HomeMy WebLinkAbout2025/09/15 - ADMIN - Minutes - Economic Development Authority - RegularOfficial minutes
EDA meeting
St. Louis Park, Minnesota
Sept. 15, 2025
1. Call to order.
President Budd called the meeting to order at 6:07 p.m.
a. Roll call.
Commissioners present: Margaret Rog, Lynette Dumalag, Tim Brausen, Yolanda Farris, Paul
Baudhuin, President Sue Budd
Commissioners absent: none.
Staff present: City manager (Ms. Keller), city attorney (Mr. Mattick), deputy city manager (Ms.
Walsh), community development director and interim building and energy director (Ms.
Barton), administrative services director (Ms. Brodeen), city assessor (Mr. Bultema), finance
director (Ms. Cruver), accountant (Ms. Finkel), public works director (Mr. Hall), engineering
director (Ms. Heiser), police chief (Mr. Kruelle), appraiser III (Ms. Nathanson), communications
and technology director (Ms. Smith), financial analyst (Ms. Stephens), human resources director
(Ms. Vorpahl), parks and recreation director (Mr. West), racial equity and inclusion director
(Ms. Yang)
2. Approve agenda.
It was moved by Commissioner Mohamed, seconded by Commissioner Farris, to approve the
EDA agenda as presented.
The motion passed 7-0.
3. Minutes – none.
4. Consent items.
a. EDA Resolution No. 25-18 approving the second amendment to the Environmental
Response Fund Grant
b. EDA Resolution No. 25-19 authorizing grant application for Affordable Homeownership
program – Ward 1
It was moved by Commissioner Farris, seconded by Commissioner Brausen, to approve the
consent items as listed and to waive reading of all resolutions.
The motion passed 7-0.
5. Public hearings – none.
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6. Regular business.
a. EDA Resolutions No. 25-20 and 25-21 approving 2026 HRA and EDA levies
Ms. Cruver presented the staff report.
Ms. Cruver asked if the EDA supports the proposed 2026 Housing Redevelopment Authority
(HRA) and Economic Development Authority (EDA) levies, which are a part of the proposed
2026 budget. She noted the balanced budget consists of an all-inclusive preliminary levy
increase of 8.02% and includes:
a. An HRA levy of $1,194,133 to support the Affordable Housing Trust Fund; and
b. An EDA levy of $375,000 to support ongoing spending in the development fund.
After several council study sessions focused on the budget in the summer of 2025, staff
presented the council a recommended budget and a corresponding all-inclusive levy increase of
7.92%.
Additionally, the city council gave feedback which was generally supportive of the new
spending items but wanted to ensure more was being done in 2026 to support the city’s
climate action plan. At the direction of the council, an additional $50,000 of spending and levy
revenue was added to support sustainability programs, bringing the levy increase to 8.02%.
The EDA must first approve the EDA and HRA levies by resolution before the city council
approves the overall property tax levy.
Ms. Cruver noted that today’s vote on the levy is to set the maximum potential levy. She
pointed out that the levy can be modified lower but cannot be increased after this vote.
Ms. Cruver stated the proposed levy for 2026 is 8.02%. She emphasized the list of property
taxpayer resources, including property tax credit, relief and rebate programs.
Commissioner Brausen noted the HRA levy goes into the affordable housing trust fund and
pointed out the city does not utilize the maximum value for the fund. Ms. Cruver stated that it
is correct, adding that the levy is holding flat.
Commissioner Brausen noted the EDA levy was historically funded by a large amount of funds
of over $30 million since the 1990s, noting that the city used these funds for purchasing
properties and controlling investments, such as in the light rail areas. Ms. Cruver stated that it is
also correct.
Commissioner Brausen continued that the fund is now down to $9 million, and the city is
looking to keep the fund stable. Ms. Cruver stated that this is correct.
It was moved by Commissioner Rog, seconded by President Budd, to recess the EDA meeting to
discuss the levy and its impacts further at the city council meeting, and reconvene after the
conclusion of the city council meeting.
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The motion passed 6-1 (Commissioner Brausen opposed).
The EDA meeting recessed at 6:23 p.m.
The EDA meeting reconvened at 8:34 p.m.
Commissioner Brausen stated the levy was very robustly discussed at the city council meeting,
and direction was given to staff to continue to look for opportunities to reduce these levies.
It was moved by Commissioner Brausen, seconded by Commissioner Baudhuin, to adopt
Resolution Nos. 25-20 and 25-21 authorizing the preliminary HRA levy for 2026 and authorizing
a present intent to levy a tax for EDA purposes, including: a. An HRA levy of $1,194,133 to
support the Affordable Housing Trust Fund; and b. An EDA levy of $375,000 to support ongoing
spending in the development fund.
The motion passed 5-2 (President Budd and Commissioner Rog opposed).
7. Communications and announcements – none.
8. Adjournment.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:35 p.m.
______________________________________ ______________________________________
Melissa Kennedy, EDA secretary Sue Budd, EDA president
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