass and a couple of large maple trees will then be planted to complete phase one.
The efforts will then begin on phase two of the park, which will include a memorial wall, designated monument for the Sleepy Eye KIA, flags, and a structure to recognize the donors and donor levels that were involved in the completion of the park.
The topic of Main Street Building Revitalizations was presented at the June meeting and tabled, it was again on the July agenda but was tabled to the August meeting.
The guidelines for the Capital Improvement Loan Program were reviewed, and the Board made a couple of revisions.
The annual contribution to SMIF was tabled to the August meeting.
The next EDA Board meeting will be held on August 28.
June 2012
President Kathy Haala called the June EDA Board Meeting to order at 12:01PM. The agenda for the June meeting and minutes from the May meeting were approved as printed. The Board approved making their annual contribution to the Small Business Development Center connected with Minnesota State Mankato. The EDA uses the SBDC with new businesses, when they receive an EDA loan for gap financing.
The Veteran’s Park Project was a major topic of discussion due to the activity that has taken place regarding the park. The discussion included the concrete work to be done, other paver and/or concrete work, the completion of the landscaping on the north end of the park, the donations that have been received from local businesses, and the matching funds that have been made available by the L. A. Amundson Family Philanthropy Partnership through First Security Bank.
The EDA Board passed a resolution supporting the Greater Minnesota Regional Parks and Trails Coalition’s portion of the Legacy Funds, and submitted a copy to Dan Larson the GMRPTC Lobbyist who represents the coalition. This is in response to metro park districts making the case that they are not getting a large enough share of the Park and Trail funding.
Information was shared on the newly developing “On the Job Training Program” with the two high schools, some local businesses, and the EDA. Some of the program’s goals, guidelines, and the intended timeframe for implementation were shared.
May 2012 EDA
In the May EDA Board Meeting the Board continued its focus on the goals set at its 2012 Planning Meeting. The three goals were as follows: to make the downtown properties that they own more visually appealing, to continue to move forward with the development of the Snow property, and to formulate a process to resolve the delinquent EDA loans.
A meeting between members of the EDA Board and the Servicemen’s Clubs discussing the final plan for the Veteran’s Park Project has taken place, and the work has recently begun on the park. The landscaping garden between the parking lot and the park itself was started, and will be completed once the water line has been installed in the park. The water line should have been installed before you read this article, and if not, will be very soon. Information has gone out to local masons asking them to submit bids for the concrete work, and this will also be done for the paver work as well. Finally, donation request forms were sent out to many of the local businesses, along with a picture of the park project, encouraging them to contribute to the completion of the park if they so choose. In addition to park, the Board also discussed some possibilities for the old Rockies property on Main Street. Minimal time was spent discussing the Snow property. More time and effort will be given to this once the bid has been accepted for the infrastructure work to be done there.
There was a lengthy discussion regarding the delinquent loans. First the good news, one of the four delinquent loans was paid in full, so there are now only three that remain. The city attorney will again be asked to move forward with the appropriate action that needs to be taken to address these three delinquent notes. The Board was also informed that one of the loan holders of a current EDA loan has paid off their loan.
The EDA has also requested that the city attorney deal with the current owners of the adjacent property to the Freedom Value Center, with the hope that a possible agreement can be finalized regarding the property.
There was a recommendation to the EDA Board from the Loan Committee regarding a request from one of the local businesses for an EDA Loan. Discussion took place regarding the request. The Board has required some additional financial information and forms from this business before it moves forward with finalizing the loan and writing the installment note.
Before the meeting adjourned the EDA Board approved my attendance to a Business Retention and Recruitment Seminar coming up in the early part of June.
March 2012 EDA
The March EDA Board Meeting kept its focus on two of the same topics as the last month’s meeting. Two of the four delinquent EDA loans are currently being reviewed by the city attorney and are in the process of receiving action. These are the two larger loans that are currently delinquent; the two smaller loans will receive the same attention in the coming months.
