HomeMy WebLinkAbout02-20-24 Full EDA packet
NOTICE OF MEETING
City of Lake Elmo Economic Development Authority
Meeting
3880 Laverne Avenue North
Tuesday, February 20, 2024 6:00 PM
AGENDA
A. Call to Order 6:00 p.m.
B. Approval of Minutes November 21st, 2023 6:00p.m.
C. Election of Officers 6:05p.m.
1. President
2. Vice President
3. Secretary
4. Treasurer
5. Assistant Treasurer
D. Sign Ordinance Review 6:15p.m.
E. 2024 EDA Work Plan Review 6:40p.m.
F. Reports 6:55 p.m.
-Next Meeting: May 21st, 2024
-Future Items:
G. 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.
Page 1 of 2
CITY OF LAKE ELMO ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY MINUTES November 21, 2023 Call to Order/Roll Call Waldoch called the meeting to order at 6:01pm.
PRESENT: Charles Cadenhead, Ninna Waldoch, and Tony Manzara
ABSENT: Paul Ryberg and Jeff Holtz Staff Present: City Planner Sophia Jensen and City Administrator Handt
August 15, 2023 Minutes: Motion by Waldoch, seconded by Manzara to approve. Motion carried.
Discuss Sale of Fire Station 1 and Parks Building Handt provided an update on Planning Commission recommendation to re-guide the city parcels comprising fire station 1 and the parks building on Laverne Ave to VMX. That recommendation will go to the city council tonight. Handt shared the evaluation criteria used previously in the RFP for the sale of the 180 acres. Additional feedback and discussion occurred around a minimum price and whether or not to sell the parcels all as one or break into two. Commissioners agreed with the criteria used before and the minimum price of $100,000 with sale of all parcels at once.
Annual Review of EDA Work Plan Handt presented an updated plan removing the previous goal on labor market supply and demand data but keeping BRE and Increase Number of Commercial and Industrial Businesses. Discussion and consensus to remove the BRE goal as it was getting harder to get business feedback. Manzara provided information about 3M Settlement Priority 2 grants coming next year and suggested three projects-(1) funds to pay off the GO Bonds on the city land that was a landfill so that it could be further explored and developed for a solar farm, (2) trail/boardwalk connections in Sunfish Lake Park, and (3) a fish study in Sunfish Lake Park. The commission focused discussion on the first option as the second two related more to parks than EDA. Manzara agreed to provide updated language to be included in the work plan and to write the grant proposal. Cadenhead mentioned improving business opportunities listed on the city’s website. This could be accomplished under new goal 2. Discussion about meeting with or hearing a presentation from Connect Lake Elmo. That is something they could do at a council meeting to gain more awareness for their efforts. Motion by Cadenhead, seconded by Manzara to recommend the EDA work plan to include the 3M grant project related to a solar farm, removing the BRE and focusing efforts in 2024 on goal 2. Motion carried.
Page 2 of 2
Future Agenda/Reports The next meeting of the EDA is scheduled for February 20, 2024. City Planner Jensen will begin the review and discussion of the sign ordinance with the commission at that meeting.
Adjourn Meeting adjourned by Waldoch at 6:44p.m. Respectfully Submitted, Kristina Handt
STAFF REPORT
DATE: February 20th 2024 REGULAR
AGENDA ITEM: Review of Sign Ordinance
SUBMITTED BY: Sophia Jensen, City Planner
REVIEWED BY: Jason Stopa, Community Development Director
BACKGROUND: The City of Lake Elmo’s sign ordinance was last updated in 2018. Based on feedback from residents, business owners, and developers City Staff has identified the need to review the ordinance to ensure consistency with surrounding cities and eliminate areas of code that are
unclear or contradictory.
City Staff has compiled a review of the City’s sign code in comparison to Stillwater, Oakdale, and Cottage Grove. Attached are tables of key takeaways specifically for wall signs, ground signs, and special provisions/districts for discussion by the EDA.
After the EDA provides initial guidance and direction, Staff will compile proposed amendments and bring them forward to the Planning Commission. Once the Planning Commission holds the public hearing, reviews, and makes a recommendation the amendment will be brough for final review by the City Council.
RECOMMENDATION: EDA may wish to provide feedback or direction on proposed amendments. That feedback will be taken into consideration as staff drafts the ordinance amendments.
