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HomeMy WebLinkAbout12/01/2011 EDAC Minutes 1 Approved CITY OF LINO LAKES ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ADVISORY COMMITTEE MINUTES DATE: December 1, 2011 MEMBERS PRESENT: M. Keller, L. Salzman, J. Stranik, J. Schwartz, D. Johnson, B. Combs MEMBERS ABSENT: L. Thor, L. Masonik OTHERS PRESENT: M. Divine APPROVAL OF MINUTES The minutes of October 6, 2011 were approved. CONSIDERATION OF ZONING ORDINANCE AMENDMENT TO ADD BREW PUBS, BREWERIES AND TAPROOMS AS USES ALLOWED IN CERTAIN ZONING DISTRICTS Ms. Divine reminded members that EDAC had recommended trying to attract brewpubs to the city. The state legislature approved the “Surly Bill” to allow small breweries to manufacture and serve beer on site. The capacity is limited to keep out the major breweries. But to have a brewery in a city, the city also has to allow it. The city’s zoning ordinance and liquor code need to be changed. The P&Z will review a zoning amendment to allow brew pubs, breweries and tap rooms in certain zoning districts. Industrial District ordinances currently allow bottling establishments, but don’t reference beer, wine or spirits specifically, so that will be added. The amendment will define a tap room as one where beer is manufactured on premise and consumed on premise and allow within Industrial Districts. Currently the proposed ordinance limits the tap room to 25% of the principal use of manufacturing and bottling. Ms. Divine asked EDAC if that should be changed to simply “accessory to the principal use”, which would allow for up to 49% of the facility to be tap room. EDAC members agreed that change. Currently only Limited and General Business Districts allow restaurants and on-sale and off-sale liquor, not manufacturing and bottling. Staff is proposing within those two districts brew pubs would be allowed. The findings need to establish it is consistent within the Comp Plan. Mr. Salzman questioned what is considered “toxic” materials that are not allowed in Industrial Districts. Ms. Divine said that does not include beer, only toxic or hazardous materials. Ms. Schwartz noted that alcohol could be considered hazardous. Ms. Divine said that adding the “beer, wine and spirits” to the definition of allowable bottling will eliminate that question. The city is trying to be proactive by going ahead and changing the ordinance to use as a marketing tool to attract these types of facilities. Mr. Stranik noted that any facility would still have to go through the approval process to deal with issues of truck traffic and odors, etc. 2 Ms. Divine reviewed that a recommendation would be for 1) approval of the language addition to include “beer, wine and spirits” to the definition of “beverage production and bottling” in the Light and General Industrial Districts; 2) adding the definition of a brewer’s taproom and the allowability of a brewer’s tap room as an accessory use within the Light and General Industrial Districts and 3) allowing brew pubs within the General and Limited Business Districts. Mr. Stranik moved to recommend to the P&Z that EDAC approves the concept of allowing this type of facility in Lino Lakes. Ms. Keller seconded the motion. Mr. Stranik accepted an amendment to the motion to remove the proposed limitation of a tap room to 25% of the facility, and merely limit it to an “accessory use.” Motion carried. “NAVIGATING THE NEW NORMAL” WORKSHOP Ms. Divine stated that the Urban Land Institute (ULI) is offering cities a public education workshop. They will bring out a panel of experts in development and finance to talk with EDAC, P&Z and Council to discuss projects that many cities were in the midst of to include mixed use, high density development before the recession. Right now apartments are the only type of housing being built, but the city council has to agree that it is willing to welcome apartments in the city. EDAC agreed it would be helpful to bring together all these groups to discuss this. 2012 EDAC ROLES AND GOALS Ms. Divine suggested that EDAC should discuss the direction it wants to take in 2012. She would like to have members discuss a memo of issues that Mr. Salzman submitted. She noted that he suggested focusing on home based businesses that may be looking for office space. The business expo in the summer offers a venue for home based businesses to get exposure, and she is working with the chamber on an idea for a health fair to highlight the many health related businesses in the city. Ms. Keller suggested combining it with the YMCA senior health fair. Ms. Divine noted that they have offered their facility. Ms. Schwartz wondered why the city doesn’t have a fee for home based business. There was discussion about using the ECFE for a small business incubator. The next meeting will be used for review of the EDAC plan. UPDATES A. Oppidan proposal: The grocer proposal is one year old. The concept plan was not found acceptable by council who found the size too large. Now that Wal-Mart is planning to build a superstore on the south side of Lexington/35W, the Lino Lakes proposal has pulled back. B. Bobbie & Steve’s Signage Plan: Because of confusing signage on the new 35E interchange, Bobbie & Steve’s business is suffering. Staff is revisiting signage and the city engineer will be submitting proposed changes. C. Industrial Area Review: the city will be hiring a consulting planner to review the industrial zoning ordinances and recommend updates. EDAC’s Redevelopment Task Force Inventory completed in 2011 will be a basis for recommendations. D. The League of Minnesota Cities recommends against boards and commissions using a Listserve. They recommend all communication among boards go through staff. 3 E. Ms. Divine stated that she is trying to move the business expo in 2012 to Lino Park to be able to bring more activities into one area. Mr. Combs agreed that would benefit the festival. Mr. Stranik informed the members that he applied for the Charter Commission. He feels EDAC could take a stronger stand on the charter issue, as it makes development more difficult and more expensive. Mr. Combs recalled that in the past EDAC has chosen to not get more vocal as a group, but as individuals members it’s okay. It is something EDAC needs to consider if it is appropriate. Ms. Divine noted that it is the city’s role to educate and inform on charter issues. The Charter Commission’s role is to “frame and amend” the charter. Neither side should be promoting how citizens should vote. Meeting adjourned.