Northfield Economic Development Authority Meeting - September 29, 2025

The Economic Development Authority (EDA) met on September 29, 2025, at 6:00 PM in the Council Chambers. The board unanimously approved two micro-grant applications, increased the micro-grant budget for the remainder of the year, approved a contract with the Latino Economic Development Center (LEDC), and received staff updates. All votes were 5-0 with five members present and two absent.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of Agenda: The agenda was approved as amended to remove Item 5 (Communications Department Presentation).
• Approval of Minutes: The August 25, 2025 EDA meeting minutes were approved.

Board Member Reports

• Board Member Beumer informed the EDA that the City Council will assume the responsibilities of the Housing & Redevelopment Authority (HRA) in 2026.

Discussion Items

• August 2025 EDA Financials: Economic Development Coordinator Nate Carlson reviewed the financial reports and responded to board questions.
• Micro-Grant Application – Verbena Vinyl, LLC: Owner Vicki Scott presented her application. The board discussed and unanimously approved the micro-grant.
• Micro-Grant Application – Elsa Kraus, LLC dba Relationship Therapy and Consultation: The board first voted to increase the micro-grant program budget from $15,000 to $30,000 for the remainder of the year, with funds from EDA reserves. Then they unanimously approved the micro-grant application.
• Latino Economic Development Center (LEDC) Contract Approval: Carlson presented the draft contract. The board unanimously approved the contract. (Note: The agenda lists the contract as covering 2026–2028, while the minutes state “2025-2026.” This discrepancy was not resolved in the meeting.)
• Staff Updates: Carlson provided updates on outstanding EDA items and city-wide projects. The board discussed their upcoming retreat scheduled for October 13, 2025.

Key Outcomes

• Approved micro-grant for Verbena Vinyl, LLC. (Motion by Allen, seconded by Beumer; vote 5-0)
• Approved increase of micro-grant budget from $15,000 to $30,000 for remainder of 2025. (Motion by Allen, seconded by Beumer; vote 5-0)
• Approved micro-grant for Elsa Kraus, LLC dba Relationship Therapy and Consultation. (Motion by Allen, seconded by Stager; vote 5-0)
• Approved 2025-2026 (per minutes) / 2026-2028 (per agenda) LEDC Contract. (Motion by Beumer, seconded by Allen; vote 5-0)

The meeting was adjourned at 6:52 PM.