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Gaylord is back to square one in searching for a part-time EDA coordinator. At the EDA meeting last week, Chuck Klimmek, EDA president, reported that both candidates were interviewed. One candidate was offered the position but declined. The other candidate, the EDA felt, would not have been a good fit for the city, according to EDA executive director Lonny Johnson.

Klimmek believes there are two options now, to either contract with someone on a part-time basis or go through Minnesota State University, Mankato to look for an intern.

It appeared at the EDA meeting that the commission was leaning toward contracting with someone to fill the position. The EDA discussed obtaining a proposal from Region Nine and also from a friend of the city’s financial advisor George Eilertson.

The EDA felt it would take too long to get an intern through the college, possibly not until next winter.

Klimmek also said that Mayor Doug Quast plans to discuss the possibility of creating a city planner/EDA coordinator position at a future city planning meeting.

The EDA coordinator vacancy was created when former coordinator Pat Pinske was elected to the City Council. Once she assumed council duties in January, Pinske was unable to serve in the paid position. Pinske is presently volunteering to staff the EDA coordinator/Chamber of Commerce office.

In other business, the EDA:

• Was informed by City Administrator Lonny Johnson that the EDA overspent its 2006 budget by $420,444. The majority of the cost was for professional services due to the EDA audit.

• Learned that Pauline Marlinski will serve as coordinator for the Gaylord town meeting initiative for the “Communities Embracing Active Aging” grant.

• Discussed the EDA’s goals and objectives for 2007. They are:

– Developing Tax Increment Financing (TIF) and tax abatement policies.

– Updating the city’s comprehensive plan.

– Reviewing and updating the revolving loan policy.

– Reviewing and updating the down payment assistance policy.

– Getting procedures for JOBZ.

• Learned that one meeting was held for negotiating the Main Avenue lot.