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HomeMy WebLinkAbout01/06/2022 EDAC Minutes APPROVED 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 8:05 A.M. on January 6, 2022. II. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Mr. Kohler amended the November 4, 2021 meetings minutes to include, with the motion to recommend denial, the recommendation to move the Take 5 Car Wash and Oil Change facility to an alternate location. Mr. Cravero made a MOTION to approve the November 4, 2021 Meeting Minutes as amended. Motion was supported by Mr. Vojtech, passing unanimously. III. DISCUSSION ITEMS A. Discuss Strategic Plan Implementation Mr. Grochala, Community Development Director, presented the staff report. He reviewed the draft implementation schedule with the committee. Regarding the Woods Edge property, Mr. Grochala recommended preparing a market study and then revising the master plan accordingly. Mr. Wagner recommended the market study examine the population levels necessary to attract certain levels of commercial development, if possible. Mr. Vojtech asked if the Robinson Sod Farms are developed for residential purposes, where would there be space for commercial development on the west side of town. DATE: January 6, 2022 TIME STARTED: 8:05 A.M. TIME ENDED: 9:23 A.M. MEMBERS PRESENT: Jim Schueller, Andrew Cravero, Nathan Vojtech, Patrick Kohler, Chad Wagner MEMBERS ABSENT: Don Johnson, Julie Jeffrey-Schwartz STAFF PRESENT: Michael Grochala, Janele Waterman Economic Development Advisory Committee January 6, 2022 Page 2 APPROVED MINUTES Mr. Grochala explained there is ten acres of commercial land available north of 35W near Casey’s gas station. He also stated the land between Apollo Dr. and 77th Street is guided commercial. Mr. Vojtech asked Mr. Grochala what he thought would be the best plan for the vacant acreage near City Hall. Mr. Grochala explained the original plan was to create a town center with higher density residential and commercial similar to Maple Grove’s Main Street. He said it may be in the City’s best interest to retain the vacant land for a few years. Mr. Vojtech asked if there is a plan for the empty Fairview Medical Clinic. Mr. Grochala said Fairview is trying to either lease or sell the building. He stated the building will likely continue to be used for medical purposes because the building is set up to accommodate such use. Mr. Kohler questioned, once the Rookery is open to the public, if there will be enough parking space. Mr. Grochala said the City owns two acres of empty land in front of the rec center and parking lot expansion will be considered. Regarding the remaining 7 acres, he said the City ultimately wants to construct something that will complement the Rookery and give residents a reason to come to this location. Regarding the Business Retention and Expansion Program, Mr. Grochala said he would like to begin identifying businesses to visit and then establish a schedule to visit two businesses per month. Concerning the Workforce Development Plan, Mr. Grochala stated he would like to invite a representative from Anoka County CareerForce to present to the committee and detail what services they can provide to businesses in the City and what they are currently doing. He said there are a number of programs available for businesses to utilize. Regarding potential redevelopment areas and strategic acquisitions, Mr. Grochala said the first step would be to identify areas for redevelopment and infrastructure expansion. Then, the second step would be to develop a strategy for land acquisition and determine the funding source. Mr. Kohler recommended the commission determine the funding source before identifying redevelopment areas. Mr. Grochala explained there are different funding sources available depending upon what redevelopment areas are identified. He said there are programs available for Economic Development Advisory Committee January 6, 2022 Page 3 APPROVED MINUTES acquiring road right-of-ways as well as funds available from MET Council. Overall, since there are various funding source options depending on the types of land acquisition, this will be discussed further with the Finance department. B. 35E Master Plan and Grant Application Mr. Grochala, Community Development Director, presented the staff report. He informed the commission a master plan will be developed for the northeast quadrant of the I-35E and Main Street corridor. The master plan will help determine storm sewer connection to the north and road alignment for Otter Lake Road. C. Project Updates Mr. Grochala provided verbal updates to the Board on current City projects. IV. ADJOURNMENT Mr. Cravero made a MOTION to adjourn the meeting at 9:23 A.M. Motion was supported by Mr. Kohler, passing unanimously. Respectfully submitted, Janele Waterman, Community Development Administrative Assistant