2. 01-11-16 EDA MinutesThe Scandia Economic Development Authority met in the Board Room at the Scandia
Community Center on Monday, January 11, 2016 beginning at 6:30pm.
Commissioners Present: Sally Swanson, Bob Hegland, Greg Isaacson, Dan Lee, and Bruce
Swenson.
Staff Present: Neil Soltis.
Swanson called the meeting to order at 6:30pm.
Motion by Lee, seconded by Swenson to approve the December 14, 2015 minutes. Motion
carried.
Motion by Lee, seconded by Hegland to approve the agenda. Motion carried.
No one was present for the public forum.
Ivan Loesch made a presentation on his TruMod hub -n -spoke housing concept. The concept is
based on 256 s.f. modules composed of manufactured insulated panels that can be joined
together in order to create larger buildings. The modules have different styles and roof types
based on a limited number of standardized components. This type of housing is designed to be
easy to construct and could be used as accessory residential units under the City's development
code.
Resolution of support for Washington County Housing Redevelopment Agency — Soltis reported
that the HRA has not provided a resolution for consideration and noted that the intention is to
expand the scope of the HRA to have the powers of a Community Development Agency which
will add an economic development focus to its efforts. The Commissioners discussed the
economic development efforts in relation to Chisago County, the mission statements for the
HRA versus the CDA, and whether the change is related to Metropolitan Council initiatives.
Further discussion was held over to the February meeting when HRA representatives will be
making presentations.
The Commissioners discussed goals and a work plan for 2016. Business type that were
identified as needed in the community and should be targeted included: lodging, drive-thru
coffee, car wash, ice cream, craft brewery, legal services, fast food, upscale restaurant, and light
manufacturing / assembly. Physical improvements discussed were purchasing the land behind
the fire department, extending fiber optic cable to provide greater bandwidth, community entry
signs, and exterior improvements to buildings. Seeking funding for physical improvements to
buildings, funding for entryway beautification, and increasing awareness and marketing of the
City were identified as priority tasks for 2016.
The Commissioners reviewed the Treasurer's report noting the EDA has $5,396.10 available as
of 12/31/2015.
Executive Director Report: Soltis report on the Wydlewood Acres meeting with Midcontinent
Cable noting that the residents have expressed sufficient support to warrant Midcontinent to look
beyond the cable contract requirements and, if the interest is confirmed, could extend cable to the
development in 2016. Soltis noted that the cable contract requires Midcontinent Cable to extend
services if there are 6 connection within'/4 mile of the closest feasible tap location and that with
the City's commitment to 4 houses per 40 acres, the extension opportunities into other areas of
the City are minimal. Soltis presented sample web pages from other governments that could be
incorporated into the Economic Development information on the City website.
The next meeting will be Monday, February 8, 2016 at 6:30 pm. The discussion on the
Washington County HRA resolution will be on the agenda.
Motion by Swenson, seconded by Lee to adjourn at 8:30pm. Motion carried.
Respectfully Submitted, Neil Soltis, Secretary