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HomeMy WebLinkAbout04-23-91 ~ wr ~ . CITY OF LAKEVILLE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES APRIL 23, 1991 The meeting was called to order at 7:14 p.m. in the City Hall Conference Room by Chair Berg. Members present: Berg, Brantly, Emond, Erickson, Hanlon, Matasosky, Tushie, Degen. Absent: Meledandri Also present was Michael Sobota, Community and Economic Development Director; Elizabeth Halbach, Executive Director of Chamber of Commerce. 91.13 Motion was made by Erickson, seconded by Brantly to approve the minutes of the March 26, 1991 Economic Development Commission meeting. Motion passed unanimously. Chairman Berg called on Mr. Sobota to outline information on a retail marketing approach for the downtown area. Mr. Sobota indicated that contact had been made with a firm that does site locations for retail operations including the Dahl House, Ehlers Stores and Bretts. Mr. Jeff Wagner of The Retail Group indicated that if the Dahl House would have an interest in downtown Lakeville, they would be looking for approximately 3,500 squaze feet. A downtown location would fit with the type of • locations they would consider as potential markets. Mr. Wagner requested information on demographics of the azea. Mr. Sobota discussed with the Commission the need for additional market development studies for the downtown. After a general discussion, it was ggenerally agreed that a master plan for the development of downtown would be needed and that it made sense for the community to focus on the downtown. Mr. Tushie noted that downtown was at a critical crossroads and that if redevelopment does not occur now, some of the existing stores may disappear over the next few yeazs. Mr. Erickson noted that the Downtown Busmess Association has accomplished some projects but there is a need for strong City involvement in the redevelopment of the area. Tushie, Erickson, Matasosky and Emond volunteered to sit on a subcommittee to define the boundaries and targets for development and work with the downtown business groups to develop a plan and strategy. 91.14 Motion was made by Hanlon, seconded by Tushie for the Economic Development Commission to endorse a progressive downtown development program as a priority; to work with the downtown community; and to establish a subcommittee to assit in developing the program. Motion passed unanimously. Chairman Berg called on Mr. Sobota to discuss proposed small business financing workshops. Mr. Sobota indicated that many small business owners • are not aware of the current programs for start up or expansion that are ' : ~ . • ECONOMIC DEVELOMENT COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES APRIL 23, 1991 available. Members of the Commission agreed that financing was a priority. Mr. Sobota suggested an approach of getting the local lending mstituuons to co-sponsor workshops focusing on financing programs that are available. He suggested that perhaps a series of three workshops, the first one focusing on Small Business Administration Programs; the second workshop focusing on new and start-up businesses; and a third one perhaps focusing on venture capital or business development. The Commission agreed that a way to determine a need for the workshops would be to have co-sponsorship from financial institutions. Financial institutions would be in the best position to determine needs and also to assist in putting the programs together. Mr. Sobota indicated that he would request a small amount of funding for brochures, develoment and marketing from financial institutions if they had an interest in the program. 91.15 Motion was made by Erickson, seconded by Brantly to proceed with the financing workshops should the banks co-sponsor. Motion passed unanimously. Dan Hanlon and Jack Matasosky volunteered to work with staff on this project. Mr. Sobota next presented a list of project activities. He noted the Council decisions to approve the first time home buyers proggrram and to approve a land use and feasibility study for Trunk Highway 50. He also noted the concept for the I-35/County Road 70 bridge replacement project and that land owners would be providing comments to the City, MNDOT and the County Highway Department by the end of the month. Tushie, Berg and Emond noted concerns of access for the existing businesses at the McStop location. Mr. Berg noted that the impact of the project as ~rro~osed may be to reduce traffic entirely because of lack of access. He indicated that McDonalds has done some studies and has the resources to address the issues but that many of the small businesses in the area do not have these resources. Discussion by the Commission indicated concern for the impact on the small businesses, not only at the County Road 70 interchange project, but also the County Road 46 interchange project. Mr. Emond noted that a redesign on the road system at Cedarvale Shopping Center had a major impact on business activities in that area. 91.16 Motion was made by Tushie, seconded by Erickson to request that the Council hire a traffic engineer to review County Road 70 and County Road 46 interchange protects to determine impact on existing business in concert with land use studies. Motion passed unanimously. Mr. Sobota noted the success of the Teltech workshop held April 19, 1991. • Mr. Matasosky noted that a number of businesses that were present at the workshop will be able to use the type of information available. • ECONOMIC DEVELOMENT COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES APRIL 23, 1991 During further discussion on other pro ects, members of the Commission indicated that the high school project ~ ice arena location may be a controversial issue. Under new business, Mr. Erickson wmmented that Sanford Hospital is now called the South Suburban Medical Center and will be holding an open house and a'Business After 4:00" later this month. He encouraged members to become aware of the changes at the hospital. Mr. Tushie noted that the community survey recently completed by the City Council indicated that there was a strong sentiment against subsidized housing. He noted that the City Council should be aware that subsidized housing has a strong need for economic development. Others on the Commission agreed. Discussion was held concerning the date for the next EDC meeting. Some members would not be available so it was agreed that if a meeting was needed, it should be held on May 21, otherwise wait until the June meeting. Meeting adjourned 10:00 p.m. Respectfully submitted: G,„ - c. i/ ~ ~ f- M' a bota, Recording Secretary ATTEST: Gary Tushie, Secretary •