Lake Elmo EDA schedules Sept. 17 special meeting for old fire station RFP finalists
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Summary
The EDA set a 6 p.m. Sept. 17 public meeting for presentations from three finalists selected from nine proposals for the old fire station RFP, and described the scoring, confidentiality, and next steps including a likely council closed session on pricing and possible business subsidies.
The Lake Elmo Economic Development Authority approved a special meeting at 6 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 17, to hear presentations from finalists selected from nine proposals for the old fire station request for proposals.
Community development staff told the EDA it received nine proposals; scorecards are due Sept. 2. Staff said packets containing confidential financial materials will be provided to EDA members, and members were advised not to share those materials. The EDA expects at least three finalists to appear at the Sept. 17 meeting; staff said the finalists will give brief presentations and answer questions in a public forum.
Jason, a staff member who reviewed the process, recommended that EDA members first read all proposals and the scoring rubric, then individually score them to avoid anchoring their ratings to the first proposals they review. He said the EDA will compile scores and that finalists will be ranked 1–3 so the council can proceed to the next-ranked applicant if the top choice falls through.
EDA members discussed whether price should be scored in the initial packet. Staff responded that price is not scored on the initial rubric and that pricing and subsidy questions will likely be handled later — including in a council closed session. Staff noted the city does not yet have a business subsidy policy; if a subsidy or tax increment financing (TIF) is needed, the council will have to adopt a policy and the final agreement could take several months.
The EDA also discussed whether applicants should present again before council. One council member in the meeting said presentations might help fill informational gaps that the written proposals cannot. Staff said two council members are on the scoring committee and that council involvement will be public.
Staff reiterated practical process steps: scorecards due Sept. 2; staff will compile results and provide finalists’ presentations on Sept. 17; EDA will use a ranked-choice ranking to produce a prioritized list for the council. The staff also warned that if an award requires business subsidies, the final closing might not occur until January or February, after council action and any required policy adoption.
The EDA also approved the minutes and the motion to set the Sept. 17 meeting earlier in the agenda; both motions carried by voice vote with no recorded opposition.
