HomeMy WebLinkAbout08-24-93 • CITY OF LAKEVILLE
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES
AUGUST 24, 1993
The meeting was called to order by Chairperson Tushie at 7:15 P.M. in
Conference Room A at City Hall.
Roll call of members was taken. Present: Tushie, Brantly, Vogel, Krecji,
Erickson, Matasosky. Absent: Emond, Detjen.
Others present: Michael Sobota, Director of Community and Economic
Development; Carol Graff, Economic Development Specialist; Robert
Erickson, City Administrator.
93.12 Motion was made by Matasosky, seconded by Erickson to approve the
minutes of the May 11, 1993 EDC meeting.
Motion passed unanimously.
Introduction of New Executive Director of the Lakeville Chamber.
Graff introduced Cindy Johnson to the members of the commission. Ms.
• Johnson became director of the Chamber in July. Her background includes
three years as an assistant to the director of the Burnsville Chamber, sales
and marketing for a small business, and is active in the Jaycees organization.
Discussion of Mazketing Strategy for 1994.
Graff began the discussion with a brief overview of the current 1993 work
plan and described which goals had been accomplished to-date and goals that
were on-going.
Next item discussed was the status of downtown revitalization efforts. Graff
described the new retail currently moving into the downtown business district
and the future of the post office. Sobota added that staff had met with
Dakota County HRA and spoke about the plans for the Winsor Plaza
expansion. Construction is expected in 1994.
In place of Commerce and Industry Day, Graff stated that staff and the
Chamber were developing a program for Manufacturer's Week in October,
1993. Graff and Johnson described the proposed program which includes a
recognition dinner and tours of two local manufacturing facilities (Despatch
Industries and Grist Mill, Inc.), in Lakeville. Tushie recommended that the
program include information on the process a business has to undertake in
• order to expand. Also, land availability in the future because of the RTC
Sheriffs Sale would be helpful information. Sobota stated that a discussion
• about how past business expansions have worked would be appropriate. Graff
suggested that instead of one speaker at the recognition dinner, that a panel
of three people representing development, planning, and finance provide some
insight to the process of expanding a business. Staff will work with the
Chamber in developing the program and will report to the EDC in
September.
Sobota reviewed the proposed 1994 work plan and requested input from the
commission as to which items should become part of the marketing plan. He
stated that the future land issues in Airlake and plans for a Commerce and
Industry Day in 1994 will affect the marketing plan. Brantly requested that
all marketing issues be put together into a plan with a budget so that the
commission could be proactive rather than reactive to the economic growth
of the community.
Discussion continued on how the EDC can be more active and influence
positive economic development in Lakeville. Discussion regarding business
retention efforts and marketing for Fairfield demonstrated the commission's
past activities. Tushie suggested that the City consider selecting an exclusive
developer to market and develop the Fairfield Business Campus. Matasosky
concurred and added that most businesses need a professional to walk them
through the building process and answer questions. Sobota queried whether
• the public would look positive on the City selecting an exclusive developer.
Matasosky stated that it would be a positive. Vogel stated that a developer
would create a value to the land which doesn't exist now. Sobota added that
the land was located in a 25-yeaz TIF district, and along with a professional
developer involved, much value would be added to the land and an attractive
package marketed. Brantly suggested that the commission should analyze the
benefits of developing Fairfield rather than marketing the land. Sobota stated
that he would consult with the City Attorney regarding a development
contract and exclusive rights for a selected developer.
Discussion turned to the proposed October 26 joint meeting between the EDC
and the Lakeville Chamber executive board. Brantly suggested that overall,
the EDC and the Chamber work together and decide "What is Lakeville?" and
"Where is it?" Johnson spoke on demographic information on the community
and how education is of importance to business. Tushie and Matasosky
stressed the need to develop a marketing focus. J. Erickson added that not
only should the marketing focus on Fairfield, but also Airlake and the
downtown business district.
Sobota requested input on how the joint meeting should be run. Matasosky
stated that a draft agenda be written. Vogel added that an outside facilitator
be used to conduct the meeting. Barb Lukerman, facilitator for the Strategic
• Growth Task Force, was mentioned as a familiar face who could act as an
objective facilitator. Agreement was unanimous that Lukerman would be an
asset to facilitate the joint meeting. Sobota will contact her regarding the
proposed joint meeting and report to the EDC in September.
Tushie suggested that the EDC should identify goals and develop priorities
and strategies toward accomplishing those goals at the next EDC meeting on
September 28. When the commission has defined goals, priorities and
strategies, staff will then put together a draft marketing plan.
Tushie stated that EDC members should call in to staff regarding agenda
items for the next meeting. Staff requested that members call a week ahead
of the scheduled meeting date and submit agenda items.
Economic Development Activities.
Sobota described the Cracker Barrel project to the commission members. J.
Erickson mentioned that some type of gateway monument should be done in
conjunction with the project. Further discussion brought out possible options:
make Kenyon into a landscaped boulevard to C.R. 5; creation of a water
fountain, rock garden and ponding on either side of Kenyon. Consensus was
unanimous that the project presented a great opportunity to set the tone for
future development in the T.H. 50 corridor. Sobota will work with SRF on
developing a gateway plan and report back at the September meeting.
Meeting adjourned at 9:20 P.M.
Respectfully submitted:
_ C'~-~-C- ~.1,~
Carol Graff, Reco u?g Secretary
ATTEST:
o~rantly, Secretary