The second topic of discussion was the continued planning of the Veteran’s Park Project onMain Street. The Park Committee has met with representatives from the Servicemen’s Club, and will be meeting with them again, to continue the planning of the park’s content, and to work on the fund raising efforts needed to cover expenses and raise funds for the park’s completion. The committee will be meeting to look at budget numbers to present to the City Council at the April meeting, with the idea that work will begin in April or May on some of the phase one plans. The EDA will be sharing information with local businesses, community groups and organizations, and individuals on how donations will be secured for some of the contents of the park as well.
The EDA Board has again recently received inquiries for the possibility of building on the Snow property, and is looking forward to the information on costs that the City Council will be receiving from the engineers reports on engineering and construction designs.
February 2012
The February EDA Board Meeting’s focused on two main topics for this month’s meeting. The first one was to evaluate the delinquent EDA loans and to follow through with the suggestions made at the January EDA Board meeting by the city attorney in dealing with them. The EDA Board is currently working with the parties involved, and as was mentioned in a previous article, have made it a goal for 2012 to get these delinquent loans paid up to date, or to be paid in full.
The second topic of discussion at the meeting was to continue in the planning of stage one of the Veteran’s Park Project and to get the plans finalized for implementing them within the next couple of months, as the weather will permit. The Park Committee will be meeting prior to the next EDA Board meeting to discuss exact steps that will be implemented in continuing to complete the park. Discussion will also take place to get more information on the specs of the concrete work for the walls and flags at the center portion of the park. As has been mentioned in earlier articles, if there are community members that have suggestions in regards to this, please contact an EDA Board member and share your ideas with them.
EDA Article December 2011
The January EDA Board Meeting is also the Annual Planning Meeting with election of officers.
The meeting began with a presentation by the City Attorney on the legalities of dealing with delinquent loans, the proper course of action, and some possible preventative measures that could be considered. This was an informative presentation, and one that coincides with one of the EDA Goals for 2012.
Following the presentation, election of officers took place for 2012. Kathy Haala was re-elected as the EDA Chairman, Mike Carr as the Vice-Chair, and Gary Windschitl as the Secretary/Treasurer. The business part of the meeting then took place. The Financial Report was given, followed by Old Business, which included discussion on the Veteran’s Park Project, and the input that the EDA received in their meeting with the Servicemen’s Club, VFW, and Honor Guard. There will be another meeting with the EDA and these groups after the February meetings have been completed. The input, suggestions, and ideas from these groups will help in determining the final plans for the contents and design of the park.
The New Business included the EDA Board approving an “Authorization for Release of Information” form that will be part of the loan application process. The Board also approved a recommendation from the Finance Committee on a request for possible loan assistance from a local business.
Upon the completion of the business portion of the meeting, the Board spent the rest of the meeting reviewing the 2011 goals and discussing the ideas for goals for 2012. Here are the three goals that were set for the coming year: Goal #1 is to continue to focus on the downtown area, particularly the Veteran’s Park Project and the old Rocky’s property, and to work on making the downtown district better and more visually appealing. Goal #2 is to continue the work on the development of the Snow property. Goal #3 is to more clearly define the steps, and formulate a process, to resolve the current delinquent EDA loans. I might just add here that the overall success rate of previous EDA loans is quite high at 88%. This is something that the EDA Board is going to continue to strive for since the money used for these loans comes from the citizens of our community.
Just a note of information, the agendas and minutes of the City Council and EDA Board meetings are posted on the city website.
EDA Article December 2011
The EDA Board continued their discussion of the Veteran’s Park Project. The meeting with the different groups from the Servicemen’s Club will take place on January 12. The EDA ideas and proposed plans will be shared, and the Board is looking for any additional input, ideas, and practical discussion from the groups at the meeting that night. There have been a couple of options shared with the EDA for the transitional space from the parking area to the park area, and the Board will also share this information at the meeting. The hope is to make the completion of this park a project that involves the community and the veterans; and that we work together with the ideas and plans and have at least the components of phase one planned, and prepared, for completion this spring.
The next agenda item that was discussed involved the planning and agenda for the Annual 2012 EDA Board Planning Meeting. This will take place in January, and as it has been for the past many years, this meeting will be the goal-setting meeting for the EDA for 2012 and beyond.
