HomeMy WebLinkAbout05/01/2025 EDAC Minutes
CITY OF LINO LAKES
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
ADVISORY COMMITTEE
MINUTES
DATE: May 1, 2025
TIME STARTED: 8:04 a.m.
TIME ENDED: 9:28 a.m.
MEMBERS PRESENT: Andrew Cravero, Blakely LaCroix, Patrick Kohler,
Chris Spenner, Nathan Vojtech, Chad Wagner, Suzy
Guthmueller, Randy Rennaker, Sam Bennett
MEMBERS ABSENT: Barbara White
STAFF PRESENT: Michael Grochala, Katie Larsen, Marissa Ertel
1. CALL TO ORDER
Mr. Vojtech called the Economic Development Advisory Committee meeting to order at
8:04 a.m. on May 1, 2025.
2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Mr. Cravero made a motion to approve the March 6, 2025 meeting minutes. Motion was
supported by Mr. Wagner. Motion carried 9-0.
3. DISCUSSION ITEMS
A. Town Center Developer Planning Discussion
The EDAC has been holding a series of discussions relating to the City’s Town Center Area
and development of the EDA property in the Legacy at Woods Edge development (land by
City Hall). The EDA owns approximately 9 acres, adjacent to City Hall. Approximately 2
acres are adjacent to the Rooker Activity Center. 6.28 acres is located immediately across
from City Hall. The balance of property includes 2 small commercial pad sites adjacent to
I-35W.
Following the March EDAC discussion with commercial land brokers staff discussed
possible development opportunities with Peter Jesh of Summit Development. Mr. Jesh
had previously held a purchase agreement on the EDA property in 2022. He is interested
in forming a team, in partnership with the City, to revisit the master plan and evaluate
potential opportunities based on City input. Mr. Jesh was present at the meeting, along
with Marty Fisher of Premier Commercial Properties, and Evan Jacobsen of Tushie
Economic Development Advisory Committee
March 2, 2023
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Montgomery Architects. Mr. Fischer was a guest speaker at our broker meeting in March.
Mr. Jacobsen has previously prepared site plan concepts and illustrations for the
development area as part of Mr. Jesh’s prior work with the City.
Mr. Grochala spoke about the history of the Town Center area, since building City Hall in
1998. The land would best be utilized as mixed-use, with a mixture of housing and
commercial properties. The purpose of these discussions would be to obtain a better
understanding of what the residents of Lino Lakes would be interested in.
The EDAC committee spoke about how to bring in commercial development to the Town
Center area. Mr. Jesh spoke about other options, such as a sports center or ice rink, to
draw attention to the city. Mr. Jesh talked to the EDAC committee about the importance
of master planning. Mr. Grochala explained that there are opportunities to update the
master plan for the area.
The EDAC committee discussed looking at the bigger picture and the importance of
updating a master plan. With the daycare and the Rookery, there are opportunities for
those who travel to the area daily to bring in commercial development. The EDAC
committee also discussed how to incorporate the existing park system to attract people to
the area.
Mr. Jacobsen spoke about a master plan his firm worked on in South Saint Paul. Mr.
Jacobsen explained that the city came to them hoping for higher density along with an
attraction that would be the center of the plan. Mr. Jacobsen spoke about a master plan
in Shakopee. The original design started in 2020, and in the five years since the plan was
presented has evolved to match what the City of Shakopee needs.
Mr. Rennaker was in favor of master planning. Ms. Guthmueller agreed, stating master
planning would help better understand the needs of the community and how to best
move forward. The EDAC committee agreed that they would be interested in moving
forward on master planning with a firm.
4. PROJECT UPDATES
Mr. Grochala updated the committee on current City projects.
5. ADJOURNMENT
Mr. Kohler made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 9:28 a.m. Motion was supported by
Mr. Wagner. Motion was carried 8-0.
Respectfully submitted,
Economic Development Advisory Committee
March 2, 2023
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Marissa Ertel, Community Development Administrative Assistant