HomeMy WebLinkAbout04-06-2026 EDA Packet
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY
City Hall—Shared Vision Room, 3989 Central Ave NE
Monday, April 06, 2026
5:00 PM
AGENDA
ATTENDANCE INFORMATION FOR THE PUBLIC
Members of the public who wish to attend may do so in-person, or by using Microsoft Teams and
entering meeting ID 222 769 631 116 69 and passcode 3JY7iz9R. For questions, please call the
Community Development Department at 763-706-3670.
Auxiliary aids or other accommodations for individuals with disabilities are available upon request when
the request is made at least 72 hours in advance. Please contact Administration at 763 -706-3610 to
make arrangements.
CALL TO ORDER/ROLL CALL
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
CONSENT AGENDA
1. Resolution 2026-11 to Approve the Financial Reports and Payment of the Bills for
February 2026. (pg. 3)
MOTION: Move to waive the reading of Resolution 2026-11, there being ample copies
available to the public.
MOTION: Move to approve Resolution 2026-11, approving the financial statements for the
month of February 2026 and the payment of the bills for the month of February 2026.
2. Approve March 2, 2026 EDA Meeting Minutes. (pg. 16)
MOTION: Move to approve the March 2, 2026, regular EDA meeting minutes.
MOTION: Move to approve the consent agenda as presented.
BUSINESS ITEMS
3. Columbia Heights Economic Support Microloan Program Proposal. (pg. 26)
Presenting Item: CD Coordinator Emilie Voight
MOTION: Move to waive the reading of Resolution 2026-13, there being ample copies
available to the public.
MOTION: Move to adopt Resolution 2026-13, a resolution of the Economic Development
Authority of Columbia Heights, Minnesota, approving the creation and implementation of
the Columbia Heights Economic Support Microloan Program.
4. 2026 Outstanding Business of the Year Award. (pg. 67)
Presenting Item: CD Coordinator Emilie Voight
1
City of Columbia Heights AGENDA April 06, 2026
Economic Development Authority Page 2
MOTION: Move to approve __________ as the 2026 Columbia Heights Business of the
Year.
5. Façade Improvement Grant Report for 4024 Central Ave. (pg. 82)
Presenting Item: CD Coordinator Emilie Voight
MOTION: Move to waive the reading of Resolution 2026-12, there being ample copies
available to the public.
MOTION: Move to adopt Resolution 2026-12, a resolution approving the form and
substance of the Façade Improvement Grant Agreement, and approving authority staff and
officials to take all actions necessary to enter the authority into a Façade Improvement
Grant Agreement with 4024 Central Ave NE (Darryl Tilden).
BUSINESS UPDATES
Presenting Items: CD Coordinator Emilie Voight
a. Pledge Business Item Moved to May
b. Business Spotlight in the Newsletter
c. Fire Training at 4510 Taylor
ADJOURNMENT
Auxiliary aids or other accommodations for individuals with disabilities are available upon request when the request is
made at least 72 hours in advance. Please contact Administration at 763-706-3610 to make arrangements.
2
Resolution 2026-11
RESOLUTION NO. 2026-11
A RESOLUTION OF THE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS, MINNESOTA,
APPROVING THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE MONTH OF FEBRUARY 2026 AND THE PAYMENT OF THE
BILLS FOR THE MONTH OF FEBRUARY 2026.
WHEREAS, the Columbia Heights Economic Development Authority (the “EDA”) is required by Minnesota
Statutes Section 469.096, Subd. 9, to prepare a detailed financial statement which shows all receipts and
disbursements, their nature, the money on hand, the purposes to which the money on hand is to be applied,
the EDA's credits and assets and its outstanding liabilities; and
WHEREAS, said Statute also requires the EDA to examine the statement and treasurer's vouchers or bills and if
correct, to approve them by resolution and enter the resolution in its records; and
WHEREAS, the financial statements for the month of February 2026 have been reviewed by the EDA
Commission; and
WHEREAS, the EDA has examined the financial statements and finds them to be acceptable as to both form
and accuracy; and
WHEREAS, the EDA Commission has other means to verify the intent of Section 469.096, Subd. 9, including
but not limited to Comprehensive Annual Financial Reports, Annual City approved Budgets, Audits and similar
documentation; and
WHEREAS, financial statements are held by the City’s Finance Department in a method outlined by the State
of Minnesota’s Records Retention Schedule,
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED by the Board of Commissioners of the Columbia Heights Economic
Development Authority that it has examined the referenced financial statements including the check history,
and they are found to be correct, as to form and content; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED the financial statements are acknowledged and received and the check history as
presented in writing is approved for payment out of proper funds; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED this resolution is made as part of the permanent records of the Columbia Heights
Economic Development Authority.
ORDER OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY
Passed this 6th day of April 2026
Offered by:
Seconded by:
Roll Call:
Title: President
Attest:
Title: Secretary
3
Item 1.
AmountInvoiceInvoice DateVendorInvoice Line DescGL Number
INVOICE GL DISTRIBUTION REPORT FOR CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS 1/3Page:03/11/2026 11:27 AM
User: suems
DB: Columbia Heights
EXP CHECK RUN DATES 02/01/2026 - 02/28/2026
BOTH JOURNALIZED AND UNJOURNALIZED
PAID
Check 205838
575.00 10132912/15/25BOND TRUST SERVICES CORP2016 FISCAL & TERM BOND FEES372.7000.46210
575.00 Total For Check 205838
Check 205909
432.00 6257702/02/26SECURITY CONTROL SYSTEMS INCSECURITY MONITORING - RAMP 0226-0127228.6317.42012
432.00 Total For Check 205909
Check 205917
287.75 3167901/14/26TIMESAVER OFF SITE SECRETR INCEDA MINUTES 010526204.6314.43050
178.00 3168001/14/26TIMESAVER OFF SITE SECRETR INCEDA MINUTES 011226204.6314.43050
465.75 Total For Check 205917
Check 205935
10,650.00 2535136.0102/04/26COLLINS ELECTRICAL CONSTRUCTION COELEVATOR REPAIR-VAN BUREN RAMP228.6317.44020
10,650.00 Total For Check 205935
Check 205964
49.33 99290635001/26/26POPP.COM INC012626 - 10013121 PHONE COMMDEV ADMIN204.6314.43210
49.33 Total For Check 205964
Check 206076
850.00 792202/12/26ANGSTROM ANALYTICAL INCASBESTOS DEMO INSPECTION 4510 TAYLOR ST408.6414.43050
850.00 Total For Check 206076
Check 206097
23.49 26385006202/15/26COMCAST021526 934571297 COMM DEV ADMIN (2.3%)204.6314.43250
23.49 Total For Check 206097
Check 206107
63.75 202602/01/26DRIVER AND VEHICLE SERVICES2026 LICENSE TABS #0409204.6314.44390
63.75 Total For Check 206107
Check 206108
2,000.00 10456101/23/26EHLERS & ASSOCIATES INCMEDTRONIC CITY REQUESTED TAX RESEARCH204.6314.43050
487.50 10456001/23/26EHLERS & ASSOCIATES INCTIF SPECIAL LEGISLATION393.7000.43050
731.25 10455901/23/26EHLERS & ASSOCIATES INCATLATUS TIF SPECIAL LEGISLATION393.7000.43050
3,218.75 Total For Check 206108
Check 206120
2,100.00 368777401/15/26KUTAK ROCK LLPCH I & II LIMITED PTNRSHP PRJ-MEDTRONIC204.0000.22825
288.00 368957001/28/26KUTAK ROCK LLPLCDA GRANT APPLICATIONS, NOAH LOAN PRGRM204.6314.43045
467.50 368957101/28/26KUTAK ROCK LLPATLATUS TIF SPECIAL LEGISLATION393.7000.43050
2,855.50 Total For Check 206120
Check 206122
15,048.00 02182602/18/26LINCOLN AVENUE CAPITAL MGMT LLCESCROWED FUNDS204.0000.22825
15,048.00 Total For Check 206122
Check 206147
5,000.00 02112602/11/26T5 COLUMBIA HEIGHTS LLCFACADE IMPROVEMENT GRANT 408.6411.44600
5,000.00 Total For Check 206147
Check 206158
1,256.99 125027287702/09/26XCEL ENERGY (N S P)ELECTRIC228.6317.43810 4
Item 1.
AmountInvoiceInvoice DateVendorInvoice Line DescGL Number
INVOICE GL DISTRIBUTION REPORT FOR CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS 2/3Page:03/11/2026 11:27 AM
User: suems
DB: Columbia Heights
EXP CHECK RUN DATES 02/01/2026 - 02/28/2026
BOTH JOURNALIZED AND UNJOURNALIZED
PAID
Check 206158
1,256.99 Total For Check 206158
Check 2730
353,931.39 2ND HALF 2025 TIF02/01/26COLLIERS FUNDING LLC2ND HALF TAX INCREMENT392.7000.44600
353,931.39 Total For Check 2730
Check 2731
43,629.30 2025 2ND HALF TIF02/01/26COLUMBIA HEIGHTS LEASED2025 2ND HALF TIF375.7000.44600
43,629.30 Total For Check 2731
Check 2732
191,851.81 2025 2ND HALF02/01/26COLUMBIA HEIGHTS LEASED HOUSING I2ND HALF 25 INCREMENT372.7000.44600
191,851.81 Total For Check 2732
Check 2733
353,931.39 2ND HALF TIF 202502/01/26BPOZ COLUMBIA HEIGHTS LLC OZ HLDGSLOANS & GRANTS392.7000.44600
353,931.39 Total For Check 2733
Check 2740
145,000.00 10003412/15/25BOND TRUST SERVICES CORPPRINCIPAL372.7000.46010
21,875.00 10003412/15/25BOND TRUST SERVICES CORPINTEREST372.7000.46110
166,875.00 Total For Check 2740
Check 2741
575.00 10679 202612/23/25ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ASSOC. OF MNRENEWAL FEES204.6314.43105
(23.49)114-2625662-680984312/02/25AMAZON.COMPOWER PACK RETURN408.6411.42010
551.51 Total For Check 2741
5
Item 1.
AmountInvoiceInvoice DateVendorInvoice Line DescGL Number
INVOICE GL DISTRIBUTION REPORT FOR CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS 3/3Page:03/11/2026 11:27 AM
User: suems
DB: Columbia Heights
EXP CHECK RUN DATES 02/01/2026 - 02/28/2026
BOTH JOURNALIZED AND UNJOURNALIZED
PAID
20,613.32 Fund 204 EDA ADMINISTRATION
12,338.99 Fund 228 DOWNTOWN PARKING
359,301.81 Fund 372 HUSET PARK AREA TIF (T6)
43,629.30 Fund 375 TIF Z6: 47TH & GRAND
707,862.78 Fund 392 TIF BB2 ALATUS 40TH AV
1,686.25 Fund 393 TIF BB6 ALATUS 4300 CENTRAL
5,826.51 Fund 408 EDA REDEVELOPMENT PROJECT FD
Fund Totals:
850.00 ASBESTOS DEMO INSPECTION 4510 TAYLOR ST408.6414.43050
5,000.00 FACADE IMPROVEMENT GRANT 408.6411.44600
(23.49)POWER PACK RETURN408.6411.42010
1,686.25 TIF SPECIAL LEGISLATION393.7000.43050
707,862.78 LOANS & GRANTS392.7000.44600
43,629.30 2025 2ND HALF TIF375.7000.44600
575.00 2016 FISCAL & TERM BOND FEES372.7000.46210
21,875.00 INTEREST372.7000.46110
145,000.00 PRINCIPAL372.7000.46010
191,851.81 2ND HALF 25 INCREMENT372.7000.44600
10,650.00 ELEVATOR REPAIR-VAN BUREN RAMP228.6317.44020
1,256.99 ELECTRIC228.6317.43810
432.00 SECURITY MONITORING - RAMP 0226-0127228.6317.42012
63.75 2026 LICENSE TABS #0409204.6314.44390
23.49 021526 934571297 COMM DEV ADMIN (2.3%)204.6314.43250
49.33 012626 - 10013121 PHONE COMMDEV ADMIN204.6314.43210
575.00 RENEWAL FEES204.6314.43105
2,465.75 MEDTRONIC CITY REQUESTED TAX RESEARCH204.6314.43050
288.00 LCDA GRANT APPLICATIONS, NOAH LOAN PRGRM204.6314.43045
17,148.00 CH I & II LIMITED PTNRSHP PRJ-MEDTRONIC204.0000.22825
--- TOTALS BY GL DISTRIBUTION ---
1,151,258.96 Total For All Funds:
6
Item 1.
REVENUE AND EXPENDITURE REPORT FOR CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS 1/9Page:03/11/2026 11:25 AM
User: suems
DB: Columbia Heights PERIOD ENDING 02/28/2026
% BDGT
USED
UNENCUMBERED
BALANCE
YTD BALANCE
02/28/2026
ACTIVITY FOR
MONTH
02/28/26
ENCUMBERED
YEAR-TO-DATE
2026
AMENDED BUDGETDESCRIPTIONGL NUMBER
Fund 204 - EDA ADMINISTRATION
Expenditures
Dept 6314 - ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUTH
PERSONNEL SERVICES
12.92 182,340.98 27,059.02 16,431.67 0.00 209,400.00 REGULAR EMPLOYEES204.6314.41010
14.91 13,273.72 2,326.28 1,172.00 0.00 15,600.00 P.E.R.A. CONTRIBUTION204.6314.41210
12.87 13,940.92 2,059.08 1,258.32 0.00 16,000.00 F.I.C.A. CONTRIBUTION204.6314.41220
9.91 21,621.88 2,378.12 1,189.06 0.00 24,000.00 INSURANCE204.6314.41300
17.64 741.24 158.76 78.86 0.00 900.00 MN PAID LEAVE TAX204.6314.41410
16.67 583.31 116.69 58.44 0.00 700.00 WORKERS COMP INSURANCE PREM204.6314.41510
12.79 232,502.05 34,097.95 20,188.35 0.00 266,600.00 PERSONNEL SERVICES
SUPPLIES
0.00 200.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 200.00 OFFICE SUPPLIES204.6314.42000
0.00 200.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 200.00 MINOR EQUIPMENT204.6314.42010
8.50 183.01 16.99 16.99 0.00 200.00 GENERAL SUPPLIES204.6314.42171
0.00 200.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 200.00 FOOD SUPPLIES204.6314.42175
2.12 783.01 16.99 16.99 0.00 800.00 SUPPLIES
OTHER SERVICES & CHARGES
28.91 9,881.75 1,813.25 0.00 2,205.00 13,900.00 EXPERT & PROFESSIONAL SERV.204.6314.43050
0.00 4,500.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 4,500.00 TRAINING & EDUCATION ACTIVITIES204.6314.43105
44.01 671.84 49.33 0.00 478.83 1,200.00 TELEPHONE204.6314.43210
0.00 100.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 100.00 POSTAGE204.6314.43220
9.40 453.02 46.98 23.49 0.00 500.00 OTHER TELECOMMUNICATIONS204.6314.43250
0.00 200.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 200.00 LOCAL TRAVEL EXPENSE204.6314.43310
0.00 1,500.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 1,500.00 OUT OF TOWN TRAVEL EXPENSE204.6314.43320
0.00 200.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 200.00 LEGAL NOTICE PUBLISHING204.6314.43500
16.67 2,916.66 583.34 291.67 0.00 3,500.00 PROP & LIAB INSURANCE204.6314.43600
0.00 100.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 100.00 REPAIR & MAINT. SERVICES204.6314.44000
68.42 1,168.60 0.00 0.00 2,531.40 3,700.00 SOFTWARE & SOFTWARE SUBSCRIPTIONS204.6314.44030
16.67 7,916.66 1,583.34 791.67 0.00 9,500.00 INFORMATION SYS:INTERNAL SVC204.6314.44040
0.00 1,200.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 1,200.00 SUBSCRIPTION, MEMBERSHIP204.6314.44330
0.00 800.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 800.00 COMMISSION & BOARDS204.6314.44380
100.00 (63.75)63.75 63.75 0.00 0.00 TAXES & LICENSES204.6314.44390
22.87 31,544.78 4,139.99 1,170.58 5,215.23 40,900.00 OTHER SERVICES & CHARGES
CONTINGENCIES & TRANSFERS
16.67 21,333.34 4,266.66 2,133.33 0.00 25,600.00 OPER. TRANSFER OUT - LABOR204.6314.47100
0.00 80,000.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 80,000.00 TRANSFR:EDA REDEVELP PROJ FD204.6314.47421
4.04 101,333.34 4,266.66 2,133.33 0.00 105,600.00 CONTINGENCIES & TRANSFERS
11.53 366,163.18 42,521.59 23,509.25 5,215.23 413,900.00 Total Dept 6314 - ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUTH
11.53 366,163.18 42,521.59 23,509.25 5,215.23 413,900.00 TOTAL EXPENDITURES
11.53 366,163.18 42,521.59 23,509.25 5,215.23 413,900.00 TOTAL EXPENDITURES
0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 TOTAL REVENUES
Fund 204 - EDA ADMINISTRATION:
7
Item 1.
REVENUE AND EXPENDITURE REPORT FOR CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS 2/9Page:03/11/2026 11:25 AM
User: suems
DB: Columbia Heights PERIOD ENDING 02/28/2026
% BDGT
USED
UNENCUMBERED
BALANCE
YTD BALANCE
02/28/2026
ACTIVITY FOR
MONTH
02/28/26
ENCUMBERED
YEAR-TO-DATE
2026
AMENDED BUDGETDESCRIPTIONGL NUMBER
Fund 204 - EDA ADMINISTRATION
11.53 (366,163.18)(42,521.59)(23,509.25)(5,215.23)(413,900.00)NET OF REVENUES & EXPENDITURES
8
Item 1.