Work continues with the two high schools, BIC/APP representatives, and myself, as we work to formulate the guidelines and content of what we are going to call the “On the Job Training” program with the high school seniors. This program is still in its infancy stages and discussions have been held to see how this program might work into the curriculums, fit into the business day, and inform the parents regarding the program. Also being explored are different possibilities for financing the program, and also if there could be an entrepreneurial part to the program. I will continue to report on the program as it progresses.
There have been a few additional inquires by some of the existing businesses regarding the use of the EDA programs. The Board discussed these before they adjourned for the month.
The EDA Board is excited and looking forward to the year 2012 as they continue to address ways to promote, maintain, and improve the community through the growth and retention of business, industry, and services here in Sleepy Eye. May we all work towards a prosperous new year!
If anyone would like to share their ideas, input, opinions, and/or comments with me, please feel free to call the EDA office at 794-5636, or go online and visit the city website at www.sleepyeye-mn.com and submit them electronically.
EDA Article November 2011
The main topic of discussion at the November EDA Board meeting was the Veteran’s Park Project and the presentation of a couple of possible landscaping scenarios for the transition from the parking area on the north end of the property into the green space of the park itself. The EDA Board discussed two proposals and decided that it is now time to meet with the Servicemen’s Club, Legion, VFW, and their auxiliaries, to get some input on the design and contents of the park. The first meeting will take place in the first weeks of December, and then more specifics will be determined on details of the design and also on the fund raising and financial aspects connected with working towards the completion of Phase One. In the coming months the EDA will focus on the input from these groups along with the planning of the next things to be built in the park, so that when spring rolls around we are ready to take action.
Information on the “YES” Team activities was shared, and the Board was informed that one of the first major projects that the “YES” Team will be a part of is to work hand in hand with the PUC, and the low income apartment facilities in town, in relamping these facilities with more energy saving lights.
Earlier this month, a meeting was held to brainstorm the possibility of some type of program that would connect the high school students in our community with the local businesses, and the occupations that these businesses had to offer, and whether there is a possibility of getting something in the schools’ curriculums that would enable interested juniors and seniors to explore opportunities to work locally. It was noted that there might be a real need, and importance for, getting outside financial support for such a program. Possible resources for this are being explored. There will also be some communication with some of the local businesses to see if they have an interest in participating. A number of other aspects and concerns in order for this program to become a reality were discussed. Another meeting is scheduled in the near future to continue to explore the possibilities of getting this endeavor off the ground.
The EDA Board again this month discussed the few delinquent loans that are outstanding, and the effort in getting these loans to be made current, or paid in full.
If anyone would like to share their ideas, input, opinions, and/or comments with me, please feel free to call the EDA office at 794-5636, or go online and visit the city website at www.sleepyeye-mn.com and submit them electronically.
EDA Article October 2011
The EDA Board met on October 25. The Board began the meeting by reviewing the goals that it set at its 2011 Planning Meeting back in January. Three of the four goals have been addressed, developed, or completed at this time.
The meeting’s first topic of discussion was the updated report on the old Hose property. The bituminous parking lot on the north end of the property, as well as the concrete sidewalk along the east side of the property, has been completed. The Hose Committee will be meeting in the next week or two to discuss plans for completing the remainder of the Phase I. The EDA is also planning on setting up meetings with the Servicemen’s Club, Legion Club, VFW, and possibly some others, to get their input and suggestions, as they move forward with the plans to complete the park. Also included in this planning stage will be the funding of the park and the work of setting up information for donations of park contents, pavers, and other materials.
There has been no new information or work being done on the old Rocky’s property. The EDA is continuing to discuss different possibilities for this portion of downtown.
I reported to the EDA Board the information on the first “YES” Team joint meeting between the students from Sleepy Eye Public and St. Mary’s. Preliminary planning and information on the initial activities that the group will participate in was the focus of this meeting. This group made its first public appearance at the Great Grassroots Gathering. More information regarding the “YES” Team and its goals and activities, will be forthcoming for our businesses and the community in the coming months.
