HomeMy WebLinkAbout07.21.21 Minutes
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CITY OF LAKE ELMO
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY MINUTES
July 21, 2021
Call to Order/Roll Call
President Ryberg called the meeting to order at 6:00 P.M.
PRESENT: Jeff Holtz, Charles Cadenhead, Linda Larson, Paul Ryberg and Tom Triplett.
ABSENT: Mark Gaertner
Staff Present: City Administrator Handt and City Planner Ben Prchal
Approval of June 15, 2021 Minutes:
Motion by Larson, seconded by Cadenhead to approve the June 15, 2021 minutes. Motion passed.
Update on Commercial/Business Zoning Areas
City Planner Ben Prchal provided maps showing areas of the city guided for commercial or business
development in the Old Village, south of 10th St and along Ideal Ave. It also distinguished be developed
and undeveloped properties. Commissioners suggested building a map that shows how many houses
are near the commercial/business areas.
Economic Development Plan-Brainstorming Session
Chris Eng, Washington County Economic Development Director led the group in a brainstorming
session that included a SWOT analysis and prioritizing goals. It was also noted that the EDA should
develop a mission and vision statement.
Strengths included: available land-zoned/open/transportation available, low tax rate, large
residential base/high incomes, educated talent pool, central geographic location, I94, TH36,
interest in development/growth, flexible zoning, excellent schools and quality of life.
Weaknesses included: infrastructure availability, neighboring communities, not business
friendly perception, small city staff, conflicting goals, lack of clean energy, lack of economic
incentive, lack of data on talent, education/training, limited mass transit.
Opportunities included: demand for warehouse/industrial buildings, shift in
workplace/telecommuting, broadband, have a downtown, marketing/promotions, airport,
surveys, neighboring communities full, medical services, 4Front, recreational opportunities,
trailer/truck parking, outdoor storage, small business growth.
Threats included: competition with neighboring communities, new workforce after
pandemic, social unrest, economic future, Wisconsin, water supply, business climate, public
perception/past, resources, unknowns (Met Council).
Goals identified included: diversify tax base, strong relationship with existing businesses, leverage
state government resources, develop tools to respond to inquiries, develop and maintain a sense of
place, identifying businesses, broadband availability, labor market data, data-business types, what
we don’t we have, help for city staff, create new perception and positive image, open and welcoming
community, EDA make recommendation to city council, and look at other city economic development
plans.
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After each commissioner ranked their top five goals, the following were identified as priorities that
would be in the strategic action plan:
Develop strong relationships with existing businesses and explore options for a Business
Retention and Expansion (B,R&E) Visitation Program
Develop data (including talent availability, business types, demographic data)
Diversify the city’s tax base
Develop and maintain a sense of place
Create a new positive community perception
Next Meeting Date/Future Agenda/Reports
The next meeting will be Thursday, August 26, 2021 at 6pm. The agenda will include continued
development of the strategic action plan.
Adjourn
Meeting adjourned at 7:37 P.M.
Respectfully Submitted,
Kristina Handt