REVENUE AND EXPENDITURE REPORT FOR CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS 3/9Page:03/11/2026 11:25 AM
User: suems
DB: Columbia Heights PERIOD ENDING 02/28/2026
% BDGT
USED
UNENCUMBERED
BALANCE
YTD BALANCE
02/28/2026
ACTIVITY FOR
MONTH
02/28/26
ENCUMBERED
YEAR-TO-DATE
2026
AMENDED BUDGETDESCRIPTIONGL NUMBER
Fund 228 - DOWNTOWN PARKING
Expenditures
Dept 6317 - DOWNTOWN PARKING
SUPPLIES
28.80 1,068.00 432.00 0.00 0.00 1,500.00 OTHER TECHNOLOGY EQUIPMENT228.6317.42012
28.80 1,068.00 432.00 0.00 0.00 1,500.00 SUPPLIES
OTHER SERVICES & CHARGES
16.67 2,916.66 583.34 291.67 0.00 3,500.00 PROP & LIAB INSURANCE228.6317.43600
21.73 1,878.47 521.53 249.54 0.00 2,400.00 UTILITY SERVICES228.6317.43800
17.33 11,077.35 2,322.65 1,256.99 0.00 13,400.00 ELECTRIC228.6317.43810
1.66 36,385.70 0.00 0.00 614.30 37,000.00 REPAIR & MAINT. SERVICES228.6317.44000
532.50 (8,650.00)10,650.00 10,650.00 0.00 2,000.00 BLDG MAINT CONTRACTUAL SERVICES228.6317.44020
0.00 100.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 100.00 TAXES & LICENSES228.6317.44390
25.16 43,708.18 14,077.52 12,448.20 614.30 58,400.00 OTHER SERVICES & CHARGES
25.25 44,776.18 14,509.52 12,448.20 614.30 59,900.00 Total Dept 6317 - DOWNTOWN PARKING
25.25 44,776.18 14,509.52 12,448.20 614.30 59,900.00 TOTAL EXPENDITURES
25.25 (44,776.18)(14,509.52)(12,448.20)(614.30)(59,900.00)NET OF REVENUES & EXPENDITURES
25.25 44,776.18 14,509.52 12,448.20 614.30 59,900.00 TOTAL EXPENDITURES
0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 TOTAL REVENUES
Fund 228 - DOWNTOWN PARKING:
9
Item 1.
REVENUE AND EXPENDITURE REPORT FOR CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS 4/9Page:03/11/2026 11:25 AM
User: suems
DB: Columbia Heights PERIOD ENDING 02/28/2026
% BDGT
USED
UNENCUMBERED
BALANCE
YTD BALANCE
02/28/2026
ACTIVITY FOR
MONTH
02/28/26
ENCUMBERED
YEAR-TO-DATE
2026
AMENDED BUDGETDESCRIPTIONGL NUMBER
Fund 372 - HUSET PARK AREA TIF (T6)
Expenditures
Dept 7000 - BONDS
OTHER SERVICES & CHARGES
(40.65)14,064.72 (5,364.72)0.00 1,300.00 10,000.00 EXPERT & PROFESSIONAL SERV.372.7000.43050
27.41 508,148.19 191,851.81 191,851.81 0.00 700,000.00 LOANS & GRANTS372.7000.44600
26.45 522,212.91 186,487.09 191,851.81 1,300.00 710,000.00 OTHER SERVICES & CHARGES
CAPITAL OUTLAY
100.00 0.00 145,000.00 0.00 0.00 145,000.00 PRINCIPAL372.7000.46010
53.62 18,925.00 21,875.00 0.00 0.00 40,800.00 INTEREST372.7000.46110
20.00 2,800.00 0.00 0.00 700.00 3,500.00 FISCAL AGENT CHARGES372.7000.46200
100.00 (575.00)575.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 MISCELLANEOUS FISCAL CHARGES372.7000.46210
88.83 21,150.00 167,450.00 0.00 700.00 189,300.00 CAPITAL OUTLAY
39.58 543,362.91 353,937.09 191,851.81 2,000.00 899,300.00 Total Dept 7000 - BONDS
39.58 543,362.91 353,937.09 191,851.81 2,000.00 899,300.00 TOTAL EXPENDITURES
39.58 (543,362.91)(353,937.09)(191,851.81)(2,000.00)(899,300.00)NET OF REVENUES & EXPENDITURES
39.58 543,362.91 353,937.09 191,851.81 2,000.00 899,300.00 TOTAL EXPENDITURES
0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 TOTAL REVENUES
Fund 372 - HUSET PARK AREA TIF (T6):
10
Item 1.
REVENUE AND EXPENDITURE REPORT FOR CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS 5/9Page:03/11/2026 11:25 AM
User: suems
DB: Columbia Heights PERIOD ENDING 02/28/2026
% BDGT
USED
UNENCUMBERED
BALANCE
YTD BALANCE
02/28/2026
ACTIVITY FOR
MONTH
02/28/26
ENCUMBERED
YEAR-TO-DATE
2026
AMENDED BUDGETDESCRIPTIONGL NUMBER
Fund 375 - TIF Z6: 47TH & GRAND
Expenditures
Dept 7000 - BONDS
OTHER SERVICES & CHARGES
100.00 89.72 (689.72)0.00 600.00 0.00 EXPERT & PROFESSIONAL SERV.375.7000.43050
100.00 (43,629.30)43,629.30 43,629.30 0.00 0.00 LOANS & GRANTS375.7000.44600
100.00 (43,539.58)42,939.58 43,629.30 600.00 0.00 OTHER SERVICES & CHARGES
100.00 (43,539.58)42,939.58 43,629.30 600.00 0.00 Total Dept 7000 - BONDS
100.00 (43,539.58)42,939.58 43,629.30 600.00 0.00 TOTAL EXPENDITURES
100.00 43,539.58 (42,939.58)(43,629.30)(600.00)0.00 NET OF REVENUES & EXPENDITURES
100.00 (43,539.58)42,939.58 43,629.30 600.00 0.00 TOTAL EXPENDITURES
0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 TOTAL REVENUES
Fund 375 - TIF Z6: 47TH & GRAND:
11
Item 1.
REVENUE AND EXPENDITURE REPORT FOR CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS 6/9Page:03/11/2026 11:25 AM
User: suems
DB: Columbia Heights PERIOD ENDING 02/28/2026
% BDGT
USED
UNENCUMBERED
BALANCE
YTD BALANCE
02/28/2026
ACTIVITY FOR
MONTH
02/28/26
ENCUMBERED
YEAR-TO-DATE
2026
AMENDED BUDGETDESCRIPTIONGL NUMBER
Fund 391 - SCATTERED SITE TIF W3/W4
Expenditures
Dept 7000 - BONDS
OTHER SERVICES & CHARGES
100.00 966.44 (1,566.44)0.00 600.00 0.00 EXPERT & PROFESSIONAL SERV.391.7000.43050
100.00 966.44 (1,566.44)0.00 600.00 0.00 OTHER SERVICES & CHARGES
100.00 966.44 (1,566.44)0.00 600.00 0.00 Total Dept 7000 - BONDS
100.00 966.44 (1,566.44)0.00 600.00 0.00 TOTAL EXPENDITURES
100.00 (966.44)1,566.44 0.00 (600.00)0.00 NET OF REVENUES & EXPENDITURES
100.00 966.44 (1,566.44)0.00 600.00 0.00 TOTAL EXPENDITURES
0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 TOTAL REVENUES
Fund 391 - SCATTERED SITE TIF W3/W4:
12
Item 1.
REVENUE AND EXPENDITURE REPORT FOR CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS 7/9Page:03/11/2026 11:25 AM
User: suems
DB: Columbia Heights PERIOD ENDING 02/28/2026
% BDGT
USED
UNENCUMBERED
BALANCE
YTD BALANCE
02/28/2026
ACTIVITY FOR
MONTH
02/28/26
ENCUMBERED
YEAR-TO-DATE
2026
AMENDED BUDGETDESCRIPTIONGL NUMBER
Fund 392 - TIF BB2 ALATUS 40TH AV
Expenditures
Dept 7000 - BONDS
OTHER SERVICES & CHARGES
100.00 71.02 (671.02)0.00 600.00 0.00 EXPERT & PROFESSIONAL SERV.392.7000.43050
100.00 (353,931.39)353,931.39 353,931.39 0.00 0.00 LOANS & GRANTS392.7000.44600
100.00 (353,860.37)353,260.37 353,931.39 600.00 0.00 OTHER SERVICES & CHARGES
100.00 (353,860.37)353,260.37 353,931.39 600.00 0.00 Total Dept 7000 - BONDS
100.00 (353,860.37)353,260.37 353,931.39 600.00 0.00 TOTAL EXPENDITURES
100.00 353,860.37 (353,260.37)(353,931.39)(600.00)0.00 NET OF REVENUES & EXPENDITURES
100.00 (353,860.37)353,260.37 353,931.39 600.00 0.00 TOTAL EXPENDITURES
0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 TOTAL REVENUES
Fund 392 - TIF BB2 ALATUS 40TH AV:
13
Item 1.
REVENUE AND EXPENDITURE REPORT FOR CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS 8/9Page:03/11/2026 11:25 AM
User: suems
DB: Columbia Heights PERIOD ENDING 02/28/2026
% BDGT
USED
UNENCUMBERED
BALANCE
YTD BALANCE
02/28/2026
ACTIVITY FOR
MONTH
02/28/26
ENCUMBERED
YEAR-TO-DATE
2026
AMENDED BUDGETDESCRIPTIONGL NUMBER
Fund 393 - TIF BB6 ALATUS 4300 CENTRAL
Expenditures
Dept 7000 - BONDS
OTHER SERVICES & CHARGES
100.00 (419.48)(180.52)3.00 600.00 0.00 EXPERT & PROFESSIONAL SERV.393.7000.43050
100.00 (419.48)(180.52)3.00 600.00 0.00 OTHER SERVICES & CHARGES
CONTINGENCIES & TRANSFERS
100.00 (403,747.69)403,747.69 403,747.69 0.00 0.00 TRANSFER OUT TO BONDS393.7000.47160
100.00 (403,747.69)403,747.69 403,747.69 0.00 0.00 CONTINGENCIES & TRANSFERS
100.00 (404,167.17)403,567.17 403,750.69 600.00 0.00 Total Dept 7000 - BONDS
100.00 (404,167.17)403,567.17 403,750.69 600.00 0.00 TOTAL EXPENDITURES
100.00 404,167.17 (403,567.17)(403,750.69)(600.00)0.00 NET OF REVENUES & EXPENDITURES
100.00 (404,167.17)403,567.17 403,750.69 600.00 0.00 TOTAL EXPENDITURES
0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 TOTAL REVENUES
Fund 393 - TIF BB6 ALATUS 4300 CENTRAL:
14
Item 1.
REVENUE AND EXPENDITURE REPORT FOR CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS 9/9Page:03/11/2026 11:25 AM
User: suems
DB: Columbia Heights PERIOD ENDING 02/28/2026
% BDGT
USED
UNENCUMBERED
BALANCE
YTD BALANCE
02/28/2026
ACTIVITY FOR
MONTH
02/28/26
ENCUMBERED
YEAR-TO-DATE
2026
AMENDED BUDGETDESCRIPTIONGL NUMBER
Fund 408 - EDA REDEVELOPMENT PROJECT FD
Expenditures
Dept 6411 - FACADE IMPROVEMENT GRANT
OTHER SERVICES & CHARGES
(5.78)84,625.00 (4,625.00)5,000.00 0.00 80,000.00 LOANS & GRANTS408.6411.44600
(5.78)84,625.00 (4,625.00)5,000.00 0.00 80,000.00 OTHER SERVICES & CHARGES
(5.78)84,625.00 (4,625.00)5,000.00 0.00 80,000.00 Total Dept 6411 - FACADE IMPROVEMENT GRANT
Dept 6414 - COMMERCIAL REVITALIZATION
OTHER SERVICES & CHARGES
54.25 9,150.00 850.00 850.00 10,000.00 20,000.00 EXPERT & PROFESSIONAL SERV.408.6414.43050
54.25 9,150.00 850.00 850.00 10,000.00 20,000.00 OTHER SERVICES & CHARGES
CAPITAL OUTLAY
22.80 231,593.12 0.00 0.00 68,406.88 300,000.00 LAND408.6414.45110
22.80 231,593.12 0.00 0.00 68,406.88 300,000.00 CAPITAL OUTLAY
24.77 240,743.12 850.00 850.00 78,406.88 320,000.00 Total Dept 6414 - COMMERCIAL REVITALIZATION
18.66 325,368.12 (3,775.00)5,850.00 78,406.88 400,000.00 TOTAL EXPENDITURES
18.66 (325,368.12)3,775.00 (5,850.00)(78,406.88)(400,000.00)NET OF REVENUES & EXPENDITURES
18.66 325,368.12 (3,775.00)5,850.00 78,406.88 400,000.00 TOTAL EXPENDITURES
0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 TOTAL REVENUES
Fund 408 - EDA REDEVELOPMENT PROJECT FD:
72.98 (479,069.71)(1,205,393.88)(1,034,970.64)(88,636.41)(1,773,100.00)NET OF REVENUES & EXPENDITURES
72.98 479,069.71 1,205,393.88 1,034,970.64 88,636.41 1,773,100.00 TOTAL EXPENDITURES - ALL FUNDS
100.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 TOTAL REVENUES - ALL FUNDS
15
Item 1.
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY
City Hall—Shared Vision Room, 3989 Central Ave NE
Monday, March 02, 2026
5:00 PM
MINUTES
The meeting was called to order at 5:00 pm by President Spriggs
CALL TO ORDER/ROLL CALL
Members present: Laurel Deneen; Lamin Dibba; Rachel James; Amáda Márquez-Simula; Justice Spriggs;
Marlaine Szurek
Members absent: Connie Buesgens
Staff present: Mitchell Forney, Community Development Director; Aaron Chirpich, City Manager; Sarah
LaVoie, Administrative Assistant; Emilie Voight, Community Development Coordinator
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
CONSENT AGENDA
1. Approve the minutes of the regular EDA Meeting of February 02, 2026.
2. Approve financial reports and payment of bills for January 2026 – Resolution No. 2026-08.
Szurek asked what would authorize the EDA to take funds from other sources to fund economic relief
due to the ICE presence in the City. Spriggs replied that the topic would be addressed under Item 6.
Motion by Szurek, seconded by Dibba, to approve the Consent Agenda as presented. All ayes of present.
MOTION PASSED.
RESOLUTION NO. 2026-08
A RESOLUTION OF THE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS, MINNESOTA,
APPROVING THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE MONTH OF JANUARY 2026 AND THE PAYMENT
OF THE BILLS FOR THE MONTH OF JANUARY 2026.
WHEREAS, the Columbia Heights Economic Development Authority (the “EDA”) is required by
Minnesota Statutes Section 469.096, Subd. 9, to prepare a detailed financial statement which shows all
receipts and disbursements, their nature, the money on hand, the purposes to which the money on
hand is to be applied, the EDA's credits and assets and its outstanding liabilities; and
WHEREAS, said Statute also requires the EDA to examine the statement and treasurer's vouchers or
bills and if correct, to approve them by resolution and enter the resolution in its records; and
WHEREAS, the financial statements for the month of January 2026 have been reviewed by the EDA
Commission; and
16
Item 2.
City of Columbia Heights MINUTES March 02, 2026
EDA Meeting Page 2
WHEREAS, the EDA has examined the financial statements and finds them to be acceptable as t o both
form and accuracy; and
WHEREAS, the EDA Commission has other means to verify the intent of Section 469.096, Subd. 9,
including but not limited to Comprehensive Annual Financial Reports, Annual City approved Budgets,
Audits and similar documentation; and
WHEREAS, financial statements are held by the City’s Finance Department in a method outlined by the
State of Minnesota’s Records Retention Schedule,
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED by the Board of Commissioners of the Columbia Heights Economic
Development Authority that it has examined the referenced financial statements including the check
history, and they are found to be correct, as to form and content; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED the financial statements are acknowledged and received and the check
history as presented in writing is approved for payment out of proper funds; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED this resolution is made as part of the permanent records of the Columbia
Heights Economic Development Authority.
ORDER OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY
Passed this March 2, 2026
Offered by: Marlaine Szurek
Seconded by: Lamin Dibba
Roll Call: All ayes of present. MOTION PASSED.
President: Justice Spriggs
Attest:
Secretary
BUSINESS ITEMS
3. Fire Suppression Grant Application 4755 University Ave NE (El Pollo Loco LLC).
Voight reported that in 2022, the EDA created the Fire Suppression Grant Program to assist local
businesses with the expenses incurred when installing fire suppression systems within commercial
buildings. Many of the commercial properties in Columbia Heights do not have fire suppression
systems. Certain businesses and changes of use require the addition of fire suppression systems to
existing buildings. The price of adding fire suppression systems is often cost -prohibitive for small
businesses.
17
Item 2.
