St. Francis City Council — Transcript
Sunday, October 25, 2026
EDA Commission Leadership Appointments
2025 Annual Report and Economic Development Overview
Future Economic Development and Marketing Strategy
EDA Meeting Schedule and Minute Adoption Process
Votes (3)
Appointment of Chair and Vice Chair for the EDA Commission
Dissent: None
Moved by Commission Member [3:20] · Seconded by Commission Member [3:25]
The EDA Commission held its first meeting of the year to appoint its leadership positions. Mike was nominated and accepted the role of Chair. Joe declined the nomination for Vice Chair due to extensive travel commitments, leading to another commission member accepting the Vice Chair position. The rationale for the infrequent meeting schedule for the EDA was briefly discussed.
Review and Acceptance of the 2025 Annual Report
Dissent: None
Moved by Mara [10:30] · Seconded by Amy [10:35]
The EDA presented its 2025 Annual Report, covering activities such as addressing property at 3731 Bridge Street, managing three EDA-held properties (some requiring combination for development), and collaboration with the Anoka County Regional Economic Development Partnership. Updates on three ongoing construction projects on Highway 47 and the Vista Prairie development were provided. The EDA's financial position, with approximately $48,000 in funds, was also reviewed. A key policy discussion highlighted the EDA's unique legal authority to impose performance standards on property sales, allowing for property reclamation if agreements are not met, a power not held by the city directly. A commissioner also suggested new marketing initiatives for St. Francis.
Discussion on Future EDA Meeting Schedule and Minute Adoption Process
Dissent: None
Moved by No formal motion was made as it was a consensus. · Seconded by N/A
A commissioner expressed strong concern over the infrequent EDA meetings, specifically noting the significant time lag between meetings and the delayed adoption of minutes (e.g., July 2025 minutes approved in October 2026). The commissioner advocated for holding meetings earlier in the year, such as in January or February, even if only to address procedural matters like chair/vice chair appointments and minute approvals, to improve continuity and record-keeping timeliness. The group reached a consensus to adopt this proposed change.
Notable Quotes (6)
So EDA commission we there really isn't a lot of housekeeping on this group. Um and because we haven't had any items that have technically brought us forward. We are required to have one meeting a year. This is kind of our catchall.
I could, but if I'm out of town, I don't know how that's going to work and I'm traveling a lot right now. So, I mean, if somebody's willing to take it, they can.
So, EDA commission. So, we would transfer the properties over to the EDA to guarantee the development. So an EDA has the authority to put performance standards on a sale where the city does not.
I would love to see somehow that we send out mass mailings to smaller business franchises and start marketing the city as a community of communities.
I would like to see us meet in January or February, even if there's nothing to do except talk about the chair and vice chair position if they go through the end of the year, what we just voted on. Um, and it's it's now October, so there there's a big gap there.
So in for today's meeting for example, the minutes that we just approved were from July of 2025. And so there's a pretty big disconnect there. So I would like to see a meeting just to adopt the minutes if there's nothing else going on and for us to talk about the chair.
Ordinances & Resolutions (1)
Formal report presented by the EDA Commission to meet state statute requirements.