HomeMy WebLinkAbout7/9/2026 EDAC Minutes
CITY OF LINO LAKES
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
ADVISORY COMMITTEE
MINUTES
DATE:July 9, 2026
TIME STARTED:8:00a.m.
TIME ENDED:8:55a.m.
MEMBERS PRESENT:Patrick Kohler,Chad Wagner, Sam Bennett,
Barbara White, Mark Pfeil,Suzy Guthmueller,
Andrew Cravero
MEMBERS ABSENT:Blakely LaCroix, Nathan Vojtech
STAFF PRESENT:Michael Grochala, Jessica Eller, Marissa Ertel
1.CALL TO ORDER
Mr. Kohlercalled the Economic Development Advisory Committee meeting to order at
8:00a.m. onJuly 9, 2026.
2.APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Mr. Craveromadea motionto approve the June 4, 2026meetingminutes.Motionwas
supported by Ms. Guthmueller. Motion carried 80.
3.DISCUSSION ITEMS
A.Housing Maintenance Assistance Program
In March 2023, the Economic Development Advisory Committee discussed the creation of
a housing maintenance assistance program utilizing available housing funds and directed
staff to evaluate programs offered by neighboring communities. Staff determined that a
City program should focus on encouraging exterior property improvements that enhance
curb appeal, preserve property values, and complement existing county housing
rehabilitation programs.
The establishment of a Housing Maintenance Assistance Program was subsequently
identified as a priority within the Economic Development Advisory Committee's strategic
plan to encourage reinvestment in the City's existing housing stock and preserve
neighborhood character.
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Economic Development Advisory Committee
July 9, 2026
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Mr. Kohler asked howwe would base the awarding of funds. Mr. Grochala stated this
would be a first come first servebasis. Mr. Grochala stated that Blaine has asimilar
program with alottery system.
Ms. Guthmueller asked whether the program would require a significant amount of staff
time. Mr. Grochala explained that the program would be administered by the Building
Department and administrative staff. Ms. Guthmueller also inquired about how the
validity of requests would be verified. Mr. Grochala stated that applicants would be
required to submit contractor quotes, and reimbursement would be issued only after the
work had been completed and proof of payment had been provided.
Mr. Bennett brought up insurance claims and whether the City would cover those types of
costs. Mr. Grochala stated this is something staff is going to research.
Mr. Wagner mentioned a situation where there were not a lot of applicants if we would
provide more funds. Mr. Grochala stated that this would be in a trust where the funds
could roll over year byyear.
Mr. Wagner asked if this would be a one-timegrant or if applicants could apply more than
once. Mr. Grochala stated that this would be a one-timegrant.
Mr. Wagner inquired whether hazardous trees could be included as part of the program.
Mr. Grochala stated that this would be an item to further investigate and evaluate.
Mr. Bennett asked if we had to limit funds to material costs. Mr. Grochala stated that this
would be something the City would research.
Mr. Kohler asked whether the funding for the rental property program would operate as a
self-depleting fund. Mr. Grochala explained that it would be a self-depleting fund,
meaning the program would continue until the allocated funds have been exhausted.
Overall,the Committee was in favor of staff moving forward with the programs.
B.Project Updates
Mr. Grochalaprovided project updates to the committee.
4.ADJOURNMENT
Mr. Craveromade a motionto adjourn the meeting at 8:55a.m.Motioned seconded by
Ms. Guthmueller. Motion was carried 80.
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Economic Development Advisory Committee
July 9, 2026
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Respectfully submitted,
Marissa Ertel,Community DevelopmentAdministrative Assistant
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