The EDA Board spent some time discussing their $500.00 Media Scholarship. This scholarship has been available for a number of years. It requires that any high school or college student produce a 2-3 minute video or PowerPoint presentation that promotes the City ofSleepy Eye. Any high school or college student interested in receiving more details about this scholarship should contact me.
Information on getting a program started with the two high schools and high school students getting connected with local businesses was briefly discussed. I am hoping to have more details regarding the possibility of this becoming a reality in the coming months.
The EDA Board continued their discussion regarding delinquent loans. Action regarding getting these loans made current is ongoing.
If anyone would like to share their ideas, input, opinions, and/or comments with me, please feel free to call the EDA office at 794-5636, or go online and visit the city website at www.sleepyeye-mn.com and submit them electronically.
EDA Article September 2011
The EDA Board met on September 27. Here are the topics of discussion and the actions that took place this month.
A loan application and all other documents from Friendz Salon have been finalized.
The work regarding some basic and general incentive ideas and property costs for the Snow property has been set in motion. There will be continued planning in the coming weeks and months, and this information will be shared as it is completed.
The Board moved to make an annual contribution of $50 to The Center for Rural Policy & Development. They also approved the EDA Coordinator to attend a conference inMankato.
Work has yet to be started on the Hose property as the EDA is waiting for the completion of the alleys and parking lot. Any work in the area of the proposed park may be delayed until this coming spring.
The work regarding the annexation of the City Limits Lounge is continuing.
The EDA Board received information regarding the Sleepy Eye “YES” Team having their first public outing at the Great Grassroots Gathering. Deb Reinarts and Mary Beth Botz are the coaches for the team. They will be connecting with the EDA, Sleepy Eye businesses, and the rest of the community in the coming weeks and months as they work on their projects. Information regarding the inception of a program that would connect our local businesses and students from the high schools was shared. More information and details will be coming in the following months.
There was some brief discussion regarding the Media Scholarship Program, and it was decided to table the topic until the October meeting.
The EDA Board continued their discussion regarding a couple of the delinquent loans that are outstanding. Action towards getting these loans made current or paid in full is ongoing.
The final details of the EDA Coordinator’s evaluation were discussed and shared.
If anyone would like to share their ideas, input, opinions, and/or comments with me, please feel free to call the EDA office at 794-5636, or go online and visit the city website at www.sleepyeye-mn.com and submit them electronically.
EDA Article August 2011
The EDA Board met on August 23. Here are the topics of discussion and the actions that took place this month.
The EDA Board has discussed the delinquent loans that are outstanding it was decided that it is time to take action regarding them. The city attorney will be given the information and letters will be sent to the loan holders requiring action prior to September 15.
There was again a discussion on what the EDA could start doing to try and set up some basic and general incentive ideas and property costs for the Snow property. This planning is going to begin within the coming weeks.
The Board moved to make its annual contribution to Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation (SMIF), and continue their financial partnership with them. They also moved to pay the application fee for the newly developing “YES” team.
A loan application from Friendz Salon was accepted for their purchase and renovation of the old bakery.
The EDA Board received a request for a loan to do rehab work on a building in town. This request was discussed at length and the Board would like more detailed information regarding the work, and also would like to see this request follow the guidelines for the Revolving Loan Fund.
I shared information with the Board regarding Variety Distributor’s Inc., and whether or not there was some interest in exploring this in more detail. They Board suggested that I do this; so more information will be following in the coming months as to whether there is anything that will develop.
There was no updated information this month regarding the Hose property work, or the old Rocky’s property. Activity is ongoing regarding the annexation of the City Limit’s Lounge.
The EDA Board finished their August meeting by having their annual evaluation of the EDA Coordinator’s position.
If anyone would like to share their ideas, input, opinions, and/or comments with me, please feel free to call the EDA office at 794-5636, or go online and visit the city website at www.sleepyeye-mn.com and submit them electronically.
EDA Article July 2011
The EDA Board met on July 26. Here are the topics of discussion and the actions that took place this month.
