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HomeMy WebLinkAbout04-06-2026 EDA Minutes ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY City Hall—Shared Vision Room, 3989 Central Ave NE Monday, April 06, 2026 5:00 PM MINUTES The meeting was called to order at 5:03 pm by Vice President Dibba CALL TO ORDER/ROLL CALL Members present: Connie Buesgens; Laurel Deneen; Lamin Dibba; Rachel James; Amáda Márquez- Simula; Marlaine Szurek Members absent: Justice Spriggs Staff present: Aaron Chirpich, City Manager; Mitchell Forney, Community Development Director; Sarah LaVoie, Administrative Assistant; Emilie Voight, Community Development Coordinator; Jesse Hauf, IT Director Guest speakers: Tyler Hilsabeck, Minnesota Consortium of Community Developers; NaSee Lor, Minnesota Consortium of Community Developers PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE CONSENT AGENDA 1. Approve financial reports and payment of bills for February 2026 – Resolution No. 2026-11. 2. Approve the minutes of the regular EDA meeting of March 2, 2026. Motion by Deneen, seconded by James, to approve the Consent Agenda as presented. All ayes of present. MOTION PASSED. 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 City of Columbia Heights MINUTES April 06, 2026 EDA Meeting Page 2 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 April 6, 2026 Offered by: Laurel Deneen Seconded by: Rachel James Roll Call: All ayes of present. MOTION PASSED. Acting President: Lamin Dibba Attest: Secretary BUSINESS ITEMS 3. Columbia Heights Economic Support Microloan Program Proposal. Voight introduced Minnesota Consortium of Community Developers (MCCD) representatives Tyler Hilsabeck and NaSee Lor. Voight reported that 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 City of Columbia Heights MINUTES April 06, 2026 EDA Meeting Page 3 different forms of assistance. Voight noted that 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. Voight provided a summary of the current status and listed economic relief program examples from other nearby cities and counties. She explained that 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. Voight stated 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, - 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. Voight explained that 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 an d businesses informed of the EDA’s efforts. Public comments received in writing have been included in the Agenda Packet. Voight noted that 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 City of Columbia Heights MINUTES April 06, 2026 EDA Meeting Page 4 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 f or the remainder of 2026. Voight stated Community Development staff recommend that the EDA review the attached draft program documents and Resolution 2026-13, then move to authorize the 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. Mr. Hilsabeck explained what MCCD is and noted that they work to advance economic development measures at the state, local, and federal levels. He explained that they primarily work in the Twin Cities and have had a contract with Anoka County for several years. He added that they offer free and confidential business technical assistance and resource matching. He noted that they work closely with business owners who are getting started on their journeys, and with local credit unions and banks, and other non-profits to provide gap financing. He noted that they have a team approach, so there are multiple language capabilities, and they are geographically based. He introduced Ms. Lor and noted that she is the Anoka County Business Advisor. Ms. Lor noted that their Anoka County services have been busy. Forney noted that Voight has been working hard on the project. He added that staff have been working with MCCD for the loan program and explained that the City had wanted to work with MCCD to administer the COVID-19 relief grant program funds but had been unable to do so due to high demand. Questions/Comments from Members: James pointed out that there were 13 written comments, with 2 opposed and 11 in favor. The comments included several small business owners who were in favor. She thanked Mr. Hilsabeck for sharing that they have language capabilities because a lot of the comments in the survey were in Spanish. She asked if loan documents would be available in Spanish. Forney replied that staff would be working with MCCD to translate documents and flyers. James asked what utilities were covered under commercial utilities . Voight replied that the intent City of Columbia Heights MINUTES April 06, 2026 EDA Meeting Page 5 of the loans is for mortgages or leases, but if there is a circumstance in which the business has a building that has been paid for, then the loan can go towards insurance or utilities. She stated that the type of utilities can be open, and the loan is not limited. James asked if there was an opportunity for businesses to rectify any outstanding fees with the City before the deadline. Voight replied that it was an option. James asked if it would be an option to provide a second deadline since the April 24th deadline is a quick turnaround. She added that the second deadline could be for the second priority for spots that are not filled up yet. Voight replied that the program guidelines specify that there can be modifications following the first round of applications, and staff would be open to more rounds per the EDA’s direction. Deneen asked what the application process was. She wondered if two weeks was a feasible timeline. Mr. Hilsabeck replied that there is an eligibility section in the application that lists the requirements that applicants