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HomeMy WebLinkAbout03/07/2019 EDAC Minutes 1 CITY OF LINO LAKES ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ADVISORY COMMITTEE MINUTES DATE: March 7, 2019 MEMBERS PRESENT: Andrew Cravaro, Thomas Colgan, Don Johnson, Julie Schwartz, Chad Wagner MEMBERS ABSENT: Patrick Kohler, Michael Ruhland, Jim Schueller, Nathan Vojtech, OTHERS PRESENT: Mike Grochala, Mara Strand, Monika Mann, Bruce Sayler, Jaquel Hajder. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Approval of the February 7, 2019 minutes was tabled. DISCUSSION ITEMS A. I-35E Technology Corridor Mr. Grochala presented the staff report. Ms. Hajder, Economic Development Specialist with Anoka County, explained the County’s involvement in the I-35E Technology Corridor initiative. Anoka County Regional Economic Development website (www.anokacountysuccess.org) is a resource available. Mr. Sayler, Principal – Community and Economic Development with Connexus Energy, explained the capacity of the region and the assets it has to offer. Site selectors look for the following:  Collaboration  Available property  Connectivity o Mr. Grochala added that 6 years ago, Anoka County expanded to work with Zayo, a fiber optics provider, on a project called “Connect Anoka County”. This project ran fiber throughout the county to link the cities within. Ms. Hajder explained that Lino Lakes has a long haul network. The long haul network is located under I-35 connecting the Lino Lakes community to Canada, Chicago, and Dallas, which are large data center markets. Mr. Cravaro asked about sonic rings and the additional physical paths in case of a catastrophe. Mr. Sayler explained the task force available and site selectors involved in the project. Data centers build a contingency plan and do not want a single point failure. 2  Energy  Water  Workforce  Tax incentive from the state of Minnesota A concept promotion video presented. Ms. Schwartz suggested adding content about the tax incentives, smaller acreage areas available, and listing areas for sale. Staff explained they are working with interested property owners to promoting their sites and using MNCAR (Minnesota Commercial Association of Real Estate/Realtors). Mr. Sayler noted the promotion video can be utilized at upcoming events. Connexus Energy is signing a contract with a web developer and the video will be reshot. Ms. Hajder explained the state-wide advantage as there are minimal technology corridors. Mr. Wagner asked if this project would spur an on/off ramp at 140th Avenue. Mr. Grochala explained that it would bring a 2 mile sewer and water run, road improvements, but would not drive an interchange. Mr. Colgan asked for clarification on why data centers are interested in Minnesota. Mr. Sayler explained that datacenters try to build close to population centers and users. Mr. Colgan acknowledged that data centers do not pay personal property taxes or tax on equipment but they do pay real estate taxes based on the asset value put into the investment. Mr. Cravaro explained that the end user does not care where data centers are physically located. Ms. Schwartz asked about the price target per square footage. Ms. Hajder explained it differs depending on the type of data center. Mr. Grochala explained that Lino Lakes is far enough away but close to municipalities. The building values make the cost of land inconsequential. Mr. Cravaro stated that data centers look at the likelihood of natural disasters. Mr. Grochala explained that other businesses can benefit from the technology corridor. Ms. Hajder gave an overview of the Anoka County Regional Economic Development website (https://www.anokacountysuccess.org/). Ms. Schwartz asked if the land information automatically updates DEED. Ms. Hajder stated that DEED had the lowest number of users and was not always accurate. B. Projects Updates 3 City Council and Planning and Zoning Board had a 2040 Comprehensive Plan joint meeting on Monday, March 5. City Council and Planning and Zoning Board voiced support for Lyngblomsten. The City is anticipating a TIF application for assistance to be submitted. Ms. Schwartz stated that previously there was an unwritten rule that if the Centennial school district closes, the meeting will not be held. Staff was unaware of rule and will look into further. Mr. Colgan asked about the ration of salt for roads. Mr. Grochala stated the City’s salt is co- located with Anoka County. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at 8:57 A.M.