The Blue Earth Gymnastics Center, pictured above, submitted a Commercial Business Improvement Forgivable Loan application, looking to fix an in-ground wall collapse that has caused upheaval in their concrete flooring. The EDA approved a contribution of $4,219.52 for repairs at their meeting on Thursday, June 12.

A Commercial Business Improvement Forgivable Loan (CBIFL) request from the Blue Earth Gymnastics Center and a memo about potential vending machines in the Ag Center were both on the agenda at the Blue Earth EDA meeting on Thursday, June 12.

EDA specialist Amy Schaefer presented the EDA with a CBIFL request from the Blue Earth Gymnastics Center.

“One of the in-ground walls at the Gymnastics Center is collapsing, and it’s causing upheaval of the concrete floor,” Schaefer explained. “They’ve already started making repairs to the building, and they’re eligible for the grant, so it’s in our best interest to get this approved quickly.”

Hearing no further discussion, a motion was made and seconded to approve a CBIFL contribution of $4,219.52 for the Blue Earth Gymnastics Center. The motion was passed unanimously.

Schaefer presented the council with a memo received from Haily Depuydt regarding the potential installment of a pop machine in the Ag Center.

“We received an email from Depuydt, in which she said that some people at the Ag Center wanted a pop machine, and inquired how much it would be to rent a space and install one,” Schaefer shared. “I don’t know where this idea came from or who she is, and I’d like some guidance on how to proceed.”

Board member Kara Drake remarked that she recalled there being a pop machine in the Ag Center previously, located near the recycling bins, but that it had been removed at some point.

“I seem to recall that pop machine being in a location that was tough to access,” Drake commented. “If we do get a new one, I think the atrium would be a better place for it – it’s a lot easier to see and access that way.”

Board member Stephanie Dyslin raised the question as to whether this was an inquiry from a vendor, or just a citizen.

“Do we know for sure if this is a vendor inquiry for setting up a pop machine here?” Dyslin asked. “I’d like to ask this person some more questions before the EDA takes any action on this issue.”

Dyslin also added that she wasn’t certain if there was a demand for a pop machine from any of the current Ag Center tenants, and that a survey might be useful for determining need.

“I think a survey would be a good idea, but in the meantime, we should table this until we find out more,” board member Lissia Laehn remarked.

Following some further discussion, a motion was made and seconded to table the issue until the next EDA meeting in July, after more information was obtained from Depuydt. The motion was passed unanimously.

Other business discussed at the EDA meeting included:

• Public Works director and interim city administrator Jamie Holland shared during his administrative summary that there had been some leaks discovered in the roof of the Ag Center during the recent rains, and that there were plans to have the roofing company back to inspect and repair the leaks.