HomeMy WebLinkAbout05-27-14CITY OF LAKEVILLE
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION
MEETING MINUTES
May 27, 2014
Chair StarField called the meeting to order at 4:30 p.m. in the Marion Conference Room
at City Hall.
Members Present: Comms. Starrield, Matasosky, Smith, Vlasak, Longie, Emond,
Tushie, Julius, Collman, Mayor Matt Little, Ex -officio member City Administrator Steve
Mielke.
Members Absent: Comms. Ex -officio member Lakeville Area Chamber of Commerce
Executive Director Todd Bornhauser.
Others Present: David Olson, Community & Economic Development Director; Adam
Kienberger, Economic Development Specialist.
2. Approval of April 22, 2014 meeting minutes
Motion Comms. Tushie/Emond moved to approve the minutes of the April
22, 2014 meeting as presented. Motion carried unanimously.
It was noted that a discussion on the future County Road 50 project should be
added to next month's agenda.
3. Menasha Packaging Update
Mr. Olson reviewed the new Job Creation Fund Program (JCF) and noted that
Menasha was currently working with DEED and Lakeville staff on an application for
their proposed expansion.
Mr. Olson noted that the City Council approved a resolution of support for the
Menasha application at their May 19 meeting.
4. Update on 2014-16 Strategic Plan for Economic Development Work Program
Mr. Kienberger provided an update on the Strategic Plan and noted that several
items were currently in process.
Mr. Olson noted a recent Minnesota Job Skills Partnership (MJSP) grant award to
BTD and Dakota County Technical College. This program along with the JCF
program are additional tools that can be added to Lakeville's economic
development toolbox.
Mr. Olson noted that the EDC is invited to attend the June 23 City Council Work
Session where Maxfield Research will be providing a presentation on their recently
completed Dakota County -wide housing assessment.
5. Director's Report
Economic Development Commission Meeting Minutes, May 28, 2014 Page 2
Mr. Olson reviewed the Director's Report.
The EDC discussed the Lakeville job fair that was held on May 22 and noted the
relatively low attendance compared to last year. It was noted that workforce
availability is becoming a concern and that there is not enough emphasis being
placed on vocational education opportunities for high school students.
Chair Starfield noted that the labor participation rate is at 35 -year low right now and
that a skill gap exists with the existing workforce.
It was noted that a lack of skilled workers could affect Lakeville's ability to attract
new businesses if there isn't a greater effort placed on educating and training our
future workforce for varying career tracks.
It was noted that this will be Adam Kienberger's last EDC meeting as he has
accepted the position of Community Development Director at the City of
Farmington. The EDC presented him with a plaque and thanked him for his eight
plus years of service to Lakeville and the EDC.
6. Adjourn
Meeting adjourned at 5:20 p.m.
Respectfully submitted by:
Adam Kienberger, Recording Secretary