HomeMy WebLinkAbout04/06/2023 EDAC Minutes
APPROVED MINUTES
CITY OF LINO LAKES
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
ADVISORY COMMITTEE
MINUTES
DATE:
April 6, 2023
TIME STARTED: 8:01 a.m.
TIME ENDED: 9:03 a.m.
MEMBERS PRESENT: Andrew Cravero, Blakely LaCroix, Chad
Wagner, Patrick Kohler, Steve Marchek, Nathan
Vojtech, Jim Schueller, Keith Hembre
MEMBERS ABSENT: Julie Jeffrey-Schwartz, Don Johnson
STAFF PRESENT: Michael Grochala, Julie Whitney
1. CALL TO ORDER
Mr. Schueller called the Economic Development Advisory Committee meeting to order at
8:01 a.m. on April 6, 2023.
2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Mr. Schueller asked for one correction to be made to the minutes. Mr. Cravero made a
motion to approve the March 2, 2023 meeting minutes with the correction. Motion was
supported by Mr. Vojtech. Motion carried 8-0.
3. DISCUSSION ITEMS
A. Anoka County HRA/EDA Participation
Mr. Grochala opened the meeting by discussing how to identify potential redevelopment areas
and being able to acquire them when they become available. He introduced Ms. Karen Skepper,
Director of Community & Government Relations in Anoka County who would be discussing the
county’s HRA & EDA programs. Anoka County Commissioner Jeff Reinert was also in
attendance.
Ms. Skepper reviewed the history of the HRA and how it evolved to what it is today and how it
has helped 14 cities in Anoka County. She said the level of County involvement is different for
each City and based upon their need. Ms. Skepper said funding for this program could be in the
form of a levy to be collected through the County to fund HRA and EDA activity.
Key points of discussion were:
• The expected property levy amount is 0.0185 of the taxable market value.
• 15% administrative fee is charged to offset the cost of the Economic Development staff.
Economic Development Advisory Committee
April 6, 2023
Page 2
APPROVED MINUTES
• Easy access to monies when a property becomes available for purchase. The only
requirement to access the money is a resolution from City Council. Ms. Skepper said she
would also need to know what the project is to ensure it is eligible according to state law.
• Funding can be cross-allocated between cities via a loan agreement.
• The Board questioned if the funds could be used for open space initiatives. Ms. Skepper
will look into it and circle back with Mr. Grochala.
• Annual money received from the levy would generate around $380,000.
• The County is currently undertaking a comprehensive housing analysis that will be
completed for each City in Anoka County. This is funded by the administrative fee that
is assessed for this program. The information collected can be used by developers who
are looking at areas to establish their business and is an added benefit to the City.
• Money from the HRA and EDA program can be used for housing or economic
development.
• The Board questioned if we could remove ourselves from the program once development
balance has been achieved. Mr. Grochala said he would need to look further into it.
• The Board voiced concern that the money needs to be used efficiently and should not sit
in an account for an extended period.
• The Board wanted to know the percentage we would receive if we loaned money to other
cities. Ms. Skepper said she would need to investigate it.
Mr. Grochala said the next step would be to look at what the funds would be used for, compile a
pro and con list for the best ways to fund it, and determine what the return looks like on the
investment.
The Board agreed to move forward with further discussion and research. When asked about
implementation, Mr. Grochala advised it would be the better part of this year to get the program
set up and the levy collectible by 2025. Ms. Skepper stated if we bought into the program, and a
project became available, we could get some assistance from the County or other Cities. Ms.
Skepper stated that she would work with the Finance Director to put some numbers together on
what the levy would look like for our City and what a rate of return would look like.
4. ADJOURNMENT
Mr. Cravero made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 9:03 a.m. Motion was supported by
Mr. Vojtech. Motion was carried 8-0.
Respectfully submitted,
Julie Whitney, Community Development Administrative Assistant