HomeMy WebLinkAbout09-23-08-08 City of Lakeville
Economic Development Commission
Meeting Minutes
September 23, 2008
Marion Conference Room, City Hall
Members Present: Comms. Matasosky, Vlasak, Schubert, Tushie, Pogatchnik,
Erickson, Emond, Brantly, Ex-officio member Mayor Holly Dahl, Ex-officio member City
Administrator Steve Mielke.
Members Absent: Smith, StarField.
Others Present: David Olson, Community & Economic Development Director; Adam
Kienberger, Economic Development Specialist.
1. CaII Meeting to Order
Chair Matasosky called the meeting to order at 5:00 p.m. in the Marion Conference
Room of City Hall, 20195 Holyoke Avenue, Lakeville, Minnesota.
2. Approve August 26, 2008 Meeting Minutes
Motion 08.09 Comms. Tushie/Erickson moved to approve the minutes of the
August 26, 2008 meeting as presented. Motion carried
unanimously.
3. Review of Business Retention Program Questionnaire
Adam Kienberger gave an update on the development of the business retention
program and reviewed a draft interview questionnaire.
Comm. Erickson asked how many EDC members would go on each business visit.
Mr. Kienberger responded that staff is recommending the interview team consist of
.one EDC member and one staff.
Comm. Tushie discussed a business retention program in Woodbury where they do
an annual golf tournament with City Council, EpC and staff to network and discuss
issues with businesses.
Comm. Emond noted that the questionnaire is a great start and can always be
modified if additional questions are needed.
Economic Development Commission
Meeting Minutes
September 23, 2008
Comm. Brantly asked if the businesses would be given the questionnaire prior the
meeting.
Mr. Kienberger responded that the businesses would receive the questionnaire prior-
to the visit so that they carr review the questions and prepare for the visit.
Chair Matasosky suggested modifying one of the questions to be more specific to
the business being interviewed. He also recommended a consistent follow-up
practice. of sending a thank you letter and addressing and .concerns mentioned
during the interview.
Comm. Emond recommended tracking the results of the interviews on a yearly basis
for tracking trends and issues.
Chair Matasosky added that the City should prepare some information on what the
City is currently doing or has done for the business community.
Steve Mielke suggested preparing some sort of welcome packet for the business
including: things such as a map .and other informational pieces.
Mayor Dahl noted that a lot of businesses in the industrial park may not be residents
of Lakeville or know what other businesses in the park do. This information could- be
very helpful for them.
Dave Olson stated that staff will begin to schedule business visits and email the
EDC with meeting schedules and ask for volunteers at that time.
4. Marketing Program Update
Mr. Kienberger gave an update on current and upcoming marketing activities..
Comm. Tushie suggested advertising the availability of executive housing in
Lakeville as that is something that business owners tend to look for when locating
their business.
Comm. Erickson asked about workforce availability in Lakeville.
Mr. Olson responded. that we have recently been receiving several inquiries from
businesses considering Lakeville and several have had questions about workforce
availability:_
Mayor Dahl added that it should be noted that Lakeville. has a different type of
workforce; not just available workforce, but quality workers.
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Economic Development Commission
Meeting Minutes
September 23, 2008
Chair Matasosky noted that Lakeville has quality technology workers and a rural
work ethic.
Mr. Kienberger stated that with the development of a marketing video, it will be easy
to keep it up to date and incorporate new businesses and ideas into it.
5. Update on Status of Strategic Plan Work Program Items
Mr. Olson gave an update on the status of the Strategic Plan, Work Program items.
He covered the. goals relating to transportation, life-cycle housing, .technology,
growth management, communication, and partnerships.
6, Director's Report
Mr. Olson reviewed the Director's Report.
Comm. Erickson asked how foreclosures. are affecting Lakeville's operating costs.
Mr. Olson responded that due to an increase in foreclosed properties, the City has
been incurring more maintenance costs relating to lawn and weed mowing, water.
main maintenance, and vacant property monitoring.
Steve Mielke added that the foreclosures haven't had a large impact on taxes
collected because historically Lakeville has had -less than one percent property tax
delinquency, but there is a greater effect on neighborhoods and property valuation.
He also noted that there is a property tax shift occurring where more of a burden is
being put on commercial/industrial properties as home values decrease.
Comm. Pogatchnik asked what the timing was for the City to receive its share of the
property taxes when they are paid.
Mr. Mielke responded that it usually takes about eight weeks.
Chair Matasosky asked how the City finds out about vacant- homes so that they can
be monitored.
Mr. Olson responded that we receive notices of sheriff sales and then monitor the
properties to determine when they are vacated.
Commissioner Pogatchnik announced to the EDC that he will not be seeking
.reappointment to a new term in 2009..
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Economic Development Commission
Meeting Minutes
September 23, 2008
7. Adjourn.
The meeting was adjourned at 6:00 p.m.
Respectfully submitted by: Attested to:
r~~_.
Adam Kienberger, R. T. Brantly, Secreta
Economic Develo ent Specialist..:....
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