2 Draft of the 02-12-18 EDA Minutes
The Scandia Economic Development Authority met in the Heritage Room at the Scandia
Community Center on Monday, February 12, 2018 beginning at 6:30pm.
Commissioners Present: Bob Hegland, Steve Kronmiller, and Bruce Swenson
Staff Present: Neil Soltis
Also Present: Christine Maefsky
Minutes - Motion by Swenson, seconded by Kronmiller to approve the minutes of the
November 13, 2017 meeting. Vote: Yes – 3. Motion carried.
Agenda - Motion by Kronmiller, seconded by Swenson, to approve the agenda. Vote: Yes – 3.
Motion carried.
Commissioner Borg arrived during the following disucssion
Presentation on the University of Minnesota Tourism Center tourism assessment program –
Cynthia Messer. Director of the University of Minnesota Tourism Center provided a background
on what constitutes tourism and presented information on the Center’s Tourism Assessment
program. The Center offers a do-it-yourself workbook for a community to use for tourism
assessment and development and offers a contract assessment program that engages and
educates regarding tourism and utilizes multiple perspectives over a 12 -18 month period. The
community would need to establish a community leadership team and the Center wo uld
provide an expert team to assess the current conditions, report with ideas and suggestions and
evaluate the potential for tourism development. The cost of the program is $7,000 and the City
would need to also pay for others costs related to meetings and community gatherings.
Discussion on MnDOT State Landscape Partnership Program design assistance – Todd Carroll,
the Statewide Landscape Partnership Coordinator for MnDOT, presented updated plans for
planting on the 4 corners of the intersection of MN 97 and Olinda Trail. The plans have been
modified to reflect a greater emphasis on native species while keeping points of in terest for all
seasons. The intention of the project would be to help to create a brand identity for and attract
interest to the downtown. The cost for the materials in the design are estimated at $7,000
which would be paid by MnDOT with the City or community groups being responsible for the
installation and future maintenance of the plantings. MnDOT will need a resolution from the
City for the project to proceed.
The matter proceeding with the implementation of the design will be brought to the Council for
discussion at the March work session.
Presentation by Cycling Scandia – Janie O’Connor, Marlys Johnson, and Carol Schwinghammer
presented information on Cycling Scandia noting that the group has incorporated and filed for
status as a 501(c)3 charitable organization and reviewing the results of the survey of cyclists
that was conducted last July. The survey results provided baseline information on the riders
homes and destinations and the services that they would be seeking in Scandia.
Update on Washington County CDA – Chris Eng, Washington County Economic Development
Director, reported on the Predevelopment Grant Fund that is being created by the County. The
program is targeted to start March 1 and will provide matching funds to Cities for project
predevelopment costs. Grants under $10,000 will require a 20% match and grants between
$10,000- and $40,000 will require a 50% match. Eng also provided a recap of the first 6 month
of activity in Washington County for the Open to Business program noting that 6 Scandia clients
have received services and the program has approved 2 loans with 4 others in the pipeline .
Director’s Report – Soltis reported on the availability of no-cost energy and waste reduction
services through the Minnesota Retiree Environmental Technical Assistance Program (RETAP).
Soltis also reported on inquiries from realtor / developers regarding the closing of the Chikos
restaurant and whether the building can be sold separately from the commercial rental
building. The members noted that there are opportunities to have shared parking and septic
but felt that it would be desirable from an investment standpoint to enable the restaurant
operator to own the building. Motion by Kronmiller, seconded by Swenson, to move the
discussion to the Council to explore options that would allow for separate ownership. Vote: 4-
0
Commissioner Reports – Kronmiller reported that there will be an interest focus group that will
begin meeting on the 3rd and 4th Thursdays of the month to talk about broadband issues and to
look at options for enhanced service opportunities for all Scandia residents.
Items for Future Agendas – Agenda items discussed were planning for the April Business
Breakfast, finalizing the Façade Improvement program, and options for the expansion of natural
gas services.
Next meeting – The next meeting was scheduled for March 12, 2018.
Adjournment - No further business was discussed. A motion to adjourn was made by
Kronmiller and seconded by Swenson. Vote: Yes – 4.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:40 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted, Neil Soltis, Secretary