2. Draft of the 03-12-18 EDA MinutesCITY OF SCANDIA
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY
Monday, March 12, 2018
6:30 P.M.
Scandia Community Center Board Room
The Scandia Economic Development Authority met in the Board Room at the Scandia
Community Center on Monday, March 12, 2018 beginning at 6:30pm.
Commissioners Present: Brad Borg, Steve Kronmiller, Mark Porubcansky, and Bruce Swenson.
Staff Present: Neil Soltis
Also Present: Mayor Christine Maefsky
Minutes - Motion by Kronmiller, seconded by Porubcansky to approve the minutes of the
February 12, 2018 meeting. Vote: Yes – 4. Motion carried.
Agenda - Motion by Porubcansky, seconded by Borg, to approve the agenda. Vote: Yes – 4.
Motion carried.
Discussion on façade improvement revolving loan fund – The Committee reviewed the
proposed façade improvement loan program and discussed the improvements that would be
eligible. The Board recommended that awnings be added to the listing on eligible
improvements. Motion by Kronmiller, seconded by Porubcansky to seek affirmation of the
program as recommended. Vote: Yes – 4. Motion carried.
Discussion on lot sizes in the Village Mixed Use-B zoning district – The Board discussed the
Planning Commission request that the Board p rovide input on potential changes to the lot sizes
in the Village Mixed Use – B zoning district. The Board noted that commercial condominiums
are currently an option and was supportive of the change that would allow for planned unit
developments to be added as a conditional use in the VMU-B zoning district. The Board
discussed the issues related to changes in the minimum lot size noted that a change may be
appropriate if the lot was served by a centralized sanitary sewer system, that the update of the
comprehensive plan should provide for areas that require smaller lots, and that changes to the
lot size could impact the siting of the Gateway Trail in the future. The Board recommended
that given the condominium and PUD options, no changes to lot size are needed at this time.
Discussion on the University of Minnesota Tourism Center tourism assessment program – The
Board discussed the agreement with the Tourism Center noting that the payments will be due
on May 1, 2018 and January 1, 2019 and that once the agreement is executed, the Tourism
Center will conduct an orientation and review the job description for the Community
Leadership Team members. Motion by Porubcansky, seconded by Borg, to approve the
agreement with the Tourism Center. Vote: Yes – 4. Motion carried.
Discussion of April business meeting – The Board set the date for the Spring Business meeting
for Thursday April 19th beginning at 7:00 a.m. Carney Forensics has agreed to make a
presentation on computer security. Other topics for presentation at the Façade Improvement
program, the MnDOT Landscape Partnership program, the UM Tourism assessment, the County
Predevelopment Grant program, and the Open to Business program.
Washington County Predevelopment Grant Fund – Chris Eng reported that the County has
committed $150,000 to the program, that applications are being accepted, and that the grants
will be made on an ongoing basis until the funds are utilized. Eng noted that for projects under
$10,000, the CDA will reimburse $1.00 for each $0.20 of local funding. The Board discussed
applying for grants for the land adjacent to the Fire station including a study of the feasibility of
wastewater treatment, a master plan for the land, and an environmental overview that would
include a wetland delineation.
Update on Internet Focus group – Kronmiller reported that the Internet Focus Group will be
meeting on March 21 and that a representative of Frontier will be present to provide an update
on their construction plans and that a Midco Representative will be invited to a future meeting.
Eng noted that the Blandin Foundation has hired an individual to consult with co mmunities
regarding broadband access and suggested that he be contacted regarding options for Scandia.
Items for future agendas – Items identified for future discussion were the business subsidy
policy, application for a predevelopment grant, and a bylaw change that would enable to
appointment of an ex-officio non-voting member of the EDA.
Next Meeting Date – The next meeting will be the Business meeting on April 19th with a regular
meeting on May 14th.
Adjournment – Motion by Kronmiller, seconded by Porubcansky, to adjourn. Motion carried.
The meeting was adjourned at 7:50 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
Neil Soltis, Secretary