HomeMy WebLinkAbout08/07/2025 EDAC Minutes
CITY OF LINO LAKES
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
ADVISORY COMMITTEE
MINUTES
DATE: August 7, 2025
TIME STARTED:8:01a.m.
TIME ENDED:9:05a.m.
MEMBERS PRESENT:Andrew Cravero, Blakely LaCroix, Patrick Kohler,
Nathan Vojtech, Barbara White, Suzy Guthmueller,
Randy Rennaker, Sam Bennett
MEMBERS ABSENT: Chris Spenner, Chad Wagner
STAFF PRESENT: Michael Grochala, Marissa Ertel
1. CALL TO ORDER
Mr. Vojtech called the Economic Development Advisory Committee meeting to order at
8:01 a.m. on August 7, 2025.
2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Mr. LaCroix made a motion to approve the July 10, 2025 meeting minutes. Motionwas
supported by Mr. Cravero. Motion carried 8-0.
3.DISCUSSION ITEMS
A.Amendment to Zoning Ordinance to Allow Cannabis Micro and Mezzo Businesses in
the Rural Zoning Districts
Mr. Grochala presented the staff report.
Mr. Cravero wanted to know what the greater implications might be if allowed to
cultivate as a micro or mezzo business in a rural zoning district. Mr. Grochala explained
that the City would not want to allow all microbusinesses to operate in a rural area, but
that the City would be able to limit the endorsement of the license and create a clause in
the ordinance that would not allow the sale of product in a rural zoning district.
Mr. Kohler asked why the applicants did not just obtain an outdoor cultivation license. Mr.
Grochala explained that the license fees are significantly different, and the lottery has
been completed, with the licenses for cultivation being taken.
Economic Development Advisory Committee
August 7, 2025
Page 2
Mr. Vojtech wanted to confirm that this would not be a restriction of cannabis, but rather
limiting the sale in a rural zone. Mr. Grochala confirmed that this would only be to limit
the sale of cannabis in a rural zoning district.
The Committee had concerns about future rezoning and whether that would change the
ability for the licensees to sell. Mr. Grochala stated that it would depend on the number
of licenses the City would have available at the time. Mr. Kohler would like there to be
language included in the ordinance regarding rezoning.
B. Local Housing Trust Fund
In 2023 the Minnesota Legislature approved a new metro-wide sales and use tax for
affordable housing. The purpose of the aid is to help metropolitan local governments
develop and preserve affordable housing within their jurisdictions. The annual
appropriation comes from a sales and use tax imposed within Anoka, Carver, Dakota,
Hennepin, Ramsey, Scott and Washington Counties. Cities with a population of over
10,000 within these counties are eligible to receive aid. The City of Lino Lakes will begin
receiving funds in 2024.
The EDAC previously supported the idea of establishing a local housing trust fund for
purposes of administering the housing aid. This would allow the City additional time to
establish a program and expend funding. Staff has prepared a draft ordinance for
discussion purposes. The provision includes a range of both funding sources that could go
into the fund as well as potential uses of the funds. Legislatively this gives the City the
most flexibility as we evaluate potential program options.
Mr. Bennett wanted to clarify if this money could only be used for affordable housing. Mr.
Grochala confirmed that it can only be used for affordable housing or affordability levels.
The Committee was in favor of starting a program. Mr. Kohler wanted to ensure that
there was a process in place and a report for EDAC from the City Administrator to show
where the funds were being allocated. Mr. Vojtech wanted to know who would approve
the allocation of funds. Mr. Vojtech also wanted to see if there was a way to track who
applied and who was approved for the funds.
Mr. LaCroix wanted to know if there would be a threshold for who would be granted more
funds. Ms. Guthmueller wanted to know if we could have applications accepted during
certain windows of time, for example have a spring and fall application window.
Mr. LaCroix motioned to approve establishing a local housing trust fund. Mr. Rennaker
seconded the motion. Motion carried 8-0.
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August 7, 2025
Page 3
4. PROJECT UPDATES
Mr. Grochala updated the committee on current City projects.
5. ADJOURNMENT
Mr. Craveromade a motion to adjourn the meeting at 9:05 a.m.Motion was supported
by Mr. LaCroix. Motion was carried 8-0.
Respectfully submitted,
Marissa Ertel, Community Development Administrative Assistant