City of Columbia Heights MINUTES March 02, 2026
EDA Meeting Page 3
Voight explained that the owners of the property at 4755 University Ave NE, Julio Orellana and
Johanna Espinoza, have submitted an application for this grant program. The property owners are
currently working to establish a new business in the building: a grocery/deli called El Po llo Loco. In
order to modernize the building and expand its potential future uses, the owners intend to install a
fire suppression system.
Voight stated that the applicants have provided the required two quotes from licensed fire
protection contractors. One bid amounts to $42,030 (LifeSaver) and the other amounts to $51,863
(Nova). The quotes have been included in the meeting packet. Based on these quotes, the project
would be eligible to receive a maximum grant award of $25,931.50. In the 2026 budgeting p rocess,
the EDA allocated $100,000 to the Fire Suppression Grant program. This is the first Fire Suppression
Grant application in 2026.
Questions/Comments from Members:
James stated she was in favor of the application.
Motion by Márquez-Simula, seconded by Deneen, to waive the reading of Resolution No. 2026-10, there
being ample copies available to the public. All ayes of present. MOTION PASSED.
Motion by Márquez-Simula, seconded by Deneen, to approve Resolution No. 2026-10, a Resolution of
the Columbia Heights Economic Development Authority, approving the form and substance of the Fire
Suppression Grant Agreement, and approving authority staff and officials to take all actions necessary
to enter the authority into the Fire Suppression Grant Agreement with the owners of 4755 University
Ave NE (El Pollo Loco). All ayes of present. MOTION PASSED.
RESOLUTION NO. 2026-10
APPROVING THE FORM AND SUBSTANCE OF THE FIRE SUPPRESSION GRANT AGREEMENT, AND
APPROVING AUTHORITY STAFF AND OFFICIALS TO TAKE ALL ACTIONS NECESSARY TO ENTER THE
AUTHORITY INTO THE FIRE SUPPRESSION GRANT AGREEMENT WITH THE OWNERS OF 4755
UNIVERSITY AVE NE (EL POLLO LOCO LLC).
WHEREAS, the City of Columbia Heights (the “City”) and the Columbia Heights Economic Development
Authority (the “Authority”) have collaborated to create a certain Fire Suppression Grant Program (the
“Program”); and
WHEREAS, pursuant to guidelines established for the Program, the Authority is to award and
administer a series of grants to eligible commercial or industrial property owners and/or tenants for
the purposes of revitalizing, rehabilitating, and restoring buildings, and incre asing business vitality,
economic performance, and public safety; and
WHEREAS, the Authority has thoroughly reviewed copies of the proposed form of the Grant
Agreement. 18
Item 2.
City of Columbia Heights MINUTES March 02, 2026
EDA Meeting Page 4
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that, after appropriate examination and due consideration, the
Authority:
1. approves the form and substance of the grant agreement and approves the Authority entering
into the agreement with the owners of 4755 University Ave NE (El Pollo Loco LLC).
2. that the City Manager, as the Executive Director of the Authority, is hereby authorized,
empowered and directed for and on behalf of the Authority to enter into the grant agreement.
3. that the City Manager, as the Executive Director of the Authority, is hereby authorized and
directed to execute and take such action as they deem necessary and appropriate to carry out
the purpose of the foregoing resolution.
ORDER OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY
Passed this March 2, 2026
Offered by: Amáda Márquez-Simula
Seconded by: Laurel Deneen
Roll Call: All ayes of present. MOTION PASSED.
President: Justice Spriggs
Attest:
Secretary
4. 2026 Goal Setting Part II.
Forney reported that, based on the focus areas agreed upon by the Commission in December 2025
and on the specific suggestions Commissioners made during the February 2026 goal-setting
activity, staff have prepared a list of draft 2026 goals for the EDA’s consideration. The goal s listed in
the Agenda Packet will inform the creation and execution of the year’s work plan for Community
Development staff. In doing so, they will help match EDA priorities with available resources. Certain
goals are specific, while others are more general; while developing the list, staff worked to capture
the ideas put forth by the Commission while leaving space for additional opportunities.
Questions/Comments from Members:
Szurek asked if the City would plan on making any business improvements before construction was
completed on Central Avenue. She suggested waiting until construction was complete and having a
plan in place for how to improve the businesses. Forney replied that there was no specific plan to
do any capital improvements prior to other Central Ave work.
Márquez-Simula asked what the main focus was. Forney replied that the four main focuses would
be Central Avenue, Business, “Big Sites”, and Neighborhood/Housing. Voight pointed out page 49
of the Agenda Packet and explained that it is a recorded list of all the ideas that were shared during
19
Item 2.
City of Columbia Heights MINUTES March 02, 2026
EDA Meeting Page 5
the goal-setting session.
5. NOAH Loan Program Updates.
Voight reported that the Columbia Heights Naturally Occurring Affordable Housing (NOAH) Loan
Program, an initiative designed to help preserve and maintain affordable housing in the City,
officially launched on January 1, 2026. Since the program’s launch, staff have maintained
communications with program partner CEE (Minnesota Center for Energy and Environment) to
track applications and feedback about the program. Tonight, staff are sharing updates on
implementation thus far and making suggestions for minor revisions to th e program guidelines.
Voight noted that initial program marketing efforts included social media posts, a news spotlight on
the City’s website, an article in the City’s Winter newsletter, and an English/Spanish postal mailing
to 437 owners and managers of 2+ unit residential properties in Columbia Heights. City staff plans
to also share the program flyer at an upcoming landlord group meeting.
Voight stated that as of February 20th, CEE staff had discussed the program with approximately 16
interested potential applicants and had received 5 complet e applications for the program. None of
the applications to date have qualified for the program. One of the applications that did not qualify
during the January-March 50% AMI income prioritization period is expected to eventually qualify
during the April-December 80% AMI period.
Voight explained that City staff and CEE staff have gathered detailed feedback from applicants and
potential applicants about the program’s design and guidelines. There have been two main themes
in this feedback:
1. The income verification documentation requirements are seen as too strict. Currently, the
program guidelines require applicants to provide copies of their most recent federal tax
returns to demonstrate they meet income requirements. This requirement was designed
to ensure the City was taking all possible steps to avoid potential application fraud. Even
prior to program launch, however, CD staff had anticipated that obtaining tax returns
might be challenging. This has proven true: CEE staff and applicants have indicated that
tenants are often uncomfortable providing this information. Some tenants are also unable
to provide this information because they do not have formal or documented employment.
One building owner explained to staff that they had inherited their tenants from a
previous building owner. Another stated that at the time of lease signing and background
check, their typical method of verifying income involves using pay stubs, not tax returns.
2. The number of potential eligible applicants is perceived as very small due to the
combination of income and rent requirements. Because the program loans are funded
using the City’s LAHA dollars, the City is required to comply with MN State Statute
477A.35 for their use. These statutes specify that for rental housing projects, projects at
the 50% AMI level must be prioritized over those at the 80% AMI level, and the housing
must be “affordable to the local work force.” These statutory requirements guided the
initial program design.
Questions/Comments from Members: 20
Item 2.
City of Columbia Heights MINUTES March 02, 2026
EDA Meeting Page 6
Szurek asked Voight if there would be concern regarding fraud since the requirements were not as
strict. She explained that fraud can occur if there is no proof of citizenship or that the individual is
paying taxes. She added that she did not want to expose the EDA to fraud. She noted that the proof
would be in pay stubs and wondered what would happen if someone was paid in cash. Voight
explained that the recipients of the loans have a certain set of criteria that they have to meet. The
proposal for modifying the program guidelines does not make any changes to the actual applicants.
She added that the proposed changes were for the tenants in the building. Forney mentioned that
the grant is to help landlords.
Szurek asked why it matters to know where the tenant is re ceiving their money. Forney replied that
it does not matter where they receive their money from, and a pay stub would help confirm that
the City can meet the State requirements for rentals.
James asked for clarification regarding the rent levels. Voight replied that she could follow up with
the EDA with a more detailed report on the rent amounts for each unit. The LAHA statutes and the
State Statutes say that the rental housing must be affordable to the workforce. T ypically, the
housing cost should be no more than 30% of the income in order to qualify as affordable.
James asked Voight if staff have connected with other cities that are trying to administer the funds
for existing housing. Voight replied that many cities are using their LAHA funding for homeowner-
owned housing and not rented housing. The criteria for owned housing are different from those for
rental housing.
Dibba mentioned that there are many residents who are not US citizens. Szurek replied that non -US
citizens should be seeking to get citizenship, and the City should not make special rules for them so
that they do not have to pay as much rent. Dibba pointed out that there is a difference between
non-citizens and illegal immigrants. He explained that there are individuals who have green ca rds
and work visas and are allowed to stay in the Country legally. Spriggs mentioned that the discussion
was not about immigration policy.
Dibba explained that a lot of the community are people who are not citizens , and people could
have challenges accessing the program. He noted that it would make sense to consider how to
tweak the program to ensure that the community could access the program without breaking the
law or cutting corners. He explained that he went through the immigration process and was in the
country for a long time before he became a citizen because it is a long process. He asked staff if
there was information on other cities that have made some tweaks to similar programs to help
residents be able to have access to the program. Voight replied that staff has been talking with CEE,
which administers different types of programs for different cities. CEE said the program is fairly
specific in its design, and there are no exact comparisons to other cities. She added that CEE said
using pay stubs or using an attestation for income would be a positive change to the process to
make it easier to get through.
Chirpich mentioned that the City was going off of MHFA’s strictest restriction interpretation of
defining affordability at 30% of monthly income. He wondered if there was another way to look at 21
Item 2.
City of Columbia Heights MINUTES March 02, 2026
EDA Meeting Page 7
it, such as other programs that delineate maximum income levels for other subsidies that MHFA
administers. Forney replied that a lot of the program's staff have looked at going off of the AMI
rental housing metrics brought by the Metropolitan Council. He added that staff would look into
other options. He noted that the LAHA funding is new and staff are still learning about how the
funds can be used.
Deneen expressed her understanding that the income verification documentation requirements
are seen as too strict. She added that she would be interested in knowing what kind of percentages
the EDA could work with. She noted that she wants to ensure that t here is as much participation as
possible while also keeping to the point of the NOAH grant.
James agreed with the staff’s recommendation. Spriggs agreed and explained that it would be
helpful to gather information throughout the year to see if there needs to be legislative changes in
the future. Voight replied that staff would provide the EDA with an update in a few months.
Motion by Deneen, seconded by James, to waive the reading of Resolution No. 2026-09, there being
ample copies available to the public. All ayes of present. MOTION PASSED.
Motion by Deneen, seconded by James, to adopt Resolution No. 2026-09, a Resolution of the Economic
Development Authority of Columbia Heights, Minnesota, approving the amended Program Guidelines,
dated 02/26/2026, for the Columbia Heights Naturally Occurring Affordable Housing (NOAH) Loan
Program. All ayes of present. MOTION PASSED.
RESOLUTION NO. 2026-09
A RESOLUTION OF THE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS, MINNESOTA,
APPROVING THE AMENDED PROGRAM GUIDELINES, DATED 02/26/2026, FOR THE COLUMBIA
HEIGHTS NATURALLY OCCURRING AFFORDABLE HOUSING (NOAH) LOAN PROGRAM.
WHEREAS, in 2024, the City of Columbia Heights established a Local Housing Trust Fund supported by
State-allocated Local Affordable Housing Aid (LAHA) funds, and designated the Economic Development
Authority (EDA) as the administrator of this Fund to support affordable housing init iatives within the
City; and
WHEREAS, in 2025, the EDA approved the creation of the Naturally Occurring Affordable Housing
(NOAH) Loan Program (the “Program”); and
WHEREAS, the Program officially launched on January 1, 2026; and
WHEREAS, in response to feedback received from applicants and from the Minnesota Center for
Energy and Environment (CEE), the EDA’s program partner, the EDA wishes to revise the Program
Guidelines to provide additional options for the types of documentation used for household income
verification.
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that, after appropriate examination and due consideration, the 22
Item 2.
City of Columbia Heights MINUTES March 02, 2026
EDA Meeting Page 8
Authority hereby:
1. Approves the form and substance of the amended Program Guidelines, dated 02/26/2026, for
the Columbia Heights Naturally Occurring Affordable Housing (NOAH) Loan Program; and
2. Authorizes the officers, employees, and other agents of the Authority to take all actions
necessary to perform the Authority’s obligations under the amended Program Guidelines,
including, without limitation, all acts and things required of them by or in connection with this
resolution, for the full, punctual, and complete performance of all the terms, covenants, and
agreements contained herein.
ORDER OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY
Passed this March 2, 2026
Offered by: Laurel Deneen
Seconded by: Rachel James
Roll Call: All ayes of present. MOTION PASSED.
President: Justice Spriggs
Attest:
Secretary
6. 2026 Economic Impact Relief Discussion.
Voight reported that at the EDA’s February meeting, the Commission discussed providing financial
relief to the community to help defray the economic impacts of the Metro Surge federal
immigration enforcement actions. As a result of this discussion, the Commission directed
Community Development staff to assess how the EDA might provide direct relief to businesses.
Prior to the February meeting, staff had already briefly discussed the topic with the EDA’s legal
counsel. Based on those earlier conversations with counsel, staff suggested during the meeting that
if the EDA wanted to use its own funds for such a relief initiative, a deferred loan program might be
the most feasible option.
Voight explained that following the direction given by the Commission during the meeting, staff
conducted further research into this topic. This research included statutory analysis with the EDA’s
legal counsel and the City Attorney, tracking the City of Minneapolis’ efforts to dedicate funds to
business relief, tracking State legislative discussions about relief, and preparing and distributing an
English/Spanish business economic impact survey to gather firsthand testimony from local
businesses. To date, twenty-four survey responses have been received.
Voight noted that at this juncture, staff believe there are three possible paths for providing local
financial relief to businesses:
a. Using City-level levied funds from the EDA’s Community Revitalization program, for a
program to be administered by the EDA;
23
Item 2.
City of Columbia Heights MINUTES March 02, 2026
EDA Meeting Page 9
b. Requesting Anoka County HRA-level levied funds from the County, for a program to be
administered by the City;
c. Identifying an independent source of funds in the City’s resources and amending the 2026
City budget to direct these funds to local economic relief, for a program to be administered
by the City.
Forney stated that Voight has been in communication with the City Attorney and the EDA’s
attorney to find a way to fund a program to support economic relief. The State has set up EDA and
City funding to not be used in ways that do not benefit the public, which means that there are a
number of Statutes that the City has to look at to ensure they are expending funds appropriately.
He explained that Community Development staff are working hard to figure out how to design and
administer a program. Businesses in the City are suffering, and staff will work as quickly as possible.
He added that staff would also continue to look into a rental assistance program and are looking to
identify a partner that could do the underwriting and make sure the program is handled correctly.
He noted that there are funds available for a rental assistance program .
Questions/Comments from Members:
Márquez-Simula explained that small restaurants have been impacted by not having staff available,
and walk-in traffic has been impaired for businesses. She added that delivery truck drivers have
been impacted, so inventory and supplies are not getting deli vered to businesses. She added that
construction workers have left the State which impacts construction in the State. She thanked the
staff for their work.
James thanked staff for their work and explained that businesses struggling in the City impact the
entire community. She mentioned that she spoke with the new owner of 3 Guys’ Grill and learned
that the old owner had to leave because he could not make enough money. She noted that it
seemed that businesses could use help with rent or mortgage payments, and she wondered if it
would be helpful for the EDA to focus on that aspect of supporting businesses instead of focusing
on revenue or owner pay. She expressed her support for using EDA or City funds and mentioned
that it did not make sense to spend a lot of time on licensing refunds since it is a small amount of
money and could take a lot of staff time. Voight mentioned that the money spent by businesses
thus far in 2026 on licensing fees is $55,000.
Deneen agreed that focusing on the building structure could be helpful and would rather have staff
spend time on things that could be more impactful for more businesses. Dibba mentioned that
many businesses are struggling with overhead costs and could use help in that area.
Spriggs asked how much the EDA puts into the Community Revitalization Program each year.
Forney replied that the 2026 budget is for $300,000. Voight mentioned that there was an option to
pause the Fire Suppression Program and Façade Improvement Program to ensure that funding is
available, but the EDA continues to receive applications for those grants so it might make sense to
continue to administer the programs. Staff is in favor of continuing to run those programs for now.
Spriggs stated he was in favor of getting funds to people as quickly as possible so that there is some 24
Item 2.
City of Columbia Heights MINUTES March 02, 2026
EDA Meeting Page 10
immediate relief that can bridge the gap.
BUSINESS UPDATES
a. Pledge of Allegiance.
Voight noted that an EDA member pointed out that there are some meetin gs where the Pledge
of Allegiance is not said, such as the HRA meeting. There was a question about whether reciting
the Pledge is the EDA bylaws. Voight explained that she did research and found out that it is not
in the bylaws or in the City Charter, and was something the EDA has chosen to regularly include
in its meetings since around 2003.
ADJOURNMENT
Motion by Márquez-Simula, seconded by Deneen, to adjourn the meeting at 5:58 pm. All ayes. MOTION
PASSED.
Respectfully submitted,
_______________________________
Sarah LaVoie, Recording Secretary
25
Item 2.
ITEM: Columbia Heights Economic Support Microloan Program Proposal.
