HomeMy WebLinkAbout2013-02-19 HRA Regular Meeting MINUTES
OF THE EDINA HOUSING AND REDEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY
HELD AT CITY HALL
FEBRUARY 19, 2013
10:15 P.M.
CALL TO ORDER
Chair Hovland called the meeting to order at 10:15 p.m.
ROLLCALL
Answering rollcall were Commissioners Bennett, Brindle, Sprague, Swenson and Chair Hovland.
MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF FEBRUARY 5,2013 APPROVED
Motion made by Commissioner Swenson and seconded by Commissioner Bennett approving the Minutes of
the Regular Meeting of the Edina Housing and Redevelopment Authority for February 5, 2013.
Ayes: Bennett, Brindle,Sprague, Swenson, Hovland
Motion carried.
RESOLUTION NO. 2013-03 AUTHORIZING OPEN TO BUSINESS PROGRAM ADOPTED
Economic Development Manager Neuendorf explained the City has in 2012, the implemented an "Open to
Business" program to provide free business consultation to Edina-based entrepreneurs and others interested
in opening a small business in Edina. The Metropolitan Consortium of Community Developers (MCCD) was
contracted to provide the service based on their success in other cities.
He stated during the first year, MCCD served 17 Edina clients and provided consultation on a variety of
business ideas including: optometrist, cross cultural marketing consulting, plastic moving box rental,
restaurant, financial planner, risk management consulting, import/export, food manufacturer, and staffing
agency. Mr. Neuendorf stated the efforts resulted in the creation or retention of 23 jobs with MCCD also
approving capital loans totaling $80,000 to bring the ideas to fruition.
Mr. Neuendorf said Hennepin County has again offered to split the costs to municipalities that provide this
service. The Hennepin County HRA will fund up to 50% of the $10,000 annual fee provided that Edina
contributes a matching amount ($5,000). Based on the success of the program in the first year and the
potential for even better results in 2013, staff recommended that the Edina HRA approve this program and
authorize staff to seek funds from Hennepin County and renew a contract with MCCD to continue providing
this service during 2013.
Following a brief discussion, Commissioner Swenson made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Bennett
adopting Resolution No. 2013-03 authorizing the Open to Business Program, authorizing staff to seek
Hennepin County Funds and renewing the MCDD contract provided service in 2013.
Ayes: Bennett, Brindle, Sprague, Swenson, Hovland
Motion carried.
There being no further business on the Edina Housing and Redevelopment Authority Agenda, Chair Hovland
declared the meeting adjourned at 10:28 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Scott Neal, x cutive Director
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