The EDA Board received a recommendation from the Hose Property Committee to move forward with the planning and implementation of Phase I for the Veteran’s Park. The engineer’s revised report on the parking area of the property was first explained. It will be one row of parking coming in right off of the alley on the north end of the property. The initial plans called for two-row parking and a retaining wall to be built between the parking lot and the park. However, in the interest of saving money, the EDA Board decided to go with the one row of parking, and use a plant and stone bed, to transition the elevation change from the parking lot to the park area. Phase I will consist of getting the cement platform poured for the memorial walls and flags, as well as the paver blocks that connect the sidewalk entrance to the circle and walkway along the east side of the property, and then to also get some trees and bushes planted yet this fall. Advertisement for bids will soon be made, and then the EDA Board will submit recommendations for all of this to the City Council for approval. Plans will also begin on involving those individuals and businesses that have voiced interest in providing financial support for the park.
There was again a brief discussion on what the EDA could start doing to try and set up some basic and general incentive ideas and property costs for the Snow property. As I mentioned last month, this is a somewhat difficult thing to do since there is no infrastructure yet developed.
The Board received information regarding a request from the Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation (SMIF), for an annual contribution to continue our financial partnership with SMIF. The Board tabled this topic until the August meeting.
I shared with the Board, information from a Youth Energy Summit (YES) meeting that I attended along with representatives from St. Mary’s High School, Sleepy Eye High School, and from SouthWest Initiative Foundation (SWIF). Hopefully through a cooperative effort of all of those at the meeting and students from both schools, Sleepy Eye will be able to have a YES team that can participate in statewide competitions and team with the whole community to focus on green energy and economic and environmental projects.
Last month I mentioned this, even though it was not an EDA agenda item. It is an item of interest to a number of people here in Sleepy Eye both from a residential and commercial viewpoint. Mark Kober and I will be meeting with a representative from Southwest Minnesota Housing Partnership next week to go over the information for the upcoming community meeting that will be open to those who filled out the pre-applications and to the rest of the public who might be interested in participating in the program. This program is to receive funding for capital improvements on commercial buildings and residential homes. The meeting date and time will be advertised in the paper, on the city website, and on the radio. Look for this meeting to take place at the end of August.
If anyone would like to share their ideas, input, opinions, and/or comments with me, please feel free to call the EDA office at 794-5636, or go online and visit the city website at www.sleepyeye-mn.com and submit them electronically.
EDA Article June 2011
The June EDA Board meeting was held on June 28. Since I have not mentioned this for a number of months, I would like to express what the goals of the EDA are for 2011-2012. Goal #1 is to focus on the downtown district, with priority given to the Hose and Rocky’s properties. Goal #2 is to search for niche businesses and also other businesses that would fit with the seasonal employment of some of our other major businesses. Goal #3 is to work on the development of the Snow property. Goal #4 is to continue to improve cooperation and joint efforts between the EDA and the Chamber of Commerce. With those things in mind, here are the topics of discussion from the June EDA Board agenda.
The EDA Board met with John McGee, president of First Security Bank, regarding the bank’s possible interest in the old Rocky’s property next to the bank drive-up lanes. That topic of discussion was put on hold for the present time being.
The EDA Board is continuing to work on the plans for the Hose property. They are currently waiting for the engineer’s revised report on the parking area of the property. Once that has been accepted by the City Council, bids can be sought and work can begin with the parking area. The EDA will then begin implementing the plans for the first phase of the park.
There was brief discussion on what the EDA could start doing to try and set up some basic and general incentive ideas for the Snow property. This is a somewhat difficult thing to do since there is no infrastructure yet developed. The idea is to try to set some general ideas to have available should there be inquiries. This will continue to be a topic for discussion at future meetings.
The Board approved paying the annual fee again this year to the Small Business Development Center. The SBDC provides no-cost services to small businesses and entrepreneurs for business start-ups and assistance. Their services have been used by local businesses in the past.
