Dave Schmidt, a CEDA representative, will be temporarily assuming Winnebago EDA specialist Jennifer Howard’s duties starting in July. Howard will be on military leave for 13 months.

The Winnebago Economic Development Authority failed to gather a quorum for its meeting on Wednesday, April 3.

“Since there’s no quorum, I think tonight we will just have an informal discussion,” mayor Jean Anderson suggested.

The board primarily discussed EDA specialist Jennifer Howard’s upcoming military leave, and became acquainted with the specialist who will be assuming Howard’s duties during her absence.

Howard will be on leave for 13 months, starting in July. EDA specialist Dave Schmidt will be providing services to the Winnebago EDA until she returns.

Starting next month, Schmidt will be spending a few days a week in Winnebago to learn more about its ongoing projects. He will work alongside Howard full-time in June so he can transition seamlessly into her role in July.

“I’m looking forward to working with Jennifer, and getting my arms around what you’ve been working on,” he informed the EDA.

Schmidt has been a Community and Economic Development Associates (CEDA) representative for four years, and he spent the past three years serving the city of Jackson.

“They are working with a lot of the programs you’re dealing with,” Schmidt said. “We’ve done small cities programs, downtown development, industrial development. A lot of the things Jennifer has been working on, I have a background in.”

He added that Jackson, like Winnebago, has invested a lot of energy into developing affordable housing.

“The same issue is finding land, and the cost of building,” Schmidt explained. “We had a housing project that got underway last year. We found a developer willing to look outside of the box, and a building is now scheduled to open this fall – it’s 90 percent booked already.”

Schmidt also has experience working with the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) to obtain grant funding, which will be valuable to the EDA given that Winnebago is now in the process of applying for USDA funding for three separate projects.

“My first experience dealing with the USDA was for daycare funding,” Schmidt said.

Prior to his work with CEDA, Schmidt had a background in purchasing logistics and management, and spent several years working in radio, as well.

“I’ve spent my whole life in this area,” he added. “I’m just excited to be here, and see what we can do. I want to take what Jennifer’s doing and keep moving all of her projects forward.”

In other business, the Winnebago EDA:

• Received an update about Winnebago’s three applications for USDA grant funding.

Howard said an application for a USDA grant to fund ADA accessible updates at the Muir Library is still underway, although the renovations to the library’s bathroom and front entrance have been completed.

The city has also submitted pre-applications for USDA grant funding for a new ambulance and fire truck.

“They deemed us eligible, but with the large caveat that it’s depending on available funding at the time,” Howard explained.

• Was informed that Roerig Hardware & Appliance is for sale.

“They are working on doing some final inventories,” Howard added.

• Learned that Howard has submitted letters of inquiry for the Blandin Foundation’s Small Communities and Rural Placemaking Grant.

Howard hopes the funding could be used to replenish the EDA’s Commercial Exterior Grant Program, which is available to Winnebago businesses for exterior maintenance and updates to commercial buildings within city limits.

Howard would also like to use grant funding to establish an owner-occupied home rehabilitation fund for Winnebago, which would support the rehabilitation of Winnebago homes and help residents maintain their homes’ livability.

“There is no matching required for either of these (grants),” Howard said. “If we were to get some extra funds, that could be a really good thing for us.”

• Discussed possibilities for three industrially-zoned lots in the city which were forfeited to the state after the previous owners fell behind on tax payments.

“If the city can purchase those lots back from the state, then maybe the council can direct the EDA to market them, and get some businesses on them,” city administrator Judi Hynes suggested.

She added she has been consulting city attorney David Frundt about the matter.

• Learned that Pfeffer Tree Service removed ash trees around the city on March 18-22, and Rainbow Tree Care is in the process of researching and developing an emerald ash borer management plan.

The tree removal project is being funded by a Minnesota Department of Natural Resources Releaf Grant.

• Learned that there have been several inquiries about the former JM property, which is now for sale.

Howard said she has passed all inquiries along to JM management.

• Learned that the Winnebago Community Club hosted an Easter Egg Hunt and Craft & Vendor Fair on March 30.

“It was a smaller turnout than last year, but the kids really enjoyed it,” Howard said.