HomeMy WebLinkAbout1/8/2026 EDAC Minutes
CITY OF LINO LAKES
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
ADVISORY COMMITTEE
MINUTES
DATE: January 8, 2026
TIME STARTED: 8:00 a.m.
TIME ENDED: 9:23 a.m.
MEMBERS PRESENT: Andrew Cravero, Blakely LaCroix, Patrick Kohler,
Nathan Vojtech, Suzy Guthmueller, Chad Wagner,
Sam Bennett
MEMBERS ABSENT: Barbara White
STAFF PRESENT: Michael Grochala, Jessica Eller, Marissa Ertel
1. CALL TO ORDER
Mr. Vojtech called the Economic Development Advisory Committee meeting to order at
8:02 a.m. on January 8, 2026.
2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Mr. LaCroix made a motion to approve the November 6, 2025 meeting minutes. Motion
was supported by Mr. Kohler. Motion carried 6 – 0.
3. DISCUSSION ITEMS
A. Allowable Uses in Industrial Zoning Districts
Mr. Grochala presented the staff report.
Mr. Bennett stated that he does not see the benefit of trying to plan out these types
of development since aesthetically most of the buildings would look the same from
the outside.
Mr. Kohler stated that in his experience with distribution centers is that the drivers
make more money than the workers in the distribution centers. Mr. Kohler would like
to see manufacturing in that area.
Mr. Cravero mentioned that A.I. is becoming more prevalent, and that if there are
developers who want to build in that area it would be beneficial. Mr. Cravero is in
favor of allowing multiple uses in the area.
Economic Development Advisory Committee
January 8, 2026
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Mr. Bennett worries that we would be wasting the acreage on industrial. Mr. Grochala
clarified that industrial buildings pay higher taxes.
Ms. Guthmueller stated that this area most likely wouldn’t be used for offices since
more businesses are opting not to go into the office anymore. Ms. Guthmueller also
had questions about whether data centers have been inquiring about the area. Mr.
Grochala stated that the area in question has been considered a technological corridor
but lacks the water and power to allow that intended use.
Mr. Wagner had questions about the environmental impacts of data centers and why
certain cities are against them coming in. Mr. Grochala stated that the biggest impact
would be water use.
Mr. LaCroix mentioned keeping in mind industries that will be outdated in the future
and whether this is something that is being considered.
Mr. Kohler likes the Brooklyn Park layout and thinks we should pursue a P.U.D.
Mr. LaCroix has concerns about aesthetics no matter where it’s built.
Mr. Vojtech stated that we should update the City Code to ensure that the screening is
more aesthetically pleasing.
Mr. Bennett mentioned setbacks and wondered if within the P.U.D. there was a way
to increase the setbacks.
Ms. Guthmueller had questions about whether there have been any serious inquiries
about the area. Ms. Guthmueller would like to see there be accommodations made to
entice industrial to the area to benefit the residential taxpayers in the city.
The committee was generally in favor of allowing more use for industrial areas with
some parameters.
B. Project Updates
Mr. Grochala provided project updates to the committee.
4. ADJOURNMENT
Mr. Cravero made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 9:23 a.m. Motion was supported
by Mr. Kohler. Motion was carried 7 – 0.
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January 8, 2026
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Respectfully submitted,
Marissa Ertel, Community Development Administrative Assistant