04/04/2013 EDAC Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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1 CITY OF LINO LAKES ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ADVISORY COMMITTEE MINUTES DATE: April 4, 2013 MEMBERS PRESENT: T. Colgan, B. Combs, L. Masonik, C. Wagner, J. Schwartz, M. Kassner, D. Johnson MEMBERS ABSENT: J. Stranik, L. Thor OTHERS PRESENT: M. Divine APPROVAL OF MINUTES The minutes of January 3, 2013 and February 7, 2013 were approved SELECTION OF 2013 OFFICERS It was moved and seconded to reappoint Mr. Stranik as chair and Mr. Masonik as vice-chair for the remainder of 2013. Motion passed unanimously. Ms. Divine noted that the chair and vice- chair are also liaisons to the Economic Development Authority. CONSIDERATION OF CHANGES TO OFF-SALE LIQUOR LICENSES EDAC reviewed the proposed changes to the city’s liquor regulations and had a lengthy discussion regarding protecting small business versus allowing a free market. They agreed that competition is healthy and that government shouldn’t be picking winners and losers. They recognized that the unfortunate result is that small local businesses can suffer when a larger business competes. They questioned what motivated other cities to regulate this particular use. They also noted that the city has been loosening regulations on certain uses such as outside storage, so it sends a different message to place more stringent regulations at this time on this particular use. Bill Combs moved to recommend to the City Council to reject the proposed changes to the city’s off-sale liquor ordinance. Matt Kassner seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously. CONSIDERATION OF RECOMMENDATION REGARDING OUTDOOR STORAGE IN LIGHT INDUSTRIAL ZONES Ms. Divine discussed with the members the Lake Drive business that has been storing large cargo containers against the city’s regulations in a Light Industrial zone. It has been asked to cease and desist. The owner appeared before the council hoping to sell the site to a bus company for bus storage. EDAC members discussed the goals of the Comprehensive Plan for Lake Drive versus a bus storage company’s use of the site. Some members believe that long range planning should not be thrown out every time a business comes in that doesn’t fit the plan. Other members noted that Lake Drive continues to be an issue because of lack of utilities and it was unlikely a better use would come for a long time. Ms. Divine pointed out that utilities are available to that site. EDAC came to a consensus that they would not shut the door on a potential bus company without seeing a development proposal. UPDATES: