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HomeMy WebLinkAbout03-23-04 City of Lakeville Economic Development Commissioln Regular Meeting Agenda Tuesday, March 23, 2004, 6:00 p.m. Ciry Hall, 20195 Holyoke Avenue Lakeville, MN 1. Call meeting to order. 2. Approve January 27, 2004 meeting minutes. 3. VFW CDBG Code Improvement Project Approval 4. Dakota Electric Association Partners In Progress Overview 5. Scheduling Plant Tours /Off-site Meetings 6. Update on Aircraft Resources Center 7. Director's Report 8. Adjourn Attachments: • Minnesota Real (state Journal Lakeville continues to develop at .rapid pace • Pat Summerall Productions Netcast notitication • Partners In Progress Highlights • Dakota CountyWorkforce Investment Board News and. Notes February2004- Edifion : . • Star Tribune Transportation funding rift grows • Pioneer Press Lakeville: Health clinic to open in summer • StarTribune' Small Business: Can Divine Swine wine and dine? City of Lakeville GRAFT Economic Development Commission Meeting Minutes January 27, 2004 Marion Conference Room, City Hall Members Present: Comms. Brantly, Emond, J. Erickson, Gehrke, Matasosky, Miller, Pogatchnik, Tushie, Ex-Officio member Robert Erickson -City Administrator Members Absent: Comms. Schubert, Smith, Ex-Officio member Todd Bornhauser - Executive. Director -Lakeville Area Chamber of Commerce Others Present: Staff present: David Olson, Community & Economic Development Director; Amanda Schwabe, Economic Development Coordinator 1. Call Meeting to Order. Chair Matasosky called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. in the Marion Conference Room of Ciry Hall, 20195 Holyoke Avenue, Lakeville, Minnesota. 2. Approve December 9, 2003 Meeting Minutes Motion 04.01 Comms. Tushie/Erickson moved to approve the minutes of the December 9, 2003 meeting. Motion carried unanimously. 3. Election of Officers Mr. Olson stated that the February 22, 1994 Resolution Confirming and Defining the, Purpose, Responsibilities and Terms of Office for the Economic Development Commission state that "at the first meeting of the year, the Commission shall elect a Chairperson, Vice Chairperson and Secretary from amongst its appointed members to serve for a term of one year." Chair Matasosky asked for nominations to fill the three positions. Comms. Erickson recommended keeping the same officers that were elected in 2003. Motion 04.02 Comms. Erickson/Miller moved to elect Comm. Matasosky as Chair, Comm. Pogatchnik as Vice-Chair, and Comm. Brantly as Secretary of the Economic Development .Commission for 2004. Motion carried unanimously. 4. Video Presentation -Pat Summerall Productions - "Best Managed Small Cities in America" City Administrator Erickson informed EDC members that Pat Summerall Productions recently selected Lakeville as one of the best managed small cities in America. The City has received both a 2-minute and 6-minute video produced by Pat Summerall 1 Productions. He mentioned that the 2-minute video would be aired on CNN Headline News on January 29, 2004 between 5:00 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. Pat. Summerall Productions did filming for the videos and provided much of the script. Comms. Pogatchnik stated that this video is the best thing the City has to distribute and that it is definitely a first class production. It makes me proud to be a resident of Lakeville. Comms. Tushie recommended sending the video to local television stations. Comms. Gehrke suggested running the video before council meetings as people. are being seated. Mr. Olson explained that streaming the video on the City's website may be another way for the public to view it Comms. Pogatchnik stated that Mr. Summerall's voice is very distinctive and wilt be recognized by many people. Comms. Brantly questioned how timely the video would be. Mr. Erickson stated that the City would be able to use the video as a marketing tool for at least one year. He also shared that the Fortune 300 companies that are located in Lakeville have requested copies of the video to give to their corporate headquarters. Mr. Olson asked EDC members to let him or Ms. Schwabe know if they have contacts who would like a copy of the video. He stated that the .companies mentioned in the video would be receiving complimentary copies as well as other businesses that request copies. 5. Presentation of 2003 Economic Development Annual Report Mr. Olson presented a PowerPoint presentation to highlight major. achievements, recognize how EDC initiatives have played a role in accomplishments, and identify what staff will be working on in 2004. Comms. Pogatchnik asked about the occupancy at Lakeville Town Office. Mr. Olson stated that Mr. Dunsmore has commitments, meaning units have either been sold or leased, in all but one or two of the seventeen units. He also said that Mr. Dunsmore is interested. in constructing another fifteen or sixteen units on the parcel adjacent to his current project and the Family Swim School. Mr. Olson indicated that Lakeville Office Park tenants would include realtors, financial offices and builders. Mr. Olson stated that Lakeville Family Dental building is also fully leased. Comms. Pogatchnik questioned why Cub Foods would build a store in the Crossroads development when it is so close to their location in Apple Valley? 2 City Administrator Erickson stated that the number of housing units in Lakeville, Farmington and Apple Valley were a deciding factor. He mentioned that the Kowalski's grocery store chain is still interested in locating in Lakeville. City Administrator Erickson continued by saying that the sit-down restaurant site in the Crossroads Development has been acquired by the owners of Champs restaurants but that they are not interested in doing a Champs here, but rather something higher end. Comms. Erickson asked if any tenants had been found for the Heritage Commons 2"d Addition building? City Administrator Erickson informed EDC members that Theresa's Restaurant, a sit-down Mexican restaurant, is in the process of completing the necessary paperwork for a liquor license application to locate in the Heritage Commons 2"d Addition. Comms. Pogatchnik mentioned that he has seen a "For Sale" sign downtown and asked which parcels of land are for sale? Mr. Olson shared that the Fleck properties currently being used as parking lots, including the site next to Erickson Drug, are currently for sale. Comms. Erickson asked what the status was of the two houses owned by the VFW? City Administrator Erickson informed EDC members that the City has. offered to assist in the demolition of the two houses. At the completion of the PowerPoint presentation, Chair Matasosky asked how the EDC could share this message with residents? Mr. Olson stated that one way would be to put the PowerPoint on the City's website. Mr. Olson informed EDC members that money has been budgeted to bring in an outside facilitator to assist in the .planning of the 2005-2007 Strategic Plan Work Program. Comms. Pogatchnik asked if EDC members could be present at the City Council meeting during the presentation? City Administrator Erickson stated that more credibility would be gained if EDC members could be present at the meeting. Comms. Pogatchnik, Emond and Matasosky volunteered to be present at the Feb. 2, 2004 City Council meeting when the Summary of Economic Development in 2003 PowerPoint is presented. 6. 2002-2004 Strategic Plan Work Program for 2004 Mr. Olson stated that 2004 is the final year of the three-year plan and that the 2004 Work Plan goals were derived from reviewing the four Strategic Work Areas that the 3 EDC identified in the 2002-2004 Strategic Plan for Economic Development. He informed the EDC members that many of the goals and efforts pertaining to these Work Areas were also included in the 2003 Work Plan are ongoing and thus a number of these goals have been carried forward into 2004. Efforts to achieve the first goal, "to inform the residents of the benefits of commercial/industrial development," include continuation of the Spotlight on Business Program, which has been slightly modified to invite the developers of large commercial retail and industrial projects to give updates or status reports on their respective projects, hosting EDC meetings/tours at area businesses and utilizing the strategies recommended by Himle Horner including increasing the utilization of Cable Channel 16 and the City's website to provide additional information on new commercial and industrial development occurring in the community. The second goal and strategic work area to be continued in 2004 is the "Support of Major Transportation Facilities in the City:" Efforts will include continuing to work on the interchange improvements at Co. Rd. 50 and 60 as well as identifying funding for the Co. Rd. 70 interchange improvements. Mr. Olsori informed EDC members that the City is eligible for $5.5 million in TEA-21 funding that is anticipated to be available in 2007. Staff will continue to work on the I-35 and Cedar Avenue Bus Rapid Transit Study, East-West Corridor Study and the County 2025 Transportation Plan in which the Ten Ton road issue is proposed to be addressed. Efforts to achieve the third goal of "Encouraging the investigation of critical business infrastructure" continues with assisting the Airlake Airport in implementing their plans to expand their commercial hanger facilities. Staff will also continue to monitor the Metropolitan Council's effort to complete a Regional Wastewater System Plan Update. City Administrator Erickson informed EDC members that Caren Dewar, Deputy Regional Administrator, resigned from the Metropolitan Council last week. Erickson stated that the City would benefit from this change in the coming years. The fourth goal and strategic work area is for the EDC to "encourage a balance between commercial/industrial and residential tax base." Mr. Olson explained that business retention and expansion efforts, manufacturing week activities and communications methods such as continuing the Airlake Newsletter would continue in 2004. Additional activities continuing from previous strategic plans include: the distribution, collection and tracking of Development Project Feedback Surveys and Customer Service Training for City Employees which is included in the 2004 Budget and is proposed to be conducted again this year. He mentioned that the Pat Summerall Productions video promoting Lakeville would also be available for use as a marketing piece in attracting businesses and industries to Lakeville. Mr. Olson reiterated to EDC members that staff would begin work on the 2005-2007 Strategic Plan for Economic Development in August or September. He stated that funding is included in the approved budget to bring in an outside facilitator to assist in the planning process. 4 Comms. Matasosky indicated that it is good to have a Strategic Plan that is manageable. Comms. Pogatchnik stated that all of the current developments show how far along the city has come. Motion 04.03 Comms. Emond/Pogatchnik moved to approve the 2004 Work Plan for the Economic Development Strategic Plan. Motion carried unanimously. 7. Summary. of 2003 Development Project Feedback Surveys Ms. Schwabe informed EDC members that as a result of the 1995 Strategic Plan for Economic Development, each year the Ciry conducts a "survey of business after the development process for feedback." She explained that the surveys are sent to developers and owners of commercial and industrial projects after they have received a certificate of occupancy for their project. Ms. Schwabe stated that the City sent out 62 survey letters in 2003 for which 21 responses were received. She- mentioned that a copy of the survey .and results dating back to 1999 were included in the packet. Mr. Olson concluded by saying that all respondents receive a signed letter from the Mayor saying thank you for responding. Comms. Brantly stated that the positive remarks that were received. would be a great motivation for staff. Comms. Pogatchnik questioned if there was an incentive for staff to receive favorable comments? Mr. Olson responded by saying that the comments that are received on the development surveys are taken into consideration during employee merit evaluations that take place at the end of the year. Comms. Pogatchnik stated that 100% satisfaction shows that the City is treating everyone fairly with consistency. 8. 2003 Building Permit Analysis Mr. Olson explained to EDC members that the City of Lakeville has surpassed its previous record for annual total building permit valuation. He stated that in 2003, the City issued building permits with a total valuation of $250,107,515. This represented an increase of more than $82,965,156 over the previous record of $167,142,359 established in 2002. Mr: Olson informed EDC members that Commercial. / Industrial building permits represented approximately 17.2% of the total building permit valuation in 2003 (excluding the New High School and other tax exempt projects) compared to 12.5% for Commercial /Industrial permits issued in 2002 (excluding tax exempt projects}. 5 Mr. Olson stated that he would not go into great detail regarding specific projects since most were included in the Presentation of 2003 Economic Development Annual Report. Comms. Tushie asked if the City needs to consider a moratorium on residential development? City Administrator Erickson responded that the Mayor has responded to this question by saying that the City should wait two years until staff begins updating the Comprehensive Plan in 2006. He continued to say that the direction right now is to continue on the course of processing the current level of building permits, focusing on transportation issues including interchange improvements and the East-West Corridor Study as well as the Community Center. Motion 04.04 Comms. Tushie/Pogatchnik moved to revisit the Strategic Work Plan Areas and their relation to overall development during the next EDC Strategic Planning session in September. Motion carried unanimously. 9. Directors Report Mr. Olson informed EDC members that the 2004 meeting schedule was included in the packet. Mr. Olson shared that C.H. Carpenter Lumber Company, Inc.. was featured at the January 20, 2004 City Council meeting and was introduced by EDC .Chair Jack Matasosky. Mr. Olson. also stated that the Dakota Electric Association Partners In Progress Event is scheduled for March 3, 2004 from. 4:30 - 6:30 p.m. at Royal Cliff,in Eagan. Comms. Matasosky and .Brantly confirmed having received invitations to the Partners in Progress event. 10. Adjourn The meeting was adjourned at 7:45 p.m. Respectfully submitted by: Attested to: Amanda Schwabe, R. T. Brantly, Secretary Economic Development Coordinator 6 Agenda Item :MEMORANDUM TO: Economic Development Commission CC: Robert Erickson, City Administrator Amanda Schwabe, Economic Development Coordinator FROM: David L. Olson, Community & Economic Development Director DATE: March 18, 2004 RE: CDBG Funding for the VFW City staff have been in discussions with representatives of the VFW Club for several months regarding the use of CDBG funds to assist with the necessary code improvements for their fire damaged kitchen within the club building and to also assist in the demolition of the vacant house owned by the VFW located at the corner of 209"' Street and Howland Avenue. The City has offered to provide the VFW wfth up to $80,000 in CDBG assistance for the necessary repairs and. code improvement work for the kitchen area of the building. The City proposes to utilize 2003 CDBG funds since a Code Improvement project was not done in 2003. The-VFW will be required to expend an amount equal to this in repairs and replacement of equipment and fixtures. The total cost of the project is currently estimated to be $215,000. The VFW has indicated a willingness to participate imthis program contingent on confirmation of the level of assistance and determination that the CDBG requirements do not increase the project cost significantly. These requirements include compliance with Federal Davis Bacon Wage rates. The VFW's architect is currently working with the prospective'bidders for the project to ensure that their bids are in compliance with federal wage requirements. Unlike previous Downtown Code Improvement projects, the CDA has determined that the actual Grant Agreement will be between the Dakota County CDA and the VFW as the grant reimbursements wilF be made by the CDA directly to the VFW. The goal of the City and the VFW is tohave the project completed by July 1 s~, prior to the start of Pan-O-Prog. The City has also offered to assist in the demolition of the vacant house owned by the VFW located at the corner of Howland and 209'" Street. The VFW had started renovation of this house'last year with plans to sell it and use the proceeds to assist in the kitchen renovationand repairs. The VFW has indicated a willingness to demolish this house contingent on the receipt of the $80,000 Code Improvement Grant. The property would be utilized for additional off-street parking for the VFW. The City has identified $18,455 in currently available CDBG funds that are available for this project. The intent would also be to have this demolition completed by July 1, 2004. Action Requested A recommendation to use up to $80,D00 in CDBG funds for a Code Improvement Pro~ect at the VFW Club and up to $18,455 for demolition of the vacant house owned by the VFW at 209 and Howland Avenue. _ ._M ~ r ~ r,~- T/ i r/ f _ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ® ® - ~ ~ - - J y - ~ ~ ' -w - - ~ ~ - -.t - - - - - - - - :y f ~ <<S ~ ~ ~i ( ~ / J ~ . t. ~ . . ~ ~ - - _ .,.y . ray _ _ Jam` ~ r - - - r tip ~ 1 li! Ia Y laT~ !a 1 i ~ r ~ r ~ _ . ~ ~ - - ~ _ Agenda Item ~7 MEMORANDUM TO: Economic Development Commission CC: Robert Erickson, City Administrator David L. Olson, Community & Economic Development Director FROM: Amanda Schwabe, Economic Development Coordinator DATE: March 18, 2004 RE: Dakota Electric Association Partners In Progress Overview The Dakota Electric Association (DEA} held its annual Partners In Progress event at Rdyal Cliff, Eagan on March 3rd to celebrate growth and development in Dakota County. City staff provided DEA with development highlights from 2003, which were published in the Partners In Progress booklet. Far your reference, a Partners In Progress booklet was included in the • packet. Mayor Johnson and Council members Rieb and Wulff attended the event along with EDC members Jack Matasosky, -Bob Brantly, Jeannie Schubert and City staff. Representatives from DEA and.Dakota County Technical College recognized City Administrator Bob Erickson during the event for his many years of service working with the City and Dakota Electric. Same of the highlights from the Partners In Progress event include: • The City of Lakeville issued more residential permits than any other Dakota County community in 2003. Lakeville issued 789 residential permits with a valuation of $149,884,000 in 2003. Apple Valley was next by issuing 592 residential permits with a valuation of $69,607,000, • Lakeville issued 125 CommerciaVlndustrial permits, which was slightly less than Apple . Valley's 128 CommerciaVlndustrial permits. However, the value of the CommerciaVlndustrial permits issued by Lakeville totaled $35,642,000 compared to Apple Valley's CommerciaVlndustrial permit valuation of $14,649,000. • Lakeville projected 300 jobs were created in 2003. Inver Grove Heights reported the creation of 350 jobs in 2003 and was the only community in Dakota County to report more than 300. • Lakeville's total valuation of Residential and Commercial/Industrial permits equaled $185,526,000 in 2003, which is higher than those issued by Burnsville, Eagan and Inver Grove Heights combined. Agenda Item Jr MEMORANDUM TO: Economic Development Commission CC: Robert Erickson, City Administrator David L Olson, Community & Economic Development Director FROM: Amanda Schwabe, Economic Development Coordinator DATE: March 18, 2004 RE: Scheduling Plant Tours/Off-site Meetings The fourth work program goal of the 2004 Strategic Plan Work Program was identified to: "Encourage a balanea® b®tween comrnerclaUlnduatrfal and residential tax base." Business retention and expansion efforts including on-site business visits ware identified as one of the proposed efforts to encourage a balanced tax base. Staff is proposing to include the EDC in business retention and expansion efforts by hosting EDC meetings at Airlake-Industrial Park and Fairfield Business Campus businesses two to three rtimes a year. City Staff feels that hosting meetings at local businesses would provide an opportunity for-EDC members to introduce themselves to business representatives, take.. plant tours and learn about the realm of diverse productsproduced in Lakeville, The following are several businesses that have either built a new facility, moved a new business into an existing building or are making significant capital investments in new manufacturing equipment. Mendell Machine and Manufacturing„ Ina • Advanced Wireless Communications • Hearth and Home Technologies • Con.Agra Foods EDC members may have other businesses in Airlake Industrial Park or Fairfield Business Campus that they would Hke to tour. Feel free to suggest other possible EDC site visit locations at Tuesday's meeting. w<< TD: Eton Qevelnptr~ent Ctsnmission . CC: rt Erioi~4r?, City lldministrator ;~Axnanda: , Ec:anc~rrtlc't~uebpmsnt ~ooMinatnr FRCDM: ~ i]~vid 1, t?isori, Gontrnunity ~ Eacsnarnia 13evetopment ~irecttu DATE: frch 79, 2f104 ~ FIE: an Air~ra# Fiesc~u+ Center I was ret~rrtly by entatiwos of Aircraft Rescwr Canter. a rC?ed~tini} to dis~sa their ~ur~rnt ply for updating their Fbced Based CSper~tcr (F~ facitit eet Airiai~ ~tirpart. `14t if?is rifting ~l met Franko and. Tony F'an'iilo, fattrsr and son, wha ar+s arrct „ have ouu~rs:oi ,~irorat#' t~s+o~urce Center sir?