HomeMy WebLinkAbout08/06/2020 EDAC Minutes
CITY OF LINO LAKES
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
ADVISORY COMMITTEE
MINUTES
I. CALL TO ORDER
Chair Schueller called the Economic Development Advisory Committee meeting to order
at 8:03 A.M. on August 6, 2020.
II. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Mr. Cravero made a MOTION to approve the June 4, 2020 Meeting Minutes. Motion was
supported by Mr. Vojtech, passing unanimously.
III. DISCUSSION ITEMS
A. Woods Edge Developer Forum
Mr. Grochala, Community Development Director, presented the staff report. In 1998, the
City of Lino Lakes, following award of a Metropolitan Council Livable Communities
Planning Grant, set out to design a Master Plan for the City's Town Center District. Today,
there are approximately 9 acres remaining. Mr. Grochala asked the committee for their
perspective on potential development options for the property.
Keith Dahl, from Ehlers, discussed findings from a roundtable he conducted with
developers to gain insight and feedback as it relates to the remaining 9 acres in the
development. Mr. Cravero inquired about the closure of the YMCA and its impacts on the
future development of this area. Mr. Kohler concurred with Mr. Cravero’s concern stating
they would need more information before giving a recommendation. Mr. Cravero also
stated that he thought the population of Lino Lakes will grow in the coming years and
would prefer to see this land go commercial rather than residential. Mr. Kohler added that
DATE : August 6, 2020
TIME STARTED : 8:03 A.M.
TIME ENDED : 9:09 A.M.
MEMBERS PRESENT : Jim Schueller, Andrew Cravero, Thomas Colgan,
Julie Jeffrey-Schwartz, Nathan Vojtech, Patrick
Kohler
MEMBERS ABSENT : Chad Wagner, Don Johnson
STAFF PRESENT : Michael Grochala, Jessica Eller
Economic Development Advisory Committee
August 6, 2020
Page 2
APPROVED MINUTES
he would like to see current census data to see what the projected population will be before
making a recommendation. Mr. Vojtech asked Mr. Dahl if the apartments that have been
built in Lexington impact Lino Lakes unproven multi-family apartment market. Mr. Dahl
responded by informing the board that they are affordable apartments not market rate and
therefore, do not impact the multi-family apartment market in Lino Lakes. Mr. Vojtech also
wanted clarification on whether or not Target was considered a supermarket. Mr. Dahl
responded by saying that it is not considered a supermarket because the grocery footprint is
much smaller than a grocer. Board members discussed different types of development
options for the property, ultimately, concluding they would need more information before
making a recommendation.
B. Anoka County Business Relief Program
Mr. Grochala, Community Development Director, presented the staff report. Both Anoka
County and the City of Lino Lakes are receiving federal funding through the CARES ACT
to offset costs associated with the COVID – 19 pandemic. These funds may be used for
assisting local, small businesses. Mr. Grochala was seeking feedback from the board as to
whether or not the City should consider establishing a Business Relief program in addition
to the Anoka County program. Mr. Kohler recommended the City wait to see if any Lino
Lakes businesses do not receive funding from the county and subsequently, the City can
then fund those that did not get funded by the county.
C. Chain of Lakes YMCA Update
Mr. Grochala, Community Development Director, presented the staff report. As a result of
COVID-19, the Chain of Lakes YMCA recently notified the City and residents that the
local facility would not be reopening. Mr. Colgan asked if parking was an issue for the
YMCA. Mr. Grochala stated that while parking has been an issue at times, there was land
available to expand the parking lot. The City remains committed to exploring every option
available to obtain a satisfactory resolution to this issue.
D. Project Updates
Mr. Grochala updated the committee on the status of Lyngblomsten, the preliminary design
for the County Road J and I-35E interchange, Watermark, and Otter Crossing.
IV. ADJOURNMENT
Mr. Vojtech made a MOTION to adjourn the meeting at 9:09 A.M. Motion was supported
by Mr. Colgan, passing unanimously.
Respectfully submitted,
Jessica Eller, Community Development Intern