would need further in the process. He added that there is a balance between gathering enough information and making it easy on the applicant. He noted that they offer support and different ways to get information to them. Deneen asked what the reasoning was for an eight-month timeline. Voight replied that the staff looked at what other communities were doing and tried to consider what a substantial chunk of time would be for assistance. Szurek asked how many of the businesses are owned and operated by U.S. citizens. She said that if they are not citizens, the City is giving money to illegal aliens who have crossed the border. She added that if business owners were silly enough to employ illegals and paid them under the wage limit, then it is “too bad so sad” that ICE came and took the employees. She wondered if the City was perpetuating businesses that are operating in that manner. She noted many of the businesses have only been in the City for five years. Forney explained that the City has a lot of business turnover. He added that Operation Metro Surge drastically reduced the foot traffic to all of the City’s businesses and that the program is to help all the businesses in the City. Szurek said that that is not the job of the City and that the job of the City is to serve all of the citizens. She added that many people have told her that they do not want their tax dollars used to support the program. She expressed her disappointment that the City would put itself in a situation like this. She said that Minneapolis has experienced a lot of fraud and does not want that for Columbia Heights. Forney replied that the staff will do everything they can to ensure that fraud does not happen in the City. He added that one positive of Columbia Heights is that staff know all of the businesses and that there are not hundreds of thousands of businesses like Minneapolis. Szurek asked why the program was not a loan program. Voight replied that it is a forgivable loan program, and that applicants are subject to the forgiveness criteria. The goal is to support economic development by keeping storefronts open for a certain amount of time in order for the loan to be forgiven. James explained that the cost of retaining the current businesses is a relatively low cost of $340,000, which is the amount the EDA could use to buy one dilapidated property. She noted that City of Columbia Heights MINUTES April 06, 2026 EDA Meeting Page 6 the program would provide more results for the rest of the tax -paying citizens who are not business owners. She added that it would cost the City more money to have new businesses come in instead of sustaining current businesses. Márquez-Simula stated that the City does not want empty storefronts and wants to ensure that businesses remain after times of uncertainty. She expressed her concern regarding how Operation Metro Surge has affected the entire state. She noted that it has not just been people who are undocumented who have been affected. Many documented people have been affected, and she noted that she wants to ensure that people will be able to pay for water next year. She stated she is in favor of the program. Buesgens noted that it is unfortunate that the City has gone through Operation Metro Surge. She mentioned a business in the City that lost half of its business during the surge and had to drive its employees to and from work because it was not safe for them. She explained that she would rather invest the money to keep the storefronts open and bring back economic vibrancy. James asked Dibba what his perspective is as a business owner. Dibba explained that he understands the concern that Szurek raised. He agreed that the City does not usually use funds to assist businesses. He pointed out that many surrounding areas have done the same thing during surges like the City experienced because they understand that businesses would close and there would be empty lots, which is not a good look for the City. He noted that he would prefer that the EDA make some investment today to help businesses keep their doors open. Public Comment: Brie LaPlante, Columbia Heights resident, explained that from January through March, she organized a group of neighbors in the City to safely transport employees to and from work every day during Operation Metro Surge. She noted that she met many vulnerable people who were racially profiled regardless of their immigration status, and who did not feel comfortable taking the bus or driving themselves to and from work. Despite the efforts to keep employees at their businesses, many businesses experienced a significant decrease in foot traffic or closed entirely. She stated it is a benefit to the City to have a wide variety of businesses. She mentioned that a microloan program can help with the burden while businesses are recovering. She stated she looks forward to recreating the vibrant community and getting stronger together. Motion by James, seconded by Deneen, to waive the reading of Resolution No. 2026-13, there being ample copies available to the public. 5 Ayes, 1 Nay. MOTION PASSED. Ayes: Dibba, James, Buesgens, Márquez-Simula, Deneen. Nay: Szurek. Motion by James, seconded by Deneen, to adopt Resolution No. 2026-13, a Resolution of the Columbia Heights Economic Development Authority, approving the creation and implementation of the Columbia Heights Economic Support Microloan Program. 