HomeMy WebLinkAbout10 24 2013 EDAC rept 3b
4646 Dakota Street SE
Prior Lake, MN 55372
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ADVISORY COMMITTEE REPORT
MEETING DATE: October 24, 2013
AGENDA #: 3.b.
PREPARED BY: Casey McCabe, Community Development Specialist
AGENDA ITEM: BUSINESS & INDUSTRY FORUM FOLLOW UP ACTION
DISCUSSION: Introduction
On April 25, 2013, the Economic Development Advisory Committee (EDAC) hosted the 2013
Prior Lake Business & Industry Forum. The primary purpose of the event was to provide an
open forum for business leaders, property owners, developers and local elected and ap-
pointed officials to gather and discuss concerns or issues facing Prior Lake businesses as
well as promote the positive steps taken by the EDAC and the City of Prior Lake to address
concerns and issues identified by the public during previous events.
History
The EDAC developed a list of ten EDAC action items to address many of the business owner
and resident comments and suggestions. The EDAC response and action items have been
added to the EDAC page of the City website and a link has been provided to all meeting
attendants.
Current Circumstances
Below is a list of the EDAC action items and the current status.
Continue to support Community & Economic Development staff, City Council and Eco-
nomic Development Authority (EDA) with program guideline and policy updates and de-
velopment related to financing or incentive programs.
Over the past year, Community & Economic Development staff, along with the City Coun-
cil, Economic Development Authority (EDA) and Economic Development Advisory Com-
mittee (EDAC), have been working to update/develop guidelines and policies related to
financing or incentive programs. Examples include the Technology Village Business Plan
(Phase I and II), an Economic Development Plan for Deerfield Business & Welcome In-
dustrial Parks, EDA Business Plan, a Sewer and Water Fee Deferral Program, Business
Subsidies Policy, and an update of the Economic Development Revolving Loan Fund
Guidelines.
The EDAC is working with the EDA to potentially establish a downtown façade improve-
ment project.
Visit with downtown businesses owners south of CR21, to gauge interest in a potential
If there is interest in a façade restoration program south of CR21, the EDAC will
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work with City staff and the EDA to evaluate funding options.
The EDAC is currently working with the EDA to consider a possible downtown façade
improvement grant program. If funding is identified and the program is approved, the
EDAC will work to establish program guidelines and policies and promote the program to
downtown businesses.
Continue to work with SCALE toward its 50 percent employment goal in Scott County.
Continue to work to eliminate the perception the City is difficult to work with. This will be
accomplished by working with staff to ensure business owners, developers and residents
receive courteous and respectful assistance and prompt up-front information related to
their project as well as continued communication throughout the project.
Update outdated community marketing and promotional materials.
The EDAC is currently working to update marketing materials to promote the City of Prior
Lake.
Develop a plan to promote local spending in the community by leveraging existing busi-
nesses and the efforts of City staff, Prior Lake Chamber and the recently formed Prior
Lake Downtown Business Association.
Work with the recently formed Prior Lake Downtown Business Association to increase
customer traffic and promotion of downtown businesses.
Work with the Prior Lake Traffic & Safety Committee to evaluate a crosswalk sign and/or
other interim safety improvements at the Main Avenue/CR21 intersection.
This item has been forwarded to the Traffic & Safety Committee for review.
Work with the Prior Lake Traffic & Safety Committee and the Prior Lake Downtown Busi-
ness Association to evaluate the possibility of restricting parking in the public parking lot
near the Rock Creek building to 2/4 hours. Potential impacts of bus riders and employees
filling up parking spaces along Main Avenue and other locations in lieu of the Rock Creek
parking lot will also be evaluated.
This item has been forwarded to the Traffic & Safety Committee for review.
Evaluate possible enhancements to the Prior Lake monument sign at the intersection of
CR42 and Hwy 13.
Conclusion
The EDAC should discuss these items and establish a timeline to accomplish each of the
listed action items. The EDAC may also wish to identify specific goals for some of the more
general action items.
ISSUES: The committee should continue to provide updates on the EDAC page of the City website.
FINANCIAL Some issues may need to have financial resources included as part of the solution or as part
IMPACT: of further analysis.
ALTERNATIVES: Discussion Only.
RECOMMENDED Discussion Only.
MOTION:
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