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HomeMy WebLinkAboutFeb 15 Packet NOTICE OF MEETING City of Lake Elmo Economic Development Authority Meeting 3800 Laverne Avenue North Tuesday, February 15, 2022 6:00 PM AGENDA A. Call to Order/Roll Call-Introductions 6:00 p.m. B. Election of Officers 6:00 p.m. 1. President 2. Vice President 3. Secretary 4. Treasurer 5. Assistant Treasurer C. October 28, 2021 Minutes 6:10p.m. D. Business Retention and Expansion Survey 6:15 p.m. E. Lake Elmo EDA 2022-2024 Work Plan 6:35 p.m. F. 2022 Meeting Schedule 6:45 p.m. G. Future Agenda Items/Reports 6:50 p.m. H. Adjourn 6:55 p.m. The Lake Elmo Economic Development Authority (EDA) is committed to preserving and enhancing our community by creating an attractive business climate and listening to businesses and residents to prepare for the economy of tomorrow. DATE: February 15, 2022 REGULAR AGENDA ITEM: Election of Officers SUBMITTED BY: Kristina Handt, City Administrator BACKGROUND: Per the bylaws of the EDA, some officers of the Authority, such as the President, Vice-President and Treasurer, shall be members of the board and elected annually. The Secretary and Assistant Treasurer need not be members of the Board. The officers last elected in April 2021were: President: Paul Ryberg Vice President: Mark Gaertner Secretary: Kristina Handt Treasurer: Linda Larson Assist. Treas.: Kristina Handt ISSUE BEFORE COMMITTEE: Who should be elected to each officer position? PROPOSAL DETAILS/ANALYSIS: Any members of the EDA may be appointed to any of the officer positions. In addition, it is possible to appoint a non-board member (i.e. staff) to be Secretary and/or Assistant Treasurer. Current members of the EDA are Charles Cadenhead, Jeff Holtz, Mark Gaertner, Linda Larson, Nina Waldoch and Tony Manzara. RECOMMENDATIONS: “Motion to appoint ____________ as President.” “Motion to appoint _____________ as Vice President.” “Motion to appoint _______________ as Treasurer.” “Motion to appoint Kristina Handt as Secretary and Assistant Treasurer.” ATTACHMENT: • Bylaws of the Economic Development Authority of the City of Lake Elmo, Minnesota Page 1 of 2 CITY OF LAKE ELMO ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY MINUTES October 28, 2021 Call to Order/Roll Call Vice President Gaertner called the meeting to order at 6:05 P.M. PRESENT: Mark Gaertner, Linda Larson, Jeff Holtz, Charles Cadenhead, and Tom Triplett. ABSENT: Paul Ryberg Staff Present: City Administrator Handt Approval of September 30, 2021 Minutes: Motion by Triplett, seconded by Larson to approve the September 30, 2021 minutes. Motion passed 5-0. Business Subsidy Policy Handt presented the draft version based upon the Cottage Grove template and feedback from commission and legal. The commission discussed whether more than one objective should be required. They settled on requiring two or more. The priorities in 4.2C were discussed. Since most people think of the Old Village as including the Elmo Station and Civic District, those three were combined into the first priority. The language will also indicate the priorities are for development and redevelopment opportunities. The commission also discussed the number of jobs required, specifically full time benefit jobs. Some felt one job was too low of a threshold. Handt explained just because a business creates on job doesn’t automatically mean they get a subsidy. There was discussion about tying the number of jobs to the amount off the increment as some other cities do. Ultimately, the commission decided to leave it at one FTE to allow for the greatest flexibility but expressed it was unlikely that a subsidy would be provided for just one FTE. The commission discussed the wage floor being set at 200% of State of MN Minimum Wage and kept that language acknowledging that each agreement can be negotiated for more. Commissioner Larson asked about 4.2.C.5 regarding entertainment venues. While it was noted they may bring lower wage jobs and have a greater chance for failure, the commission left it in to allow for flexibility and felt more comfortable with a pay-go approach of funding to minimize risks. Motion by Cadenhead, seconded by Triplett to recommend, as amended, the Lake Elmo Business Subsidy Policy to the City Council for adoption.” Motion passed 5-0. Business Retention and Expansion Program Handt presented the draft BR&E program Chris Eng drafted and noted we have a list of over 470 business in Lake Elmo. Handt asked how the commission would like to prioritize meeting with businesses. Larson mentioned not doing home based businesses and then prioritizing larger employers. Gaernter shared when he was involved in a BR&E program in Oakdale they