HomeMy WebLinkAbout10-25-10 WSMinutes
Lakeville City Council
Joint meeting with the Economic Development Commission
and City Council Work Session
October 25, 2010
5:30 p.m.
In attendance: Mayor Holly Dahl
Council Member Mark Bellows
Council Member Laurie Rieb
Council Member Kerrin Swecker
Council Member Kevin Miller
Economic Development Commissioners:
Jack Matasosky
Jeanne Schubert
Sheila Longie
Robert Brantley
Jim Emond
Gary Tushie
Tom Smith
Staff: Steve Mielke, City Administrator
Dave Olson, Community and Economic Development Director
Adam Kienberger, Economic Development Specialist
Judi Hawkins, Deputy City Clerk
The meeting was called to order at 5:30 p.m. by Mayor Dahl.
ITEM #1 — Joint meeting with EDC to discuss Draft 2011 -13 Strategic Plan for Economic
Development
Community and Economic Development Director Dave Olson introduced the Draft 2011-
13 Strategic Plan for Economic Development. The EDC held a strategic planning work
session on August 19, 2010 with an outside facilitator and discussed the attainment of the
current strategic plan's goals as well as the vision, mission and goals to be incorporated
into the next strategic plan. The document outlines long -term issues being faced including
how the current economy has impacted the City's economic development perspective.
The proposed plan has four main goals. The first is the development of a marketing plan to
promote the city as a place for businesses to establish themselves or expand. Costs
associated with development of a marketing plan have not been included in the proposed
2011 budget. The second goal is development of a toolbox of incentives to attract new
businesses or support the expansion of existing businesses. The third and fourth goals are
to advocate for businesses and to monitor and encourage their success. The three -year
plan being proposed for adoption will provide for additional time for implementation.
City Council /EDC Work Session Minutes
October 25, 2010 Page -2-
Many forces beyond the control of the City have had an effect on the current plan since its
adoption. EDC members feel it is important not to become complacent but to re- prioritize
and establish goals which are adaptable to the economic conditions. Jack Matasosky stated
that businesses need to capitalize on opportunities. Gary Tushie added that the creation of
a toolbox for development will allow new businesses to know what resources are available
for them through the City.
Council Member Swecker asked what kind of assistance or resources the EDC feels
businesses are specifically looking for. Jack Matasosky responded that it is the hope of the
EDC that the toolbox will be able to determine appropriate responses to a variety of
businesses' needs and encourage new businesses to settle in Lakeville.
Sheila Longie added that a "Grow Minnesota" survey has been conducted in the industrial
areas to determine the economic outlook of existing Lakeville businesses. Responses were
received from both Chamber and non - Chamber businesses.
Dave Olson stated that the EDC vision and mission has remained basically consistent over
the years with just a few "updates ". With increased competition for businesses some cities
are enticing businesses to settle there. However, many features and opportunities, such as
close proximity to the 1 -35 corridor, set Lakeville apart from other communities.
There was discussion between EDC members and City Council members regarding some
of the challenges in developing land in Lakeville which include federal, state and local
regulations regarding wetlands, etc. Some financial incentives that cities might offer
include Tax Increment Financing, Tax Abatement, land, etc. In order to consider offering
these or any other incentives the city needs to look at the return on the investment. Other
more simple incentives could be to allow higher densities or reduced setbacks. Companies
are also requiring expanded telecommunication services and are requesting bandwidth and
fiber technologies. Affordable workforce housing and public transit will also be needed to
support new and existing businesses.
The schedule for adoption of the Strategic Plan is to incorporate any changes suggested at
tonight's work session, bring the document back to the EDC one more time in November,
and then bring it to the Council's first meeting in December for consideration. This
schedule would allow the plan to take effect in January 2011.
Council reviewed the various aspects of the document with the EDC and staff and directed
that the plan be put on the agenda for consideration at their December 6, 2010 meeting.