Presenting Item: CD Coordinator Emilie Voight
DEPARTMENT: Community Development BY/DATE: CD Coordinator 04/02/2026
CORE CITY STRATEGIES: (please indicate areas that apply by adding an “X” in front of the selected text below)
_Community that Grows with Purpose and Equity
_High Quality Public Spaces
_Safe, Accessible and Built for Everyone
_Engaged, Effective and Forward-Thinking
X Resilient and Prosperous Economy
_Inclusive and Connected Community
BACKGROUND
At the EDA’s February and March meetings, the Commission discussed providing support to the local business
community to help defray the economic impacts of recent federal immigration enforcement actions. These
discussions included consideration of a variety of different forms of assistance.
Following the EDA’s direction, Community Development staff conducted research into statutory regulations
concerning EDA and HRA powers, assessed business community need through the Columbia Heights 2026
Business Economic Impact Survey, and tracked other municipalities’ and counties’ efforts to support
businesses at this time. Finally, Community Development staff met with the Metropolitan (dba Minnesota)
Consortium of Community Developers (MCCD), a Minnesota-based consortium of nonprofit community
development organizations and Community Development Financial Institutions committed to expanding
access to wealth and resources for neighborhoods through housing and economic development initiatives .
SUMMARY OF CURRENT STATUS
In collaboration with MCCD, Community Development staff designed the Columbia Heights Economic Support
Microloan Program to serve the Columbia Heights business community. Tonight’s packet includes draft
program guidelines, a draft professional services agreement between the EDA and MCCD, draft program loan
documents, and draft Resolution 2026-13 to establish and administer the program.
Loans will be awarded based on a four-month multiplier of demonstrated costs such as regular monthly lease
or mortgage payments, not to exceed a total of $10,000 per business. The loan duration will be eight months.
In order to have the loan forgiven, the business must still be in operation in the same location in Columbia
Heights eight months after the date of the loan agreement, with no interruptions, and the business must
provide a summary describing how the funds helped it continue to operate its business. Eligibility criteria, as
listed in the Program Guidelines, include:
- the business must be locally owned, operated, and domiciled in the state of Minnesota with a
physical establishment in Columbia Heights,
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY
AGENDA SECTION BUSINESS ITEMS
MEETING DATE 04/06/2026
26
Item 3.
City of Columbia Heights - EDA Letter Page 2
- the business must be able to demonstrate financial hardship as a result of the Metro Surge federal
immigration enforcement actions,
- the business must be current on property taxes and assessments and in good standing with the City,
- the business must have employed 50 or fewer Full Time Equivalent employees as of Q4 2025, and
- the business must have been in operation at least 6 months prior to application date.
Although this EDA program creation and budget amendment process is not subject to statutory public hearing
or public comment requirements, staff have been circulating information about the proposal on social media
and the City website in order to keep residents and businesses informed of the EDA’s efforts. Public comments
received in writing have been included in the packet.
SOURCES AND USES
The proposal specifies that the program will be funded through current economic development project funds
in Fund 408. This Fund includes the EDA’s Commercial Revitalization Program, its Façade Improvement
Program, and its Fire Suppression Program. By granting approval at tonight’s meeting, the EDA is agreeing to a
budget with MCCD. Specifically, it is confirming that it will dedicate a total of $340,000 to the Economic
Support Microloan Program. As proposed, the program will require no new or outside funds; all funding for
the program will be redistributed from existing programs in the EDA’s 2026 budget. The proposed $340,000
program budget will be composed of:
- $300,000 in funds for loan principals, reassigned from the Commercial Revitalization Program. The
Commercial Revitalization program budgets $300,000 a year for the purchase and removal of
substandard buildings for future redevelopment.
- $40,000 in funds for administrative costs, reassigned from the Façade Improvement Program. The
Façade Improvement Program budgets $80,000 a year for this capital improvement grant program.
This proposal would leave approximately $29,350 for façade grants for the remainder of 2026.
The attached resolution amends the EDA’s 2026 budget to reflect these proposed redistributions.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION
Community Development staff recommend that the EDA review the attached draft program documents and
Resolution 2026-13, then move to authorize creation and implementation of the Columbia Heights Economic
Support Microloan Program.
If there are residents or business owners present at tonight’s meeting who would like to speak about this
item, staff recommend that the EDA open the floor to public comment prior to the Commission’s discussion.
RECOMMENDED MOTION(S):
MOTION: Move to waive the reading of Resolution 2026-13, there being ample copies available to the
public.
MOTION: Move to adopt Resolution 2026-13, a resolution of the Economic Development Authority of
Columbia Heights, Minnesota, approving the creation and implementation of the Columbia Heights
Economic Support Microloan Program.
ATTACHMENT(S)
1. Resolution 2026-13
2. Draft Microloan Program Guidelines
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Item 3.
City of Columbia Heights - EDA Letter Page 3
3. Draft Professional Services Agreement MCCD / Columbia Heights EDA
4. Draft Microloan Program Loan Documents
5. Estimated impact data previously submitted to Cities for Safe and Stable Communities Coalition survey
6. Public comments received through 04/02/2026 at noon
28
Item 3.
Resolution 2026-13
4936-5575-9261.1
RESOLUTION NO. 2026-13
A RESOLUTION OF THE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS, MINNESOTA,
APPROVING THE CREATION AND IMPLEMENTATION OF THE COLUMBIA HEIGHTS ECONOMIC SUPPORT
MICROLOAN PROGRAM.
WHEREAS, the Economic Development Authority (the EDA or Authority) of the City of Columbia Heights (the
City) possesses powers defined in the Minnesota State Statutes , including Minnesota Statutes, Sections
469.090 through 469.1082, as amended (the “EDA Act”), that enable it to take action to support economic
development in its geographic jurisdiction; and
WHEREAS, these powers granted to the EDA include, but are not limited to, the authority to make economic
development loans to businesses pursuant to Sect. 469.192 of the EDA Act and to provide business subsidies
as outlined in Minn. Stat. Sect. 116J.993 through 116J.995, both of said powers being municipal level
mechanisms intended to promote the public good through targeted assistance to individual businesses; and
WHEREAS, the EDA and the City have a history of supporting local businesses through ongoing economic
development efforts such as the Façade Improvement Program and the Fire Suppres sion Program, as well as
one-off initiatives in times of need such as the 2020 Columbia Heights Business Relief Grant Program; and
WHEREAS, these types of economic development programs and projects not only support businesses but
also protect the City’s overall health and well-being by working to prevent tax base decreases and blight
caused by business closures and empty commercial buildings; and
WHEREAS, as a result of the recent federal immigration enforcement surge, Columbia Heights businesses
have faced challenges including employee absences and hiring difficulties, issues with suppliers, reduced
sales, and security challenges; and
WHEREAS, these and other challenges have led to direct impacts on Columbia Heights businesses including
temporary and permanent closures, decreased revenue and owner pay, fewer hours or days of operations,
reduced employee hours and reductions in staff, and difficulty paying rent, mortgage, insurance, or utilities;
and
WHEREAS, the EDA and the City quantified and documented many of these challenges and impacts in the
EDA’s 2026 Business Economic Impact Survey and in the City’s written response to the Cities for Safe and
Stable Communities Coalition survey; and
WHEREAS, in response to demonstrated need and as authorized by the powers granted to it by the
Minnesota Statutes, the EDA wishes to help bolster local businesses’ abilities to continue operating in
Columbia Heights despite these recent challenges, and thereby to help maintain the entrepreneurship and
vibrancy the Columbia Heights business community is known for; and
WHEREAS, based on the testimonials gathered from local businesses, the EDA believes that a program of
forgivable loans to assist with structure costs such as mortgage and lease payments would have a substantial
beneficial impact on businesses’ capacities to continue operating in their current locations and that it is in
the best interests of the City to implement such program ; and
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Item 3.
Resolution 2026-13
4936-5575-9261.1
WHEREAS, the EDA has caused to be prepared guidelines (the “Program Guidelines”) for the EDA’s Economic
Support Microloan Program (the “Program”) to fund the loans described herein to assist with structure costs
such as rent, mortgage, utilities, and insurance, and such Program Guidelines are on file with the EDA; and
WHEREAS, the EDA intends to partner with the Metropolitan Consortium of Community Developers (MCCD),
a Minnesota-based consortium of nonprofit community development organizations and Community
Development Financial Institutions committed to expanding access to wealth and resources for
neighborhoods through housing and economic development initiatives and doing business as the Minnesota
Consortium of Community Developers, in order to design and administer said Program; and
WHEREAS, there has been presented to the Board of Commissioners of the EDA (the “Board”) a Professional
Services Agreement (the “Professional Services Agreement”) with MCCD, which sets forth the terms under
which the MCCD will administer the Program; and
WHEREAS, there has also been presented to the Board a form of loan documents, including a loan
agreement (the “Loan Agreement”) and a promissory note (the “Note”), which each loan recipient will be
expected to execute and deliver to the EDA; and
WHEREAS, loans under the Program Guidelines shall not exceed $10,000, and therefore any loan under the
Program will not constitute a business subsidy within the meaning of Minnesota Statutes, Sections 116J.993
to 116J.995, as amended; and
WHEREAS, the EDA finds that the Program is consistent with the economic development goals in Economic
Development Authority Redevelopment Fund 408 and intends to use this Fund to administer the Program.
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that, after appropriate examination and due consideration, the
Authority hereby:
1. Approves the creation of the Program; and
2. Approves the form and substance of the Professional Services Agreement with MCCD, the Program
Guidelines, and the forms of Loan Agreement and Note for the Program , along with any other
document or certificate to be executed and delivered by the EDA and/or the loan recipient prepared
by or in consultation with MCCD necessary to accomplish the goals of the Program (collectively, the
“Loan Documents”); and
3. Amends the 2026 budget for Economic Development Authority Redevelopment Fund 408 to
appropriate $300,000 from the Commercial Revitalization Program for loans under the Program and
$40,000 from the Façade Improvement Program for administrative costs due and payable to MCCD;
and
4. Authorizes the Executive Director of the Authority to approve loans in consultation with MCCD as
provided in the Professional Services Agreement and execute the Loan Documents to which the
Authority is a party, on behalf of the Authority, without the need for further action by the Board; and
5. Delegates authority to the Executive Director of the Authority to work with a recipient to resolve
issues causing a loan to become due and payable; and
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Item 3.
Resolution 2026-13
4936-5575-9261.1
6. Authorizes the officers, employees, and other agents of the Authority to take all actions necessary to
perform the Authority’s obligations under the Loan Documents, including, without limitation, all acts
and things required of them by or in connection with this resolution and the Loan Documents, for the
full, punctual, and complete performance of all the terms, covenants, and agreements contained
herein and in the Loan Documents.
ORDER OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY
Adopted this 6th day of April, 2026
Offered by:
Seconded by:
Roll Call:
President
Attest:
Secretary
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Item 3.
City of Columbia Heights | Community Development
3989 Central Ave NE, Columbia Heights, MN 55421 ▪ Ph: 763-706-3670 ▪ www.columbiaheightsmn.gov
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Columbia Heights Economic Support Microloan Program
Program Guidelines
Program Description
In response to the demonstrated local economic impact of recent federal immigration
enforcement actions in January and February of 2026, the Columbia Heights Economic
Development Authority (EDA) will offer a forgivable microloan program for local businesses.
Microloan funds shall not be used to cover expenses or losses incurred during the enforcement
activity, but instead to support reopenings and future stability by providing resources for
anticipated building expenses (see examples of eligible use of loan funds below). Applicants
must submit documentation demonstrating losses incurred during the immigration
enforcement actions, as described herein.
Loans will be awarded based on a four-month multiplier of demonstrated costs such as regular
monthly lease or mortgage payments, not to exceed a total of $10,000 per business. The loan
duration will be eight months. In order to have the loan forgiven, the business must still be in
operation in the same location in Columbia Heights eight months after the date of the loan
agreement, with no interruptions, and the business must provide a summary describing how
the funds helped it continue to operate its business.
Application technical assistance will be available through the Columbia Heights Community
Development Department and program partner MCCD.
Eligibility Criteria
- Business must be locally owned, operated, and domiciled in the state of Minnesota with
a physical establishment in Columbia Heights.
o If there is a parent company or a second location outside of Columbia Heights,
only the entity located in Columbia Heights will be eligible.
- Business must be able to demonstrate financial hardship as a result of the Metro Surge
federal immigration enforcement actions.
o This may be demonstrated by:
Year over year (Jan 2025 vs Jan 2026) revenue/sales decrease; or
Period-based (Sept-Oct 2025 vs Jan-Feb 2026) revenue/sales decrease
- Business must provide proof of active registration with the Minnesota Secretary of
State.
o If there is an issue pending with the Minnesota Secretary of State, the applicant
may still apply for the loan but will need to demonstrate that the matter has
been satisfactorily resolved in order to be eligible and receive loan funds.
- If applicable, the business must be appropriately licensed.
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- Business must be current on property taxes and assessments.
- Business must be in good standing with the City.
- Business must employ 50 or fewer Full Time Equivalent employees as of Q4 2025.
- Business must have been in operation at least 6 months prior to application date.
o Applicants will not be disqualified for circumstances in which there was an
ownership change and the business remained in operation within 12 months
prior to application.
Loan Terms
- Loan amount: Up to $10,000 but not to exceed four months' currently occupied
commercial space lease or mortgage.
o If the business does not pay rent or mortgage but can still demonstrate regular
expenses through building insurance or utilities statements, the business may
still apply.
- Loan forgiveness: Contingent on the business still being in operation in the same
commercial space in eight months (counted from date of loan agreement), with no
interruptions.
o Exceptions may be made on a case-by-case basis for unforeseen circumstances
such as the business needing to move to another location in Columbia Heights
due to sale of a leased building, fire or water damage, etc.
- Loan term: Eight months.
o If the business does not meet forgiveness criteria in eight months' time, it will be
required to repay loan principal in full (without interest).
- Interest rate: 0%.
Ineligible Businesses/Restrictions
- Applicants who have previously received federal, state, or local loans or grants for the
same expenses.
- Multi-state chains are generally ineligible except for locally owned franchisees.
- Nonprofit organizations.
- Businesses that primarily derive income from gambling or adult entertainment.
- Home-based businesses are generally ineligible.
- Businesses that derive income from passive investments (for example, property rentals
or property management, group homes / residential care homes / residential elderly
care facilities, billboards, and lobbying).
- Use of loan funds for payment of taxes or fees is ineligible.
Examples of Eligible Uses of Loan Funds
- Commercial lease or mortgage payments.
- Commercial utility payments.
- Commercial structure insurance payments.
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Application Process
- All applicants must complete an online application to assess eligibility.
- The application deadline shall be April 24th, 2026, at 4:00 p.m.
- Applications that have been submitted before the deadline and that successfully pass
through the first review phase will be required to submit documentation to fully
demonstrate eligibility, including:
o Organizational documents (articles of incorporation or organization, as
applicable),
o Proof that the business is actively registered with the Minnesota Secretary of
State,
o Evidence of license to do business, if applicable,
o Documentation demonstrating financial hardship, as described in Eligibility
Criteria, and
o Copy of lease or purchase agreement showing that business is located in the
City.
o Additional documentation may be required on a case-by-case basis.
- A second application review will then be conducted.
- Following the second review of eligibility and completeness, the Metropolitan
Consortium of Community Developers doing business as the Minnesota Consortium of
Community Developers (MCCD) and acting as loan administrator will make allocation
recommendations to the Executive Director of the EDA.
- Approved applications will proceed to the loan signature and origination stage.
- Following loan origination, MCCD will conduct loan servicing, including verification of
forgiveness criteria after eight months.
Disbursement Process
- The loan shall be disbursed in a single lump sum directly to the business owner or
operator-applicant, following the approval and signature stage.
The information outlined above is intended to serve as general guidelines. Final loan
decisions will be made in consultation with the Executive Director of the EDA after a
thorough review of all application factors and criteria.
All applications received during the application period and no later than 4:00 p.m. on April
24, 2026, will be reviewed for eligibility. Applications deemed eligible will be assigned a
random numerical indicator. If eligible applications exceed the funding available, the loan
administrator will contact eligible applicants to request required program documentation and
allocate funds on the basis of the numerical order assigned. Only one application per business
location will be considered.
After the initial funding round, the EDA reserves the right to amend any criteria for eligibility
as needed to best ensure the effective distribution of remaining funds.
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Item 3.
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COLUMBIA HEIGHTS ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY
PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT
This Professional Services Agreement (“Agreement”) is made on the __ day of _____,
2026, between the Columbia Heights Economic Development Authority, a body corporate and
politic organized and existing under the laws of the State of Minnesota (the “Authority”), and
Metropolitan Consortium of Community Developers, a Minnesota nonprofit corporation doing
business as the Minnesota Consortium of Community Developers (the “Contractor”). The
Authority and the Contractor are each a “Party” and together the “Parties.”
The Authority has created the Columbia Heights Economic Support Microloan Program
(the “Program”), a forgivable loan program whereby the Authority shall provide forgivable loans
(the “Loans” and, each a “Loan”) up to $10,000 to assist businesses located in the City of
Columbia Heights, Minnesota (the “City”) with structure costs such as rent, mortgage, utilities,
and insurance, in order to help maintain the entrepreneurship and diversity the Columbia Heights
business community is known for and also to protect the City’s overall health and well-being by
preventing tax base decreases and blight caused by business closures and empty commercial
storefronts.
The Program was created using Authority funds, as authorized by powers in Minnesota
Statutes, §§ 469.090 through 469.1082, as amended, including § 469.192, and §§ 116J.993
through § 116J.995, as amended.
