05/04/2017 EDAC Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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1 CITY OF LINO LAKES ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ADVISORY COMMITTEE MINUTES DATE: May 4, 2017 MEMBERS PRESENT: Thomas Colgan, Jim Schueller, Nathan Vojtech, Chad Wagner, Don Johnson, Lou Masonick, Michael Ruhland, Patrick Kohler MEMBERS ABSENT: Julie Jeffrey-Schwartz, OTHERS PRESENT: Michael Grochala, Mara Strand, Jim Gromberg (WSB), Tom Lambrecht, Great River Energy, Erin Sparks, Great River Energy, Bruce Sayers, Connexus Energy. APPROVAL OF MINUTES It was moved by Mr. Colgan to approve the minutes from February 2, 2017. The motion was seconded by Mr. Kohler and passed unanimously. DISCUSSION ITEMS A. Great River Energy – Data Center Mr. Grochala explained that the City has had a long time goal of developing a business park along the I-35 corridor. He discussed the emergence of data centers as a potential high value economic development opportunity for this area. He introduced Mr. Tom Lambrecht of Great River. Mr. Lambrecht provided an overview of Great River Energy’s role as an energy provider in the metro area and their Data Center Site Certification program. He explained that the 35E corridor had several positives related to data center siting including is relative proximity to the MSP airport. Mr. Lambrecht noted that data centers can be large multimillion dollar facilities. Great River established the site certification program in part because data centers are large and steady energy users. Minnesota has become a target for center location to because of attractive tax exemptions provided by the state. Mr. Lambrecht provided the board with a description of different facility types. He explained that there are co-location centers which lease building area to multiple companies as well and large enterprise facilities serving a single company.