ITEM 1.1ITEM 1.1
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EDA MEETING
MAY 23, 2016
6:00 PM
Call to Order: President Stockamp called the EDA meeting to order at 6:00 PM.
Roll Call: President Jessica Stockamp; Commissioners: Vern Heidner, Jason Warehime, Doug
Schroeder and Tom Darkenwald. Staff Present: Lori Johnson, Executive Director and Tami Loff,
Secretary. Also present: Adam Flaherty, Finance Director; Daniel Licht, City Planner; and Ron
Wagner, City Engineer.
1. Consider approval of the following minutes.
1.1 March 24, 2016 EDA minutes.
Commissioner Schroeder motioned to approve. Seconded by Commissioner Heidner.
All in favor. Motion carried.
2. Strategic Planning.
2.1 Public Transit.
Executive Director Johnson presented the information she received regarding the Wright County
Area Transportation (WCAT). Otsego would need to pay the same $1,000 initial fee the other
12 cities paid upon joining and Otsego would get representation on the WCAT board. She
reviewed the ridership and financial data WCAT provided stating that the WCAT cities did not
pay for operations in 2014 or 2015 and that Trailblazer had an operating surplus of $173,000 in
2015. The EDA agreed to continue discussion and consideration of joining WCAT. She further
stated that WCAT representatives have offered to meet with the City Council if desired. After
discussion the Commissioners agreed for the City Council to meet with WCAT preventatives.
Commissioner Heidner motioned to direct this item to the City Council. Seconded by
Commissioner Warehime. All in favor. Motion carried.
In order of discussion:
2.3 Other.
Executive Director Johnson reviewed the following:
Business Community Outreach- She stated the Daylight Club meeting held in May at Boondox
was a good success. The Commissioners concurred to hold Otsego business meeting sometime
this fall. It was discussed it would a Friday morning in September or October. The
Commissioners requested a RSVP for the meeting to determine space and supplies.
Signage- the EDA had requested information at the last meeting on potential display signage
sites and cost before making a decision on whether to proceed. Executive Director Johnson
presented a design and cost estimate received from one vendor. There was discussion about
partners for the signs and all agreed that the schools are logical partners. The Commissioners
also directed Executive Director Johnson to have conversations with the Elk River School District
728 and Kaleidoscope for potential partnering on signage.
ITEM 1.1
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2.2 Marketing Plan.
Executive Director Johnson presented the final DEED advertisement and she recommended
waiting for further discussion on a marketing plan until the 2017 budget. The Commissioners
agreed.
3. Adjourn.
Commissioner Heidner motioned to adjourn. Seconded by Commissioner
Warehime. All in favor. Motion carried. EDA meeting adjourned at 6:48
PM.
President Jessica Stockamp
Attest:_________________________
Tami Loff, Secretary