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HomeMy WebLinkAbout01/07/2021 EDAC MinutesCITY OF LINO LAKES ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ADVISORY COMMITTEE MINUTES DATE TIME STARTED TIME ENDED MEMBERS PRESENT MEMBERS ABSENT STAFF PRESENT I. CALL TO ORDER : January 7, 2021 . 8:01 A.M. . 8:34 A.M. : Jim Schueller, Andrew Cravero, Nathan Vojtech, Don Johnson, Patrick Kohler : Thomas Colgan, Julie Jeffrey -Schwartz, Chad Wagner : Michael Grochala, Janele Waterman Chair Schueller called the Economic Development Advisory Committee meeting to order at 8:01 A.M. on January 7, 2021. II. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Mr. Cravero made a MOTION to approve the November 5, 2020 Meeting Minutes. Motion was supported by Mr. Vojtech, passing unanimously. III. DISCUSSION ITEMS A. Economic Development Strategic Plan Mr. Grochala, Community Development Director, presented the staff report. He reminded the board it is time to review the five year economic development strategic plan. The plan was previously updated in 2014. He stated the four main areas of opportunity from the 2014 plan have also been incorporated into the new 2040 Comprehensive Plan. Mr. Grochala commented those areas are still relevant for the next five year planning period; however, he recommended incorporating one year action items into the plan. Mr. Grochala asked the board what items they would like to prioritize over the next five years. Chair Schueller stated all of the priorities from the 2014 plan should be incorporated into the new plan as well. When considering the impact COVID-19 has made on Economic Development Advisory Committee January 7, 2021 Page 2 businesses, he wondered if the City could assemble a promo to encourage Lino Lakes residents to support local businesses during these difficult times. Mr. Cravero commented we need to identify what actions we can take to assist restaurants and bars. Mr. Grochala shared the City created a flyer to display all of the eateries within Lino Lakes and Centerville that are open for takeout. The flyer includes a map of the businesses' locations, pickup/takeout hours, phone numbers, and menu links. The flyer has been posted to the City's website. Mr. Kohler inquired if the City could sent out a survey to the area businesses to identify who has been impacted by the pandemic and to what degree. Mr. Vojtech recommended if a survey is sent out to area businesses, information regarding business assistance from the local, county, city or state level be included. Mr. Grochala said the City has also been emailing businesses on a bi-weekly basis regarding available business assistance programs. Mr. Cravero explained one problem with the survey is some business owners may not want to reveal their financial instability and this could result in inaccurate data. Mr. Grochala stated the City would work with our partners at Anoka County Regional Economic Development to develop something to assess how businesses have been impacted by COVID. He asked the board if there are any other long term goals the committee should consider adding to the economic development strategic plan. Mr. Kohler said the 77' street and Lake Drive redevelopment area should be of focus. Mr. Grochala agreed. He recommended various properties along Lake Drive and near Lino Park be considered for redevelopment opportunities. Mr. Kohler suggested considering the northeast corner of Hodgson across from Lyngblomsten for redevelopment as well. He asked Mr. Grochala what is the status of the YMCA. Mr. Grochala stated the YMCA will be returning the building back to the City by March 1st. He said the City hired a consultant team to conduct a background analysis and evaluate operations of the YMCA in order to provide the City with a few recommendations for reusing the building. He clarified the reuse of the facility could be added to the five year plan as well. Mr. Vojtech asked if any ideas have been proposed for the reuse of the facility. APPROVED MINUTES Economic Development Advisory Committee January 7, 2021 Page 3 Mr. Grochala said the City Council is trying to maintain it as a community center. Mr. Cravero wondered if it would be similar to the Shoreview Community Center. Mr. Grochala explained the City's desire is that it would function similarly to Shoreview's Community Center with meeting rooms and resident memberships which would provide access to recreational facilities and various programming. Mr. Vojtech recommended expanding programming to include gun safety and snowmobile safety. Mr. Grochala commented all different types of programming will be considered. He stated the City is currently working to determine how the facility could be utilized and what needs to be done. Mr. Cravero suggested the City determine the reuse of the facility as soon as possible. He stated that goal could also be added to the one year plan. Mr. Grochala said the City also has the option of selling the building, but he clarified that choice would be a last resort. He concluded the City needs to further evaluate the option of running the facility and determine the cost associated with doing so. B. Project Updates Mr. Grochala gave a verbal update on Lyngblomsten, Watermark 41h Addition, and Nadeau Acres. He informed the board of the approved commercial projects for 2020 which included Otter Crossing and an expansion project for Laborers Training Center. Campanelle's, Jersey Mike's, Dunkin Donuts, and El Zocalo Grill and Cantina all opened for business within the year. He updated the committee on the final figures of the EDA report, the closing of the Fairview clinic, and the Anoka County COVID Relief Grant. IV. ADJOURNMENT Mr. Cravero made a MOTION to adjourn the meeting at 8:34 A.M. Motion was supported by Mr. Kohler, passing unanimously. Respectfully submitted, Janele Waterman, Administrative Assistant APPROVED MINUTES