In connection with the Program, the Authority has prepared and approved (1) guidelines
for the Program (the “Guidelines”), (2) a loan application (the “Application”), (3) a model loan
agreement (the “Loan Agreement”) and (4) a model promissory note (the “Note” and, together
with the Guidelines, the Application, and the Loan Agreement, the “Program Documents”).
1. Scope of Work. The Contractor agrees to administer the Program as further described in
Exhibit A (“Work”) which is attached to this Agreement and incorporated by this reference. All
Work provided by Contractor under this Agreement shall be provided in a manner consistent
with the level of care and skill ordinarily exercised by professional consultants currently
providing similar services.
2. Term and Termination. The term of this Agreement will commence on April 7, 2026.
Unless extended by written agreement of the Parties, this Agreement will terminate no later than
April 27, 2027, or upon completion of the Work, whichever occurs first. This Agreement may be
terminated earlier by either Party with or without cause, by delivering, a written notice at least
thirty (30) days prior to the date of such termination to the other Party. The date of termination
shall be stated in the notice. Upon termination the Contractor shall be paid for services rendered
and eligible reimbursable expenses incurred by the Contractor through and until the date of
termination. If the Authority terminates this Agreement for cause, the notice shall so-state, and
no further payment shall be due to the Contractor following the delivery of the termination
notice.
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3. Compensation for Work. The Authority agrees to compensate the Contractor for the
Work in an amount equal to 15% of the principal amount of each Loan, subject to an aggregate
compensation limit for the Work over the term of this Agreement not to exceed $40,000 (the
“Fees” and, related to each Loan, the “Fee”). Any changes in the Work which may result in an
increase to the compensation due the Contractor shall require prior written approval of the
Authority.
4. Invoice. Following the issuance of a Loan and the execution of the related Loan
Agreement and Promissory Note, the Contractor shall submit an invoice for the Work related to
that Loan. Invoices shall contain the following:
a. The amount of the Loan and the Fee.
b. For reimbursable expenses, if any, an itemized listing, including receipts for such
expenses.
c. A statement dated and signed by the Contractor: “I declare under penalty of
perjury that this account, claim, or demand is just and correct and that no part of it has
been paid.”
5. Method of Payment. For each Loan, the submitted invoice shall be paid in two parts: (i)
10% of the principal amount of each Loan shall be paid upon submission of the invoice, which
shall occur upon execution of the Loan Agreement and the Promissory Note, and (ii) 5% of the
principal amount of each Loan shall be paid when the Loan is forgiven or the Authority submits a
Default Notice (as defined in Section 8(b) of the Loan Agreement) for the Loan.
6. Representatives and Notices. The individuals below will act as the representatives of the
Parties with respect to the work to be performed under this Agreement. Any termination notice
issued under this Agreement shall be either hand delivered or sent by U.S. Mail to the below-
named individuals:
To Authority:
Columbia Heights Economic
Development Authority
3989 Central Ave NE
Columbia Heights, MN 55421
Attn: Executive Director
To Contractor:
Metropolitan Consortium of
Community Developers
3137 Chicago Avenue
Minneapolis, MN 55407
Attn: CEO
7. Assignment or Subcontracting. The Contractor shall not assign or enter into
subcontracts for services provided under this Agreement without the written consent of the
Authority. If subcontracts are approved and entered into, the Contractor shall promptly pay any
subcontractor involved in the performance of this Agreement as required by, and the Contractor
shall otherwise comply with, the State Prompt Payment Act, Minnesota Statutes, Section
471.425, as amended.
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8. Independent Contractor. All Work provided pursuant to this Agreement shall be
provided by Contractor as an independent contractor and not as an employee of the Authority or
the City for any purpose. Any and all officers, employees, subcontractors, and agents of
Contractor, or any other person engaged by Contractor in the performance of the Work pursuant
to this Agreement, shall not be considered employees of the Authority or the City. Contractor, its
employees, subcontractors, or agents shall not be entitled to any of the rights, privileges, or
benefits of the Authority’s or the City’s employees, except as otherwise stated herein.
9. Annual Review. Following the anniversary date of each year of this Agreement, the
Authority shall have the right to conduct a review of the performance of the Work performed by
the Contractor under this Agreement. The Contractor agrees to cooperate in such review and to
provide such information as the Authority may reasonably request. Following each performance
review the Parties shall, if requested by the Authority, meet and discuss the performance of the
Contractor relative to the remaining Work to be performed by the Contractor under this
Agreement.
10. Compliance with Laws and Regulations. The Contractor shall comply with all federal,
state and local laws, statutes, ordinances, rales and regulations in the performance of the Work.
11. Non-Discrimination. During the performance of this Agreement, the Contractor shall not
discriminate against any person, contractor, vendor, employee or applicant for employment
because of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, marital status, status with regard to
public assistance, disability, sexual orientation, or age. The Contractor shall post in places
available to employees and applicants for employment, notices setting forth the provisions of this
non-discrimination clause and stating that all qualified applicants will receive consideration for
employment. The Contractor shall incorporate the foregoing requirements in all of its
subcontracts for Work done under this Agreement and will require all of its subcontractors
performing such Work to incorporate such requirements in all subcontracts for the performance
of the Work. The Contractor further agrees to comply with all aspects of the Minnesota Human
Rights Act, Minnesota Statutes 363.01, et. seq., Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, and the
Americans with Disabilities Act.
12. Data Practices Act Compliance. The Contractor acknowledges that all data provided,
produced, or obtained under this Agreement shall be protected, maintained, and administered in
accordance with the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act, Minnesota Statutes Chapter 13
(the “Act”), and that with regard to such data Contractor must comply with the Act as if it were a
government entity. Contractor will immediately report to the Authority any requests from third
Parties for information relating to this Agreement.
13. Audit Disclosure. Under Minn. Stat. § 16C.05, subd. 5, Contractor’s books, records,
documents, and accounting procedures and practices relevant to this Agreement, including books
and records of any approved subcontractors, are subject to examination by the Authority, the City
and/or the State Auditor or Legislative Auditor, as appropriate, for a minimum of six years after
the termination of this Agreement.
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14. Indemnification. The Contractor agrees to defend, indemnify, and hold the City, the
Authority, and the mayor, president, commissioners, councilmembers, officers, agents,
employees, and representatives harmless from and against all liability, claims, damages, costs,
judgments, losses, and expenses, including but not limited to reasonable attorney’s fees, arising
out of or resulting from any negligent or wrongful act or omission of the Contractor, its officers,
agents, employees, contractors and/or subcontractors, pertaining to the performance or failure to
perform the Work. Nothing herein shall be construed as a limitation on or waiver of any
immunities or limitations on liability available to the Authority under Minnesota Statutes,
Chapter 466, or other law.
15. Insurance. Prior to starting the Work and during the full term of this Agreement, the
Contractor shall procure and maintain insurance Contractor shall obtain, at Contractor's expense,
as follows:
a. Workers Compensation insurance in accordance with Minnesota law;
b. Professional Liability Insurance covering any damages caused by an error,
omission, or any negligent act and/or General Liability Coverage against claims for
bodily injury, death, or property damage arising out of Contractor’s performance of duties
under this Agreement;
c. Automobile insurance for owned, hired, and non-owned vehicles, if necessary;
d. Coverage shall be sufficiently broad to cover to all duties and obligations
undertaken by Contractor in this Agreement including duties related to indemnification;
e. Insurance must be on an “occurrence” basis, and, other than Workers
Compensation, the limits of such policies must be no less than $1,000,000 per occurrence
and $1,500,000 aggregate;
f. Policies must be held by insurance companies licensed to do business in the state
in Minnesota and having a current A.M. Best rating of no less than A-, unless otherwise
agreed to by the Authority in writing;
g. Contractor must provide a copy of: (i) a certification of insurance satisfactory to
the Authority, and (ii) if requested, the Contractor’s insurance declaration page, riders
and/or endorsements, as applicable, which evidences the compliance with this Paragraph,
must be filed with the Authority prior to the start of Contractor’s Work. Such documents
evidencing insurance shall be in a form acceptable to the Authority and shall provide
satisfactory evidence that the Contractor has complied with all insurance requirements.
16. Ownership of Documents. All plans, diagrams, analysis, reports and information
generated in connection with the performance of this Agreement (the “Information”) shall
become the property of the Authority, but the Contractor may retain copies of such documents as
records of the services provided. The Authority may use the Information for any reasons it deems
appropriate without being liable to the Contractor for such use. The Contractor shall not use or
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disclose the Information for purposes other than performing the Work contemplated by this
Agreement without the prior consent of the Authority.
17. Conflicts. No salaried officer or employee of the Authority or the City and no member of
the City Council of the City or the Board of Commissioners of the Authority shall have a
financial interest, direct or indirect, in this Agreement. The violation of this provision shall
render this Agreement void.
18. Waiver. Any waiver by either Party of a breach of any provisions of this Agreement shall
not affect, in any respect, the validity of the remainder of this Agreement or either Parties’ ability
to enforce a subsequent breach.
19. Governing Law. This Agreement shall be controlled by the laws of the State of
Minnesota. Any disputes, controversies, or claims arising under this Agreement shall be heard in
the state or federal courts of Minnesota and the Parties waive any objections to jurisdiction.
20. Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in multiple counterparts, each of which
shall be considered an original.
21. Severability. The provisions of this Agreement are severable. If any portion hereof is, for
any reason, held by a court of competent jurisdiction to be contrary to law, such decision shall
not affect the remaining provisions of this Agreement.
22. Entire Agreement. Unless stated otherwise in this, the entire agreement of the Parties is
contained in this Agreement. This Agreement supersedes all prior oral agreements and
negotiations between the Parties relating to the subject matter hereof as well as any previous
agreements presently in effect between the Parties relating to the subject matter hereof. Any
alterations, amendments, deletions, or waivers of the provisions of this Agreement shall be valid
only when expressed in writing and duly signed by the Parties, unless otherwise provided herein.
23. Financial and Other Reports. In addition to any other reporting required by this
Agreement or its exhibits, Contractor shall submit to the Authority such reports and back-up data
as may be required by the Authority, the United States Department of the Treasury (the
“Treasury”), or any other entity with authority over the reporting of ARPA Funds.
24. Improper Payments. Any item of expenditure by Contractor under the terms of this
Agreement which is found by auditors, investigators and other authorized representatives of the
Authority, the City of Columbia Heights, State of Minnesota, or authorized federal government
agency, including but not limited to Treasury, to be improper, unallowable, in violation of federal
or state law or the terms of this Agreement, or involving any fraudulent, deceptive, or misleading
representations or activities of Contractor shall become Contractor’s liability, to be paid by
Contractor from funds other than those provided by the Authority under this Agreement or any
other agreements between Contractor and the Authority or the City.
[Signatures to follow on next page.]
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned Parties have entered into this Agreement as
of the date set forth above.
COLUMBIA HEIGHTS ECONOMIC
DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY
By:
Its:
METROPOLITAN CONSORTIUM
OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPERS
By:
Its:
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EXHIBIT A
WORK
The Contractor shall perform the following Work:
The Columbia Heights Economic Development Authority (the “Authority”) has created the
Columbia Heights Economic Support Microloan Program (the “Program”), a forgivable loan
program whereby the Authority shall provide forgivable loans (the “Loans” and, each a “Loan”)
up to a principal amount of $10,000 each to assist businesses located in the City of Columbia
Heights, Minnesota (the “City”) with structure costs such as rent, mortgage, utilities, and
insurance, in order to help maintain the entrepreneurship and diversity the Columbia Heights
business community is known for and also to protect the City’s overall health and well-being by
preventing tax base decreases and blight caused by business closures and empty commercial
storefronts. In connection with the Program, Authority has prepared and approved (1) guidelines
for the Program (the “Guidelines”), (2) a loan application (the “Application”), (3) a model loan
agreement (the “Loan Agreement”) and (4) a model promissory note (the “Note” and, together
with the Guidelines, the Application, and the Loan Agreement, the “Program Documents”).
The Contractor will administer the Program and provide the following services:
1. Loan Administration. MCCD shall serve as fund administrator for the Program, and will
administer all aspects of the Program in accordance with the Program Documents. MCCD's
services include, but are not limited to, the following:
(a) Promotion of the Program to prospective business clients in coordination with the
Columbia Heights EDA.
(b) Timely response to questions and providing technical assistance upon receipt of inquiries.
(c) Educate applicants and potential applicants on the Program Documents.
(d) Assist applicants in completing the Application.
(e) Intake of application forms via email and/or other submission methods mutually agreed
upon.
(f) Sending of email or other forms of notice to applicants to confirm receipt of applications.
(g) Proper handling and security of private information submitted.
(h) Record-keeping of applications received.
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(i) Review, rate, and make recommendations on submitted applications. The
recommendations of the Contractor shall be sent to the Authority for final approval.
(j) Facilitate execution of the Loan Agreement and the Note. The Loan Agreement shall be
executed by the Executive Director of the Authority.
(k) Verifying that costs have been incurred by the applicant.
(l) Hold and disburse the approved loan funds in accordance with the Program Documents.
(m) Notification to selected applicants of initial funding decisions.
(n) Coordination of requests for required documentation from applicants.
(o) Review and evaluation of required documentation submitted by applicants.
(p) Managing all aspects of loan administration.
(q) Monthly reporting to the Authority as set forth herein.
(r) Additional programmatic and financial information required for effective monitoring of
services, upon request from the Authority.
(s) For each Loan, collect the completed loan summary (the “Summary”) attached as Exhibit
C to the Loan Agreement.
(t) Review and confirm whether each Borrower meets the forgiveness requirements detailed
in Section 8(a) of the Loan Agreement and recommend and facilitate forgiveness or
repayment of each Loan, subject to approval by the Authority.
MCCD shall disburse all Program Funding no later than December 31, 2026, and complete
reporting requirements no later than April 7, 2027. In the event that the Program loan funds are
not disbursed to eligible borrowers before the deadline, MCCD shall return these funds to the
Authority no later than April 27, 2027. This section shall survive the term, cancellation, or
termination of this agreement.
2. Reporting to the Authority. MCCD agrees to submit reports on the first business day of
each month to the Authority, providing the following information:
(a) Number of applicants;
(b) Number of loans approved;
(c) Total funds loaned to the businesses;
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(d) Type and location of businesses;
(e) Short description of use of funds; and
(f) Demographic information of businesses.
3. Release of Loan Funds. The Authority shall disburse Program funds to MCCD upon
receipt of written request for payment that includes a list of approved loan recipients.
4. Notifications. MCCD shall notify the Authority immediately of any changes or
substitutions to the list of loan recipients. Within 30 days of receipt of loan funds, MCCD will
provide copies of loan agreements or other documentation of loan closing equal to the amount of
funds requested and disbursed. In the event of any discrepancy, MCCD shall have 30 days to
remedy the discrepancy to the satisfaction of the Authority or return funds to the Authority in the
amount in question.
5. Retention of Loan Funds. In the event that applications from eligible borrowers result in
requests less than the full Program Fund amount of $300,000 minus Administrative Fees within
the contract term, the Authority shall retain the remaining funds.
6. Fraud. The Authority is not responsible for remedying fraudulent or unauthorized
payments requested in MCCD's name.
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LOAN AGREEMENT FOR THE
COLUMBIA HEIGHTS
ECONOMIC SUPPORT MICROLOAN PROGRAM
This Loan Agreement (this “Agreement”) is made this __ day of ________, 2026, between
the Columbia Heights Economic Development Authority, a public body corporate and politic
organized and existing under the laws of the State of Minnesota ("Lender"), and
___________________ [name of business], a Minnesota _______________[type of business entity,
e.g. limited liability company, sole proprietorship, assumed name, etc.] ("Borrower").
RECITALS
A. Lender has created the Columbia Heights Economic Support Microloan Program (the
“Program”), a forgivable loan program for businesses intended to support economic success in the
City of Columbia Heights, Minnesota (the “City”) by aiding businesses impacted by the Metro
Surge federal immigration enforcement actions, thereby (i) providing financial resources to small
businesses located within the City that may struggle to obtain traditional financing, (ii) improving
the odds of businesses continuing to operate in the City, (iii) preventing blight and improving
commercial properties in the City, and (iv) helping small businesses create and retain jobs in the
City, and Lender has approved guidelines for the Program (the “Program Guidelines”).
B. Borrower has submitted a loan application (the “Loan Application”) and Lender has
approved a forgivable loan to Borrower under the Program in the maximum principal amount of
$________ (the “Loan”) to pay a portion of the expenses described in Exhibit A attached hereto, all
of which expenses constitute eligible uses under the Program Guidelines, in connection with
Borrower’s _____________ [kind of business, e.g. restaurant, salon, etc.] located at ______________
[address] in the City (the “Project”).
C. Lender and Borrower wish to memorialize the terms of the Loan in this Agreement.
ACCORDINGLY, to induce Lender to make the Loan to Borrower, and for good and valuable
consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the parties hereto agree
as follows:
1. The Loan Amount. Subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement, the Note
(as hereinafter defined), the Program Guidelines, and the Loan Application, Borrower agrees to take
and Lender agrees to make a loan in the principal amount of ____________________ Dollars and
no/100 ($________.00) or so much thereof as is disbursed to Borrower in accordance with this
Agreement. The Loan shall be evidenced by a promissory note (the “Note”), substantially in the form
of Exhibit B attached to this Agreement. Proceeds of the Loan shall be disbursed in accordance with
Section 2 hereof.
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2. Disbursement of Loan Proceeds.
