HomeMy WebLinkAbout02/01/2007 EDAC MinutesAPPROVED
CITY OF LINO LAKES
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
ADVISORY COMMITTEE
MINUTES
DATE: Thursday, February 1, 2007
MEMBERS
PRESENT: J. Milbauer, J. Kuschke, J. Schwartz, J. Helgemoe, M.C. Pap (part), M. Keller, K.
Lodico
MEMBERS
ABSENT: B. Combs, K.Corson
OTHERS
PRESENT: M. Divine, D. Stoltz (part)
GENERAL/MINUTES
Minutes of January 11, 2007 were approved.
WELCOME NEW MEMBERS
Councilmember Dan Stoltz welcomed new members Mary Carlson Pap and Karen Lodico. He
noted that the city council often must react to projects brought to them, but EDAC has the chance
to be the proactive arm that advises the council.
ELECTION OF CHAIR AND VICE CHAIR
Ms. Keller moved to nominate J. Schwartz for chair. Mr. Milbauer nominated Jason Helgemoe
for chair. Mr. Helgemoe stated he would be interested in vice chair. It was moved and seconded
to have J. Schwartz as chair and J. Helgemoe as vice-chair. Motion passed unanimously.
2030 VISION PLAN
Ms. Divine explained the process for the vision plan and introduced the economic and
commercial development vision for EDAC review and comment. The council is expected to
review and accept the vision document on Feb. 12 and it will be forwarded to the Comp Plan
Advisory Panel.
Ms. Lodico was on the community amenities group and stated there were many different
perspectives from the vision group, but in the end they agreed about many issues, including
commercial growth, but realized how complex the issues are and how they interrelate. Ms. Pap
was on economic development group and stated they studied the city survey regarding the right
kind of growth and honoring the natural resources. There was a common thread of this in all
groups. Ms. Pap noted that she learned how divided the city is with the park and separate school
districts etc. It was an educational process.
Members reviewed the four economic development goals:
1) Expand and diversity the city’s tax base by encouraging mixed use and nodal development.
2) Work with developers to identify innovative strategies for attracting entry level and smaller
entrepreneurial businesses
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3) Attract and encourage light industrial, high tech, business and professional services
Ms. Pap noted that vision group wanted to promote neighborhood commercial uses that people
could get to easily, and to provide support for those who work out of their home. Mr. Milbauer
noted that there historically have been obstacles to business, and the city is not currently seen as
supportive of economic development. The perception of the city has to change before any of
these goals can happen. Ms. Schwartz said there is less of a faction on the city council and
attitudes seem more positive than the past. Members discussed issues that make development
difficult, including design standards. Ms. Schwartz stated the city was not doing a good job of
finding commercial developers to develop land. Members discussed market realities and the
slowdown in development. Ms.Lodico noted that there are developers interested in working more
in partnership with the city.
Ms. Pap noted the vision group’s goal of a major commercial and entertainment was because of
the young families with children.
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN PROCESS
Ms. Divine stated that the comp plan process will be led by the Planning & Zoning Board. An
advisory panel will be established and three representatives from each city advisory board will be
a part of it. The process will be divided into three steps: to develop goals and policies; alternative
land use plans; and completion of the planning document in 2008.
Ms. Schwartz, Ms. Keller and Mr. Combs volunteered to serve on the committee. Ms. Divine
will contact those missing to see if there is other interest.
EDAC ROLE – 2007
Ms. Divine handed out the full Vision Plan and a draft market analysis put together by DSU. She
suggested members read this for future discussion in regard to the action plan. Members had a
brainstorming session last year and would like to review that and look at the opportunity for
EDAC to bring forward some new ideas for the council.
UPDATES
Ms. Divine stated the first affordable housing rental project is underway in Woods Edge. The
building will have first floor commercial. The townhome project was ready to go when the
housing market fell, and it looks like it will now be delayed.
Next meeting March 1.
Meeting adjourned.
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