HomeMy WebLinkAbout05/02/2019 EDAC Minutes
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CITY OF LINO LAKES
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
ADVISORY COMMITTEE
MINUTES
DATE: May 2, 2019
MEMBERS
PRESENT: Jim Schueller, Thomas Colgan, Andrew Cravero, Patrick Kohler, Nathan Vojtech
MEMBERS
ABSENT: Julie Jeffrey-Schwartz, Don Johnson, Michael Ruhland, Chad Wagner
OTHERS PRESENT: Mike Grochala, Mara Strand, Monika Mann
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
It was moved by Mr. Cravero to approve the minutes from April 4, 2019. The motion was
seconded by Mr. Vojtech, passing unanimously.
DISCUSSION ITEMS
A. BRE Program Update
Monika Mann, Community Development Intern, presented the staff report.
Mr. Grochala, Community Development Director, explained the relationship with the
Anoka County Job Training Center program.
A discussion ensued regarding the issue of businesses looking for employees. Suggestions
included a round table discussion with business owners, using information from the survey
responses to entice other businesses to complete the survey, reaching out to high schools to
make students aware of employment opportunities, Pines School and Alternative Learning
Center, and making positions more valuable to employees.
Mr. Cravero stated Dunwoody and St. Paul College are local technical schools with a 100%
placement rate.
Board members commented that some high schools are phasing out laborer skills classes.
Mr. Colgan explained a Minnesota Banker’s Association study that found trade unions do a
better job of hiring young people because a progression plan is laid out.
Staff explained the expansion results from the BRE survey.
Mr. Vojtech stated that Lino Lakes is not a great area for new consumers because the area
lacks affordable or rental housing for entry level workers.
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There is a good job market to the north with individuals that would prefer to work close to
home as opposed to driving into the cities.
Next steps will include sending a list of non-responsive businesses to EDAC members to
identify relationships. After meeting with Anoka County’s workforce program, staff will
work with businesses to learn more about what is needed in the Apollo Business Park.
B. Projects Updates
Mr. Grochala provided an update on the following projects:
Eastside Villas was recently approved.
Model homes are under construction in the Watermark project.
Saddle Club 4th Addition is going through the approval process.
Nature’s Refuge gained watershed approval, preliminary plat approval, and
anticipates final plat approval.
Lyngblomsten received preliminary land use approval. Financial discussions are
taking place with City Council.
Mill and overlay on Birch Street from the S-Curse to Centerville Road will take
place this summer. Construction of Birch Street from Ware Road to S-Curve planned
for summer of 2021.
Discussions with Ramsey and Anoka County officials regarding the County Road J
interchange.
Comp Plan distribution approval is going to City Council.
MnTech Corridor is moving forward. The drone video will be revised to show the
area in the summer.
Broke ground at All Seasons Rental.
Board appointments are still in process.
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned at 8:58 A.M.