HomeMy WebLinkAbout09-26-06-06
• City of Lakeville
Economic Development Commission
Meeting Minutes
September 26, 2006
Marion Conference Room, City Hall
Members Present: Comms. Matasosky, Brantly, Emond, Gehrke, Miller, Pogatchnik,
Schubert, Ex-officio member City Administrator Steve Mielke.
Members Absent: Comms. Erickson, Tushie, Smith, Ex-officio member Chamber of
Commerce Executive Director Todd Bornhauser.
Others Present: David Olson, Community & Economic Development birector; Penny
Brevig, Recording Secretary.
1. Call Meeting to Order.
Chair Matasosky called the meeting to order at 5:05 p.m. in the Marion Conference
Room of City Hall, 20195 Holyoke Avenue, Lakeville, Minnesota.
2. Approve August 29,2006 Meeting Minutes
• Motion 06.10 Comms. Pogatchnik/Brantly moved to approve the minutes of the
August 29, 2006 meeting as presented. Motion carried
unanimously.
3. Update on the Proposed Dakota County Bio-Science Zone
Mr. Olson explained the re-opening of the State of Minnesota Bioscience. Zone
program. He stated that this program, which is administered by the Minnesota
Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED), is a tool for
communities to attract bioscience businesses by offering state tax exemptions over
a limited time period.
Mr. Olson indicated that the City of Rosemount. has volunteered to be the legal
applicant and the Dakota County CDA will administer this program in Dakota
County.
Mr. Olson referred to the map which was distributed with the EDC packets which
shows the proposed parcels which may be included in the program. He indicated
that there are 551 acres identified on the map.
Mr. Olson stated that the program is not funded and no tax credits are available at
• this time for distribution to companies. He indicated that in the future, if the
Minnesota Legislature appropriates funds for Bioscience Zone tax credits, newly
Economic Development Commission
Meeting Minutes
September 26, 2006
• designated zones would be eligible to access the tax credits .for business
development activities.
Mr. Olson indicated that staff is recommending that the EDC recommend approval of
the attached resolution to the City Council
Comm. Ernond asked if a non-bioscience business can build in these designated
areas.. Mr. Olson indicated that yes they could, but they would not have access to
the tax credits.
Motion 06.11 Comms. Pogatchnik/Miller moved to recommend to City Council
approval of the Bioscience Zone program and resolution, as
presented. Motion carried. unanimously.
4. Presentation on Dakota County Economic Development Strategy -Draft
Report
Mr. Olson reviewed the Draft of the Dakota County Economic Development
Strategy. He indicated that this process was undertaken by a steering committee to
.help define the county's role and involvement in economic development. Mr. Olson
stated that 35 stakeholders throughout Dakota County including himself, Steve
Mielke and EDC member Matasosky were interviewed by the CDA.
. Mr. Olson .indicated that two planning sessions with a smaller group of .stakeholders
were facilitated to define an economic development vision, guiding principles and six
strategic initiatives, which Mr. Olson reviewed.
Mr. Olson commented that this process may result in the County organization having
an increased awareness of the importance and benefits of economic development.
Comm. Matasosky commented prior to the start of the process he felt it was .going to
be redundant and similar to previous efforts by the County. He indicated that it
turned out to be a way to have an open dialogue with the County which was non-
existent previously. He felt that the County was sincerely trying to get a strategy
going and better their activities and .process. Comm. Matasosky felt that the County
needs to think of different scenarios and think outside the box.
Mr. Mielke agreed with Comm. Matasosky in that the County needs to change their
thought process and look outside their realm.
Comm. Matasosky felt that the County's next step was a work plan. He indicated
that they. don't want to spend money or add an economic development staff at this
point.
.The EDC members felt it was important to inform City Council of the County's
• process and progress, but be sure to stress that the County has not finished the
process and does not have a work plan yet.
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Economic Development Commission
Meeting Minutes
September 26, 2006
Mr. Olson expressed his appreciation for Comm. Matasosky's efforts in attending the
planning sessions. Comm. Matasosky would like the City to send a thank you note
to the County for their efforts.
5. Proposed Business Telecommunications Technology Task Force
Mr. Olson stated that with the resignation of Telecommunications Commission Chair,
Doug Thompson, and the increased amount of knowledge and input needed to
accomplish the tasks associated with telecommunications issues,.: now is a good
opportunity to expand the High-Tech Subcommittee into a larger task force to better
study and receive input on the telecommunications issues.
Mr. Olson indicated that the Task Force would be comprised of representatives from
several groups and organizations as well as local residents. He referred to the
proposed draft Purpose and Scope of Work for the Task force which was distributed
at the .meeting.
Mr. Olson stated that staff is .recommending that the EDC recommend the formation
of a Business Telecommunications Technology Task Force to the City Council.
Mr. Olson indicated that funding issues have not been identified yet. He asked for a
volunteer from the EDC to be a member of the task force.
• The EDC Commissioners agreed that there are a lot of resources in our community.
Mr. Mielke stated that the residential aspect has not evolved yet, but indicated that if
you don't have multiple options for the businesses, they will not come to the City of
Lakeville.
Comm. Emond asked if the Scope of Work for the Task. Force could be amended if
the Task Force determines that there are other items to be added or items to be
deleted.. Mr. Olson stated that it could be revised. Comm. Pogatchnik commented
that we owe it to the current businesses in .Lakeville along with it being a good way
to attract new businesses.
Mr. Olson stated that he would like an EDC volunteer for the task force by the next
EDC meeting.
Motion 06.12 Comms. Emond/Pogatchnik moved to recommend to City Council
the formation of a Business Telecommunications Technology Task
Force. Motion carried unanimously.
6. Director's Report
Mr. Olson reviewed his Director's Report and gave updates on the international
Economic Development Council Annual Conference which he attended in New York
• City, the Downtown Planning Project, Spotlight on Business, the 2006 Manufacturers
Recognition Event and the August Building Permit Report.
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Economic Development Commission
Meeting Minutes
September 26, 2006
Mr. Olson indicated that at the October 16, 2006 City Council. meeting a
. proclamation will be presented regarding Manufacturers Week. He asked the EDC
members to contact Adam Kienberger if they can attend this meeting to accept the
proclamation.
Mr. Olson asked the EDC members that if 5:00 p.m, works well for them, he would.
like to continue to have the EDC meetings begin at 5:00 p.m. The EDC members
agreed.
7. Adjourn
The meeting was adjourned at 6:00 p.m.
Respectfully submitted. by: Attested to:
_ ,
Penny re ig R. T. Brantly, Secreta
Recording Secretary
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