HomeMy WebLinkAboutEDA Minutes 8.20.24Page 1 of 2
CITY OF LAKE ELMO
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY MINUTES
August 20, 2024
Call to Order/Roll Call
Charles Cadenhead called the meeting to order at 6:05pm
PRESENT: Charles Cadenhead, Jeff Holtz, and Don Place
Staff Present: City Administrator Nicole Miller, Community Development Director Jason
Stopa
May 21, 2024 Minutes
Motion by Place, seconded by Holtz to approve. Motion carried.
Work Plan Updates
Stopa presented on work plan goals and progress including showcasing economic
development stories, updating the city website, exploring the use of 3M grant funds for a
solar project, and reviewing the Old Village Plan. Stopa mentioned limitations on the
formatting of the city website which may be rectifled by the website updates. Place asked
for an example of a potential business story. Stopa clarifled that the stories could include
new business openings or retirement of long-term business owners.
Sign Code Updates
Stopa presented on updates to the sign code which were approved by City Council. Stopa
added that a guide for small businesses is nearing completion. Stopa mentioned that the
new code has already been used to approve a new sign for a local business.
Old Fire Station/PW Building RFP Discussion
Stopa presented on the Old Village Vision Study survey results. Over 1,000 survey
responses indicated that residents want eating & drinking establishments, community
spaces, and retail. Stopa discussed next steps including determining a timeline for
appraisal, determining methods for scoring proposals, and drafting the RFP for the
November EDA meeting. Holtz asked if Public Works still had a need for the storage units
on site. Stopa responded that to his knowledge the units are available. Cadenhead added
that the site is not one parcel, but several parcels. Stopa responded that he planned to
request appraisal for the entire site and the separate buildings. Holtz mentioned that the
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alleyway to the north of the site is not owned by a private entity, but the southern portion is
part of the available city parcels. Cadenhead stated that it would be prudent to keep the
alley in place. Place added that many local business owners and residents had the same
type of responses and stated that the scoring of the RFP should be based on those
responses. Holtz agreed. Holtz asked about city code regulations on noise levels and live
music. Place added that the city of Cumberland, WI has many entertainment
establishments, but noise levels are well controlled by city ordinances. Stopa agreed that
noise control should be under consideration. Holtz asked if there were aspects of the
beautiflcation plan related to the Fire Station site. Stopa responded that whoever
purchases the site will be responsible for the full landscaping according to city code.
Cadenhead asked what the zoning will be. Stopa stated that the site is zoned V-MX and
would stay the same. Holtz added that there is fiexibility within V-MX while not being too
broad as to allow uses that were not discussed by the public. Cadenhead asked who would
be on the proposal review. Stopa responded that the scoring committee would likely
consist of EDA members.
Future Items and Reports
Stopa stated he plans to complete a draft of the 2025 workplan for the November meeting
and any items should be emailed to him. Cadenhead stated that future discussion could
focus on how to promote development opportunities. He added that the City has
previously put out two different RFPs and both were unsuccessful, and suggested hiring a
broker with development experience. Holtz agreed and added that he would be interested
to know what other similar-sized cities have done. Holtz asked for a status update on the
County’s plan to add a walking path along Stillwater Blvd. Stopa responded that he has no
new updates. The next meeting of the EDA is scheduled for November 19, 2024.
Adjourn
Meeting adjourned by Cadenhead at 6:35 PM.
Respectfully submitted,
Miranda Moulis