Finally, this was not an EDA Board agenda item, but it is an item of interest to a number of people here in Sleepy Eye from a residential and commercial viewpoint. A number of months ago there was a meeting with SW MN Housing regarding the Small Cities Grant Program for residential and commercial building improvement and repairs. We have received notification that this program has been approved, but there have been some cuts to the program. We do not yet know the amount of money that will be available, nor do we know the number of residential and commercial applicants that will be awarded. They are about three months behind with this program at the present time, and with the possibility of government shutdown, it could become even longer. However, sometime in the coming weeks, they will be notifying those who have filled out the pre-application, when the meeting will be held here in Sleepy Eye. We will also be giving that information out through the newspaper, radio station, and website once we know when it will take place.
If anyone would like to share their ideas, input, opinions, and/or comments with me, please feel free to call the EDA office at 794-5636, or go online and visit the city website at www.sleepyeye-mn.com and submit them electronically.
EDA Article May 2011
Since I have written this article before the May EDA Board meeting has taken place, I am unable to give the latest meeting update. However, I can report in general some of the current EDA activity.
I have been working with the manager of the Family Aquatic Center and a couple of local radio stations for some upcoming “on air” advertising and some live broadcasts from the pool. The planning for this is still being done, and within the next week or two, we will have the dates set for both. So look for some live broadcasts coming in June and/or July, and plan on spending some extra time at the aquatic center this summer!
The EDA Board is continuing to work on the plans for the Hose property. Final drawings for the parking and park area have been submitted and preliminary work is ongoing for both. Decisions on the possible phases to implement the development of the greenspace, information on funding and donations, as well as the details for its contents, materials, vegetation etc. will be discussed at the May meeting. Hopefully, these specifics will be available by next month so that I can share them.
Other topics of discussion will include the old Rocky’s property, possible interest in the Snow property by a few different businesses, EDA online advertising, and information from Brown County Economic Development Partners.
I would like to encourage everyone to visit the city website for information about our community and activities. If there might be something in addition that you would like to see on the website, please share. You can submit this on the website by clicking on the “Feedback Form” tab on the left side of the site’s homepage. The website address is given below.
If anyone would like to share their ideas, input, opinions, and/or comments with me, please feel free to call the EDA office at 794-5636, or go online and visit the city website at www.sleepyeye-mn.com and submit them electronically.
April 2011
April EDA Update
The EDA Board has been actively working on a number of different projects and/or activities
recently. One of them was to put a strong effort in trying to keep the bakery here in Sleepy Eye in
operation. The EDA, the Brown County Economic Development Partners, and SouthPoint all teamed
together to have a financial package available for two different individuals who showed some interest
in purchasing the business. The financing was all in place and ready to move forward, however the
decision by both of these parties was not to go forward with the purchase of the bakery. Unfortunately
for our community, we now have another empty building on Main Street, but it was not without effort
and concern by the EDA to try to keep that from happening.
Another primary focus of the EDA has been to continue to move forward with the old Hose
property on the 200 block of Main Street. This effort is showing much more positive results. A joint
meeting between the EDA Board, the Park Board and the Finance Committee was held to get input and
to allow discussion regarding the plans of the EDA to develop a parking area and greenspace in this
area of the downtown. There was nothing but positive comments and input that took place at this
meeting! This information was then shared with the City Council at their April meeting, and action
has continued to move forward. The city engineer is working on the preliminary plans for the parking
area and alley on the north end of the lot, and the EDA continues to work on the plans for the
greenspace area which will be on the south end of the property. The last layer of stucco has been
applied to the wall on the east side of the property. The EDA continues to be excited about the
progress that is being made with this, and will continue to push for its completion. As soon as a few
more plans are finalized by the EDA, more information on the possibility of community involvement
for the completion of the project will be made public.
The EDA also is doing some preliminary work with some possible interest on the property on
the east end of town. Nothing has been determined as of yet, and more information will be made
available if and when things progress to that point.
The old Rocky’s property is also currently being advertised for sale by the EDA. This is the
property just to the east of the drive-up area of First Security Bank. If you would like more
information regarding this property contact any of the EDA Board members or call my office at the
number below.