~e r Stove W a~ ttre i:?re~ aN of our irwoluement with Aircft R~eourv~ Cer~r wai} with. Ror? a~ ~ft Mf~nsun who-ware-managing Aircraft Resour'Center kir the F t was inbrme+d at t~cerjt tf~t. i~an.and fCurt Hansorrare rro 4tr the E and Tarty have thk+est per the t of A4r?~ft' Ceti - Both tsf the F . arepitats and haura been inuotved in ayiatbn naiated basin tt~ ; afiior~ #+Dr a nurser of yew. They alert ~hauo a number caf +tr iine~as i wsill. Tm~y, ttt~ ison;'iiv+~ inferior Lake and Franko, the father has his itoniae in bait is spending a ram amount of time in t~iktnesota. The t*roriltos filet rathor than just adding a hanger bddition to the airi~'FBC3. txjrrtpl~e at b that was prctposed fast year, they are. rya oon buildirtg;a rte~n+ buik~Fig.to the entire existg facility;'wFFrictt in thsait apirpcx? dues rr~t conu~r irna #h~y k~ pvr~ray for #heir business. They also. indicated t#tatt tiny iraerxi tQ with i~ilAC farm ' ticut of tF~ ptan to i additktnal'hars ~ tho area aoutfr the runway ourrgr in li;ureka Tc>wrtship: i infc~med,them of hfte hietary of =i:~ue firm ff?e, City's perspe~ive and the~i°~nt +effort& to complete a email annexation°+ then' Ffs gd area. , They rrfa~rle ava~re the City's position on extertskx? of water end err ~ervnces and that posies. Tony Fiar~k3 d the Airlsl Airport i4dvisory Board meeting: ~ 3tana~r#ay, Mbrch t8~' and s°tfom`t~i the tt~rritrers of this Bosrd which includes re tatives of the City, Eureka- Tow+lfa, owners rep t€~tiues, and MAC staff of their plans to lank of theontire FBtat~,acilii}~ rather than just adding a hanger addition. Staff will keep the Ef~C infortr~d dh- issut$ as further discussions with.the FioriNo`s; MAC artt# tPie City take plac~i Doer this ne+seuarel months. Agenda Item # 7 MEMORANDUM TO: Economic Development Commission CC: Robert Erickson, City Administrator Amanda Schwabe, Economic Development Coordinator FR: David L. Olson, Community & Economic Development Director DATE: March 18, 2004 RE: March Director's Report The following is the Director's Report for March of 2004. Spotlight on Business H.J. Development, the developer of the commercial portion of the Crossroads Development located at Cedar Avenue and Dodd Blvd. was featured at the March 1, 2004 Spotlight on Business. This is first spotlight under the new format that is intended to provide updates on new businesses that will be locating in the larger new commercial developments being developed in Lakeville. This meeting date was chosen for since as it fell on the same week as the opening of the new Cub Store in Crossroads. Representatives of HJ Development provided information on tenants that had already opened at Crossroads and others that have entered in lease agreements and will be opening in the next several months. EDC Member Jeannie Schubert introduced representatives of Pinacle Products as the spotlighted business at the March 15"' City Council meeting. A copy of the information that was provided to the City Council on this project is attached. County Road 50 and 60 Updates The City Council authorized the advertisement for bids for the CSAH 50 Interim Improvement Project at their March 15th City Council meeting. The bid opening is scheduled for April 14th with a City Council bid award scheduled for the April 19th City Council meeting. City staff and the right-of-way consultant retained by the City have retained right-of-entries from all but a few property owners adjacent to the project. The City Council also adopted the Official Map for the Ultimate Improvement to the CSAH 50 Interchange that will be constructed in 10-15 years. Dakota Cc2unty recently had a bid opening on the first phase of the County Road 60 Interchange Project. The apparent low bidder was PCI at $6.5 million. The project estimate for this project was $6.4 million. The County Board will consider awarding the bid on this project at their April 6'h meeting. The first part of this project will involve construc#ing a temporary bridge on the east side of the existing south-bound bridge. Once the temporary bridge is in place, the existing north-bound bridge will be removed and replaced with a new bridge. The south-bound bridge will be replaced in 2005. Building Permit Permit Update Through the end of February, the City has issued building permits with a total valuation of $23,356,650. This compares to a valuation of $18,462,087 during the same period in 2003. Included in this valuation is 20 permits with a total valuation of $2.1 million for commercial construction. Aiso included in this valuation are permits for 56 new single-family dwellings and 45 townhouse units. MCES Empire WasterWater Treatment Service Area Study Metropolitan Council Environmental Services has just begun work on the Regional Wastewater System Plan Update to study the potential future Empire Waste Water Treatment Plan Service Area. This plan update will be evaluating the future wastewater demands of the current cities that utilize the Empire Plant, and will also evaluate the impact of current and proposed development in Elko and New Market and New Market Township. Attached also is a letter signed by the Mayor Johnson that was recently submitted to the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency regarding an Environmental Assessment Worksheet for a proposed large expansion of the Elko / New Market Sewage Treatment Plant. As the letter indicates, the City is suggesting a phased approach to the expansion of the Elko/ New Market plant to allow for the completion of the Metropolitan Council Regional Wastewater Plan Update as well as the Comprehensive Plan Update for Elko /New Market. Lakeville will be following this issue closely as decisions on the alignment of potential new interceptor sewers will have significant impacts on the future development of our community. EDC members will be kept informed on this issue as the plan update proceeds. . March 15, 2004 Minnesota Pollution Control Agency C/O Ms. Kelly Garvey , 520 North Lafayette Road St Paul, MN 55155 RE: Elko /New Market Treatment Plant Expansion 8 EAW Dear Ms. Garvey: This letter addresses the Elko /New Market Sewer Treatment Plant Expansion EAW and related issues generated by this matter. The City of Lakeville is fully appreciative of the need to undertake immediate " treatment plant improvements in order to address several discharge violations with the MPCA and to respond to the Stipulated Agreement.. We do, however; have a major ooncem over the size. and. extent of the. proposed treatment plats upgrade. (The current proposal is to expand the plant 10=fold, going from .095 MGD to .98 MGD.