HomeMy WebLinkAbout09-27-22CITY OF LAKEVILLE
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION
MEETING MINUTES
September 27, 2022
1. Chair Seiler called the meeting to order at 4:00 p.m. in the Marion Conference Room.
Members Present: Comms. Rick Bjorklund, Jessica Christiansen, Jim Emond, Bob Gillen, Jack Matasosky, Don Seiler
Ex-officio Members Present: Mayor Douglas Anderson, Chamber President Krista Jech
Members Absent: Comm. Lowell Collman, Sara Lundberg, Andrew Phillips, Glenn Starfield
Staff Present: Tina Goodroad, Community Development Director; Kati Bachmayer, Economic Development Coordinator
2. Approval of August 23, 2022 Meeting Minutes
Comms. Matasosky / Gillen moved to approve the minutes of the August 23 meeting.
Motion carried unanimously.
3. Presentation by Guest Speaker, Tim O’Neill, Regional Labor Market Analyst, DEED
Tim O’Neill, Metro Regional Labor Market Analyst at the MN Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) presented Lakeville labor market information to the EDC. Mr. O’Neill noted that labor conditions continue to be very tight in the state, including Lakeville. However, he also stated that Lakeville fared better than other communities during the Covid 19 pandemic, as Lakeville lost the fewest number of jobs between 2019-2020 and had the fastest job growth between 2020-2021, compared to the top 27 employing cities in Minnesota. Mr. O’Neill told the group that childcare is one of the highest complexities related to workforce, both related to availability and affordability. The state of Minnesota had a nationwide record low unemployment rate for the past two months, but the unemployment rate has ticked up slightly this month. Mr. O’Neill informed members that DEED has many data tools available to the public and has many staff members – like Workforce Strategy Consultants and Employer Engagement Specialists – who can be of assistance to local businesses.
4. Presentation by Krista Jech, President, Lakeville Chamber; Good Work Lakeville
Ms. Jech updated the EDC on the new Lakeville Works initiative called “Good Work Lakeville.” Good Work Lakeville is a video series highlighting Lakeville Works founding donors and the high demand jobs available at those companies. Ms. Jech said several videos have been filmed thus far, with a goal of launching the new video series in October.
Economic Development Commission Minutes September 27, 2022 Page | 2
5. Project Updates Ms. Goodroad presented information about a staff proposed ordinance amendment to the O-P, Office Park District, which allows uses including office buildings, office parks, wholesale showroom, research and development facilities and light manufacturing. The zoning district is intended to be distinct from I-1, Light Industrial through higher standards in overall open space within the site and building design standards. While working with developers in recent months, it has become apparent that tenants need multi-use facilities that include space for office, manufacturing, and warehousing. While the O-P district allows this combination (with a conditional use permit a tenant can have over 50% light manufacturing) the design standards specific to the O-P district uses are driving up costs resulting in O-P zoned sites being more costly to develop compared to I-1 zoned sites. Upon evaluating the ordinance, staff determined that a few minor ordinance changes can provide for flexibility while not compromising on high quality aesthetics. Feedback from the EDC was requested, and members were supportive of the proposed changes so Lakeville can be responsive to the market while also maintaining high visual standards in the city. The O-P ordinance changes will next be reviewed by the Planning Commission on October 6.
6. Marketing Efforts a. Outreach – City staff recently met with Dakota County Technical College representatives to receive a campus tour and discuss economic development partnership opportunities between the organizations. b. Events – On September 22, Mayor Anderson presented at the 2022 South of the River Summit to educate commercial real estate brokers on what’s happening in the City of Lakeville. Upcoming October events include Manufacturing Month events, an Open to Business tour of downtown Lakeville, and a Lakeville Works teacher tour (a partnership between the City, Chamber, and ISD 194 school district).
7. Development Update Ms Bachmayer presented the development update. Projects mentioned were: Authentix Lakeville, Chamber ribbon cutting ceremonies (Nautical Bowls, Whimzy, and Minnesota WellCare), Taco Bell, Keokuk property sale, BeeHive Addition, the proposed Panda Express, and the recent Antlers Park ordinance amendment to allow restaurants in the park.
8. Adjourn Meeting adjourned at 5:26 p.m.
Economic Development Commission Minutes September 27, 2022 Page | 3
Respectively submitted by: Kati Bachmayer, Economic Development Coordinator