(a) The Loan shall be disbursed in a single lump sum directly to the Borrower upon
satisfactory delivery to the Lender of the following:
(i) Loan Documents. Executed copies of this Agreement and the Note;
(ii) Borrower’s Organizational Documents. Copies of Borrower’s organizational
documents, including articles of incorporation or articles of organization, as applicable, proof
that the business is actively registered with the Minnesota Secretary of State, and evidence
that it has a city, state, or federal license to do business or relevant professional license, if
applicable;
(iii) Business Location Information. Borrower has submitted a copy of a fully
executed lease or purchase agreement clearly indicating the Project is located within the City;
(iv) As necessary, staff of the Lender or the City may conduct a site visit to verify
current operations.
(b) Upon receipt by Lender of the items required pursuant to this section hereof in the
form and condition required therein, Lender agrees to disburse the Loan proceeds to the Borrower
in an amount not to exceed the Loan amount.
3. Representations and Warranties. Borrower represents and warrants to Lender that:
(a) Borrower is duly authorized to sign, deliver, and perform this Agreement and to
receive the Loan from Lender and constitutes its lawful and binding obligation, legally enforceable
against it.
(b) The execution and delivery of this Agreement, and the performance by Borrower of
its obligations hereunder, do not and will not violate or conflict with, or cause any default or event of
default to occur under any agreement binding upon Borrower.
(c) Borrower agrees that it will keep and maintain books, records, and other documents
relating directly to the receipt and disbursement of proceeds of the Loan and that any authorized
representative of Lender, with reasonable advance notice, may have access to and the right to inspect,
copy, audit, and examine all such books, records, and other documents of Borrower related to the
Loan for 6 years after the date hereof.
(d) To the best of Borrower’s knowledge, Borrower has fully complied with all applicable
state and federal laws pertaining to its business and will continue to comply throughout the term of
this Agreement. If at any time Borrower receives notice of noncompliance from any governmental
entity, Borrower agrees to notify Lender of such noncompliance and take any necessary action to
comply with the state or federal law in question.
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(e) Borrower warrants that it will use the proceeds of the Loan made by Lender solely to
pay the expenses described in Exhibit A attached hereto with respect to the Project.
(f) Borrower will comply with all state and local laws pertaining to licensing, building
codes, zoning, and environmental requirements. Borrower represents that it does not have delinquent
taxes, bills, fines or other charges due to the City. Borrower represents and certifies that the Borrower
is in good standing with the City.
(g) Borrower represents and certifies that it is an eligible recipient of the Loan under the
Program Guidelines. Borrower further represents and certifies that it is a business with fewer than 50
Full-Time Equivalent employees. The Borrower represents and certifies that the Project will be
undertaken in connection with the ongoing operations of its existing business within the City.
4. Event of Default by Borrower. The following shall be Events of Default under this
Agreement:
(a) failure to pay any principal on the Loan when due;
(b) any representation or warranty made by Borrower herein or in any document,
instrument, or certificate given in connection with this Agreement or the Note that is false when made;
(c) any breach or failure of Borrower to perform any other term or condition of this
Agreement not specifically described as an Event of Default in this Agreement and such breach or
failure continues for a period of thirty (30) days after Lender has given written notice to Borrower
specifying such default or breach, unless Lender agrees in writing to an extension of such time prior
to its expiration; or
(d) any breach by Borrower of any other agreement between Borrower or Lender relating
to the Loan and/or the Project, including but not limited to a breach of a covenant by Borrower in the
Note.
5. Lender’s Remedies upon Borrower’s Default. Upon an Event of Default by
Borrower and after provision by Lender of written notice thereof, Lender shall have the right to
exercise any or all of the following remedies (and any other rights and remedies available to it):
(a) declare the principal amount of the Loan to be immediately due and payable;
(b) suspend its performance under this Agreement; and
(c) take any action provided for at law to enforce compliance by Borrower with the terms
of this Agreement and the Note.
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6. Lender’s Costs of Enforcement of Agreement. If an Event of Default has occurred
as provided herein, then upon demand by Lender, Borrower shall pay or reimburse Lender for all
expenses, including all attorneys’ fees and expenses incurred by Lender in connection with the
enforcement of this Agreement and the Note, or in any action or proceeding relating in any way to
the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.
7. No Business Subsidy. The parties agree that the Loan is not a business subsidy as
defined in Minnesota Statutes, Sections 116J.993 to 116J.995, as amended (the “Business Subsidy
Act”), because the assistance is in the amount of less than $25,000.
8. Forgiveness.
(a) If Borrower (i) continues to operate its business in the City for a period of eight (8)
months from the date of this Loan Agreement (the “Required Operations Period”) and (ii) provides a
summary to Lender describing how the funds helped it continue to operate its business in substantially
the form set forth in Exhibit C (the “Summary”) on the eight (8) month anniversary of the date hereof
(the “Deadline Date”), then the Loan shall be forgiven upon written confirmation from Lender.
Verification of continued operations will be established through a site visit performed by the Lender.
(b) If Borrower (i) ceases to operate its business during the Required Operations Period
or (ii) fails to submit the Summary by the Deadline Date, then the Loan shall not be forgiven, and
Lender may by written notice to Borrower declare the Loan due and payable (the “Default Notice”),
whereupon the Loan and all amounts owing with respect to this Agreement and the Note shall
immediately become due and payable. In such event, Lender may proceed to exercise any right or
remedy under the Note. Borrower shall repay the Loan as follows:
(i) The principal amount of the Loan to be repaid shall equal the amount of the
Loan disbursed to Borrower in accordance with this Agreement commencing on the date of
the Default Notice.
(ii) Payments of principal shall commence on the 15th day of the first month
following the date of the Default Notice and continue each and every month on the 15th day
of each month through and including the 15th day of the 24th month after the Default Notice
or such other repayment term as agreed to by the Executive Director of the Lender, as
described in the Note.
(c) Prior to declaring the Loan due and payable, the Lender may work with the Borrower
to resolve the issues causing the Loan to become due and payable.
9. Indemnification.
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(a) Borrower shall and does hereby agree to protect, defend, indemnify, and hold Lender
and the City, and their officers, agents, and employees, harmless of and from any and all liability,
loss, or damage that it may incur under or by reason of this Agreement, and of and from any and all
claims and demands whatsoever that may be asserted against Lender or the City by reason of any
alleged obligations or undertakings on its part to perform or discharge any of the terms, covenants, or
agreements contained herein.
(b) This indemnification and hold harmless provision shall survive the execution,
delivery, and performance of this Agreement and the payment by Lender of any portion of the Loan.
10. Miscellaneous.
(a) Waiver. The performance or observance of any promise or condition set forth in this
Agreement may be waived, amended, or modified only by a writing signed by Borrower and Lender.
No delay in the exercise of any power, right, or remedy operates as a waiver thereof, nor shall any
single or partial exercise of any other power, right, or remedy.
(b) Assignment. This Agreement is binding upon the parties. All rights and powers
specifically conferred upon Lender may be transferred or delegated by Lender to any of its successors
and assigns. Borrower's rights and obligations under this Agreement may be assigned only when such
assignment is approved in writing by Lender.
(c) Governing Law. This Agreement is made and shall be governed in all respects by the
laws of the state of Minnesota. Any disputes, controversies, or claims arising out of this Agreement
shall be heard in the state or federal courts of Minnesota, and all parties to this Agreement waive any
objection to the jurisdiction of these courts, whether based on convenience or otherwise.
(d) Severability. If any provision or application of this Agreement is held unlawful or
unenforceable in any respect, such illegality or unenforceability shall not affect other provisions or
applications that can be given effect, and this Agreement shall be construed as if the unlawful or
unenforceable provision or application had never been contained herein or prescribed hereby.
(e) Notice. All notices required hereunder shall be given by depositing in the U.S. mail,
postage prepaid, certified mail, return receipt requested, to the following addresses (or such other
addresses as either party may notify the other):
To Lender: Columbia Heights Economic Development Authority
3989 Central Ave NE
Columbia Heights, MN 55421
Attn: Executive Director
To Borrower: [Borrower name]
[Borrower address]
Attn: __________________
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(f) Termination. If the Loan is not disbursed pursuant to this Agreement within six
(6) months hereof, this Agreement shall terminate and neither party shall have any further
obligation to the other, except that if the Loan is not disbursed because Borrower has failed to use
its best efforts to comply with the conditions set forth in Section 3 of this Agreement, then
Borrower shall pay to Lender all reasonable attorneys’ fees, costs, and expenses incurred by Lender
in connection with this Agreement and the Note.
(g) Entire Agreement. This Agreement, together with the Exhibits hereto, which are
incorporated by reference, constitutes the complete and exclusive statement of all mutual
understandings between the parties with respect to this Agreement, superseding all prior or
contemporaneous proposals, communications, and understandings, whether oral or written,
concerning the Loan.
(h) Electronic Signatures; Execution in Counterparts. The electronic signature of the
parties to this Agreement shall be as valid as an original signature of such party and shall be effective
to bind the parties hereto. For purposes hereof, (i) “electronic signature” means a manually signed
original signature that is then transmitted by electronic means; and (ii) “transmitted by electronic
means” means sent in the form of a facsimile or sent via the internet as a portable document format
(“pdf”) or other replicating image attached to an electronic mail or internet message. This Agreement
may be simultaneously executed in several counterparts, each of which shall be an original and all of
which shall constitute but one and the same instrument.
(i) Data Practices. All data collected, created, received, maintained or disseminated for
any purpose in the course of the Borrower’s performance of this Agreement is governed by the
Minnesota Government Data Practices Act, Minn. Stat. Ch. 13, and any other applicable state statutes,
any state rules adopted to implement the Act and statutes, as well as federal statutes and regulations
on data privacy.
[Signatures to follow on next pages.]
49
Item 3.
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, this Agreement has been duly executed and delivered by the
proper officers thereunto duly authorized on the day and year first written above.
Lender:
COLUMBIA HEIGHTS
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY
By: _______________________________________
Its Executive Director
[SIGNATURE PAGE TO LOAN AGREEMENT – LENDER]
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Borrower:
___________________________________________
[Business name]
By: _______________________________________
Title: ___________________________
[SIGNATURE PAGE TO LOAN AGREEMENT – BORROWER]
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EXHIBIT A
LIST OF ELIGIBLE EXPENSES UNDER PROGRAM GUIDELINES
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EXHIBIT B
PROMISSORY NOTE
$_________.00 _______ __, 2026
___________________ [name of business], a Minnesota _______________[type of
business entity, e.g. limited liability company, sole proprietorship, assumed name, etc.]
(“Borrower”), for value received, hereby promises to pay to the Columbia Heights Economic
Development Authority, a public body corporate and politic organized and existing under the laws
of the State of Minnesota, its successors and assigns (“Lender”), at its designated principal office
or such other place as Lender may designate in writing, the principal sum of ________________
and No/100ths Dollars ($_____.00) or so much thereof as may be advanced under this Note (the
“Loan”), upon the date Lender provides notice in writing to Borrower declaring the Loan due and
payable (the “Default Notice”), in any coin or currency which at the time or times of payment is
legal tender for the payment of private debts in the United States of America. This Note does not
accrue interest. The principal of this Note is payable as follows:
1. On the fifteenth (15th) day of each month (each a “Payment Date”), commencing
on the 15th day of first month following the date of the Default Notice, through and including the
15th day of the 24th month after the Default Notice, Borrower shall pay an amount equal to a
portion of the principal in an amount sufficient to fully amortize this Note based on a level monthly
payment of principal by the Loan Payoff Date (as hereinafter defined), provided, however, the
entire balance of as of 24 months from the date of the Default Notice (the “Loan Payoff Date”)
shall be due and payable in full on the Loan Payoff Date, as provided in the amortization schedule
to be prepared and attached hereto as Exhibit A at or about the time Lender provides the Default
Notice to Borrower. If Borrower does not pay the amount due within 10 days after any Payment
Date, a penalty of fifty dollars ($50.00) will be added to the amount due.
2. Borrower shall have the right to prepay the outstanding principal amount of this
Note, in whole or in part, on any date without penalty.
3. As provided in the Loan Agreement of even date herewith (the “Loan Agreement”)
between Lender and Borrower, if Borrower continues to operate its business in the City of
Columbia Heights, Minnesota (the “City”) for a period of eight (8) months from the date of
signature of the Loan Agreement (the “Required Operations Period”) and provides a written
summary to Lender as set forth in the Loan Agreement, the Loan shall be forgiven; provided
however if Borrower ceases, even temporarily, to operate its business during the Required
Operations Period, then the Loan shall not be forgiven, and the amounts payable under the Loan
Agreement and this Note will immediately become due and payable, subject to the terms of the
Loan Agreement. The Loan shall be repaid in accordance with the terms of Loan Agreement.
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4. The Loan has been authorized pursuant to a resolution adopted by the Board of
Commissioners of Lender approving the Program (as defined in the Loan Agreement) on April 6,
2026. This Note evidences the Loan and is given pursuant to the Loan Agreement.
It is agreed that time is of the essence of this Note. If an Event of Default occurs hereunder
or under the Loan Agreement then Lender may at its right and option, take all actions under the
Loan Agreement.
5. The remedies of Lender as provided herein and in the Loan Agreement, shall be
cumulative and concurrent and may be pursued singly, successively, or together and, at the sole
discretion of Lender, may be exercised as often as occasion therefor shall occur; and the failure to
exercise any such right or remedy shall in no event be construed as a waiver or release thereof.
Lender shall not be deemed, by any act of omission or commission, to have waived any of
its rights or remedies hereunder unless such waiver is in writing and signed by Lender and then
only to the extent specifically set forth in the writing. A waiver with reference to one event shall
not be construed as continuing or as a bar to or waiver of any right or remedy as to a subsequent
event. This Note may not be amended, modified, or changed except only by an instrument in
writing signed by the party against whom enforcement of any such amendment, modifications, or
change is sought.
6. The obligations of Borrower hereunder are unconditional irrespective of any
defense or any rights of setoff, recoupment, or counterclaim it might otherwise have against
Lender, the City, or any government body or other person.
7. If any of the terms of this Note, or the application thereof to any person or
circumstances shall, to any extent, be invalid or unenforceable, the remainder of this Note, or the
application of such terms to persons or circumstances other than those to which it is invalid or
unenforceable, shall not be affected thereby, and each of the terms of this Note shall be valid and
enforceable to the fullest extent permitted by law.
8. It is intended that this Note is made with reference to and shall be construed as a
Minnesota contract and governed by the laws of the State of Minnesota.
9. IT IS HEREBY CERTIFIED AND RECITED that all conditions, acts, and things
required to exist, happen, and be performed precedent to or in the issuance of this Note do exist,
have happened, and have been performed in regular and due form as required by law.
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, Borrower has caused this Promissory Note to be duly executed
as of the date first written above.
Borrower:
_________________________________________
[Business name]
By: _______________________________________
Title: _____________________________
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EXHIBIT C
LOAN SUMMARY FOR THE COLUMBIA HEIGHTS EDA
Applicant Information
Name: __________________________
Business Name: ___________________________
Business Address: ___________________________________
How many employees do you have?
- Part-Time _______
- Full-Time (including yourself) _______
Is your business still operating in Columbia Heights?
- Yes _______
- No _______
What were the proceeds of the Columbia Heights EDA loan used for?
How did the Columbia Heights EDA loan have an impact on your business?
Did the Columbia Heights EDA loan help your business remain in operation?
- Yes _______
- No _______
Did the Columbia Heights EDA loan help your business stay in the City of Columbia Heights?
- Yes _______
- No _______
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Item 3.
Columbia Heights Impact Data Estimates
These impact data estimates were performed taking guidance and formulas from the
City of Minneapolis’ February 2026 Preliminary Impact Assessment & Relief Needs
Overview (https://www.minneapolismn.gov/media/-www-content-assets/documents/City-
of-Minneapolis-Preliminary-Impact-Assessment-and-Relief-Needs.pdf).
All estimates were performed conservatively. Local weekly losses for businesses (2.a.iii
and 2.b.v) were estimated based on self-reporting from the Columbia Heights Business
Economic Impact Survey (separate attachment) and typical data collected while
administering the City’s COVID-era 2020 Business Relief Grant Program.
These estimates are not a comprehensive list of financial impacts in Columbia Heights;
please see the City’s responses to the Coalition survey for additional details. These
estimates also do not account for more difficult-to-quantify financial impacts or impacts
that may not have a direct financial value.
1. Consumer-Facing Small Business Revenue Loss
a. Assumptions
i. Total food and drinking establishments in CH – 50
ii. Estimate experiencing major losses – Conservative Estimate of
65%
iii. Estimated weekly loss per affected business – $10,000
iv. 33 establishments experiencing major losses x $10,000 loss per
week = $330,000 loss per week
b. Additional Consumer-Facing Businesses
i. Includes grocery, retail, services, entertainment, and vendors.
ii. Estimates additional weekly losses across these sectors:
iii. Total Additional Consumer-Facing Businesses in CH – 174
iv. Estimate experiencing major losses – Conservative Estimate of
55%
v. Estimated weekly loss per affected business – $5,000
vi. 96 establishments experiencing major losses x $5,000 loss per
week = $480,000 loss per week
c. Total Weekly Small Business Revenue Loss
i. Math combining the a and b – $810,000
d. Estimated January 2026 Loss (4 weeks)
i. Math multiplying total from 4 times 4 weeks – $3,240,000
2. City-led Business Survey (all sectors)
a. See attached summary of impact survey results
57
Item 3.
