2. Draft 06-10-19 EDA MinutesCITY OF SCANDIA
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY
Monday, June 10, 2019
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, June 10th beginning at 6:30pm.
Commissioners Present: Brad Borg, Steve Kronmiller, Mark Porubcansky, and Patti Ray. Kirsten
Libby arrived at 7:00 p.m.
Staff Present: Deputy Clerk Brenda Eklund
Also present: Chris Eng (Washington County CDA), Mayor Christine Maefsky
Minutes — Kronmiller noted a correction to the May 29, 2019 minutes that the fixed wireless
build -out is estimated to be 1-2 years. Motion by Borg, seconded by Ray, to approve the
minutes of the May 29, 2019 meeting as corrected. Vote: Yes 4-0. Motion carried.
Agenda - Motion by Porubcansky, seconded by Ray, to approve the agenda as amended to add
an update on the Midco broadband expansion proposal. Vote: Yes 4-0. Motion carried.
Update from Washington County CDA — Chris Eng reported that the CDA still has money
available for pre -development grant funding for projects that are tied to economic
development.
Discussion on Tourism Assessment — At the April 24th EDA breakfast meeting with businesses, a
presentation on the Tourism Assessment was given by Cynthia Messer, UM Tourism
Development Center. Short term ideas and strategies included the creation of a task
force/committee to lead community tourism efforts. Motion by Porubcansky, seconded Ray, to
recommend to the City Council the establishment of Tourism Committee comprised of 5-7
members representing the business community, existing tourism venues, and community
volunteer organizations that would build support and a vision for tourism development and
establish priorities for meeting the strategies of the tourism assessment. The Committee would
regularly report to the City Council. Vote: 4-0. Motion carried.
Discussion on the development of a 3 -year work plan — The goals of the EDA work plan were
reviewed, described as a guide to keep the EDA focused on strategic planning through 2020.
The goal to explore options for a Business Retention and Expansion Program was discussed.
Chris Eng described a sample questionnaire that he could provide for an informal business
visitation program conducted by one or two EDA members with each business owner. Eng will
June 10, 2019
Scandia EDA
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craft the questionnaire the July EDA meeting. EDA members will review a list of local
businesses to begin the visitation program with.
Director's updates — The study by Bolton & Menk to determine the cost of providing a
community water system to the commercial area along 97 east of Olinda is on-going. It's
anticipated that City Engineer Goodman will provide a report to the City Council at their
meeting on June 18tH
Kronmiller reported that the City Council voted to move ahead with Midco's proposal for
broadband expansion via Fixed Wireless that would require no city funding. CTC is unwilling to
engage at this point, unless Midco backs out of their deal; however, there are many details yet
to be figured out on both sides. Kronmiller reported that Midco will present further
information the second week of July, proposed as a public meeting. In preparation for this, the
Internet Focus Group will meet on June 19th to review the content of Midco's proposal.
Commissioner Reports —Treasurer Kronmiller presented an invoice for payment. Motion by
Ray, seconded by Borg, to approve payment of $980 to Bolton & Menk for work completed on
the Community Water System study. Vote 5-0. Motion carried.
Items for future agendas — Items identified for future agendas are the Business Retention
Program, a report from the Committee on Community Center improvements, and planning for
the October business breakfast.
Next Meeting Date — The date of the next meeting will be July 8, 2019.
Adjournment — Motion by Porubcansky, seconded by Ray, to adjourn. Vote 5-0. Motion
carried. The meeting was adjourned at 7:45 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
Brenda Eklund, Acting Secretary