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HomeMy WebLinkAbout08/03/2017 EDAC Minutes 1 CITY OF LINO LAKES ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ADVISORY COMMITTEE MINUTES DATE: August 03, 2017 MEMBERS PRESENT: Jim Schueller, Nathan Vojtech , Lou Masonick, Patrick Kohler MEMBERS ABSENT: Don Johnson, Michael Ruhland, Chad Wagner, Julie Schwartz, Thomas Colgan OTHERS PRESENT: Michael Grochala, Joe Widing APPROVAL OF MINUTES It was moved by Mr. Schueller to approve the minutes from July 13, 2017. The motion was seconded by Mr. Vojtech and passed unanimously. DISCUSSION ITEMS A. Comprehensive Plan Update a. Industrial Land Use Categories Mr. Grochala presented the full build land use map scenario to EDAC members. He explained that the 35E Corridor will be moved up in guidance to the first utility stage and asked Committee members their opinions on the addition of a new category of industrial or commercial use. The committee members inquired about the status of the residential development east of I-35E and north of Main Street. Mr Grochala explained that the developer was submitting documents to the city next week and that the area is zoned PUD which gives the city and developer flexibility in terms of the mix of uses on site. Mr. Grochala began discussion with the Committee about the possibility of a new business designation for the city code adding that the news of a potential asphalt plant just north of the City could change future use designations away from residential in the I-35E corridor. Committee members agreed that the interstate (I-35E) is a positive for potential business and thought that the corridor should someday look like the TH 610 corridor. Committee members next inquired about the status of Ash St and Centerville Rd lot and the Ash St and Hodgson Rd area. 2 Mr. Grochala explained that there is developer interest at both sites and that the Ash St and Centerville road site is in the planning process for a new development. Committee members agreed that more professional business buildings would be welcome in Lino Lakes and that the City should take steps to establish a new land use category. b. Data Center Discussion Mr. Grochala opened the discussion explaining that data center users are looking for sites and that the city has enough land for a high value center to be built. Committee members stated concerns about the amount of employment the centers offer and the financial assistance that other cities have offered. Mr. Grochala responded stating that data centers are very expensive and high value, any assistance is small compared to the value of the developments and they require little service from the city after completion. The high value and low service of the development could help alleviate the tax burden on city residents. Committee members asked about the cost to develop the project and any utility work that the city would need to do. Members also asked about the possibility of working jointly with neighboring communities. Mr. Grochala stated that most costs would be borne by the developer, but TIF use could still be a possibility as it has become standard for area cities and has had good results. He also stated that joint projects don’t happen often, but have happened in the past. Committee members inquired on the status of a possible data center in the City. Mr. Grochala stated that there is work being done with a property owner in the City and potential tenant for the potential data center. The committee stated that all uses should be considered for the future of the area. c. Miscellaneous Discussion Committee members inquired about the status of Birch Rd, stating that traffic has become increasingly heavy and dangerous. Mr. Grochala responded that studies have been done and signals added, but that it was now a capacity issue with the road. He continued that traffic circles are likely on the road in the future. The Committee stated the Birch Rd. is overburdened and should be upgraded in some capacity soon. Mr. Grochala agreed with the assessment, but stated that a consensus has not been agreed upon on for the future of the road. 3 ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at 9:03 AM.