By Sara Quam
The Luverne Economic Development Authority met Friday to decide if local businessman Jim Fick should get help in relocating his business.
The answer was yes in the unanimous vote that gave Fick, of Tri-State Auto Sales, a $25,000 forgivable loan.
In essence, the loan is a grant that has to be repaid with interest only if certain conditions aren't met. Portions of the debt will be canceled over a five-year period.
With Fick purchasing the former Schuur Concrete building, next to the China Inn, he will have more lot space and increased visibility for his business.
"We wanted Highway 75 exposure and a concrete parking lot," Fick said.
Fick has operated his car sales business for five years out of leased space from Align Tech and Tire.
The new site appealed to Fick from the start of his sales. In fact, he used the same lot for his first spring sale years ago.
During the LEDA's discussion on the loan, members made it clear that they supported the business move to rid the city of the current blight that's on the site.
LEDA member Mike Engesser said the city isn't in the practice of relocating businesses. "Basically, we're doing this as a South-75 cleanup," he said.
LEDA Director Tony Chladek said in a memo to LEDA members that the project is certainly "in keeping with the vision of the city and LEDA for Main Street and Highway 75."
Fick expects to move to the new location as soon as April and then start the process of cleaning the lot and setting up the office, which has been unoccupied for nine years.
Fick said he's proud of his family business, that is also managed by his wife, Renee Fick.
In addition to his own project, Fick said he's open to the possibilities. "We'll have more office space than we need so we're looking into having a separate business within that space," he said.
Fick has to meet certain conditions by the end of the year:
oRemove the cement block wall on the southwest corner of the building.
oRemove and cover the old windows on the main portion of the building.
oRemove and properly dispose of the silo.
oConstruct a new wall on the south end of the building.
oReplace the outside front on the south side of the building with new tin.
oWainscot the bottom four feet of the building on the front and south sides.
oReplace overhead doors with new doors.
oRemove loose gravel and weeds from parking area.
oInstall signs that comply with city code.
oInstall security lighting.