HomeMy WebLinkAbout03/06/2025 EDAC MinutesDRAFT MINUTES
CITY OF LINO LAKES
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
ADVISORY COMMITTEE
MINUTES
DATE:
March 6, 2024
TIME STARTED: 8:03 a.m.
TIME ENDED: 9:25 a.m.
MEMBERS PRESENT: Blakely LaCroix, Patrick Kohler, Nathan Vojtech,
Barbara White, Chad Wagner, Suzy Guthmueller,
Randy Rennaker, Sam Bennett
MEMBERS ABSENT: Andrew Cravero, Chris Spenner
STAFF PRESENT: Michael Grochala, Marissa Ertel, Katie Larsen
1. CALL TO ORDER
Mr. Vojtech called the Economic Development Advisory Committee meeting to order at
8:03 a.m. on March 6th, 2025.
2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Mr. LaCroix made a motion to approve the February 6th, 2025 meeting minutes. Motion
was supported by Mr. Bennett. Motion carried 8-0.
3. DISCUSSION ITEMS
A. Town Center Commercial Broker Panel Discussion
As part of the EDAC’s discussion regarding development of the City’s 6.28-acre parcel
by City Hall, a broader discussion on the land availability and development within the
Town Center area was started. At the February 6, 2025, meeting staff provided an
overview of the Town Center area, noting approximately 61 acres remain available for
development.
To provide a better understanding of market conditions, opportunities and constraints
staff had invited a small group of commercial brokers, familiar with the area to
provide some insights. Committee members had the opportunity to ask questions and
hear directly from professionals with many years of experience working in commercial
real estate.
Economic Development Advisory Committee
March 6, 2025
Page 2
DRAFT MINUTES
Marty Fischer, Premier Commercial Properties, and Tom Opsahl, Gaughan, were
present to answer questions and discuss development opportunities.
The EDAC committee had questions about what might be preventing commercial
development from coming to the Town Center area. Mr. Fisher and Mr. Opsahl both
stated that they have previously brought in local businesses and the main concern was
population density. Mr. Fischer provided market sales data for Anoka County that
reflected very low commercial land absorption over the past year.
The EDAC discussed revisiting the master plan and incorporating the west side of Lake
Drive into the discussion.
The EDAC also discussed different ways to advertise the City and how bringing in
commercial development would bring more people into Lino Lakes.
4. PROJECT UPDATES
Mr. Grochala updated the committee on current City projects.
5. ADJOURNMENT
Ms. Guthmueller made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 9:25 a.m. Motion was
supported by Mr. Kohler. Motion was carried 7-0.
Respectfully submitted,
Marissa Ertel, Community Development Office Specialist