} There are several factors which lead to the sizing. issue. The Metropolitan Council has proposed that regional. treatment plant services at the Empire Facility may be made available to the Elko and New. Market communities. A study to evaluate this matter has just been initiated. It is expected that Phis study will evaluate 'rf and when it wilt be appropriate to extend regional treatment plant services to southeast Scott County. These findings may preclude the need for such a large local plant expansion. Also, the Elko and New. Market communities presently lads an approved comprehensive plan that substantiates the need and extent of a major treatment plant expansion. While a comprehensive plan update is currently in process, there is no basis for the local communities, or the Met Council, to evaluate and approve a sizable capacity increase to the existing Elko/New Market Sewer Treatment Plant. Given the foregoing considerations, aphased ElkoMew Market Treatment Plant expansion would appear to be the most rational approach tv be taken. This would serve to minimize the expenditure of public funds plus allow for the completion of comprehensive plans and the Empire WWTP wastewater plan update, which are required to guide long-range decision-making. City of Lakeville 20195 Holyoke Avenue • Lakeville, MN 55044 Phone (952) 985-4400 • FAX (952) 985-4499 • www lakeville.mn.us . It is also apparent that Elko and New Market currently lack proper development controls to insure that growth is not, or will not exceed local service.. capabilities. The present pollution problem resulting from inadequatetreatment-plant capabilities documents this fact: While this is recognised as a comprehensive planning issue, it is a matter which must be considered as part of any service expansion, either local or regional A final topic directly related to the EAW is the issue of plant discharge and the downstream impacts which will tae experienced.. Warr qualty'in the Vermillion River is a paramount isst~, The ability to fully e>Ralua#8 ttt~ concern; ~ cckmplteal~eci by the• fact that the Vermillion River Management Plan is not'as yet cxxrfpleted. Also, the ' discharge volumes may be a problem for Eureka Township's infrastructure. capabilities. Please contact City Engineer Keith: Nelson at 9521985-4501 ff you have questions regarding this letter or would care to discuss any of the points that have been raised. Respectfully, Robert D. Johnson Mayor CC: LakevAle City Council Members Brian McDaniel, Metro Counetl District 18 Representative Paul Krause, Dakota County Gommissioner Joe Harr, Dakota County Commissioner Eureka Township Scott County Community Development City of Elko City of New Market Gary Amoroso, Superintendent, ISD #194 Lynn Moratzka, Dakota County Office of Planning Brain Watson, DCSWCD Robert A. Erickson, City Administrator David Olson, Community Development Director Keith Nelson, City Engineer ~ . TO: Mayor and City Council Ciry Administrator CC: David Olson, Community & Economic Development Director FROM: Amanda Schwabe, Economic Development Coordinator DATE: March 9, 2004 RE: Spotlight on Business: Pinnacle Products, Inc. The purpose of the Spotlight on Business program is "to inform and educate residents on benefits of C/I base to gain community support and appreciation for business growth" (Goal #1 of the Economic Development 2004 Strategic Work Plan.) .Pinnacle Products, Inc. has been selected as the next participant in the Spotlight on Business program. Economic Development Commission member Jeannie Schubert will be in attendance at the Council meeting to present information on Pinnacle Products, Inc. Company representatives Kay Gamroth and Pat Ryan will be present to accept the award. Pinnacle Products, Inc. was founded by Tom Lansing in 1986. Nine years later, Pinnacle moved from St. Paul, MN to their current 33,000-square-foot building located at 21401, Hemlock Avenue in the Airlake Industrial Park. Sybron Dental Specialties, a company out of California, acquired Pinnacle in 1998. Pinnacle manufactures, markets and distributes, infection control products for the dental industry. The products are disposable in nature and serve as barriers which include, but are not limited to: chair, syringe, x-ray, tray, curing handle and light sleeves, headrest covers, disposable bite blocks, glove dispensers, bib clips, a variety of air/water syringe tips and filters for vacuum pumps and evacuation units. The products manufactured by Pinnacle Products, Inc. are used to increase infection control awareness while decreasing the amount of cross contamination, and improving the overall efficiency of tools related to dental care. The use of many of Pinnacles' products such the curing sleeve, protect doctor, patient and equipment from the damaging effects of intense light and surface disinfectants. Pinnacle has three other production facilities across the country that manufacture Pinnacle products. Pinnacles' products are sold strictly through distribution partners with all worldwide shipments originating from Lakeville. Pinnacle contributes to charitable activities including giving supplies to dental care missions in third world countries and donations to local community organizations. Pinnacle employs 8 full-time and up to 13 part-time area residents at the Lakeville location. In addition to employment, Pinnacle Products, Inc. provides a substantial tax benefit to the community. The Dakota County Assessor has assigned an estimated market value of over $977,800 to the Pinnacle building and property. Based on current tax capacity rates, this market value will result in an estimated contribution of $32,680 in local property taxes going to support the City, Dakota County, and Independent School District 194 in 2004. Morch 2004 Minnesota Reol Estate Journal page 21 Lakeville continues to develop at rapid pace UNITED PROPERTIES PLANS ARGONNE VILLAGE f brDanielleAnderson ` -,#s``:; - ~w_.-_ _ _ "..-*aiP'. swwrl~r'- Development in the city of Lakeville ' ~`r~ has been on a roll in recent years, and city officials expect more of the eOngTESY OF nNITEa PPUgEPTIEa same in 2004. One proposed projec[inspiring such Unaed Properties planabereR Argonne Village,a 115,000 square fool grocery-anchored shoppirg cenMr ona20acre site lfwr confidence is Argonne Village, a once housed part ofo reheat For Wodd Warlvrlerrns. 115,000 square fool grocery-anchored Lakeville.. ' ' Iropulat~n: az,zF3S m c' Majof acce~ rotrtes. fntrtsfate 35 and Cedar Ayenue WkevilM from page 1 r. County Road `70: Those i Ctiminundy de`xlopinent school that is under construction on a projects include Clirverleaf Co director. David Olson IS-acre site along County Road 70. age'sredeveloprnen[ and eX " ih 2003, the city issued l2S com- the ~i24,000 square foot forrit6i' mercial/industrial building permits, illat Industries building, Pere" shopping center that's slated for an totaling $35.64 million. The previous Office Papers'..57,000 s " z approximately 20-acre site that once year Lakeville issued 89commer- office/warehouse.. expanSi housed pan of a retreat for veterans of ciaUindustrial building permits, total- Belzers.Chevy-Dodge-KIA'~:G World War I. Developer United Proper- ing $19.5 l million: - square foot expansion; ]1'Vir' ties is currently negotiating with Cub Among the major commercial elates' 6,000 square fooC.l~f Foods, the potential 69,OW square tiro[ developments were H.J. Develop- and the 27,000 square fadt anchor In addition, there will be shout Office Warehouse.: w' 50,000 square feet of aaached shops, a menfs CrossRoads of Lakeville at In addition,. Advanced W'R-~,. 