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Economic Development Advisory Committee <br />March 2, 2023 <br />Page 2 <br />Mr. Vojtech wanted to confirm that this would not be a restriction of cannabis, but rather <br />limiting the sale in a rural zone. Mr. Grochala confirmed that this would only be to limit <br />the sale of cannabis in a rural zoning district. <br />The Committee had concerns about future rezoning and whether that would change the <br />ability for the licensees to sell. Mr. Grochala stated that it would depend on the number <br />of licenses the City would have available at the time. Mr. Kohler would like there to be <br />languageincluded in the ordinance regarding rezoning. <br />B.Local Housing Trust Fund <br />In 2023 the Minnesota Legislature approved a new metro-wide sales and use tax for <br />affordable housing. The purpose of the aid is to help metropolitan local governments <br />develop and preserve affordable housing within their jurisdictions. The annual <br />appropriation comes from a sales and use tax imposed within Anoka, Carver, Dakota, <br />Hennepin, Ramsey, Scott and Washington Counties. Cities with a population of over <br />10,000 within these counties are eligible to receive aid. The City of Lino Lakes will begin <br />receivingfunds in 2024. <br />The EDAC previously supported the idea of establishing a local housing trust fund for <br />purposes of administering the housing aid. This would allow the City additional time to <br />establish a program and expend funding. Staff has prepared a draft ordinance for <br />discussion purposes. The provision includes a range of both funding sources that could go <br />into the fund as well as potential uses of the funds. Legislatively this gives the City the <br />most flexibility as we evaluate potential program options. <br />Mr. Bennett wanted to clarify if this money could only be used for affordable housing. Mr. <br />Grochala confirmed that it can only be used for affordable housing or affordability levels. <br />The Committee was in favor of starting a program. Mr. Kohler wanted to ensure that <br />there was a process in place and a report for EDAC from the City Administrator to show <br />where the funds were being allocated. Mr. Vojtech wanted to know who would approve <br />the allocation of funds. Mr. Vojtech also wanted to see if there was a way to track who <br />applied and who was approved for the funds. <br />Mr. LaCroix wanted to know if there would be a threshold for who would be granted more <br />funds. Ms. Guthmueller wanted to know if we could have applications accepted during <br />certain windows of time, for example have a spring and fall application window. <br />Mr. LaCroix motioned to approve establishing a localhousingtrust fund.Mr.Rennaker <br />seconded the motion. Motion carried 8-0. <br />DRAFTMINUTES <br /> <br />