Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout06/02/2016 EDAC Minutes 1 CITY OF LINO LAKES ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ADVISORY COMMITTEE MINUTES DATE: June 2, 2016 MEMBERS PRESENT: Nathan Vojtech, Don Johnson, Lou Masonick, Chad Wagner, Rebecca Glewwe, Jim Schueller MEMBERS ABSENT: Julie Schwartz, Tami Wier, Thomas Colgan OTHERS PRESENT: Michael Grochala, Alex McKenzie APPROVAL OF MINUTES It was moved by Lou Masonick to approve the minutes from May 5, 2016. The Motion was seconded by Nathan Vojtech and passed unanimously. NEW MEMBER EDAC welcomes our newest member Jim Schueller. BUSINESS RETENTION PLAN DRAFT Mr. Grochala explained the proposed Business Retention & Expansion Program also known as BRE program. The main goal of this program is to establish a relationship with local businesses (primarily manufacturing) through annual visitations conducted by community development staff along with members of the city council. Annual visitations will be conducted on average of 1 per month, with an estimated 7 per year. This method will create communication with businesses, in which they can address challenges, needs, or other local problems their business may be facing. During the visitation the representatives will provide helpful resources that are currently available to help each business with their individual needs. Mr. Vojtech was interested in how the city currently advertises resources currently available to businesses. Mr. Grochala explained the city newsletter, website, local TV channel, and the bulletin board located at City Hall. The committee was very fond of the idea of this program, and is hoping to enact it later this year, or early 2017. 2 BUSINESS SUBSIDY CRITERIA UPDATE Mr. Grochala explained the Economic Development Authority Business Subsidy Criteria has not been updated since 2003, and is in need to be revised due to changes in the State’s Business Subsidy Act. Most of the updates are minor word additions such as adding EDA to existing fragments. Last meeting (May 5th) there were questions about Section 3.02 (c) Jobs and Wages, regarding the minimum number of new jobs that an applicant is required to create to be eligible. Mr. Grochala proposed a minimum number of 5 jobs must be created, but this only applies if the priority of the subsidy is to create jobs, other priorities for example could be to retain a business or expansion. Mr. Masonick suggested members of City Council and the EDA attended EDAC’s meetings to give further input. The city council will hold a public hearing on the updated materials, and vote at the next council meeting. 35E DISTRIBUTION FACILITY-TAX INCREMENT FINANCING Mr. Grochala and staff have been working with United Properties regarding the Development Stage Plan and Preliminary Plat approval for the 56 acre Clearwater Creek Business Park. The project will include the construction of a 400,000 square foot industrial warehousing/distribution facility along 35E. The applicant is requesting assistance in the form of Tax Increment Financing. The proposed warehouse will cost an estimated $18 million and generate $700,000 in taxes annually. 21st Ave. near the site will need to be expanded approximately 2,100 feet south. Mr. Masonick raised concerns about noise for residential homes south of the site, and Mr. Grochala explained the site has been zoned industrial before the homes were built and United Properties will be required to install screening or berms south of the property. PROJECT UPDATES Mr. Grochala provided updates on projects throughout Lino Lakes. Mattamy Homes submitted a land use application for PUD Development Stage Plan/Preliminary Plat Review. D.R. Horton has submitted plans for Woods Edge Townhomes north of City Hall, and is going through review. North Oaks Development Company is also proposing a project but will require improvements to the County J/Centerville Road intersection. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at 9:01 AM.