HomeMy WebLinkAbout2020 08-10 EDAM08/10/20 -1-
MINUTES OF THE PROCEEDINGS OF THE
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY
OF THE CITY OF BROOKLYN CENTER
IN THE COUNTY OF HENNEPIN AND THE
STATE OF MINNESOTA
REGULAR SESSION
AUGUST 10, 2020
1. CALL TO ORDER
The Brooklyn Center Economic Development Authority (EDA) met in Regular Session called to
order by President Mike Elliott at 7:05 p.m. The meeting was conducted via Webex.
2. ROLL CALL
President Mike Elliott and Commissioners Marquita Butler, April Graves, Kris Lawrence-
Anderson, and Dan Ryan. Also present were Executive Director Curt Boganey, Deputy City
Director Dr. Reggie Edwards, City Clerk Barb Suciu and City Attorney Troy Gilchrist.
3. APPROVAL OF AGENDA AND CONSENT AGENDA
This Agenda Item was addressed following Agenda Item 4a.
4. COMMISSION CONSIDERATION ITEMS
4a. COVID-19 TENANT LEASE AMENDMENT
Executive Director Curt Boganey stated this item would be presented by Deputy City Manager
Reggie Edwards, Acting Director of Community Activities, Recreation and Services.
Dr. Edwards stated Innovative Presentations is an audiovisual company that has been leasing space
at Earle Brown Heritage Center since 2008. He added Innovative Presentations provides
audiovisual equipment and services for businesses and organizations that host their events at
EBHC. He noted City Staff is requesting the EDA’s consideration of a rent reduction for
Innovative Presentations in exchange for their ongoing services.
Dr. Edwards stated EBHC has seen a decrease in scheduled meetings and conferences due to
COVID-19, and Innovative Presentations has seen a decrease in demand for their services, like
many other businesses throughout the City and the country. No significant change in the industry
is anticipated in the coming months. He added providing rent support to Innovative Presentations
is in line with the City’s priorities of resident economic stability and a strong local economy. He
noted it is a benefit to have their operations at EBHC.
Dr. Edwards stated City Staff is asking the EDA to permit the City to waive rent for Innovative
Presentations for 6 months. He added City Staff will continue to monitor the market and resume
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rent payments when feasible. He noted Innovative Presentations currently pays $2,140 per month
in rent, which would be waived until February 2021. He added, under their service agreement, the
City pays Innovative Presentations an additional $1,500 if payments they receive from the City
remain under $100,000. He noted it is not anticipated that the City’s payments to Innovative
Presentations will reach $100,000.
Dr. Edwards requested the EDA’s feedback and comment on providing rent relief to Innovative
Presentations for 6 months.
Commissioner Lawrence-Anderson stated she concurs.
Commissioner Graves asked what the rent will be for 6 months. Dr. Edwards stated the total would
be approximately $20,000. He added the City will save $1,500 in fees. He noted City Staff is
looking into the possibility of recouping this cost by using CARES Act funding.
Commissioner Graves stated it makes sense to her. She added it is unfortunate that the company
did not receive the City’s recent COVID-related relief funding. She noted the City is already in
partnership with Innovative Presentations, and it makes sense to support them.
Commissioner Butler stated she supports it as well.
Commissioner Ryan moved and Commissioner Graves seconded to approve a 6-month Suspension
of Rent Paid by Innovative Presentations due to Economic Hardship Caused by COVID-19
Pandemic.
Motion passed unanimously.
3. APPROVAL OF CONSENT AGENDA
President Elliott stated the Agenda and Consent Agenda still need to be approved.
Commissioner Graves moved and Commissioner Butler seconded to approve the Agenda and
Consent Agenda, and the following item was approved:
3a. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
1. June 22, 2020 – Regular Session
Motion passed unanimously.
5. ADJOURNMENT
Commissioner Graves moved and Commissioner Ryan seconded adjournment of the Economic
Development Authority meeting at 7:17 p.m.
Motion passed unanimously.
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STATE OF MINNESOTA)
COUNTY OF HENNEPIN) ss. Certification of Minutes
CITY OF BROOKLYN CENTER)
The undersigned, being the duly qualified and appointed Secretary of the Economic Development
Authority (EDA) of the City of Brooklyn Center, Minnesota, certifies:
1. That attached hereto is a full, true, and complete transcript of the minutes of a Regular
Session of the Economic Development Authority (EDA) of the City of Brooklyn Center
held on August 10, 2020.
2. That said meeting was held pursuant to due call and notice thereof and was duly held at
Brooklyn Center City Hall.
3. That the Economic Development Authority (EDA) adopted said minutes at its August 24,
2020, Regular Session.
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President