ITEM #2 — Subsurface Treatment Systems (SSTS) Ordinance Amendment
There are between 300 and 400 properties in the city, mostly in non - urbanized areas,
which are not connected to City sanitary sewer and instead have on -site sewage treatment
systems. The Minnesota PCA developed new rules and regulations to protect public health
and general welfare. Dakota County adopted the new state rules into their Subsurface
City Council /EDC Work Session Minutes
October 25, 2010
Page -3-
Sewage Treatment System (SSTS) Ordinance 113 about a year ago, making the County's
ordinance more restrictive than the MPCA's requirements. The City of Lakeville wishes to
be consistent with the County's ordinance and is required to adopt the MPCA rules.
Existing systems are not impacted by this change unless or until the properties are altered
in some way such as development of the area, sale of the property, etc. Inspections are
required at the time of application for a building permit, or if a complaint is received
regarding a suspected failing system. Failing systems must be upgraded within 10 months.
Some of the new requirements include a State compliance inspection report to be
completed by a MPCA licensed inspector on all for -sale properties. Staff continues to
monitor and work with property owners on a case by case basis.
Council members asked if there are specific areas in the City where these several hundred
septic systems exist and felt it would be helpful to receive a map showing concentrated
areas. Council directed staff to place the revised ordinance on a future Council agenda.
ITEM #3 — Malt -O -Meal Expansion Review
Shortly after Malt -O -Meal purchased the Hearth Technologies site, they also purchased an
additional 4.5 acres of adjoining property to the east which was owned by New Morning
Windows. The northern 155 feet of the New Morning Windows property contains a
conservation easement which was granted to the City by the owners of New Morning
Windows when they purchased the property in 1995. The conservation easement does not
allow for development or improvements to be constructed on the property. Malt -O -Meal is
looking to the future at plans to remodel 29,000 square feet of office space in their existing
building to accommodate an additional 100 employees and is also anticipating a future
second building on their property. Current parking areas will need to be expanded to
provide capacity for additional employees. City Council action would be needed to
remove the conservation easement.
North of this property are single family homes with a natural berm and tree line screening
most of the homes from this easement. Malt -O -Meal will hold a neighborhood meeting to
allow these residential property owners to review the concept plan. Malt -O -Meal will add
more screening if needed to lessen the impact to these homes. Storm water runoff can be
accommodated through use of a ponding area on the northeast corner of the site.
Council felt Malt -O -Meal should be encouraged in the growth of their business and
directed staff to work with them on an appropriate long -range site plan for best utilizing
their property. Council further directed staff to work with Malt -O -Meal to schedule a
neighborhood meeting to present their concept plan.
ITEM #4a. — Other: Board and Commission Openings
Staff provided information to Council regarding current committee /commission openings
and reappointments. Staff wishes to establish a list of persons who wish to be reappointed
City Council /EDC Work Session Minutes
October 25, 2010
Page -4-
and begin to advertise for open positions on the committees. Interviews could be held the
second and /or third week of December with appointments scheduled for December 20
and terms to begin in January. Input on reappointments from various committee chairs was
suggested. This feedback should be solicited prior to interviews.
Council is also being asked for direction on the future of the Telecommunication
Commission and the board's intended purpose. Federal rules significantly restrict any
control cities formerly had with Cable TV; however, with the upcoming renewal of
Lakeville's cable television franchise the board may be useful in an advisory role.
ITEM #4b. — Interagency Committee and Board Reports
• 1 -35 Solutions Alliance
Legislative priorities have been developed and legislative forums for
candidates are being held.
• MLC
The MLC is in the process of developing their legislative program. Savage will
be joining MLC and Shakopee has proposed membership in their 2011 budget.
The addition of these two cities will create a fourth region.
• Cedar Corridor Improvement Group
Lakeville station studies are being conducted down to CR 70, specifically in
the area of 161S Street.
• DLBA
DLBA is pursuing expansion of the Farmers Market into the downtown.
• HiPP
HiPP is preparing surveys which will go to all council members and some staff
for the purpose of soliciting collaborative ideas.
ITEM #5. — Adjourn
The meeting adjourned at 7:15 pm.
Respectfully submitted,