EDA approves consent agenda, reviews 2025 summary and industrial-park buildout

The Economic Development Authority opened its meeting at 7:30 a.m. and approved a consent agenda that included payment of $1,920.98 for remaining strategic-planning fees, insurance, a land-sale notice, Sewell Printing and legal fees. A motion to pay the bills was made by Nick, seconded by Troy, and carried unanimously.

Staff presented the EDA’s 2025 summary, noting roughly 15 BR&E visits over the year, a completed strategic plan available online and an overall increase in net tax capacity. The director said housing permits have declined and lot availability is “next to nothing,” leaving the community with limited residential build capacity.

"We did complete a strategic plan, and the full plan can be available online for anyone who wants to see it," the director said, offering to present the results to the City Council if desired.

City staff highlighted that the industrial park is nearly built out and should be fully occupied once two pending lot sales close. Staff also reported a commercial tenant, Heartland Credit Union, completed a walk-through for a temporary certificate of occupancy and hopes to open in March, while Aventus LLC received a landscaping-variance approval for a new 50,000-square-foot industrial building and will seek approval next week on a drainage-utility-easement that would allow lot consolidation and closing.

Why this matters: the EDA’s development pipeline, available industrial space and strategic plan will affect the city’s growth strategy, tax base and efforts to attract employers. The board did not take additional formal action on the plan at this meeting; staff said they can present the plan to the City Council on request.

The meeting continued with updates on corridor studies, infrastructure planning and workforce initiatives before adjourning.