14,500 square foot freestanding Wu1- Cedar Avenue and Dodd Boulevard. greens and four other ouuot reran build- The center includes a 68,000-square Communications is building a-~d~w.._ lugs. foot Cub Foods store .and 40,000 square foot building in the I?ai United Properties is actually acquir- square feet of smaller shops. The plan Business Campus, which is #vea ing 30 acres of land near the intersec- also calls For 30,000 square feet of near Interstate 35 and County' R,$'~(('~ lion of County Road 50 and 176th Street nutlo[ space. Great Clips, Quiino'S 50. ~v:{`~- for the development. The excess 10 and Caribou Cotfee are tenants in [he Residential building petmiis NCr~r` e: acres will be used for wetland. and a fuwre residential cumponem Assnn_ main center, and Goodyear purchased also on the rise in 2003, Lakcvil~', tiling the land, which is hugely private _ one of the outlot sites. issued 789.permits, up from.G90 i,`~ residences, has been a five year prows. Other commercial development previous year. Of [he permits lssue~~sv according to Keith Ulsrad, vice prcs;- projects include Oppidan Investment 367 were for townhomes arld 92~: dent of Uevetrrpmem fur United Proper- Co.'s 86,000 square foot Gander Were for single-family homes? Rego ties. He odds that all of the land should Mountain on Interstate 35,sou[h of denial valua[iohs in 2003 fotaTe,~`'% be in United Properties' name within the County Road 46; The Dunsmore Co.'s $149.88 million, up from $12415; nett 30 days. 42,000 square foot Lakeville Town the previous year- ,v 'i Ulsrad expecA the project m com- The tar est residential de I$ mence in early summer The anchor Oftice~Park On 160th S[teeC, south of S, ~ store and attached shops uie likely ul County Road 46; TheAvalon.Group's in Lakeville include VSroazsmr.~ open in the first nr second yodeler of 33,382 square foot TimberCrest at Hotties.Inc., with 22 stngte, ' 2(H)5. Lakeville a[ interstate 35and County homes and 94 townhomes; Ta.,pln'' "we've been delaying un«I the any Road 50; and Aurora Investments' Country Homes with 10%t o: was ready to start [heir te«ly agmlicam 19,000 square foot Heritage Com- and D.R. Horton Inc ,with %6. undertaking of rood impmvemenls - to moos Second Addition ofCounty ,family homes and 19 [ownhoc+fb6-„~ County Road SO and what was 175tfl Street anJ is now tin ~ to be ca0ed Road 50 and Dddd Boulevard. g' a Much of the city's industrial deve]- ~ Kendrick Avenue;' Uls[d says. Once the center is complete, United op[nent is occurring in the 200-acre -.,y; Properties will likely hold on«, it for tha Ai[lake Industrial Park, which is 1x4 lung-term- located on Highview Avenue, south of .,,r{`:: "It really fits well into what we arc r. Trying to do here, which is has ically Fee along-term owner and opermor of high- quality, grocery-anchored ahoppine center;' says Ulsrad. "This is one ul the ballot points un our tort.-term stratcg). On any given day it moy not he the sea- ies[ invesnnent out There, lira it is a InnK-Icrnl quality play" ~c~all p~, 0 6 c 8 A y ~ o• A 7 March 10, 2004 Hetcast Notification Guest: City of take~ille Attn: Robert Erickson Fax: 952-985-4409 From: - Kiathy Dungan Your 5 minute "Champions of Industry' video will be accessible through various Columns, Windows, Banners and Buttons that wilt rotate throughout Forbes.com for 24 hours starting: March 24, 2004 -12:01 a.m. Central For your convenience, below is an html into the Forbes website that will take you directly to a page. where you will find a "Champions of industry" icon/button, to verify that it is on. Please note that to view your video, you must have either Windows Media Player or Real Player. Jf you do not have these, you can download them from the Forbes.com website, for free. www.forties.com/technologylsciencesl20021121311cx_mh_1231 antibiotics.html 2105 N. Waterview Parkwny -Richardson, Texas 75080 PH: (972)907-2525 FAX (972) 6903911 Dakota County Workforce Investment Board News and Notes February 2004 Edition, Vol. 1-12 Mission: Providing comprehensive, professional, and timely services for jobreekers and employers. Department of Eruployrnent and Economic Welcome to dae Dakota Corntty Workforce Development (DEED) Info I+tvestment Board's (Ii'IB) LVews and Notes. This DEED analyst Anthony Schafthauser reviews business uewsdetter's purpose is to provide you with mt attraction literature for a report in "Minnesota Economic update of workforce and economic development Trends." He finds that low taxes and incentives can activities. influence the final decision on site selection. Making it to the "final elimination round" though requires a complete package of competitive factors: low operating costs, Upcoming Events quality of the workforce, and availability of the workforce. Dakotn Connh~ R7t? Meeting -March 19, 2004 www.MnWFC.ore/ImVtrends/ianD4flocation.htm Minnesota Employment Expo - Mazch 4;2004, Radisson Hotel, www.nhrmni.umn.edulexuo The latest Minnesota Job Vacancy Survey provides mixed news For jobseekers. Overall hiring demand remained at low ebb: 50,100 job openings in 4's Quarter WIB News 2003, down 9°k from a year earlier. On the plus side, Gelds Mike Cook, Vice President and Business Representative on the rebound include blue-collar production and for. the Bricklayers and Allied Craflworkers Local Union construction occupations. No. I Minnesota, and WIB member, was one of the many www MnWFGors:/Imi/iobvacancY volunteers who helped conswct the Ice Castle in St. Paul Dan McElroy, Chief of Staff for Governor Pawlenty, was Market Conditions Faced by Job Seekers... Supply and the guest speaker at the February WIB meeting. demand conditions can vary greatly from Feld to field. Jobseekers suffer in occupations tied to layoff-hit businesses. Some other Fields may provide opportunities Interesting International Trade for career changers. Briefings on the Twin Cities and Medical Care - BusinessWeek's, Feb. 16, 2004 issue Greater Minnesota markets identify occupations at the two reports thatU.S. citizens are traveling to Thailand, India extremes. www.MnWFC.ore(Imi/e7.htm and Singapore for medical care. Hip replacement surgery costs $7,500 - $8,750 in Thailandlindia compared to Statistics of workforce availability are used by employers $25,000 - $35,000 in the U.S. Heart by-pass surgery to develop Affirmative Action and Equal Employment reportedly costs $8,000 - $15,000 in Thailand/India OPportzmity plans. Regional and local area datasets compared to $25,000 - $35,000 in the U.S. tailored [o AA/EEO planning are available a[ . Headstones -The Februazy issue of "Fast Company" www.MnWFC.or~llmi/aapackeU. notes that black granite tombstones aze being imported from China. It reports, "In 1999. China exported 26,000 mevic tons of worked granite at an average price of $740 Trnnsportatiort Norunt - IYlarch 11 ur per ton. Three years later, it exported 105,000 at $443 per Co-sponsored by the seven area Chambers of Commerce, ton." this forum is designed to educate community and business leaders on the area's transportation situation, including plans, vends, projects and ideas. Information from the Eagan Job fair Set firr Thursday, march 25 forum will help you make and influence decision-making This job fair is a great opportunity for employers looking on transportation-related issues. Representatives from to hire and for people looking for work. Dakota County, the Met Council, and local businesses will httnahvww.nznwfc.ore/daknra/iohfair.htnr speak and address the issues. The event runs from 7:30 - 10:00 a.m. atthe Inver Hills Community College. For more info, contact: info@dakotafuture.com or call 651 What is Your Business Outlook j'or 204? 