ATTACHMENT:
•City Sign Code Comparison Tables
•105.12.430 City of Lake Elmo Sign Ordinance
City Size Number Sign Plan Other
Oakdale
(SEC. 25-184 )
20% of total wall area for all wall signs.
No individual sign over: 150 sq ft.one sign per street frontage.No guidance.
Stillwater
(SEC. 31-509)
one square foot per each foot of building
parallel to street.
One sign per street frontage, and
maximim of two signs.
sign plan
required.
Cottage Grove
(SEC. 11.3.14)
(Measured by principal Structure Size)
100,000-400,00: 200 sq ft or 1.25 feet per
foot of tenant frontage, whichever is
less
20,001-100,000: 150 sq ft or 1.25
Less than 20.000: 100 sq ft or 1.25
No guidance on number of wall signs
permitted.
Sign plan
suggested.
Lake Elmo
(SEC. 105.12.430)
One square foot per each lineal foot of
building frontage.
No individual sign over 100 sq ft.
One sign per street frontage for each
building occupant.
One additional sign may only be 50% of
the area of the primary frontage for
corner lots.
sign plan
required.
Buildings 100 feet in length
along the front lot line can
have up to three ancillary
wall signs, subject to certain
size limitations.
Similar language
Wall Signs
Note: Based on Commerical or Business Park Districts unless
h i d
City Size, generally Number, generally Other
Oakdale
(SEC. 25-184)
Guided by the gross
square footage of the
principal structure located
on the property.
25'One sign per street
frontage.
Has specific guidance
for Big Box Retail
Village District
20'/200
Cottage Grove
(SEC. 11.3.14)
Guided by the gross
square footage of the
principal structure located
on the property.
One sign per building, two
if it has two+ access
points. Second sign may
be 50% of principal sign.
Lake Elmo
(SEC.
105.12.430)
Guided by width of street
in each district (unique to
LE)
One sign for each street
of frontage + one
additonal if the lot is over
1000 feet
Similar language
One sign per street
frontage.
Ground Signs
Has specific guidance
for Commercial
Village
1-20,000 sq ft: 15'/35
20,001-100,000: 15'/45
100,001-400,00: 15'/50
400,000+: 15'/50
TABLE 5-3 (BP, C, CC, GB, VMX)
local street: 10'/40
collector: 10'/50
minor arterial: 10'/64
principal arterial: 12'/80
south of 5th and north of i94:
30'/250
6'-25'/100
*200 sq ft
maximim
BP &
Highway
District
Note: Based on C, BP Districts unless otherwise stated
Stillwater
(SEC. 31-509)
80' on one street
frontage & on
two street
frontages each
additional sign:
can be 50% area
of the first sign.
Guided by zoning district
Height/Area (Sq Ft)
Stillwater Village Commercial District
Wall Signs
Size (surface area)Height Number 2+ tenants Other
One sq. ft. for each
foot of building
parallel to the front
line of property
one per tenant
space
One sign per
tenant space
Max SA allowed for all
signs = 300 sq.ft.
Freestanding/Ground Signs
Size (surface area)Height Number 2+ tenants Other
100 sq.ft. for each
exposed face, no
more than 200 sq.ft.
total
20'
One per
development
site
X Same as above.
May have one
ground sign with a
max of one sq.ft. of
sign for each five
feet of building
frontage or 40 sq.ft.
max
8' X X
Building master
identification signs
must not contain the
namese of any tenants
or occupants of the
center.
Multitenant Master Sign
STAFF REPORT
DATE: February 20th, 2024
REGULAR
AGENDA ITEM: Review of the 2024 Work Plan
SUBMITTED BY: Jason Stopa, Community Development Director
BACKGROUND:
The Economic Development Authority (EDA) creates an annual work plan to be approved by the
City Council. On November 21, 2023, a draft of the plan was submitted to the EDA board for
approval, and the board voted to make changes to the plan. Since the last meeting, the City has
hired a new community development director, and he has reviewed the plan and made changes
based on the minutes of the November 21st meeting.
RECOMMENDATION:
The department is requesting the EDA board review the draft work plan to ensure all
recommendations have been included.
ATTACHMENT:
• 2024 Work Plan draft
• Minutes to the EDA meeting – November 21, 2023
Draft 11/21/23 – updated 2/12/2024
1
2024 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)
1. Increase the number of commercial and industrial businesses
3.2. Develop data and communicate information (talent availability, business types,
demographic information)
3. Develop and maintain sense of place and create new positive community perception
4. Explore the feasibility of developing a solar farm on a former city landfill site using 3M
Settlement Priority 2 grant funds
4.5.Review the Old Village Plan and determine if an update is needed Planning Process
The purpose of this document is to serve as the Lake Elmo EDA 2024 Economic Development
Strategic Plan with a planning horizon through 2025.
