EDA appoints president to negotiate purchase of tax‑forfeited property with Hennepin County

The Dayton City Economic Development Authority voted March 18 to appoint EDA President Tim Hotner to join a city council member and City Attorney Amy Schmidt in meetings with Hennepin County to negotiate purchase of a tax‑forfeited property.

The decision followed discussion about negotiation logistics and how the city should present a united position to county staff. John, a city staff member, told the board Amy Schmidt had already been in contact with Hennepin County but that no date or location for a meeting was yet set. Several members said they preferred meeting the county representative outside of the county offices and recommended a neutral, in‑person setting rather than a remote session.

Why it matters: the parcel is being considered for economic development; the EDA framed the appointment as a step to secure negotiating authority and clarify purchase terms before the county finalizes next steps.

Board members discussed negotiating strategy and practical matters. At one point a figure discussed at a prior workshop—"$1,000,000," according to a member—was cited as the council's reference point but board members made no formal change to any price limit during the meeting. John said the county had not set a date or location for the meeting and that Amy Schmidt would be the point of contact.

Motion and outcome: a motion to appoint the EDA president to represent the authority in the negotiation was made, seconded and approved by voice vote. No formal written purchase agreement or dollar figure was adopted at the meeting.

Next steps: board members asked staff and President Hotner to coordinate with Amy Schmidt to set the meeting location and push for an in‑person discussion where possible, and to report back to the EDA on results and any recommended negotiating limits.