HomeMy WebLinkAboutEDAC Meeting Notes 02-27-09CITY OF PRIOR LAKE
Economic Development Advisory Committee Meeting
Friday, February 27, 2009
Meeting Summary
Present:
^ Committee Members -Capra, Ceminsky, Facente, Fleck, Howard, Henry,
Muench, Plaisted, Presler, and Viereck,
^ Staff -Parr and Matzke
^ Council Liaison -Erickson
1. Introductions
^ Frank Boyles welcomed the EDAC members and introduced the concept behind
a proactive EDAC for the future.
^ Members introduced themselves.
2. Reviewed Approved EDAC Bylaws
^ Staff invited individuals to think about who would be interested in serving as the
EDAC Chair or Vice-Chair. The next EDAC meeting will have the nomination,
second, and vote taken to install two individuals as Chair and Vice-Chair.
^ Members discussed frequency and time of day for meetings in the future (as
necessary and no less than one time per quarter).
3. Discussed Role/Duties of EDAC
^ Members discussed need for subcommittees to be formed (i.e.: specific to
subject matters such as business recruitment, retention, marketing, etc).
^ Discussed the need to go before the Council on a quarterly basis to discuss
EDAC objectives and actions in that direction.
^ Discussed the need to establish 2009 EDAC Objectives-will do at the next
meeting after the 2030 Vision & Strategic Plan Update takes place.
^ Members talked about areas the EDAC may want to focus on:
1. Recruitment
2. Marketing
3. Retention/Expansion
4. Business Inventory
5. Incentives
6. Capitalizing On The Friendly Business Environment
7. Match Businesses/Locations
8. Establish Wants for the Community (what business do we want to
recruit?)
^ Staff will research other communities to see how other proactive EDAC's function
and their challenges/successes (i.e.: Naperville, Illinois-west of Chicago).
4. Discussed Development and Ongoing City Initiatives
^ Staff and Erickson shared background information regarding the potential for a
redevelopment project of the site previously occupied by the Crossroads Church
site (located south of CSAH 42, west of MN TH 13, and east of Timothy Avenue).
Staff shared a letter and survey which will be sent to all Prior Lake Industrial,
Commercial, and Office buildings to seek information related to vacancies. The
City intends to compile this information and will use it as a way to connect
vacancies with future Prior Lake business owners.
Members discussed the value of creating a survey tool to determine what citizens
want to see for business recruitment (could be web based).
5. Brainstormed Development Challenges in Prior Lake
- Started a discussion regarding the Pro's and Con's of development in Prior Lake.
- Discussed issues related to future challenges along CSAH 21 and how changes
in the roadway/access will hamper the downtown in the future. Members
indicated that it might be helpful to review the County plan for alignment and
access points.
- Howard brought up the value in talking to business owners/individuals who have
previously worked with the City regarding their perceptions of the process and
how we could improve.
- Members and staff discussed issues related to valuation and taxes on industrial
sites in Prior Lake compared to those of other communities in Scott County and
the need to address this with the County Assessor. Erickson and Parr shared
with the EDAC Members that the Board of Equalization would be meeting on
May 4th and business/commercial land owners who have an issue with their
valuations should come to the meeting to discuss their concerns. City Staff will
be meeting with the Scott County Assessor on Friday, April 3~.
6. Adjourned