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HomeMy WebLinkAbout02/16/2012 EDAC Minutes 1 APPROVED CITY OF LINO LAKES ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ADVISORY COMMITTEE MINUTES DATE: February 16, 2012 MEMBERS PRESENT: L. Salzman, J. Stranik, J. Schwartz, L. Thor, L. Masonik, M. Kassner, C. Wagner, MEMBERS ABSENT: B. Combs, D. Johnson, OTHERS PRESENT: M. Divine APPROVAL OF MINUTES The minutes of December 1, 2011 were approved. INTRODUCTION OF NEW MEMBERS Members introduced themselves to Mr. Kassner. Ms. Divine noted that another member may be joining the committee. Mr. Stranik noted that the group is very casual seeking open discussion, but does follow Robert’s Rules of Order. Mrs. Divine said EDAC was started in 1993 at the same time it started an economic development department and wanted the expertise of resident and business people to foster economic development. It is the one committee that does not require residency. She noted that in the mid-90s there was nothing on 35W but one gas station. It was boom years for about 12 years. Retail has been slower to come, and EDAC is helpful in reviewing the city’s strengths and weaknesses to get fresh ideas on how to attract new business. Ms. Divine also explained that the Economic Development Authority (EDA) is the official economic development arm of the city, and has authorities granted by state statute that cities don’t have to bond for economic development purposes. In Lino Lakes, the city council comprised the EDA. EDAC has two liaisons to the EDA. In boom years the EDA met fairly regularly, but since the recession the EDA meets rarely. ELECTION OF 2012 OFFICERS Ms. Schwartz moved to elect Mr. Stranik for another term as chair and Mr. Masonik as vice- chair. Mr. Salzman seconded the motion. Motion carried. UPDATES a. Otter Lake Road Extension: Ms. Divine gave EDAC a summary of the plans for the extension of Otter Lake Road to the north of Cty. Rd. 14. Otter Lake Road to the south has been developed for years, with some industrial development occurring, but almost no commercial except for a bank. A landowner/developer on the north side now has a major fast food restaurant that wants to be on the north side of 14. The developer would like to 2 begin the extension to the north to accommodate that and provide impetus for further commercial development. The city completed a feasibility study to determine costs. The cost is $895,000 to complete Phase 1 of the extension and bring public utilities to the site. This cost would be split by the two benefitting property owners. One of the property owners does not want to pay these assessments and is challenging the assessment. The council will have to determine if it wants to move forward. Ms. Schwartz noted that the city performed an Alternative Urban Areawide Review, which includes most of the east side of the city. Lino Lakes was also the first city to do a resource management plan with the watershed district citywide. This environmental review will streamline approvals and costs for developers, as well as use best environmental management practices. b. Charter Commission Referendum Updates Ms. Divine explained that the city has a charter commission. Members are appointed by a district judge. The commission’s job is to frame and amend the city charter. The commission is proposing amendments to the charter, including a tax cap. Mr .Kassner asked what the purpose of the charter commission. Ms. Divine reviewed the history of the charter and the impetus for it being established. Its main purpose was to protect citizens from being assessed for roads and utilities to serve new development. However, Section 8 of the charter has been an issue for years because it makes it difficult for the city to reconstruct local roads. Some roads in Lino Lakes are beyond their useful life and need to be reconstructed. According to the charter, if the city is going to assess benefitting property owners for any of the costs of reconstruction, the question must go to referendum. In the past 30 years, only one referendum has passed. City officials are growing increasingly concerned that older roads cannot be reconstructed when they need to be, the city cannot plan a reasonable reconstruction schedule, and the city could face very high costs eventually as the problems continue to grow. She noted the city council is discussing placing a ballot question to amend the charter to make it easier for the city to reconstruct roads. Mr. Stranik noted that most other cities operate under state law, which allows the city to build roads and assess a fair amount to benefitting property owners. The city charter overrides state law. After further discussion, Ms. Divine noted that the charter language is complex, ambiguous and confusing and a lot of misinformation has been disseminated over time. c. Industrial Area Review Ms. Divine notified EDAC that the March meeting would be a joint EDAC/P&Z meeting to discuss changes to the city’s industrial zoning ordinances. Staff and a consultant have been reviewing them and will recommend changes that have potential consequences to future development of the industrial areas of the city. 3 d. Health Fair Ms. Divine is working with the chamber to host a Health Fair at the YMCA on March 10 similar to the summer business expo as a way to showcase Lino Lakes’ health related businesses. 2012 EDAC ROLES AND GOALS Ms. Divine reviewed the EDAC action plan and asked EDAC for their ideas. What should EDAC focus on in 2012? What are the obstacles in the way to new commercial/industrial development, and what can EDAC bring to the table as a group? Mr. Masonik asked how much development does the city want? He doesn’t want to see development where he lives. Ms. Schwartz said that is what reduces the tax bill and makes it a place where people want to live with jobs, services etc. She thinks in this economy the most important issue is business retention by helping them in any way we can. Mr. Masonik said the ones that closed up shop have no money. The city needs to help them before they close. Mr. Wagner explained his situation as owner of Millers on Main. He has not been able to work out a deal with Anoka County to buy his restaurant. He wants to build a new restaurant and strip mall across the street. Meeting adjourned.