Housing and Redevelopment Authority April 10, 2025
Wednesday, April 9, 2025
Approval of meeting agenda
Community comment session
Adoption of consent agenda
Amendment to loan agreement with Adina Chamber of Commerce
Areas of Interest (4)
- Adina Chamber of Commerce faces loan repayment restructuring following the closure of its business innovation lab.
- Concerns raised over the use of tourism-specific lodging tax funds to subsidize general chamber operations.
- Questions persist regarding the lack of hospitality industry representation on the merged Chamber and Explore Adina board.
- Staff justify the move from Edinburgh Park to a high-cost office space as a strategic technology investment that ultimately failed.
Votes (2)
Adoption of the meeting agenda as published
Moved by Commissioner Jackson · Seconded by Commissioner Pierce
Adoption of the items on the consent agenda
Moved by Commissioner Jackson · Seconded by Commissioner Pierce
Notable Quotes (2)
The current loan balance is $469,000 approximately.
It is not the role of our tourism bureau to be financially supporting an enterprise like the Edina Innovation Lab.
People (5)
Bill NewondorfEconomic Development DirectorPresented the loan amendment proposal and provided background on Spark program funding.
1 quote
Presented the loan amendment proposal and provided background on Spark program funding.
“The chamber does have the full intention to repay the outstanding loan balance however they are seeking a modification.”
Regarding the financial hardship and need for loan restructuring.
Shelley LobergPresidentResponded to commissioners regarding lodging tax use and internal resource allocation.
1 quote
Responded to commissioners regarding lodging tax use and internal resource allocation.
“We are not actually able to directly use lodging tax funding in the repayment of the loan.”
Explaining restrictions on tax funding.
Commissioner RisserCommissionerExpressed skepticism regarding the relocation of the chamber and the financial support by Explore Adina.
1 quote
Expressed skepticism regarding the relocation of the chamber and the financial support by Explore Adina.
“My biggest concern is I feel like... were there any members on the board representing the hospitality industry?”
Questioning the board composition after the merger of boards.
Paul MoodyPast ChairConfirmed the board conducted a thorough analysis and believes the new payment schedule is achievable.
1 quote
Confirmed the board conducted a thorough analysis and believes the new payment schedule is achievable.
“We strongly believe that the budget we have is achievable and that we can pay this back.”
Assurance regarding the long-term repayment plan.
Mark JessenCurrent ChairProvided background on the decision to choose the 'E' building for its technological infrastructure.
1 quote
Provided background on the decision to choose the 'E' building for its technological infrastructure.
“We needed something a little more technologically based and the E was really big on technology.”
Reasoning for the chamber's office relocation.
Places Mentioned
Events & Meetings (1)
- Thursday April 10, 2025, 7:32 a.m., Adina Housing and Redevelopment Authority meeting