MINUTES EDA 12.19.23 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Maintain a Business-Friendly Environment The EDA discussed the history of business visits, starting with the BR&E program supported by the University of Minnesota Extension. Commissioner Chrun asked what the main purpose of the business visits was. Juba responded that the primary purpose was to engage businesses and find ways to help, as well as look for red flags where the City could provide resources. Commissioner Arcand asked what the EDA’s role could be related to cannabis businesses. Juba responded that it is to be determined, since the Planning Commission will be the primary group determining the City’s regulation of such businesses. The Planning Commission will be discussing where the businesses could be located, where/how it can be manufactured, and growing operations. Commissioners Chrun and Denaway suggested adding the discussion of cannabis as a goal under this category. Marketing and Promotion of the City Commissioner Klein asked about the status of the I-35E Technology Corridor meetings. Juba highlighted meetings with neighboring communities, including the coordination with the City of Lino Lakes and Anoka County relating to the extension of Otter Lake Road. Commissioner Arcand suggests rewording the goal to read as “staying informed” on the corridor planning process since EDA members don’t actually attend the meetings. Bear said that once the marketing basis for the corridor had been formed, the discussion has shifted towards infrastructure needs, especially related to Otter Lake Road and Elmcrest Avenue. Partnerships Commissioner Chrun asked if City Staff attends HBA meetings. Juba said yes, and that any EDA members who’d like to attend are welcome to do so. Juba stated that the Planning Commission recommended to move forward with discussions on the City’s approach to high density apartment projects, with information likely to come to the EDA. Commissioner Klein said that the community tends to push back on higher density apartment projects. Commissioner Denaway said that market rate multifamily development is replacing commercial development in the market, and that our commercially-zoned property may need to be friendly to high density residential development. No further discussion on goals. *** Commissioner Klein points to the letter from Denny Trooien stating that he did not wish to renew his purchase agreement on the property, citing the ongoing pushback from the DNR. Juba stated that discussions on the future of the City owned properties can be added to the January 2024 EDA agenda. Commissioner Klein stated that President Weidt has communicated that the meeting time of 5:30 PM conflicts with his new job, and requests that the meeting time be changed to 6:00 PM going forward. The EDA members all agreed to this change.