04-10-25 - Charter Commission Agenda Packet

Home Search

Charter Commission January 9, 2025 Page 4 136 The City Clerk stated that a memorandum was prepared by the Community Development 137 Director on this topic and was included in the packet. It was noted that further legal review 138 would be required to fully answer this question. 139 140 Chair Dahl stated that there is an existing tire shop and now a new one will be opening soon 141 across the street, which she did not see as competition but an issue that would cause one business 142 to go out of business. She asked if something could be put in ordinance to ensure a distance 143 between similar types of businesses. 144 145 Commissioner Damiani used the example of gas stations, banks, and liquor stores that commonly 146 choose to be located in similar manners. 147 148 Commissioner Rodriguez commented that she did not believe that the City should limit who goes 149 into business or which property they purchase. She stated that customers will choose the 150 business they want to frequent. 151 152 Commissioner Trehus commented that quality design was a topic during the recent elections, 153 which is why he believes that this topic would also be good for the joint meeting with the City 154 Council. 155 156 Commissioner Digatono asked if there are any locations that provide the opportunity for small 157 businesses to open. 158 159 Commissioner Reynolds stated that he struggles to say that businesses cannot come to the 160 community as there is a desire for business, but also does not want to see another business 161 pushed out by a new business. 162 163 Commissioner Hausladen stated that the City has always bent over backward for development at 164 the expense of the residents. He stated that if there are too many of the same business there will 165 be saturation, and some will struggle. 166 167 Commissioner Grattan agreed that it is great to have new businesses, and a business will not 168 choose to locate somewhere they do not think they can compete. 169 170 Commissioner Holmstrom stated that he does not support additional government regulations, 171 especially controlling capitalism. He stated that someone opening a tire shop across the street 172 from another tire shop must be confident in their ability to provide a good service to the 173 customer. He stated that a small business tire shop will most likely not choose to locate across 174 from a franchise and noted that competition will only improve the market for the customer. 175 176 Commissioner Rodriguez asked for more information on the process for businesses to come to 177 the city, whether that is market -driven or whether a member of staff solicits desired businesses to 178 come to Lino Lakes. 179 180 Chair Dahl noted that Tax Increment Financing (TIF) is also a tool for community development. 181 She thanked staff for the report.