Columbia Heights Business Economic Impact Survey: Results Summary
The Columbia Heights Business Economic Impact Survey was distributed by email on
February 19th, 2026, to the City’s business mailing list comprising 127 local businesses.
The survey was hosted online and was available in English and in Spanish. All
questions were optional. No identifying information was collected as part of the survey.
As of March 5th, 2026, 24 responses had been received. All of these responses have
been listed below; no responses were edited nor removed.
Summary of Responses:
1. What type of business do you own or operate? (select one)
a. Childcare or eldercare
b. Construction or trades – 2
c. Gas station or convenience store
d. Grocery store – 1
e. Personal services (examples: hair salon, nail salon, massage) – 2
f. Professional services (examples: tax preparation, accounting services, law
offices) – 5
g. Restaurant, coffee shop, café, or bar – 9
h. Retail sales – 3
i. Other – 2
2. What challenges, if any, has your business experienced due to recent
federal immigration enforcement action? (select all that apply)
a. No challenges – 3
b. Employee absences or hiring challenges – 8
c. Issues with suppliers – 4
d. Reduced sales – 17
e. Security challenges – 6
f. Other (explain) – 6
“Other” responses:
“Las ventas fueron 100% perdidas” (English translation: "the sales were
100% lost")
“I have had no sales since January, this is my small business and I work per
order”
“I run a construction company. I have no current roofer available at all my
drywall cruise. I used to have three of them. It's down to one. I don't think
they're all illegal. I think everybody's scared.”
“ICE agents parking on our property without permission and then we are
scardd to confront them.”
“Besides my small business, My husband and I pastor a local Hispanic
church. I’ve redirected a lot of time that I would have used for my massage
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Item 3.
business to helping aid vulnerable members of the community as a
volunteer.”
“I have less clients - some are vulnerable to ICE action and others are busy
volunteering to help their neighbors. I’ve also been spending hours that would
normally be dedicated to my business working as a volunteer to aid the
Hispanic community through the Spanish speaking church that my husband
pastors.”
“My business has experienced a significant decline in revenue (approximately
90%) due to recent federal immigration enforcement actions. Many of my
clients are members of the immigrant community and have expressed fear
about leaving their homes, attending appointments, or engaging in normal
business activities. This has resulted in widespread cancellations, reduced
foot traffic, and overall financial instability for my business.”
“Lack of growth over the past 4 weeks. We are a new business and had
slowly but steadily been increasing sales day over day. But the last 4 weeks
we are seeing a drop in those numbers.”
3. What negative impacts, if any, have there been on your business because
of the challenges you selected in Question 2? (select all that apply)
a. No impacts – 3
b. Business permanently closed – 1
c. Business temporarily closed – 5
d. Decreased revenue or owner pay – 18
e. Difficulty paying rent, mortgage, insurance, or utilities – 11
f. Fewer hours or days that the business is open – 8
g. Reduced employee hours or reduction in staff – 8
h. Other (explain) – 1
“Other” responses:
“The significant decline in revenue has directly affected my ability to maintain
stable operations. Client cancellations and reduced demand have resulted in
decreased income, financial strain, and increased uncertainty about
sustaining normal business activity.”
“We are running this as owner/operators. We had hired one person when the
business seemed to be increasing. But we have had to shift their hours down
as the traffic in the door has slowed.”
4. Compared to the same time period last year, are your business revenues…
(select one)
a. Much higher – 2*
b. Slightly higher – 1**
c. About the same – 3
d. Slightly lower – 1
e. Much lower – 15
59
Item 3.
* Note: based on these respondents’ answers to other questions, the format
of this question may have been misinterpreted.
** Note: this respondent also said their business was temporarily closed; the
format of this question may have been misinterpreted.
5. If your business revenues are lower than last year, what would you
estimate is the total financial loss to your business due to federal
immigration enforcement action?
100% perdido
El 100% perdidas
$1500
10000
$250,000
~$100,000 loss January 2025 to January 2026
Our sales are down around $5000 per month
5k-10k. Also as a business less than 2 years old we would have expected to
be in more of a growth mode
$25,000 over the past two months
$3000 (de
$3000 between December-February
Estimated total financial loss: approximately $25,000–$30,000, based on
projected revenue compared to the same period last year.
$20,000.00
we were not open at this time last year
We are a new business so don’t have these comps yet.
$15000
6. Please use this box to provide any other information you would like us to
know.
“I need to pay my rent, bills, payroll, bank.”
“I usually do craft fairs and sales online, but I don't feel safe to do them
anymore, my business name is in Spanish and I don't want to be targeted
during an event.”
“Disminución del 90% de venta de servicios debido a que nuestros clientes
son el 100% Latinos” (English translation: "decrease of 90% of sales since
our clients are 100% latinos")
“We aren't having sales problem or revenue problem. We're having
throughput problem, which will ultimately impact revenue a lot more long-
term. The problem is subcontract labor is significantly down in our industry.”
“High Property Tax is also a big issue in this city.”
“Keep up the "GOOD WORK" I.C.E”
“The city has not been impacted by ICE presence as much as it has been
negatively impacted by citizens’ response to ICE presence. Some businesses
are hurting because they are immigrant owned or have heavy immigrant
employment. I feel for them. Most of the businesses that are hurting have only
60
Item 3.
hurt themselves by closing voluntarily, misusing resources, and being
boycotted by the many people in our community who quietly respect ICE and
do not want to support businesses that are so loudly and disruptively “anti-
ICE”. I am in a unique position to understand this and wholeheartedly believe
it is true.”
“We need to get ICE OUT NOW!”
“We are also not booking any future catering events or getting inquiries to do
so”
“My business primarily serves members of the immigrant community. Due to
recent federal immigration enforcement actions, fear and uncertainty have
significantly reduced client activity. Many clients are postponing or canceling
services, resulting in a dramatic decline in revenue compared to last year. As
a small business owner, this loss has directly affected my ability to sustain
operations and maintain financial stability.”
“I work in trucking services, primarily on various construction sites. The
Federal Immigration enforcement action has harmed my business, because
most of the employees who work at the different job sites were scared of
coming to work. Hence, all the jobs were cancelled. I am currently struggling
to pay most of my bills, such as Insurance, truck notes, mortgage, Utilities
bills."
“[name removed for anonymity] was restaurant high in sale after that we drop
bad”
61
Item 3.
1
Emilie Voight
From:Alissa Lyon <@gmail.com>
Sent:Wednesday, April 1, 2026 4:51 PM
To:Emilie Voight
Subject:In favor of micro loans
Hi-
I am a resident of Columbia Heights, , and own my own petcare business as well. Our
city has seen dramatically lower spend at business during and after Metro Surge, and I support the
Economic Support Micro Loan program currently under consideration. Many storefront business were hit
hard, in both employee absenteeism and customers unwilling to risk going out to shop. I can think of at
least 20 businesses that had to shut down, or limit hours, for several months. If Columbia Heights can
help these businesses stay afloat through micro loans I support this!
Alissa Lyon
62
Item 3.
1
Emilie Voight
From:Jennifer M Pyper-Muno, LMT She/Her <@gmail.com>
Sent:Wednesday, April 1, 2026 7:06 PM
To:Emilie Voight
Subject:Forgivable loans the EDA is considering
Hi Emilie,
I just wanted to say I am in support for the of forgivable loans to some of our hardest hit business impacted by operaƟon
Metro Surge. Our small businesses are the life blood of our community. As a small business owner myself during the
COVID 19 pandemic I was made to close my doors for 3 months. I don't know what i would have done had I not been
able to get unemployment during that Ɵme. I am a solo business so I didn't have employees to figure out how to pay, not
to menƟon rent and all that. I know these forgivable loans won't make up for all of the losses some of business suffered
but I hope it will help ease some of the burden they were put through these past few month.
Thank you for listening.
--
Jennifer Pyper-Muno, LMT She/Her
Hart Lake Massage
763-706- land line cell 612-616-
63
Item 3.
1
Emilie Voight
From:Linda Schumacher <@gmail.com>
Sent:Wednesday, April 1, 2026 4:35 PM
To:Emilie Voight
Subject:Economic Support Microloan Program supporter
Hello,
I am a resident of Columbia Heights. As an observer who was active in legal activities to document ICE's
activities in Columbia Heights, I saw first hand every day how the activity negatively impacted
businesses. As someone who frequents coffee shops and restaurants, I have asked the staff and owners
about how their businesses were impacted - every single person said that their businesses were doing
very poorly as a result of the ICE raids. A great number of their employees could not come to work for fear
of being abducted. And a large percent of their customers were not coming in for the same reason.
I love our coffee shops and restaurants and other small businesses. I want them all to thrive and if the
reason that they are struggling is something that was completely out of their control, and also something
done by our own government, then I do think it is fair that we find ways to help cover their losses.
For this reason, I am in support of the Economic Support Microloan Program. I cannot attend the meeting
on April 6 in person, so I am sending this email instead.
Thank you for your time and consideration,
Linda Schumacher
64
Item 3.
1
Emilie Voight
From:Nathan Maghan <@gmail.com>
Sent:Tuesday, March 31, 2026 9:43 PM
To:Emilie Voight
Subject:Economic Support Microloan
Hello,
I am a local business owner and tax paying citizen.
I am writing in strong opposition of the proposed distribution of tax payer money to businesses that either
voluntarily closed, harbored or employeed illegal immigrants, or claimed economic impact.
I believe elected officials and their appointed commities primary purpose should be putting the tax
paying citizen first and innovate ways to lower taxes.
We do not need new ways to spend money and further raise taxes.
I would like to be sent the names and public office contact information of the representative(s) that are
responsible for bringing such a treasonous motion to committee.
In my opinion they are not serving the interests of Columbia Heights and its tax paying residents. They
will not have my vote in any future election and I will do my best to inform my fellow residents of the need
for new leadership.
Nathan Maghan
Columbia Heights
65
Item 3.
1
Emilie Voight
From:Sheryl Beck <@icloud.com>
Sent:Thursday, April 2, 2026 7:20 AM
To:Emilie Voight
Cc:@myctl.net
Subject:Metro surge loans
I find it down right absurd that our city thinks it is ok to spend our Tax dollars on a maƩer that is not a benefit to all the
ciƟzens. As a disabled senior who has to sƟck to a strict budget to remain in my home. Every year is a new struggle to do
so when our property taxes skyrocket. Perhaps the city should spend more Ɵme on reducing spending and making life
easier for all the tax payers.
Sincerely,
Sheryl Beck
66
Item 3.
ITEM: 2026 Outstanding Business of the Year Award.
Presenting Item: CD Coordinator Emilie Voight
DEPARTMENT: Community Development BY/DATE: CD Coordinator 04/01/2026
CORE CITY STRATEGIES: (please indicate areas that apply by adding an “X” in front of the selected text below)
_Community that Grows with Purpose and Equity
_High Quality Public Spaces
_Safe, Accessible and Built for Everyone
_Engaged, Effective and Forward-Thinking
X Resilient and Prosperous Economy
X Inclusive and Connected Community
BACKGROUND
In November of 2022, the EDA approved the establishment of the Outstanding Business of the Year Award.
This award recognizes local businesses for noteworthy accomplishments, contributions to the community, and
significant community service efforts.
The award criteria include: being a long-standing business within the City of Columbia Heights and reaching a
milestone year; completing a major business expansion, remodel, exterior renovations, landscaping
improvements, or a relocation to a new facility with in the City; implementing environmentally friendly or
sustainability-related initiatives or improvements; making a major contribution or contributions to the
community; and/or performing other accomplishments or contributions worthy of recognition. The EDA
reserves the right to make no selection if the nominations do not meet the standard of recognition.
This year, the EDA received eleven nominations for the following eligible local businesses: Heights Coffee Bar
(one nomination), Heights Theater (three nominations), Rail Werks Brewing Depot (six nominations), and VFW
Post 230 (one nomination). Nominations were submitted by community members. The nomination forms
have been included in the meeting packet. One nomination was received for a business located in Fridley; staff
informed the nominator that this business was not eligible due to its location.
If selected as the 2026 Business of the Year, the winning business will be honored by the presentation of a
plaque during a City Council meeting, by market ing of the achievement at City events and on City reader board
signs, and by being spotlighted in a recognition article posted on the City's website and in its newsletter.
RECOMMENDED MOTION(S):
MOTION: Move to approve __________ as the 2026 Columbia Heights Business of the Year.
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY
AGENDA SECTION BUSINESS ITEMS
MEETING DATE 04/06/2026
67
Item 4.
City of Columbia Heights - EDA Letter Page 2
ATTACHMENT(S)
1. Packet of Nomination Forms
68
Item 4.
Please describe why you feel the nominated business deserves the Columbia Heights Business of the Year Award. Include specifics about how
the business has accomplished the award criteria identified in the program description. Provide photos and attach additional pages and
supporting documents, if necessary.
* Name of Business
Heights Coffee Bar
* Name of Business Contact
Nicole or Holly
* Business Phone Number
+1612314
* Business Email
@gmail.com
Years in Columbia Heights
Under one
Number of Employees
* Nominator Name
Arianna Ransonet
Nominator Address
* Nominator Phone Number
320237
* Nominator Email
@gmail.com
Supporting Nomination Information
They are so very supportive of the PD and staff. So welcoming of truly everyone and the community. Such a peaceful place that takes pride
in diversity. Love going every Friday to chit chat while grabbing a latte
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69
Item 4.
Please describe why you feel the nominated business deserves the Columbia Heights Business of the Year Award. Include specifics about how
the business has accomplished the award criteria identified in the program description. Provide photos and attach additional pages and
supporting documents, if necessary.
* Name of Business
Heights Theater
* Name of Business Contact
Jeremy Marder
* Business Phone Number
(763) 789-
* Business Email
@heightstheater.com
Years in Columbia Heights
100
Number of Employees
* Nominator Name
Theresa Strike
Nominator Address
* Nominator Phone Number
505414
* Nominator Email
@gmail.com
Supporting Nomination Information
The Heights theater was built in 1926. A 100 year old jewel of our community, it very much deserves recognition on this milestone year.
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70
Item 4.
Please describe why you feel the nominated business deserves the Columbia Heights Business of the Year Award. Include specifics about how
the business has accomplished the award criteria identified in the program description. Provide photos and attach additional pages and
supporting documents, if necessary.
* Name of Business
Heights Theater
* Name of Business Contact
Jeremy Marder
* Business Phone Number
763789
* Business Email
@heightstheater.com
Years in Columbia Heights
100
Number of Employees
* Nominator Name
Greg Sandy
Nominator Address
* Nominator Phone Number
763498
* Nominator Email
@gmail.com
Supporting Nomination Information
Probably the only business in town that's been operated for 100 years. It's endured and kept us on the map. It's an essential, most
recognized landmark.
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71
Item 4.
Please describe why you feel the nominated business deserves the Columbia Heights Business of the Year Award. Include specifics about how
the business has accomplished the award criteria identified in the program description. Provide photos and attach additional pages and
supporting documents, if necessary.
* Name of Business
Heights Theater
* Name of Business Contact
Jeremy Marder
* Business Phone Number
763789
* Business Email
@heightstheater.com
Years in Columbia Heights
100
Number of Employees
10
* Nominator Name
Noah Nelson
Nominator Address
* Nominator Phone Number
612998
* Nominator Email
@yahoo.com
Supporting Nomination Information
The Heights Theater is the oldest continuously operated theater in Minnesota, originally opening in 1926. Rather than showing the biggest
Hollywood blockbusters that you can see at any chain movie theater, the Heights specializes in critically acclaimed original films, often made
by independent studios, that often don't get screened at other theaters, as well as repertory showings of classic films that people love,
including annual screenings of Wizard of Oz, Singin' in the Rain, White Christmas, and more. While the previous owner of 27 years, Tom
Letness, recently retired and sold the theater to the owners of the Music Box Theater in Chicago, they have done a wonderful job of
maintaining the programming that people already know and love while also expanding the programming to bring in new audiences,
including weekly Saturday morning family films, late night special screenings, and monthly silent films with live accompaniment. In any given
month, there's likely something showing at the Heights that will appeal to you no matter your taste in films.
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72
Item 4.
Please describe why you feel the nominated business deserves the Columbia Heights Business of the Year Award. Include specifics about how
the business has accomplished the award criteria identified in the program description. Provide photos and attach additional pages and
supporting documents, if necessary.
* Name of Business
Rail Werks Brewing Depot
* Name of Business Contact
Denise and William Roberts
* Business Phone Number
612-367-
* Business Email
@railwerksbrewingdepot.com
Years in Columbia Heights
2 years
Number of Employees
I don't know
* Nominator Name
Jennifer Pyper-Muno
Nominator Address
* Nominator Phone Number
612-616-
* Nominator Email
@gmail.com
Supporting Nomination Information
My first time at Rail Werks they hosted an event for the community and I have been to several at Rail Werks that let you use their space for
your event. If you ask Denise it's a space for the Community and they have been a wonderful addition to our community with allowing their
space to be used to help the community do what is needed to thrive and they have wonderful food and drinks.
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73
Item 4.
Please describe why you feel the nominated business deserves the Columbia Heights Business of the Year Award. Include specifics about how
the business has accomplished the award criteria identified in the program description. Provide photos and attach additional pages and
supporting documents, if necessary.