491-2551. According to Twin Cities businesses responding to Jeane Thorne's Financial Staffing Resources division survey: 11% project strong growth, 24% project slight growth, Far latest iaforrnatiun on the WIB arzd Wnrkforce 26°,b foresee a continued slow pace, and 28% forecast Centers in Dakntu C.nunty, hltn://www.nrawt's.oc¢/daknta/ below average growth. http:/hvww jeunethorrze.cnm/ubnutrrs/ Contact Mark Jacobs at 65I 554-5622 or via a-mail at ourrk.iacabsC~?en.daknta.rnrz.us if you have questions and/or comments about contents of this newsletter. Printer version: Transportation funding rift grows Page 1 of 2 startribune.com clogs window Last uudate: Transportation funding rift grows David Peterson Star Tribune Published 03/13/2004 As tensions rose iii the nine-day-old Metro Transit strike Friday, the funding battle between cars and buses also was escalating again. In a letter that she hand-delivered to the office of Metropolitan Council Chairman Peter Bell earlier in the week, Barb Thoman, a leading advocate for public transportation, protested a proposed council spending plan she said represented a huge and troubling shift away from mass transit in favor of highway projects on the suburban fringe of the metro area. In divvying up a $91 million pool of federal money available for transportation projects in 2007-08, the new Republican-appointed council appears on the verge of awarding only 29 percent of the money to the central cities and inner-ring suburbs, compared with the 45 percent share allocated to such areas by the previous council, said Thoman, program director for the pro-transit group Transit for Livable Communities. Mary Hill Smith, who heads the council's transportation committee, said Thursday she agrees that the numbers look "a little skewed." But the council needs to be judged over the long term and not just on one funding round, she said. Some Metropolitan Council members and suburban officials say it's time that roads got a higher proportion of the funding. The dispute is all the more heated in that it arises amid a politically charged bus strike and several other recent events that have reinvigorated the debate over the role of mass transit in combating traffic congestion. Last week a conservative group with close ties to Republican leaders questioned the need for transit services. In January, the Met Council had announced a sudden spike in citizen concern over congestion, and a cluster of business groups held a conference to debate, how to increase funding for roads and transit. Follow the money Michael Krause, Minneapolis representative on a key council advisory committee, accused the agency of "encouraging sprawl" through the proposed shift in funding priorities. And Russ Adams, head of an advocacy group promoting transit, said the shift means that "two-thirds of the region is subsidizing the growth of a favored third. That's not fair and that's not balanced." But the city administrator in Lakeville, which would receive one of the biggest checks under the spending plan, said the money would be going just where it's needed. "Historically in the inner cities; transportation infrastructure was paid for by everyone but those communities," Bob Erickson said. "I say it's about time we got some consideration. We are being asked to take the largest percentage of new housing starts in this region for the next 16 years." Public money for things like roads and traffic lights, he said, has grown so short that his city not only no longer subsidizes major new developments, it insists on getting millions from developers. "We told United Properties that if we didn't get $2 million worth of help on acquiring right of way, we would consider ti,~~.//.,,.,,.., ..ro.r.:F..,..u n..rol...o~.,e.~l~t.,.....6..?re,.,.,loro ..,~...t oR,ctAr.,-d(,(,l Snl~ 4/1 R/7fl/lA Printer version: Transportation funding rift grows Page 2 of 2 their project 'premature,"' he said. "And you can put that in print. That's what's going on these days." Who decides The new spending plan would award an extra $10 million to highway expansion while shaving slightly the amount for transit expansion, according to calculations by Thoman's group. This is the firs[ funding cycle for transportation projects since Gov. Tim Pawlenty named Bell to replace former Met Council head Ted Mondale. The initial funding decisions were made by the Transportation Advisory Board, a 33-member group representing. various government units and other interests. Met Council members say that group is responsible for funding priorities, but some Advisory Board members say the group looks to the council and its staff for direction. "My impression was, the boazd just wanted to basically approve what the staff provided," said Bi11 Casey, a former Advisory Board member. "Debates go on a long time but on minuscule issues." Thoman, who last fall received a Met Council awazd for her work on behalf of transit, was not reappointed to the boazd when her term expired this week. Natalio Diaz, the council's transportation chief, said he considers the allocation of money to be balanced. "It is difficult to ignore the fact that Lakeville has 46,000 people and they're on their way to 80 [thousand]," Diaz said. "People may dislike that, but it's a pretty darn big-city and it will have transportation needs. We don't claim to be the owners of the supreme truth, but we think we're pretty balanced." Steve Elkins, a Bloomington City Council member who used to serve on the Advisory Boazd, said the underlying issue is that "both roads and transit are grossly underfunded. This little pot of Met Council money in the overall scheme of things is a piE[ance. But everyone fights over the crumbs. Having said that, though, for a city or county a $5.5 million crumb can be a pretty big crumb." David Peterson is at dapeterson@startribane. com. Copyright 2004 Star Tribune. All rights reserved. http://www.startribune.com/viewers/story.php?template=print_a&story=4661500 3/18/2004 LAKEVILLE: Health clinic to open in summer Page 1 of 1 TwieCSties•com vW _ _ __._..m. ____r... . _ _ . Posted on Sat, Feb. 28, 2004 LAKEVILLE: Health clinic to open in summer sv eas sH,aw Pioneer Press A $7.1 million Health Partners clinic is coming [o Lakeville. The clinic, which should open next summer, will address a critical need of the fast-growing community -urgent care. "First and foremost, this means accessibility to medical care," said City Manager Bob Erickson. "Imagine, we are a city of almost SD,000, with 36 percent of the population below 18, and no urgent care." The Air Lake area of Lakeville, he said, is about 10 miles away from [he nearest emergency room, which can be too far to drive in case of an emergency. Health Partners officials confirmed the organization is planning to build the clinic near the northwest corner of 185th Street and County Highway 50. Health Partners spokeswoman Patricia Lund said the building's 25,D00 square feet would make it midsize compared to the group's other clinics. The closest Health Partners clinic now is in Apple Valley. Company officials wouldn't comment about what services might be offered. Erickson said he would like the clinic to include a range of services, from preventative care, such as vaccinations, to husiness-oriented services, such as drug testing for employees. Health Partners is a group of nonprofit Minnesota health care organizations. It provides health care services, insurance and HMO coverage to more than 650,000 members. The $7.1 million for the clinic is par[ of an $85 million bond issue by Health Partners, Lund said. Most of that amount is to refinance other bonds. About $27 million is for other projects, including the Lakeville clinic and an effort to streamline record-keeping. _.......m-..,,,--..