HomeMy WebLinkAbout2.15.22 Minutes
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CITY OF LAKE ELMO
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY MINUTES
February 15, 2022
Call to Order/Roll Call
Mayor Cadenhead called the meeting to order at 6pm.
PRESENT: Jeff Holtz, Charles Cadenhead, Ninna Waldoch and Tony Manzara
ABSENT: Mark Gaertner, Linda Larson,
Staff Present: City Administrator Handt
Election of Officers:
Item tabled until next meeting due to absence of members.
October 28, 2021 Minutes:
Item will be added to next agenda due to absence of members.
Business Retention and Expansion (BRE) Survey
Handt provided an update from the last meeting noting the revised business listings. Chris Eng,
Washington County Economic Development Director was present to answer questions and
provided the questions for the survey which had been used a couple of years ago in Hugo. Provided
clarification that members should try to meet with the owner of the business or a manager when
conducting the survey. Manzara noted the options in questions three should list positive actions
first. He also asked about getting interns to help. It was noted that takes coordination with a
university and could add to the work load. Manzara asked about hiring extra staff then so work
doesn’t fall on existing staff. It was noted the council had been discussing adding extra staff in
general and this is something the EDA could request at budget time. Holtz asked if the data was
public. We will assume its public but should let businesses know they are free to share as much or
as little as they are comfortable with. Discussion on further prioritizing the list occurred and
consensus was to tackle them on a geographical basis starting in the Old Village. Each member of
the EDA should plan to visit 2 businesses each month. Handt will revise the business listings, create
the survey form and work with Eng on an introduction to include. Information should be available
for commissioners to begin interviews the following week.
Lake Elmo EDA 2022-2024 Work Plan
Handt shared the updated work plan as discussed at the last meeting to address Council concerns it
was too robust. The new plan shifts the dates a year and focuses on one main goal each year.
Motion by Manzara, seconded by Holtz to recommend the 2022-2024 Lake Elmo EDA Work Plan to
the City Council. Motion passed.
2022 Meeting Schedule
Handt presented the proposed 2022 meeting schedule. Meetings would occur on the third Tuesday
at 6pm on a quarterly basis. Manzara asked about having special meetings. Cadenhead noted a
special meeting could be called by two members of the board if something came up.
Motion by Cadenhead, seconded by Manzara to adopt the 2022 meeting schedule. Motion passed.
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Future Agenda/Reports
The next agenda will include updates/feedback on the BRE, 2023 budget request and solar farm on
city property. Manzara also suggested the EDA look into creating a business incubator. That item
will wait as we focus on the work plan items.
Handt provided an update that council directed the business subsidy policy to focus on
redevelopment, the city may see its first fast food establishment along Hudson Blvd and the East
Metro Economic Development Summit is tentatively planned for May 12th.
Adjourn
Meeting adjourned at 6:44 P.M.
Respectfully Submitted,
Kristina Handt