targeted the newest businesses first. They also included an EDA member and a Council member in their visits. The list will be revised based upon the feedback and brought to the next meeting where commissioners can divide up the list to plan visits in 2022. Lake Elmo EDA 2021-2023 Work Plan Handt shared that the work plan was sent back to the EDA by the council over concerns that it was a lot to get completed with limited resources. Handt suggest cutting back on some of the items and Page 2 of 2 meeting quarterly or waiting to have a work session with the council. The commission reviewed the goals and agreed to keep the BR&E for 2022. Goal two about developing data would be moved to 2023 and goals 3 and 4 would be combined for 2024. The commission also mentioned reviewing the work plan each year even though it was a multi year plan. Handt will update the documents discussed and bring back to the next meeting. Next Meeting Date/Future Agenda/Reports The next meeting will be Tuesday, February 15, 2022 at 6pm. The agenda will include the BR&E Program and updated work plan. Adjourn Motion by Larson, seconded by Cadenhead to adjourn. Motion passed. Meeting adjourned at 7:17 P.M. Respectfully Submitted, Kristina Handt DATE: February 15, 2022 REGULAR AGENDA ITEM: Business Retention and Expansion Program TO: Economic Development Authority Commissioners SUBMITTED BY: Kristina Handt, City Administrator BACKGROUND: At the October 2021 meeting, the EDA began working on their top goal for 2022-a Business Retention and Expansion (BRE) program. At the meeting the commission was presented with a list of businesses compiled by reference USA and the BR&E program outline prepared by Chris Eng, Washington County Economic Development Director. ISSUE BEFORE COMMITTEE: Does the commission have any changes to the draft BR&E Program? When would the commission like to begin implementing it (meeting with businesses)? Which businesses should be visited and by whom? PROPOSAL DETAILS/ANALYSIS: We were able to get the list narrowed a bit by removing most home based businesses. I’ve provided the business listings to the commission in two different sorting options based upon discussion at the last meeting. One list sorts the businesses by year they began operation (for those we have the info for) and the other list sorts the same businesses based upon employee size. There are still nearly 300 businesses. The commission should decide how they would like to prioritize the rest of the listings and then plan to have each commissioner complete 2 business surveys or visits each month for the rest of the year. FISCAL IMPACT: NA ATTACHMENT: • Draft BR&E Program Outline memo Lake Elmo EDA BR&E Program To: Kristina Handt From: Chris Eng Date: October 15, 2021 Re: BR&E Program Overview Program objectives of the Lake Elmo BR&E Program are: 1. To demonstrate support and appreciation for existing businesses (an opportunity to connect the city with the businesses), 2. To identify and potentially assist in addressing any immediate business opportunities or concerns (identify any red flag warnings), 3. To establish and implement future EDA strategic/work plan action steps (identify priority projects), and 4. Identify potential opportunities for new businesses that can complement the existing businesses in the city (vendors and service providers, suppliers and customers). The program will involve informal business meetings (and possible tours of the business) with the EDA Members along with CDA and city staff. Onsite business visits will be conducted by the EDA Members with a very informal and short survey. This is an important but informal way for the city to say, “Thank you for doing business in Lake Elmo”. And ask, “are there any opportunities, concerns or issues that you want us to assist you with”? Questions for the business survey could include: 1. Please tell us about your primary products and services? ___________________ 2. How many employees currently work at this location? ____ FT ____ PT 3. Is your business currently considering? (circle all that apply) a. Downsizing b. Selling c. Merging with or acquiring another business d. Moving 2 e. Closing f. Expanding at this or another location g. None of the above 4. Are you currently experiencing any challenges with? (circle all that apply) a. Attracting or retaining talent b. Employee education or training c. Transportation for products d. Transportation for employees e. Housing for employees f. Financing g. Municipal utilities, code enforcement or other regulation h. Private utilities (electric, gas, highspeed broadband) i. Other _____________________________________________ 5. Are there any customers, vendors, service providers or suppliers the city may want to consider visiting with about possibly relocating to Lake Emo that could compliment your business? 