08/07/2025 EDAC Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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Economic Development Advisory Committee August 7, 2025 Page 2 Mr. Vojtech wanted to confirm that this would not be a restriction of cannabis, but rather limiting the sale in a rural zone. Mr. Grochala confirmed that this would only be to limit the sale of cannabis in a rural zoning district. The Committee had concerns about future rezoning and whether that would change the ability for the licensees to sell. Mr. Grochala stated that it would depend on the number of licenses the City would have available at the time. Mr. Kohler would like there to be language included in the ordinance regarding rezoning. B. Local Housing Trust Fund In 2023 the Minnesota Legislature approved a new metro-wide sales and use tax for affordable housing. The purpose of the aid is to help metropolitan local governments develop and preserve affordable housing within their jurisdictions. The annual appropriation comes from a sales and use tax imposed within Anoka, Carver, Dakota, Hennepin, Ramsey, Scott and Washington Counties. Cities with a population of over 10,000 within these counties are eligible to receive aid. The City of Lino Lakes will begin receiving funds in 2024. The EDAC previously supported the idea of establishing a local housing trust fund for purposes of administering the housing aid. This would allow the City additional time to establish a program and expend funding. Staff has prepared a draft ordinance for discussion purposes. The provision includes a range of both funding sources that could go into the fund as well as potential uses of the funds. Legislatively this gives the City the most flexibility as we evaluate potential program options. Mr. Bennett wanted to clarify if this money could only be used for affordable housing. Mr. Grochala confirmed that it can only be used for affordable housing or affordability levels. The Committee was in favor of starting a program. Mr. Kohler wanted to ensure that there was a process in place and a report for EDAC from the City Administrator to show where the funds were being allocated. Mr. Vojtech wanted to know who would approve the allocation of funds. Mr. Vojtech also wanted to see if there was a way to track who applied and who was approved for the funds. Mr. LaCroix wanted to know if there would be a threshold for who would be granted more funds. Ms. Guthmueller wanted to know if we could have applications accepted during certain windows of time, for example have a spring and fall application window. Mr. LaCroix motioned to approve establishing a local housing trust fund. Mr. Rennaker seconded the motion. Motion carried 8-0.