~.. _.r ..m _ Bob Shaw can 6e reached at bsha wCapioneerpress. cnm or 651-228-5433. http: //www.twincities.com/mld/twinc ities/news/loc al/states/minnesota/counties/dakota/8062565.htm?templ... 3/9/2004 Printer version: Small Business: Can Divine Swine wine and dine? Page 1 of 2 startribune.com apse window Small Business: Can Divine Swine wine and dine? Larry Werner Published 03/08/2004 Looking back over more than 20 years as business partners, these two buddies from Richfield enjoy telling the story of how they. started Divine Swine, a Lakeville company that has grown from a backyard project to $1.1 million a year in catered parties last year. Finishing each other's sentences, adding details the other left out, these middle-aged men turn into those laughing party boys from the summer of '82 who had an idea for making money once they'd finished college. With no training in business or food service, but with fond memories of pig-roast keggers they had attended, Jim Gilmore and Dale Vaillancourt bought some steel and cut the pieces they needed for a roaster they planned to use in their new venture. With metal shavings scattered over the back yard of Gilmore's parents' home, and his mother suggesting the two boys were crazy, Gilmore looked at Vaillancourt and asked, "Can you weld?" "No," VaiHancourt said. "Can you?" An unemployed welder agreed to put the roaster together, and after adding some wheels from an old Saab, which allowed them to tow the roaster to party sites, they launched their company by doing a birthday celebration for the wife of a Lake Minnetonka millionaire. Their business, which began as a second job for two men who worked full time as teachers, has grown to the point they left teaching to supervise 17 workers in doing parties that still aze largely bunched, as they've always been, in the summer. "Last year, we did about 675 parties, and between May and the end of September, we did 500 of them," Gilmore said. "People think because of our name and because it's bazbecued, you can only do it in the summer. We've got to try to expand our business because there's eight more months of the year, and we've got all this space here." All that space is a long metal barn they built in 2000 to house eight pig roasters, a ventilation system and other equipment, including a lazge cooler and convection ovens, that represent the first time Gilmore and Vaillancourt borrowed money for their business. From the time they started in '82 until they borrowed $250,000 for their new building, they avoided deb[ in the way much-older people do who survived the Great Depression. "We were dirt poor," Gilmore said. "We used to rent trailer hitches to put on our beater cars," Vaillancourt recalled. "There were times when we were so embarrassed by our vehicles we'd park a block away from the party" when they catered fancy events. Now, they proudly pull their mobile roasters all over the metro area behind shiny panel trucks with the logo a smiling pig wearing acrown and their company slogan: "We'll roast a pig that you 11 really dig and much, much more." That "much, much more" is a reference to prime rib, turkey, shrimp and Mexican entrees they want customers to order so they can move beyond the summer crush to a year-round rhythm. They deliver a monthly fax for regular customers that promotes those other menus, Part of the problem with diversifying, they said, is their original clever. name. Although "Divine Swine" has helped them develop a reputation for casual, summer parties, they admit, it has been a problem when it comes to selling their services year-round in more-formal settings. "For people who might be having something semiformal, it says, 'pig roast,' and we do a lot more than that," Vaillancourt said. "We have a gal who gets us a lot of work, an event planner, and she asked us if we could consider getting a different name." Well, no. The name and logo aren't changing, and neither are the two guys who came up with the name while digging http://www.staztribune.com/viewers/story.php?template=print_a&story=4650146 3/8/2004 Printer version: Small Business: Can Divine Swine wine and dine? Page 2 of 2 through a thesaurus looking up synonyms for "pig." "We're just some blue-collar boys who weren't into formal catering," Gilmore said. "We wanted it to be a fun, casual thing. So that's what we did." The expert's opinion: Mollie Young, co-founder of a Minneapolis-based branding firm called Nametag International, said Gilmore and Vaillancourt should not change the company's name as they pursue ways of broadening their market. "The name Divine Swine is a fantastic name highly memorable, distinctive and injects fun into the category;' Young said. "As a strategy to diversification, there are a couple routes they should consider." One strategy, she said, would be a tagline that says more specifically than "much, much more" what else the company provides. Another would be to adopt a second brand perhaps something like "Divine Dine" that "uses Divine Swine almost as an endorser." Such a name, Young said, "keeps it in the family but doesn't limit them from attracting those who aze turned off by the swine part of the name." Larry Werner is at wrner_@startribu~ie,com. QHow do I find out if I qualify for an SBA loan? Tom LaMachia Minneapolis A Most small businesses qualify for Small Business Administration (SBA) loans if they: are owned and operated for profit; can demonstrate reasonable owner equity; are located in the United States; aze not dominant in their field of operation, and meet SBA size standards, which vary by industry. Loans are structured according to SBA guidelines and backed by a guaranty. They can be used for financing inventory, working capital, expansion and construction, among other things. Some types of businesses are ineligible, such as gambling facilities, investment properties, nonprofits and storage facilities. Specific 5BA loan programs suit various purposes. Some programs, for instance, provide seed money for start-ups while others help businesses purchase fixed assets (land, buildings or equipment) with up to $1 million in financing. For more information, go to „~wwaba.gov/fnancng/index.html or visit a local lender. Cheryl Mozey, consultant Small Business Development Center C~~-lght_20Q4 Star Tribune. All rights reserved. http://www.startribune.com/viewers/story.php?template=print_a&story=4650146 3/8/2004