HomeMy WebLinkAbout4/2/2026 EDAC Minutes
CITY OF LINO LAKES
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
ADVISORY COMMITTEE
MINUTES
DATE:April 2, 2026
TIME STARTED:8:00a.m.
TIME ENDED:9:20 a.m.
MEMBERS PRESENT:Blakely LaCroix, Patrick Kohler, Nathan Vojtech,
Chad Wagner, Sam Bennett, Barbara White, Mark
Pfeil, Suzy Guthmueller
MEMBERS ABSENT: Andrew Cravero
STAFF PRESENT: Michael Grochala, Marissa Ertel, Jessica Eller
1. CALL TO ORDER
Mr. Vojtech called the Economic Development Advisory Committee meeting to order at
8:00a.m. on April 2, 2026.
2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Mr. LaCroix made a motionto approve the February 5, 2026 meeting minutes. Motion
was supported by Mr. Kohler. Motion carried 8 – 0.
3.DISCUSSION ITEMS
A.5-Year Economic Development Strategic Plan Update
Mr. Grochala presented the staff report.
As part of the City’s economic development efforts, the Economic Development
Advisory Committee (EDAC) is responsible for the preparation of a five-year Economic
Development Strategic Plan. The plan was last updated in 2021. As the current
planning period nears completion, staff is proposing to begin work on an update.
Mr. Bennett had questions about the BRE Program and whether the focus was
primarily on industrial or whether commercial was included. Mr. Grochala confirmed
that the focus would be industrial.
Ms. Guthmueller suggested reaching out to Centennial High School with their
manufacturing program regarding the Workforce Development Plan.
Economic Development Advisory Committee
April 2, 2026
Page 2
Mr. Wagner mentioned the need for workers in the commercial spaces in the City and
whether there would be opportunities to expand a program to help bring commercial
workers to Lino Lakes.
Mr. Vojtech believes that the Housing Maintenance Assistance Fund is important and
should be included on the list of priorities.
Mr. Wagner wanted to know if we have a committee that looks at the City and the
future for redevelopment. Ms. Eller stated that with the addition of her position she
would be the one to focus on properties for redevelopment.
Mr. Bennett suggested an opportunity for apprenticeships and how the City could help
facilitate. Mr. Bennett wondered if there was an opportunity for the City to get grants
to help the industrial businesses bring in interns/apprentices.
The Committee mentioned bringing in the local businesses together to discuss their
needs. Mr. Kohler mentioned bringing in the Chamber of Commerce.
B. Project Updates
Ms. Eller provided project updates to the committee.
4. ADJOURNMENT
Mr. Kohler made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 9:20 a.m. Motion was supported
by Mr. Wagner. Motion was carried 8 – 0.
Respectfully submitted,
Marissa Ertel, Community DevelopmentAdministrative Assistant