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Home My WebLink About04/12/2007 EDAC MinutesApproved CITY OF LINO LAKES ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ADVISORY COMMITTEE MINUTES DATE: Thursday, April 12, 2007 MEMBERS PRESENT: J. Kuschke, J. Schwartz, J. Helgemoe, M.C. Pap, M. Keller, K. Corson, B. Combs MEMBERS ABSENT: J. Milbauer, K. Lodico OTHERS PRESENT: M. Divine, Karen Anderson, police department (part) GENERAL/MINUTES Minutes of February 1, 2007 were approved. POLICE DEPARTMENT REPORT ON LOCAL BUSINESS ASSISTANCE Volunteer Coordinator Karen Anderson reported on services offered to local businesses by the Lino Lakes Police Department. They include: • Business Watch Program: educates businesses about crime reporting and crime prevention. Members receive newsletters and participate in annual meetings. • Educational Classes: Onsite training such as on crime prevention, self defense for women • Virtual Block Club: Keep informed through email updates • Business Checks: At night when businesses are closed, officer patrol parking lots, check exterior doors, etc. • CPTED: Crime prevention through environmental design, advise on building security • Maintain Business Directory: Confidential directory to enable officers to reach key business contact. • Active Threat Training: Preparing and training for potential threats or disasters. 77TH STREET DEVELOPMENT PLAN Ms. Divine provided updated information regarding a proposed development on the city property on Lake Drive north of 77th Street, and asked EDAC for feedback regarding whether this project meets EDAC goals. Mr. Corson questioned how to prioritize future projects, since there are several that are in need of redevelopment. Part of EDAC’s role is prioritizing what is important to redevelop. EDAC members discussed the benefits of realigning 77th and redeveloping existing houses. Ms. Divine stated a major objective is the realignment, and it would be beneficial to ensure that any sale is tied to a guarantee for that alignment. Subsidies for commercial use have had mixed reaction from the community. Ms. Pap stated that from the Vision group’s discussions, she thinks they would support use of subsidies. Ms. Schwartz and Ms. Keller said this project was a “quality bird in the hand.” Mr. Corson said he 1 supports TIF for public improvements but not necessarily to help to underwrite development costs, which favors one development over another. Members concurred EDAC wants to recommend to the council to proceed and see the pro forma. Discussion continued regarding highest and best use, and what Lino Lakes residents need and want for uses. Professional offices are a potential. Ms. Schwartz said office condos (1200-2400 sq. ft.) are selling very well. The Vision Team brought up that type of use also, along with support services for professionals. Blackturn, an office condo on Rice Street, builds on interchange areas and sold well. But is this what citizens are looking for? Office businesses support restaurants in the daytime, and there are numerous small professional businesses along Lake Drive in older buildings that need a place to relocate. Mr. Corson asked what is holding back development. Ms. Divine stated a major reason was that rooftops are still not supporting larger national users and some obstacles, such as the regional park, won’t go away. This fractures of retail market area. Destination retail is important to give people a reason to come. EDAC questioned if it is realistic to expect absorption of retail on this site considering how much land is for sale on the interchange. It is also questionable that a restaurant would go on the site if Ryan hasn’t secured one on the Target site. If TIF is used for the project, a redevelopment TIF District must be created. EDAC members will see a specific proposal before it goes to council and have an opportunity for input. COMPREHENSIVE PLAN UDATE Ms. Schwartz, Ms. Keller and Mr. Combs volunteered to serve on the advisory panel. Ms. Keller reported panel members discussed the issues under the five major categories of Residential, Community and Neighborhood Development; Roads and Transportation; Economic Development; Community Amenities and Natural Resources; and Community Facilities. Mr. Combs said many different ideas will need to come together based on a lot of information from different resources. Anti-development sentiment exists, but it has been a positive atmosphere. Ms. Divine asked EDAC representatives to the advisory panel to carry EDAC goals and objectives, and to ensure “economic development” is defined as this community envisions in the Comp Plan. Mr. Combs said it was suggested to him that EDAC should be more visible out in the community. Ms. Keller mentioned EDA could get more involved in retention and expansion programs. She will pick ideas from some of the basic programs and bring it back to EDAC in May. If businesses want to expand or need assistance, the city must have expansion opportunities available and programs to assist. Ms. Schwartz mentioned the Lakestyle magazine article on Lino Lakes and the amenities offered. NEXT MEETING Members agreed to meet on May 10 for a review of draft Comprehensive Plan goals and strategies. Meeting adjourned. 2