5 Ayes, 1 Nay. MOTION PASSED. Ayes: Dibba, James, Buesgens, Márquez-Simula, Deneen. Nay: Szurek. City of Columbia Heights MINUTES April 06, 2026 EDA Meeting Page 7 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 Suppression 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 City of Columbia Heights MINUTES April 06, 2026 EDA Meeting Page 8 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 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, an d 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 we alth 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 City of Columbia Heights MINUTES April 06, 2026 EDA Meeting Page 9 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 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 Passed this April 6, 2026 Offered by: Rachel James Seconded by: Laurel Deneen Roll Call: 5 Ayes, 1 Nay. MOTION PASSED. Ayes: Dibba, James, Buesgens, Márquez -Simula, Deneen. Nay: Szurek. Acting President: Lamin Dibba Attest: Secretary 4. 2026 Outstanding Business of the Year Award. Voight reported that 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. Voight stated 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 within 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. Voight explained that this year, the EDA received eleven nominations for the following eligible local businesses: Heights Coffee Bar (one nomination), Heights Theater (three nominations), Rail Werks City of Columbia Heights MINUTES April 06, 2026 EDA Meeting Page 10 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. Voight noted that 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 marketing 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. Questions/Comments from Members: Deneen expressed her excitement over the nominations and noted that she is drawn to nominating Rail Werks because of the work they have done over the past few months. She added that whenever the community wants to host an event, Rail Werks is happy to welcome the community into its space. She mentioned that it says a lot that the business has been in the community for only two years, and they have become such a large part of the community. Márquez-Simula agreed and pointed out that Rail Werks received the most nominations. She stated she would be in favor of sending a letter to the other businesses to let them know that they were nominated. Buesgens mentioned that the VFW has been in the City for decades and has done a lot for the community. She explained that she was going back and forth because Rail Werks has done a lot in the past two years for the community. James expressed her excitement about all of the nominations. She pointed out that one of the criteria is sustainability-related, and she mentioned that Rail Werks has been working since the beginning to be completely green. She stated she is in favor of nominating Rail Werks. Motion by Deneen, seconded by Buesgens, to approve Rail Werks as the 2026 Columbia Heights Business of the Year. All ayes of present. MOTION PASSED. 5. Façade Improvement Grant Report for 4024 Central Ave. Voight stated that the 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. Voight reported that 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 $29,350.81 remaining in the annual program budget. City of Columbia Heights MINUTES April 06, 2026 EDA Meeting Page 11 Questions/Comments from Members: Szurek asked if the business is on the second floor. Voight replied that the residence is on the second floor and the commercial is on the ground floor. She explained that she verified the program guidelines and discussed them with Forney. Márquez-Simula expressed concern that it is not a public-facing building. She mentioned that she is in favor of the windows but would like to extend working with them since there is no signage or contact information about the businesses. She mentioned that she is in favor of all of the businesses looking better in the alley and having the windows replaced. Deneen noted that there is a need for inspections down the Central Avenue main business corridor as far as signage. Forney agreed and mentioned that it is on the inspector's radar. Motion by Buesgens, seconded by Szurek, to waive the reading of Resolution No. 2026-12, there being ample copies available to the public. All ayes of present. MOTION PASSED. Motion by Buesgens, seconded by Szurek, to approve Resolution No. 2026-12, a Resolution of the Columbia Heights Economic Development Authority, 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). All ayes of present. MOTION PASSED. 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 Busin ess District; and City of Columbia Heights MINUTES April 06, 2026 EDA Meeting Page 12 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 Passed this April 6, 2026 Offered by: Connie Buesgens Seconded by: Marlaine Szurek Roll Call: All ayes of present. MOTION PASSED. Acting President: Lamin Dibba Attest: Secretary BUSINESS UPDATES a. Pledge Business Item Moved to May Voight stated the Pledge business item will be on the May EDA agenda. b. Business Spotlight in the Newsletter Voight noted that the next newsletter would have a business spotlight section. The first edition of it will be soliciting businesses that want to be put in the spotlight section. c. Fire Training at 4510 Taylor Voight stated that the Fire Department has been doing training at 4510 Taylor and decided that it would not make sense to do a full burn and demolition because there is no basement for debris to fall into, and there would be water runoff issues. The intent is to put the property out for bids for demolition in the next couple of weeks and bring it back to the EDA in a few months. City of Columbia Heights MINUTES April 06, 2026 EDA Meeting Page 13 ADJOURNMENT Motion by Márquez-Simula, seconded by Buesgens, to adjourn the meeting at 6:01 pm. All ayes. MOTION PASSED. Respectfully submitted, _______________________________ Sarah LaVoie, Recording Secretary