2. Draft minutes of the 02-11-19 EDA MeetingCITY OF SCANDIA
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY
Monday, February 11, 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, February 11th beginning at 6:30pm.
Commissioners Present: Brad Borg, Steve Kronmiller, Kirsten Libby, Mark Porubcansky, and
Patti Ray
Staff Present: Neil Soltis
Also present: Chris Eng, Bill Strusinski
Election of Officers – Motion by Libby, seconded by Ray, to elect Kronmiller as Chair. Vote: Yes
5-0. Motion carried. Motion by Ray, seconded by Porubcansky, to elect Libby as Vice-Chair.
Vote: Yes 5-0. Motion carried.
Minutes - Motion by Borg, seconded by Ray, to approve the minutes of the January 14, 2019
meeting. Vote: Yes 5-0. Motion carried.
Agenda - Motion by Porubcansky, seconded by Libby, to approve the agenda. Vote: Yes 5-0.
Motion carried.
Update on Fiber to the Premise RFP and project funding options – Kronmiller provided an
update on the request for proposals that have been sent out and are due back by March 11.
Ray suggested that requests also be sent to Arvig and US Internet. Bill Strusinski of the Libby
Law Firm, discussed with the Board the proposed special service district language and changes
to the broadband bill and DEED grant program. Strusinski provided an approach for continuing
to lobby for the provisions in Statutes that would facilitate the broadband expansion in Scandia.
Update from Washington County CDA – Chris Eng noted that a bill establishing an angel
investor tax credit has been introduced that would help to fund small a start -up businesses.
Eng also provided information on the internet platform being funded by the County that would
provide a portal for Washington County communities to provide economic development
information and access to available resources. The target launch date in in July.
Discussion on the development of a 3-year work plan – The Board worked on an analysis of
the strength, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats related to economic development in the
City. Aspects looked at included Agriculture, Available Land, Businesses in Scandia, Community
Characteristics, Economic Development resources, educational resources, infrastructure,
natural resources, tourism & leisure, and workforce. Further review of the work plan
incorporating the input from the swot analysis will be on the agenda for the March meeting.
Director’s report – Soltis reported that Todd Carroll will be looking at potential locations for the
Scandia entry signs noting that entry signs on state highways are required to be at the actual
entrances to the City. A draft of the Tourism Assessment is on track to be ready for review by
the Leadership Team in early March.
Commissioner Reports – none
Items for future agendas – The April business breakfast, tourism, incentives for new
businesses, and leveraging the pre-development septic study were identified as items for
discussion at the next meeting.
Next Meeting Date – The date of the next meeting was set for March, 11, 2019
Adjournment – Motion by Porubcansky, seconded by Ray, to adjourn. Motion carried. The
meeting was adjourned at 8:20 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
Neil Soltis, Secretary