HomeMy WebLinkAbout09 26 2019 BEC minutes
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4646 Dakota Street SE
Prior Lake, MN 55372
CITY OF PRIOR LAKE, MINNESOTA
BUSINESS ENGAGEMENT COMMITTEE
MEETING MINUTES – September 26, 2019
1. Call to Order
The meeting was called to order at 7:32 a.m. in the Wagon Bridge Conference Room at Prior Lake City Hall. Members
present: Kim Prchal, Jeff Petschl, Tim Marco and Thane Tande. Chamber of Commerce Liaison Sandi Fleck, EDA
Liaisons Marie Boucher-Hoese and Annie Sheehan-Kerber. Staff present: Casey McCabe and Amanda Schwabe.
Guests present: Kirt Briggs and Lloyd Erbaugh.
2. Approval of Meeting Minutes
a. August 29, 2019
MOTION BY PETSCHL and SECOND BY MARCO to approve the August 29, 2019 meeting minutes. Motion
adopted unanimously.
3. Old Business
a. None
4. New Business
a. None
5. Other Business
a. EDA Meeting Update
MCCABE shared that Sheila Smith, Executive Director of MN Citizens for the Arts (MCA), will be attending the
EDA meeting on October 14th. The EDA is considering the formation of an Arts Council with the purpose of
expanding the PLWorthIt initiative into the arts to further enhance the downtown area and the community. BEC
members are invited to attend.
FLECK suggested June Phillips of the Savage Area Arts Community be contacted.
SHEEHAN-KERBER stated that she recently met with Ms. Phillips who is with the Savage Area Arts
Community, which is a non-profit organization. The organization is looking for opportunities to collaborate with
other area arts organizations. She explained the concept that Greg P reslicka developed for a possible
downtown mural and showed the concept which has an “old lake to new lake” theme.
Discussion followed.
SHEEHAN-KERBER explained the next steps for the mural including soliciting private funding with the hopes
that the mural could be completed in the Spring.
BRIGGS shared more information related to the #PLWorthIt Wish Book concept the EDA is considering to
inform residents and business owners of contribution opportunities for the community in the future.
TANDE suggested utilizing pavers to recognize contributors in areas adjacent to the mural. He stated that
contributors could receive a replica brick.
MCCABE shared that department heads are currently reviewing the proposed wish book list and will respond
to Staff with additional entries. Staff would like to offer the list to the community for suggestions.
BRIGGS suggested that in some private businesses, a corporate office may match local contributions.
b. Residential and Commercial Activity Update
MCCABE provided an overview of the building permits issued through August 31, 2019.
PRCHAL requested an update on the former Artisan Bistro space.
MCCABE shared that Ze’s Diner is working on interior improvements and has obtained the exterior sign permit
with the hope of opening in November.
c. Staff Update
i. 13-21 Construction
MCCABE shared that the construction is ahead of schedule. Stage 1 & 2 are open, the project leap frogged
Stage 3 and are currently working on Stage 4; Stage 3 work will begin later this week. Staff is anticipating
the Main Ave. intersection will open on 9/27. He stated that the goal is to do most of the roadwork in 2019,
with the exception of the 13/21 roundabout.
BRIGGS shared that the Project Management Team (PMT) has been very responsive to calls and
suggestions related to the construction project. He stated that having a bulk of the construction in the Fall
was a request from the area businesses as it is not their prime season.
PRCHAL shared that the closure of the westerly entrance to the public parking lot has resulted in a safer
experience for pedestrians in the area. She stated that the stop sign which was placed is being utilized as
intended.
THANE stated that the updated maps that have been distributed show people that the city cares.
BRIGGS shared that Nicole of Bolton & Menk has been phenomenal throughout the process and very
responsive throughout this project.
ii. Chalk Fest
SCHWABE provided an update on the Chalk Fest event which was held September 20-21 on Main Ave.
The event was a success with an estimated 1,500-2,000 attendees. She shared that responses from
residents and business owners have been extremely positive and requests have been received to host the
event again next year.
iii. Downtown Mural
SHEEHAN-KERBER stated she did not have any information to add to what was discussed earlier as part
of the EDA meeting update.
iv. BEC Application Interviews
SCHWABE shared that there were four applicants for the BEC, including Petschl, Student Liaison Bella
Drewes, Jim Speiker, Jr. & Christopher Smith. She stated that the screening committee will be completing
interviews and making a recommendation to the EDA at their October 14th EDA meeting.
v. December Meeting Date
MCCABE shared that the 4th Thursday of November and December fall on holidays. Staff suggested the
BEC combine the November and December meetings into one meeting on December 12, 2019.
d. Member Ideas/Recommendations
ERBAUGH attended the meeting to share information from recent conversations with downtown business
owners. He shared that he had communicated with Fleck at the Chamber of Commerce related to initiatives to
support downtown businesses. He stated that he provided a letter to Staff with suggestions regarding how to
promote the downtown businesses.
PRCHAL shared that it is important to go to the businesses who are struggling the most.
BRIGGS shared that in conversations with other businesses in the Downtown and South Lake Village areas,
businesses have indicated they are utilizing their best entertainment, discounts, etc. to offset anticipated slow
times.
ERBAUGH shared that he would be happy to write an article for the PLA showcasing how business owners
are dedicated to the Downtown area and the benefits of patronizing the locally owned businesses.
BRIGGS explained that an Oktoberfest event is being planned by Boathouse Brothers Brewing on Main Ave
with live entertainment.
6. Next Meeting Date.
The next regular meeting of the BEC will be on Thursday, October 24, 2019 at 7:30 a.m.
7. Adjourn.
MOTION BY PRCHAL and SECOND BY MARCO to adjourn the meeting. Motion adopted unanimously. The meeting
adjourned at 9:00 a.m.
Submitted by Amanda Schwabe