Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout05/04/2017 EDAC Minutes 1 CITY OF LINO LAKES ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ADVISORY COMMITTEE MINUTES DATE: May 4, 2017 MEMBERS PRESENT: Thomas Colgan, Jim Schueller, Nathan Vojtech, Chad Wagner, Don Johnson, Lou Masonick, Michael Ruhland, Patrick Kohler MEMBERS ABSENT: Julie Jeffrey-Schwartz, OTHERS PRESENT: Michael Grochala, Mara Strand, Jim Gromberg (WSB), Tom Lambrecht, Great River Energy, Erin Sparks, Great River Energy, Bruce Sayers, Connexus Energy. APPROVAL OF MINUTES It was moved by Mr. Colgan to approve the minutes from February 2, 2017. The motion was seconded by Mr. Kohler and passed unanimously. DISCUSSION ITEMS A. Great River Energy – Data Center Mr. Grochala explained that the City has had a long time goal of developing a business park along the I-35 corridor. He discussed the emergence of data centers as a potential high value economic development opportunity for this area. He introduced Mr. Tom Lambrecht of Great River. Mr. Lambrecht provided an overview of Great River Energy’s role as an energy provider in the metro area and their Data Center Site Certification program. He explained that the 35E corridor had several positives related to data center siting including is relative proximity to the MSP airport. Mr. Lambrecht noted that data centers can be large multimillion dollar facilities. Great River established the site certification program in part because data centers are large and steady energy users. Minnesota has become a target for center location to because of attractive tax exemptions provided by the state. Mr. Lambrecht provided the board with a description of different facility types. He explained that there are co-location centers which lease building area to multiple companies as well and large enterprise facilities serving a single company. 2 The committee members asked what the benefits are to the community. Mr. Lambrecht stated that while they don’t create a lot of permanent on-site jobs they do have a lot of contractors servicing the site. The buildings are typically have a high tax value and place a minimal demand on public services. Mr. Lambrecht noted that Great River Energy started the Qualifying City program in 2007. The intent was to expedite the site selection process. The program has a standard format/pre- qualification checklist to qualify the site in a quick transaction. Mr. Masonick asked where the closest data center is. Mr. Lambrecht stated that Wells Fargo has their facilities off of County Road J. Mr. Masonick asked what type of investment is made by the company. Mr. Lambrecht provided an example of a project in Chaska that was a 268 million dollar project. EDAC discussed the merits of assisting with the site certification process. Mr. Grochala noted that site certification provides a marketing advantage and can streamline the approval process. However, the City could choose to what extent it wants to contribute or potentially cost share with property owners. Mr. Kohler asked how many sites where currently in the GRE program. Mr. Lambrecht stated they currently have 4. EDAC continued to discuss the site certification process, City’s role, and how cost sharing and potential reimbursement would work. The Committee requested further discussion on the program and more specifically, data centers at a future EDAC meeting. B. Project Updates Mr. Grochala explained that Mattamy Homes, developer of Watermark, is selling all of their Minnesota holdings. This includes the Lino Lakes site. Mattamy is actively marketing the site and working with a potential buyer. ADJOURNMENT It was moved by Mr. Colgan to adjourn the meeting. The motion was seconded by Mr. Vojtech. The meeting was adjourned at 9:25 AM.