6. Is there anything the City or EDA can do to help your business grow and expand? 7. Are there any priorities you would like to help identify for the City of Lake Elmo or the Lake Elmo EDA to consider as strategic planning action steps? The business visits would begin in the 1st quarter of 2022 and be ongoing. Updates will be provided to the EDA Board Members on a regular basis, however, the businesses may request that the information shared be treated with confidentiality at any time on an individual basis. All requests for confidentially will be honored. DATE: February 15, 2022 REGULAR AGENDA ITEM: Draft Economic Development Plan TO: Economic Development Authority Commissioners SUBMITTED BY: Kristina Handt, City Administrator BACKGROUND: At the October 2021 meeting, the EDA discussed narrowing the focus of the work plan to be more manageable and updating the years of the plan to 2022-2024. ISSUE BEFORE COMMITTEE: Are there any additional changes to the work plan before submitting to City Council for approval? PROPOSAL DETAILS/ANALYSIS: Changes to the plan from the last draft include: • Updating the years to 2022-2024 • Limiting 2022 efforts to the Business Retention and Expansion Survey efforts • 2023 efforts are limited to the data development goal • Goal three was amended and includes the development of a community asset and resource list in 2024 along with an EDA website. Other actions under goal three began in 2021 and will continue as appropriate. • While goal 4 was eliminated as a separate goal, many of the elements were included in goal 3. I’ve included a track changes version so you can see the details of the plan that have been updated. FISCAL IMPACT: While most of the items can be completed with staff and commissioner time, the labor market study will have a financial impact. No cost estimates have been obtained at this point and no funding is included in the 2022 budget for the EDA. RECOMMENDATION: “Motion to recommend the 2022-2024 Lake Elmo EDA Work Plan to the City Council.” ATTACHMENT: • Draft 2022-2024 Lake Elmo Economic Development Work Plan 10/28/2021 1 20221 – 20243 Lake Elmo EDA Economic Development Work Plan Lake Elmo EDA Mission The Lake Elmo Economic Development Authority (EDA) is committed to preserving and enhancing our community by creating an attractive business climate and listening to businesses and residents to prepare for the economy of tomorrow. Goals 1. Develop strong relationships with existing businesses and explore options for a Business Retention and Expansion (B,R&E) Visitation Program 2. Develop data (talent availability, business types, demographic information) 3. Increase the number of commercial and industrial business 4. Develop and maintain sense of place and create new positive community perception Planning Process The purpose of this document is to serve as the Lake Elmo EDA 2021 Economic Development Strategic Plan with a planning horizon through 20243. Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats / 2040 Comp Plan To assist in the EDA’s discussion and to help achieve the goals and action steps identified within this plan, a summary of the July 21, 2021 group discussion on Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats (SWOT) analysis and also includes maps from the 2040 Comprehensive Plan Update is included as Attachment A. 10/28/2021 2 Goals/Action Steps/Deliverables 1. Develop strong relationships with existing businesses and explore options for a Business Retention and Expansion (B,R&E) Program. Action Step: City and Washington County CDA staff will research and explore options for a business retention and expansion visitation program. Staff will: 1) work to create a list for possible businesses to visit, 2) develop and recommend a proposed program structure including timing, 3) create a draft business survey and 4) discuss the potential interview process and overall program operations including reporting the survey results. Recommendations will be brought to the EDA for consideration, input and discussion. Deliverables: Staff will be providing potential program options to EDA for discussion and consideration. This will beginbegan in the fourth quarter of 2021 and will be ongoing. 