HomeMy WebLinkAbout05/07/2020 EDAC Minutes
CITY OF LINO LAKES
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
ADVISORY COMMITTEE
MINUTES
I. CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL
Chair Schueller called the Economic Development Advisory Committee meeting to order
at 8:02 A.M. on May 7, 2020.
II. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Mr. Kohler made a MOTION to approve the February 6, 2020 Meeting Minutes. Motion
was supported by Mr. Cravero, passing unanimously.
III. DISCUSSION ITEMS
A. COVID – 19 Business Impact Discussion
Mr. Grochala, Community Development Director, presented the staff report. The City
received a survey from Anoka County regarding where to direct federal resources made
available to Anoka County by the Community Development Block Grants. Mr. Grochala
asked the committee where the funds ought to be spent if funding is granted. Mr. Kohler
stated businesses, specifically, are in need of assistance.
Mr. Grochala asked the committee if they have heard how businesses are doing locally
during the COVID-19 crisis. Mr. Colgan explained that some businesses are doing well
during the crisis and some businesses are struggling. Mr. Johnson and Mr. Vojtech
concurred with Mr. Colgan’s statement. Mr. Grochala asked the committee if there is
anything they believe the City should be doing to assist businesses during this time. Mr.
Colgan stated once retail opens, there should be a push for consumers to shop locally. Mr.
Vojtech asked if the City could advertise which businesses in Lino Lakes are open to the
DATE : May 7, 2020
TIME STARTED : 8:02 A.M.
TIME ENDED : 8:46 A.M.
MEMBERS PRESENT : Jim Schueller (Chair), Andrew Cravero,
Chad Wagner, Thomas Colgan, Julie Jeffrey-
Schwartz, Nathan Vojtech, Patrick Kohler,
Don Johnson
MEMBERS ABSENT :
STAFF PRESENT : Michael Grochala, Janele Waterman
Economic Development Advisory Committee
May 7 , 2020
Page 2
APPROVED MINUTES
public. Mr. Grochala said the City could send out an email to the businesses in Lino Lakes
asking if they are open to the public and/or offering services at this time. Upon receiving
this information, the City could then post that information on our City webpage. Ms.
Jeffrey-Schwartz commented that even if businesses are closed during this time, they may
have the ability to sell gift cards to promote their businesses and keep consumer spending
local. Mr. Vojtech stated that landlords are also struggling financially during this time.
Ms. Jeffrey-Schwartz commented that the real estate market may also be impacted by the
COVID-19 crisis.
B. Project Updates
Mr. Grochala updated the committee on the status of board reappointments, Lyngblomsten,
Birch Street, and the 2040 Comprehensive Plan update.
IV. ADJOURNMENT
Mr. Cravero made a MOTION to adjourn the meeting at 8:46 A.M. Motion was supported
by Mr. Kohler, passing unanimously.
Respectfully submitted,
Janele Waterman, Administrative Assistant