* Name of Business
Railwerks Brewery
* Name of Business Contact
Denise Roberts
* Business Phone Number
612367
* Business Email
@mail.com
Years in Columbia Heights
3
Number of Employees
20
* Nominator Name
Ed Higgins
Nominator Address
Columbia Heights, MN 55421
* Nominator Phone Number
202604
* Nominator Email
@purplenoodlemarketing.com
Supporting Nomination Information
Denise and her husband and staff have been so welcoming to the community here in Columbia Heights, hosting many citywide events, and
helping strengthen community in so many different ways. I don’t even drink and it’s my place to go if I need to chill. I do really enjoy their
macaroni and cheese brisket with fried onions. I may grab some today.
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Item 4.
Please describe why you feel the nominated business deserves the Columbia Heights Business of the Year Award. Include specifics about how
the business has accomplished the award criteria identified in the program description. Provide photos and attach additional pages and
supporting documents, if necessary.
* Name of Business
Railwerks
* Name of Business Contact
Denise Roberts
* Business Phone Number
+1 612-367-
* Business Email
@railwerksbrewingdepot.com
Years in Columbia Heights Number of Employees
* Nominator Name
Stephanie Stroik
Nominator Address
* Nominator Phone Number
763486
* Nominator Email
@gmail.com
Supporting Nomination Information
On top of being an environmental conscious business. This year Rail Werks Brewing Depot opened up their doors to make a safe space for
Columbia Heights volunteers to gather and support the local community and neighborhood.
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Item 4.
Please describe why you feel the nominated business deserves the Columbia Heights Business of the Year Award. Include specifics about how
the business has accomplished the award criteria identified in the program description. Provide photos and attach additional pages and
supporting documents, if necessary.
* Name of Business
Rail Werks Brewing Depot
* Name of Business Contact
William & Denise Roberts
* Business Phone Number
(612) 367-
* Business Email
@railwerksbrewingdepot.com
Years in Columbia Heights Number of Employees
* Nominator Name
Christina Burton
Nominator Address
* Nominator Phone Number
651212
* Nominator Email
@gmail.com
Supporting Nomination Information
Rail Werks has been instrumental in suppressing the community during ICE’s occupation of Columbia Heights. They’ve been a gathering
place for supplies and organizers, and none of what has been done for mutual aid during this crazy time would have been possible without
them.
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Item 4.
Please describe why you feel the nominated business deserves the Columbia Heights Business of the Year Award. Include specifics about how
the business has accomplished the award criteria identified in the program description. Provide photos and attach additional pages and
supporting documents, if necessary.
* Name of Business
Rail Werks Brewing Depot
* Name of Business Contact
Denise & William Roberts
* Business Phone Number
612367
* Business Email
@railwerksbrewingdepot.com
Years in Columbia Heights
1 year 8 months
Number of Employees
* Nominator Name
Callie Czech
Nominator Address
* Nominator Phone Number
763568
* Nominator Email
@gmail.com
Supporting Nomination Information
Rail Werks Brewing Depot has become an invaluable asset to the Columbia Heights community, particularly over the past several months.
Denise and her husband have consistently demonstrated generosity and a genuine commitment to supporting local residents. They have
graciously opened their space to community members in need and created a welcoming environment where people can gather and connect.
During some of our most challenging times, Rail Werks has played an important role in bringing people together. By hosting a wide variety
of events and live music, they continue to foster community engagement and strengthen local connections. In addition to their outstanding
hospitality, they offer excellent food and craft beer, further enhancing the experience for all who visit. We are truly grateful that they chose
Columbia Heights as the place to establish their business and invest in building a stronger community.
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77
Item 4.
Please describe why you feel the nominated business deserves the Columbia Heights Business of the Year Award. Include specifics about how
the business has accomplished the award criteria identified in the program description. Provide photos and attach additional pages and
supporting documents, if necessary.
* Name of Business
Amanda Hassinger
* Name of Business Contact
Amanda Hassinger
* Business Phone Number
612708
* Business Email
@gmail.com
Years in Columbia Heights
Unsure
Number of Employees
Unsure
* Nominator Name
Amanda Hassinger
Nominator Address
* Nominator Phone Number
612708
* Nominator Email
@gmail.com
Supporting Nomination Information
The first time I went to Rail Werks Brewing Depot was on Mother's Day 2025. I loved the chill environment and the live music. The food was
spectacular as well. The next time I was able to go to Rail Werks was later in the year and I was picking up a donation from them for my
daughter's school. It was in the morning and there wasn't a lot of people there. I was able to meet the owners William and Denise. As I
thanked them for the donation for the school raffle, we got to talking about how they've been in the area for years and how they love to give
back to their community. Since then, I have followed them on Facebook to stay up to date on events that they have held for the community.
They have helped out the community by having benefits for the community and holding a donation drive. They also bring the community
together by having trivia nights, live music, sip and paint nights, etc. I personally love when the owners of a business live in the community
and help lift it up. I feel like Rail Werks does this in so many ways and that it why I nominated them.
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78
Item 4.
Please describe why you feel the nominated business deserves the Columbia Heights Business of the Year Award. Include specifics about how
the business has accomplished the award criteria identified in the program description. Provide photos and attach additional pages and
supporting documents, if necessary.
* Name of Business
Columbia Heights VFW Post 230
* Name of Business Contact
Matt Rynolds
* Business Phone Number
763788
* Business Email
@gmail.com
Years in Columbia Heights
95
Number of Employees
12
* Nominator Name
Debi Hultman
Nominator Address
* Nominator Phone Number
612295
* Nominator Email
@att.net
Supporting Nomination Information
The VFW has reached 95 years of existence in Columbia Heights this year. They have made cash donations to SACA many times over the
years and have volunteered their services for bagging and delivering food to home bound seniors in the city. They have educated the
community on respect and proper disposal for the US flag every year with the Flag Burning Ceremony, held in September. Provided help for
local vets such as mowing, shoveling, grocery shopping to hair cuts and rides to the VA for appointments. Always welcoming to the public
and Veterans in the establishment with directions and information to vet services in Anoka county.
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79
Item 4.
80
Item 4.
81
Item 4.
ITEM: Façade Improvement Grant Report for 4024 Central Ave.
Presenting Item: CD Coordinator Emilie Voight
DEPARTMENT: Community Development BY/DATE: CD Coordinator 03/26/2026
CORE CITY STRATEGIES: (please indicate areas that apply by adding an “X” in front of the selected text below)
_Community that Grows with Purpose and Equity
_High Quality Public Spaces
_Safe, Accessible and Built for Everyone
_Engaged, Effective and Forward-Thinking
X Resilient and Prosperous Economy
_Inclusive and Connected Community
BACKGROUND
This report pertains to the 2026 Façade Improvement Grant application for 4024 Central Ave NE. The ground
floor of this building is occupied by Road Relics, a vintage sign sales business. The owner is applying for grant
funds to replace the two windows on the alley façade of the upper story of the structure. Photos of the
existing conditions have been included in the packet. No renderings have been included, as the window
replacement would strictly be in-kind.
The applicant was able to receive two bids for the work, amounting to $7,312.15 (Patrick Miller) and
$8,351.00 (Mad City). This sets them up for a grant amount of $4,175.50. Community Development staff
recommend funding this project in full as new windows will help maintain the building’s integrity.
This is the third Façade Improvement Grant application in 2026. If this Façade Improvement Grant were to be
approved, it would leave $69,350.81 remaining in the annual program budget.
RECOMMENDED MOTION(S):
MOTION: Move to waive the reading of Resolution 2026-12, there being ample copies available to the
public.
MOTION: Move to adopt Resolution 2026-12, a resolution approving the form and substance of the Façade
Improvement Grant Agreement, and approving authority staff and officials to take all actions necessary to
enter the authority into a Façade Improvement Grant Agreement with 4024 Central Ave NE (Darryl Tilden).
ATTACHMENT(S)
1. Resolution 2026-12
2. Sample Façade Improvement Grant Agreement
3. 4024 Central Ave NE 2026 Façade Improvement Grant Application
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY
AGENDA SECTION BUSINESS ITEMS
MEETING DATE 04/06/2026
82
Item 5.
Resolution 2026-12
RESOLUTION NO. 2026-12
A RESOLUTION OF THE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS, MINNESOTA,
APPROVING THE FORM AND SUBSTANCE OF THE FAÇADE IMPROVEMENT GRANT AGREEMENT , AND
APPROVING AUTHORITY STAFF AND OFFICIALS TO TAKE ALL ACTIONS NECESSARY TO ENTER THE AUTHORITY
INTO A FAÇADE IMPROVEMENT GRANT AGREEMENT WITH 4024 CENTRAL AVE NE (DARRYL TILDEN).
WHEREAS, the City of Columbia Heights (the “City”) and the Columbia Heights Economic Development
Authority (the “Authority”) have collaborated to create a certain Façade Improvement Grant Program (the
“Program”); and
WHEREAS, pursuant to guidelines established for the Program, the Authority is to award and administer a
series of grants to eligible commercial property owners and/or tenants for the purposes of revitalizing existing
storefronts, increasing business vitality and economic performance, and decreasing criminal activity along
Central Avenue Northeast and in the City’s Business districts, pursuant to a Façade Improvement Grant
Agreement with various property owners and/or tenants; and
WHEREAS, pursuant to the Program, the City is to coordinate a surveillance camera monitoring program by
placing surveillance cameras on some of the storefronts that are part of the Program for the purposes of
improving public safety in and around the Central Business District; and
WHEREAS, the Authority has thoroughly reviewed copies of the proposed form of the Grant Agreement.
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that, after appropriate examination and due consideration, the
Authority
1. approves the form and substance of the Grant Agreement, and approves the Authority entering into
the Agreement with 4024 Central Ave NE (Darryl Tilden).
2. that the City Manager, as the Executive Director of the Authority, is hereby authorized, empowered,
and directed for and on behalf of the Authority to enter into the Grant Agreement.
3. that the City Manager, as the Executive Director of the Authority, is hereby authorized and directed to
execute and take such action as they deem necessary and appropriate to carry out the purpose of the
foregoing resolution.
ORDER OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY
Adopted this 6th day of April, 2026
Offered by:
Seconded by:
Roll Call:
__________________________________
President
Attest:
_______________________________________
Secretary
83
Item 5.
FAÇADE IMPROVEMENT GRANT AGREEMENT
THIS FAÇADE IMPROVEMENT GRANT AGREEMENT (“Agreement”), dated this
___ day of April, 2026 (the “Effective Date”), is entered into by and between Darryl Tilden, the
owner (the “Grantee”), and the Columbia Heights Economic Development Authority (the
“EDA”).
RECITALS
WHEREAS, Grantee is the owner of certain Property located at 4024 Central Ave NE in
the City of Columbia Heights (the “City”), Anoka County, Minnesota, and legally described in
Exhibit A hereto (the “Property”);
WHEREAS, the EDA, in cooperation with the City and its police department, has
instituted a Façade Improvement Grant Program (the “Program”) for the purpose of revitalizing
existing storefronts, increasing business vitality and economic performance, and decreasing
criminal activity;
WHEREAS, as part of the Program, the EDA has proposed to make grants of money in
the maximum amount of Five Thousand Dollars ($5,000.00) per parcel of real property in the
City, or the maximum amount of Ten Thousand Dollars ($10,000.00) per parcel of real property
located in the Central Business Zoning District in the City (the “CBD”), to property owners,
tenants, or nonprofit organizations, in order to revitalize, rehabilitate, and restore exterior
storefronts, increase business vitality and economic performance, and in certain instances, to
provide monitored surveillance;
WHEREAS, the Property concerned by this Agreement is located within the CBD; and
WHEREAS, Grantee desires to participate in the Program, on the terms and conditions
set forth below.
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and of the agreements hereinafter
contained, the parties agree as follows:
1. Property Improvements: Grantee agrees to complete the improvements at the
Property that are identified on Exhibit B attached hereto (the “Improvements”),
subject to the following terms and conditions:
a. If requested by the EDA, Grantee shall provide plans and specifications to the
EDA, detailing the Improvements to be constructed (the “Plans”). If Grantee
wishes to revise the Plans, Grantee must submit the revised Plans to the EDA
at the address provided herein. The EDA shall give written notice of its
approval or disapproval of the revisions to the Plans, and if the EDA does not
give such written approval or disapproval within ten (10) business days after
receipt of Grantee’s revised Plans, the EDA shall be deemed to have approved
the revisions to the Plans.
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b. The Improvements shall be constructed consistently with the Plans, as the
same may be revised pursuant to Section 1(a) herein. The cost to complete
construction of the Improvements shall be defined as the “Improvement
Costs.” The Improvements shall be completed in a first-class manner,
consistent with the Plans, if any, and in compliance with all applicable laws,
rules, and regulations. Grantee shall obtain all required permits and approvals
from the City and any other governing authority with jurisdiction over the
Property related to the construction of the Improvements. The out-of-pocket
costs for such permitting and approvals shall be the responsibility of Grantee,
provided the same shall be included in the definition of “Improvement Costs,”
and subject to the provisions of Section 2 of this Agreement.
c. Grantee agrees to commence the Improvements within sixty (60) days
following the Effective Date, and to complete the Improvements within six (6)
months following the issuance of all necessary building permits, but in no
event later than eight (8) months following the Effective Date.
2. Payment of Grant Funds: Grantee shall be responsible for making initial payment to
all contractors involved in the construction of the Improvements. Upon final
completion of the Improvements, Grantee shall make a written request to the EDA for
reimbursement of one-half (1/2) of the actual Improvement Costs incurred by
Grantee, but in no event shall the reimbursement exceed Ten Thousand Dollars
($10,000.00). The written request shall include:
a. Proof of final inspection of the Improvements by the City building inspector;
b. Before and after photographs of the Property, reflecting the Improvements
made (as well as follow-up transmission of electronic files of such
photographs), and reflecting that the Improvements were completed
consistently with any approved Plans;
c. A copy of the final invoice(s) received from the contractor(s) who completed
the Improvements; and
d. Proof of payment of invoice(s) that comprised the Improvement Costs.
Following Grantee’s written request for reimbursement, Grantee shall cooperate with
the EDA in delivering to the EDA such follow-up information as is reasonably
requested by the EDA in order to review the Improvements and Improvement Costs
reimbursement request. Within twenty-one (21) days following receipt of Grantee’s
written request for reimbursement of Improvement Costs, the EDA shall: (i) make
payment of the reimbursement, (ii) send Grantee written explanation of such other
items of information as are needed by the EDA to evaluate the reimbursement
request, or (iii) send Grantee written explanation of the EDA’s reasons for denial of
repayment of any of Grantee’s requested reimbursement.
3. Liability for Improvements: Neither the City nor the EDA shall in any event be liable
to the Grantee, nor to any of its agents, employees, guests or invitees at the Property
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for, and the Grantee shall indemnify, save, defend, and hold harmless the City and the
EDA from, any claims or causes of action, including attorney’s fees incurred by the
City or the EDA, arising from defect or claimed defect of any of the Improvements,
or arising from any action of the City or the EDA under this Agreement. This section
shall survive the termination or expiration of this Agreement.
4. Written Notice: Wherever any notice is required or permitted hereunder, such notice
shall be in writing. Any notice or document required or permitted to be delivered
hereunder shall be deemed to be delivered when actually received by the designated
addressee or regardless of whether actually received or not, when deposited in the
United States Mail, postage prepaid, certified mail, return receipt requested,
addressed to the parties hereto at their respective addresses, as set forth below, or at
such other address as they may subsequently specify by written notice.
If to the EDA:
Columbia Heights EDA
Community Development Department
3989 Central Avenue NE
Columbia Heights, MN 55421
If to Grantee:
Darryl Tilden
4024 Central Ave NE
Columbia Heights, MN 55421
5. Captions; Choice of Law; Etc. The paragraph headings or captions appearing in this
Agreement are for convenience only, are not a part of this Agreement, and are not to
be considered in interpreting this Agreement. This Agreement constitutes the
complete agreement between the parties and supersedes any prior oral or written
agreements between the parties regarding the subject matter contained herein. There
are no verbal agreements that change this Agreement. This Agreement binds and
benefits the parties hereto and their successors and assigns. This Agreement has been
made under the laws of the State of Minnesota, and such laws will control its
interpretation.
[Signatures to Appear on Following Page]
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, Grantee and the EDA have signed this Agreement as of the
day and year first above written.
GRANTEE: DARRYL TILDEN, THE OWNER
By:____________________________
Name: _________________________
Its:____________________________
Date:__________________________
EDA: COLUMBIA HEIGHTS ECONOMIC
DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY
By:
Name: _________________________
Its:____________________________
Date:__________________________
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EXHIBIT A
LEGAL DESCRIPTION OF PROPERTY
COLUMBIA HEIGHTS ANNEX TO MINNEAPOLIS, ANOKA COUNTY,
MINNESOTA LOT 7 BLK 61 COL HTS ANNEX
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EXHIBIT B
PROPERTY IMPROVEMENTS SUBJECT TO 50% REIMBURSEMENT
This attachment contains a summary of the project identified in the application for the Façade
Improvement Grant Program. The Summary reflects the Grantee’s proposed project as approved
by the EDA on April 6th, 2026, and may reflect minor changes to the total cost and minor
changes in the proposed project that occurred subsequent to application submittal. The
application is incorporated into this Grant Agreement by reference and is made a part of this
Grant Agreement as follows. If the application or any provision in this application conflicts with
or is inconsistent with other provisions of this Agreement or the project summary contained in
this Exhibit B, the terms and descriptions contained in this Grant Agreement and the project
summary shall prevail.
Project summary: furnish and install two new windows in-kind on alley façade of upper story,
totaling an amount equal to $8,351.00.
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