2. Develop data (including talent availability, business types, demographic data) Action Step: City staff with assistance from Washington County CDA staff and DEED will provide community demographic information (including but not limited to: talent availability, business types, community profile, demographic data). Action Step: City staff with assistance from the Washington County CDA will explore hiring a consultant to update/undertake a detailed labor market study and then report back to the EDA Board. Action Step: City staff with assistance from the Washington County CDA will explore options to obtain resident input through a survey and then report back to the EDA Board. Deliverables: The labor market study and demographic/data study update will begin in 20232 or sooner contingent on available funding. 3. Increase the number of commercial and industrial businesses Action Step: City staff with the assistance of CDA staff will explore opportunities to attract new businesses into the city. Updates to the EDA may include maintaining a list and periodic reports of commercial and industrial projects that are in the planning process, under construction and recently completed. Action Step: City staff will showcase more economic development stories and business updates on the EDA website the CDA’s website as well as in the City’s Newsletter. 10/28/2021 3 Action Step: A community asset and resources list will begin to be developed in 2024 and will be maintained on an ongoing basis. Action Step: City staff with the assistance of CDA staff will meet with interested property owners, site selectors, commercial realtors, developers on an ongoing basis to promote development opportunities. Deliverables: Staff will explore options to update the EDA’s web presence including, considerations for a potential web platform, adding an inventory of available land and buildings, listing available business resources and developing a digital marketing plan and materials {digital rollout} for business recruitment, expansions and retention. This will begin in the first quarter of 20242 and will be ongoing. Recommendations will be provided to the EDA members on a regular basis for discussion and input. Deliverables: Staff will attend events attended by commercial realtors, developers and site selectors. This began in the second quarter of 2021 and will be ongoing. 4. Develop and maintain sense of place and create new positive community perception Action Step: The EDA will explore opportunities to develop and maintain a sense of place. Action Step: A community asset and resources list will begin to be developed in 2021 and will be maintained on an ongoing basis. Action Step: City staff with the assistance of CDA staff will meet with interested property owners, site selectors, commercial realtors, developers on an ongoing basis to promote development opportunities. Deliverables: Staff will attend events attended by commercial realtors, developers and site selectors. This will begin in the second quarter of 2021 and will be ongoing. 10/28/2021 4 Attachment A 2040 Lake Elmo Comprehensive Plan Map Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats Group Discussion 10/28/2021 5 10/28/2021 6 Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunity, Threats Discussion Lake Elmo EDA July 21, 2021 Strengths Opportunities Available land (zoned, open, transportation) Demand for warehouse and industrial Low tax base Shift in workplace/telecommuting Large residential base (high incomes) Broadband Educated talent pool Downtown Central geographic location Partner with County Highway 36 & I-94 Survey small businesses Interest in development Airport Flexible zoning Neighboring communities Quality of life Imation (4 Front) Excellent schools Recreation opportunities Truck/trailer parking Weaknesses Threats Infrastructure availability Competition neighbor communities Neighboring communities New workforce (post pandemic) Perception (not business friendly) Social unrest Small city (talented city staff) Economic future Conflicting goals Wisconsin Clean energy Perception of the past Economic incentives Resources for businesses Data on talent availability Unknowns (Met Council) Education/training Transit DATE: February 15, 2022 REGULAR AGENDA ITEM: 2022 Meeting Schedule SUBMITTED BY: Kristina Handt, City Administrator BACKGROUND: In the past the EDA has not had set regular meetings. For planning purposes, and because its noted in the bylaws, the EDA may want to set the regular meetings for the year. ISSUE BEFORE COMMITTEE: Should the EDA set their regular meetings now for 2022? If so, do the proposed dates and times work? PROPOSAL DETAILS/ANALYSIS: Included in your packet is a proposed meeting schedule for 2022 that has the commission meeting quarterly on the 3rd Tuesday of the month at 6pm. RECOMMENDATION: “Motion to adopt the 2022 meeting schedule.” ATTACHMENT: • Proposed 2022 EDA Meeting Schedule EDA 2022 Meeting Schedule Tuesday, February 15 at 6pm Tuesday, May 17 at 6pm Tuesday, August 16 at 6pm Tuesday, November 16 at 6pm