HomeMy WebLinkAbout11/6/2025 EDAC Minutes
CITY OF LINO LAKES
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
ADVISORY COMMITTEE
MINUTES
DATE: November 6, 2025
TIME STARTED:8:01a.m.
TIME ENDED:9:33a.m.
MEMBERS PRESENT:Andrew Cravero, Blakely LaCroix, Patrick Kohler,
Nathan Vojtech, Suzy Guthmueller, Randy
Rennaker, Chad Wagner, Barbara White, Sam
Bennett
MEMBERS ABSENT: Chris Spenner
STAFF PRESENT: Michael Grochala, Jessica Eller, Marissa Ertel
1. CALL TO ORDER
Mr. Vojtechcalled the Economic Development Advisory Committee meeting to order at
8:01 a.m. on November 6, 2025.
2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Mr. Wagner made a motion to approve the October 2, 2025 meeting minutes. Motion
was supported by Mr. Cravero. Motion carried 8-0.
3.DISCUSSION ITEMS
A.Town Center Master Plan Proposal Discussion
Mr. Grochala presented the staff report.
Mr. Rennaker believes moving forward with the study would be a good investment for
the City.
Ms. Guthmueller thinks it would be better to have a plan than to let the area piece
together.
Mr. Vojtech was curious what the unfavorable options for the area would be. Mr.
Grochala explained that in the past mini storage has been interested in the area, also
industrial.
Economic Development Advisory Committee
November 6, 2025
Page 2
The Committee agreed that this should move forward to the City Council for
consideration.
B.Otter Lake Road Improvements Business Impact Mitigation Plan
Mr. Grochala presented the staff report.
Mr. Kohler suggested reaching out to the Holiday Station on County Road J.
Mr. LaCroix wondered if the City was part of any of the Facebook groups to
disseminate information.
Mr. Wagner suggested using a reader board that flashes to catch the public’s
attention.
Mr. Kohler thinks using the Quad Press for weekly updates would be beneficial.
Ms. Guthmueller had questions about access to the west side of the commercial
properties and the use of the roundabout instead of a left-turn lane. Ms. Guthmueller
also mentioned that not only would this impact the businesses during construction but
also the effect after construction is completed with the confusion on how to enter and
exit.
Mr. Wagner stated that the City should get ahead of this by explaining this is not the
City but rather the developer who planned this.
Mr. Bennett stated that he’s not sure this connection would be necessary since 61 is
just a mile down the road. Mr. Grochala explained that this is to help better develop
the area with commercial and industrial businesses.
Mr. Bennett wanted to know if there would be a trail system included in this project.
Mr. Grochala stated there will be a trail that runs along the road, extending to the trail
system in Hugo. The trail will only be on one side of the road.
Mr. Kohler thinks it would be good to have the business owners come in and explain
the project, what might be some issues and what the benefits will be once this project
is completed.
Mr. LaCroix has concerns about what happens to the revenue flow for the current
businesses. Mr. Wagner stated that this would only be a 4–6-week project and should
bring in more customers once completed.
Economic Development Advisory Committee
November 6, 2025
Page 3
Mr. Kohler stated that the current businesses should promote specials or coupons,
and the City could also help promote these specials for the businesses to help keep
customers coming in despite the construction.
C. Metropolitan Council 2050 System Statement
Mr. Grochala presented the staff reportand gave a brief overview of the topics
discussed in the System Statement and where to find the full copy of the report.
D. Project Updates
Mr. Grochala provided project updates to the committee.
4. ADJOURNMENT
Mr. LaCroix made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 9:33 a.m. Motion was supported
by Mr. Wagner. Motion was carried 9-0.
Respectfully submitted,
Marissa Ertel, Community Development Administrative Assistant