Chris Giesen, economic development coordinator, described EDA recommended changes to a development agreement with DGI Minnesota, Inc. at the Chatfield City Council’s March 11 meeting.
Due to some title issues that the EDA is working to resolve, it has become necessary to allow time extensions and also some language changes to the development agreement. Giesen said the language changes do not change the meaning of the agreement. In January 2019 the city entered into an agreement with DGI Minnesota to develop the Twiford St. commercial property with the construction of a Dollar General store.
The deadline for acquisition of the property has been extended two months to August 1, 2019. The deadline for substantial completion of construction of the building has been extended about three months to December 31, 2019.
The amendment to the agreement was approved with councilor Mike Urban voting no.
Other business in brief
• A resolution was adopted calling for a public hearing at 7 p.m. on April 22. The hearing is for the issuing of a general obligation tax abatement note in the amount of $295,000 to fund the Highway 52 downtown street lighting project.
• Approval was given to send a letter of support for Venture Southeast Minnesota Diversification Loan Fund. If the fund is established by the legislature it will provide a regional revolving loan fund for the 11 county area of southeast Minnesota (excluding the city of Rochester). These funds could assist growth of southeast Minnesota communities and businesses. A bill is being introduced to the legislature requesting $25 million.
• The second consideration of Ordinance #442-Administrative Code Update was approved along with its publication. The update pertains to the organization of city governmental bodies, departments, and committees.
• Approval was given to pay $7,522.15 to Benike Construction for the first change order for the swimming pool.
• The appointments of Jordan Newcome, Zeb Dudek, Brooke Tuttle, Cora Castleberg, and Chase Espinosa as EMTs were approved.