With or without a director, the Cook County/Grand Marais Economic Development Authority (EDA) is moving ahead on a number of initiatives.
At the November 10 EDA meeting, Small Business Development Center Representative Pat Campanaro told EDA board members that as directed by them she had placed advertisements for a ½ – ¾ EDA director. Campanaro said unfortunately, as of the November meeting, no one had applied.
Campanaro asked the EDA board if it wanted to reevaluate the job announcement, asking if the prerequisites of the job were too stringent. EDA Board Member and City Councilor Anton Moody also wondered how the Cook County Board’s recent decision to reduce the EDA levy to $221,675 from the EDA’s request of $267,915 would impact the EDA’s plans to hire a director. The EDA board agreed to discuss this again at its next meeting.
Although the EDA has not had success finding a director, it did have applicants for the EDA board vacancy created when Abby Tofte resigned. Carol Mork was appointed by the county board. The EDA welcomed Mork to her first official EDA meeting.
Construction at Superior National at Lutsen to continue in spring
Larry Barefield of MidAmerica Golf Landscapes gave the EDA a report on the next phase of work at the golf course. Barefield said his firm started work on the second phase of the golf course improvements at the beginning of October and hoped for 40 good working days before things froze up. He said he was really pleased with the work that they were able to do and said they are looking at the “best possible scenario” for starting again next year. Barefield said when they come back in the spring they will be able to spread top soil. The company hopes to resume work on May 1.
The EDA board also complimented MidAmerica on its work. Anton Moody said it is nice to go before the county board with numbers that exceed expectations.
Support for Tofte housing project
Tofte Supervisors Jim King and Jeanne Larson, who is the project manager for the Tofte housing effort, gave a brief history of the Tofte housing project. They noted that Tofte and its partners had completed a market study and needs assessment, had the facility’s well drilled and tested, started roadwork, completed architectural work, obtained approval from Cook County Planning & Zoning, received storm water permit and had utility providers in place. The construction timeline has been extended to June 2016, said King.
King added that a language change was needed to ensure that the project could be completed as “affordable” housing, not just “senior” housing.
Larson said Tofte Township was not seeking financial assistance from the EDA, just a letter of support stating that this project is needed for Cook County.
The EDA asked many questions about financing, the type of homes to be built, about who would manage the facility and more. After King and Larson fielded questions, Moody said it is good to see a number of entities working on a project like this. He said it is impossible for one organization to take on a project of this size on its own.
A unanimous motion passed to send a letter of support to the legislature for Tofte’s project.
Support for CCLEP training
Campanaro shared a request from the Cook County Local Energy (CCLEP) for support of its local continuing education program for contractors. The training will be held Feb. 3, 2016. Campanaro said the EDA supported this last year. She said it benefits local contractors who receive 7 credits from the MN Department of Labor and Industry for completing the class, which is required to maintain contractor licensing. She said previous courses have been very well attended.
Another unanimous motion passed to contribute $1,000 to CCLEP in support of the training.
Housing committee considering project locations
The EDA workforce housing subcommittee reported that it has narrowed possible locations for workforce housing initiatives to two sites. The committee has determined that there is immediate need for rental housing on the west end of the county and the east end needs single family homes. A west end parcel of 23.68 acres and approximately 6 acres of a 19.5-acre site in Grand Marais are being evaluated. The committee will now be meeting with potential developers, local bankers, and potential grant organizations.
For discussion of the property in Grand Marais to continue, the committee asked that the EDA appoint Tim Kennedy as its buyer representative. Heidi Doo-Kirk asked if the EDA has to pay Kennedy. Mark Sandbo said he gets a commission. A unanimous motion passed to contract with Kennedy.
EDA Treasurer Scott Harrison stressed that these projects are just concepts at this point. More information will be available on this at the next EDA meeting.
Assisted Living Market Study planned
Campanaro said she has been meeting with a committee of hospital and assisted living representatives to determine what needs to be included in an Assisted Living Market Study. They are working with WIPFLI. The study will hopefully be funded by the North Shore Health Care Foundation. Campanaro said it is hoped that the study will determine if assisted living is needed and identify the gaps in services.
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