19:30The sale of the Superior National Golf Course in Lutsen was a primary focus. The board had previously issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) to various firms, which resulted in four submissions. After a detailed review process, SVN North Co was selected despite their commission being higher than other bidders. The committee favored SVN North Co for their strong capabilities and past experience with government agencies, which were deemed more compelling than the financial savings offered by other bidders.

The sale agreement, which is set to last one year, includes stipulations to ensure the property remains accessible to the public as a golf course for a specific period. The board debated the implications of these stipulations, with some members expressing concern that overly restrictive conditions could impede the sale. A suggestion was made to bring the draft agreement to the February Economic Development Authority (EDA) meeting to finalize details and ensure all relevant aspects are addressed.

Further complicating the sale, existing land covenants related to the Nelson family could affect the transaction. The covenants include a right of first refusal, which would be triggered if an offer is made. This stipulation, along with the overall terms of sale, requires careful consideration to avoid potential legal and logistical challenges.

In addition to the golf course discussions, the meeting addressed ongoing housing challenges in Cook County. The board reviewed the current situation at One Roof Community Housing, where units face vacancy due to rental restrictions tied to local employment criteria. The ongoing vacancy issue was highlighted, with some units remaining empty for extended periods despite high demand for housing in the area.

35:52To mitigate these challenges, the board explored various options. One suggestion was to allow units to be rented to non-locals after a specified period of vacancy, such as four to five months. This approach aims to balance the need for workforce housing with the practicalities of maintaining occupancy rates. The board acknowledged the need to revisit geographic restrictions and rental rates, as these factors may deter potential renters.

The housing discussion also touched on a Workforce Housing Grant applied for in early 2024, aimed at developing a new 16-unit project on West Highway 61. The project, which has secured approximately $1.3 million in funding from Minnesota Housing, requires the EDA to enter into a loan agreement. The board discussed the implications of this agreement, emphasizing the importance of oversight and regular reporting on contractor wages.

0:00Finally, the board approved several resolutions related to employment agreements and audit services. Resolution 2025-1 pertained to employment agreements for staff at the Superior National Golf Course, while Resolution 2025-D2 involved a professional services agreement for daily operations at the golf course. Another resolution appointed Redpath and Company, LLC for the 2024 audit services, maintaining a satisfactory working relationship despite rising costs.