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HomeMy WebLinkAbout11-12-13 WS-EDCCITY OF LAKEVILLE JOINT CITY COUNCIL /EDC WORK SESSION MINUTES November 12, 2013 Mayor Little called the meeting to order at 5:05 p.m. in the Marion Conference Room at City Hall. Council Members Present: Swecker, LaBeau, Anderson and Mayor Little; Council Member Davis participated via videoconference EDC Members Present: J. Matasosky, J. Emond, G. Tushie, S. Longie, J. Schubert; and T. Bornhauser Staff Present: Steve Mielke, City Administrator; Dave Olson, Community and Economic Development Director; Adam Kienberger, Economic Development Specialist; Judi Hawkins, Deputy City Clerk 2. Citizen Comments There were no citizen comments. 3. Joint discussion regarding Strategic Plan for Economic Development The Lakeville Economic Development Commission had previously discussed the next three -year Strategic Plan for Economic Development. Strategic Plans are prepared and adopted by the City for the purpose of prioritizing efforts and programs relative to economic development. The EDC reviewed the strategic priorities that had been identified at their October 8, 2013 work session, including Key Outcome Indicators and Strategic Initiatives. The discussion was facilitated by Craig Rapp of Craig Rapp, LLC. He stated that the EDC had utilized the Envision Lakeville results as a guide for the work on the Strategic Plan. EDC and City Council members focused on the six strategic priorities which had been identified, including Key Outcome Indicators and Strategic Initiatives to recognize and measure success. 1) High quality job creation EDC and Council preferred this be changed to, "high skill, high wage" job creation. The goal is the addition of 200 jobs with an annual salary of over $60,000 within a three -year period. Some of the initiatives would be to conduct a market analysis to determine target industries and markets and to examine incentive package for these companies. Little asked how the EDC arrived at this specific salary. Matasosky stated that the average household income is $90,000, but a salary of $60,000 would help create opportunities for head of household jobs for residents. Mielke stated that this goal helps prioritize economic incentives so that funds can be used to target companies with high paying jobs. City Council/ EDC Joint Meeting November 12, 2013 Page -2- 2) Infrastructure to leverage opportunity Key outcomes would be to monitor infrastructure to ensure that it meets or exceeds the needs of over 95% of business prospects. Also, that 90% of the time, Dakota County shares costs for public improvements on a proportional basis. Different funding or financing options might also need to be explored in order to be prepared with a response if a potential new business submits a proposal or a request for other incentives. Swecker asked if the EDC had discussed technology infrastructure. Matasosky stated that the availability of technology was an important part of the plan. Anderson added that Lakeville has some distinctive features that should be leveraged and marketed such as the airport. 3) Business retention and expansion During the three -year period of the strategic plan, the City will monitor existing businesses for square footage expansions and employment growth, with a goal of 300 additional jobs and retention of 90% of existing businesses. EDC and Council believed it is important to expand and enhance the business outreach program to provide a personal contact or visit to business on a regular basis. Outreach can be done by staff or by an EDC or Council member. Alternative methods of contact can be explored. Davis suggested the Council become more pro- active with the business community. Little believes a structured, well - prepared approach would get the best results. Anderson added that developing relationships and following up with the businesses' concerns is also essential. 4) Incentives and tools to achieve success One measurement of success would be three new businesses choosing to locate or expand in Lakeville based on leveraged financial incentives over the three -year period. Initiatives to consider might be to identify Lakeville's advantages and drivers of success, identify all the options available as incentives, expand the marketing strategy, establish a consensus on incentive policies, and identify priority locations for incentive use. It was suggested that Dakota County could be invited to become a more active partner. Davis added that resources need to be maximized and new and unique incentives explored. LaBeau stated that simplifying the process is important for developers, as was learned through the developers' forum. 5) Creating a pro- business environment Surveys could be conducted of the real estate development community and the existing business community in order to measure satisfaction. Success would be measured with a 95% favorable approval rating from surveyed businesses. Anderson suggested revised wording from "create" to "enhance" the business friendly climate. Swecker asked if businesses are surveyed after they have gone through the development or building process to determine areas for improvement. Staff and EDC will resume sending brief surveys to new commercial /industrial businesses on a regular basis. City Council/ EDC Joint Meeting November 12, 2013 Page -3- 6) High density housing The three -year strategic plan recommends 12 scattered high density housing sites by 2016. This would require re- guiding or rezoning of land in commercial /industrial zones in order to allow high density housing. Tushie stated that high density can imply various lifestyles and types of housing, but includes high -end, luxury housing, often occupied by empty- nesters, near retail opportunities. Swecker asked what the current market is for high density. Tushie stated that people want to have the option of living near their work, or near public transit, so those amenities are critical. Council members did not totally support high density housing in industrial zoning because of potential incompatibility. High density can indicate subsidized or market rate units; allowing high density housing in commercial and industrial areas provides additional opportunities and options. To recap, Mr. Rapp stated that the Strategic Plan for Economic Development consists of priorities, indicators of success, and a set of initiatives. Staff will discuss an action plan with the EDC. 3. Adjourn Mayor Little adjourned the meeting at 6:15 p.m. Respectfully submitted, J dj Hawkins, Deputy Clerk Ma ittle, Mayor