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.
Goals/Action Steps/Deliverables
1. Develop strong relationships with existing businesses and explore options for a Business
Retention and Expansion (B,R&E) Program.
Formatted: Left, Space After: 8 pt, Line spacing:
Multiple 1.08 li
Formatted: Font: (Default) Times New Roman, 12 pt
Draft 11/21/23 – updated 2/12/2024
2
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 began in the fourth quarter of 2021, continued through 2023 and is expected
to continue into 2024 as well.
21. Increase the number of commercial and industrial businesses and 2. Develop data and
communicate information
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.
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.
Action Step: Engage community stakeholders to determine what types of businesses they would
like to see developed in Lake Elmo.
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 2024 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.
Deliverables: Staff will create a needs assessment report to determine what types of
businesses stakeholders would like to see developed in Lake Elmo. This needs assessment
will include results from online surveys and community meetings.
Draft 11/21/23 – updated 2/12/2024
3
2. Explore the feasibility of developing a solar farm on a former city landfill site using 3M
Settlement Priority 2 grant funds
Action Step: Conduct a feasibility study that will include establishing need and purpose,
environmental review, and talking to solar farm companies about demand, cost, and
benefit to the City of Lake Elmo.
Action Step: Pay off general obligation bonds on a former city landfill site when
determining feasibility.?
Deliverables: To be determined.
Draft 11/21/23 – updated 2/12/2024
4
Attachment A
2040 Lake Elmo Comprehensive Plan Map
Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities,
Threats Group Discussion
Draft 11/21/23 – updated 2/12/2024
5
Draft 11/21/23 – updated 2/12/2024
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
Page 1 of 2
CITY OF LAKE ELMO
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY MINUTES
November 21, 2023
Call to Order/Roll Call
Waldoch called the meeting to order at 6:01pm.
PRESENT: Charles Cadenhead, Ninna Waldoch, and Tony Manzara
ABSENT: Paul Ryberg and Jeff Holtz
Staff Present: City Planner Sophia Jensen and City Administrator Handt
August 15, 2023 Minutes:
Motion by Waldoch, seconded by Manzara to approve. Motion carried.
Discuss Sale of Fire Station 1 and Parks Building
Handt provided an update on Planning Commission recommendation to re-guide the city
parcels comprising fire station 1 and the parks building on Laverne Ave to VMX. That
recommendation will go to the city council tonight. Handt shared the evaluation criteria
used previously in the RFP for the sale of the 180 acres. Additional feedback and
discussion occurred around a minimum price and whether or not to sell the parcels all as
one or break into two. Commissioners agreed with the criteria used before and the
minimum price of $100,000 with sale of all parcels at once.
Annual Review of EDA Work Plan
Handt presented an updated plan removing the previous goal on labor market supply and
demand data but keeping BRE and Increase Number of Commercial and Industrial
Businesses. Discussion and consensus to remove the BRE goal as it was getting harder to
get business feedback. Manzara provided information about 3M Settlement Priority 2
grants coming next year and suggested three projects-(1) funds to pay off the GO Bonds on
the city land that was a landfill so that it could be further explored and developed for a
solar farm, (2) trail/boardwalk connections in Sunfish Lake Park, and (3) a fish study in
Sunfish Lake Park. The commission focused discussion on the first option as the second
two related more to parks than EDA. Manzara agreed to provide updated language to be
included in the work plan and to write the grant proposal. Cadenhead mentioned
improving business opportunities listed on the city’s website. This could be accomplished
under new goal 2. Discussion about meeting with or hearing a presentation from Connect
Lake Elmo. That is something they could do at a council meeting to gain more awareness
for their efforts.
Motion by Cadenhead, seconded by Manzara to recommend the EDA work plan to include
the 3M grant project related to a solar farm, removing the BRE and focusing efforts in 2024
on goal 2. Motion carried.
Page 2 of 2
Future Agenda/Reports
The next meeting of the EDA is scheduled for February 20, 2024. City Planner Jensen will
begin the review and discussion of the sign ordinance with the commission at that meeting.
Adjourn
Meeting adjourned by Waldoch at 6:44p.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
Kristina Handt