8.e EDA Minutes 04 12 2021
Scandia Economic Development Authority
14727 209 th St. N. PO Box 128, Scandia, Minnesota 55073
Phone (651) 433 -2274 Fax (651) 433 -5112 http://www.ci.scandia.mn.us
DRAFT
CITY OF SCANDIA
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY (EDA)
Minutes
Monday, April 12, 2021
6:30 P.M.
Via Zoom and Boxcast Stream
Attendance: Heather Benson, Kirsten Libby, Mark Porubcansky, Patti Ray, and Brad Borg.
Also In Attendance: Ken Cammilleri, Executive Director and Greg Amundson
Call to Order – Benson called to order at 6:30pm.
Approval of Agenda – Motion by Ray, seconded by Porubcansky, to approve the agenda. Motion
carried unanimously by roll call vote.
Approval of Minutes from the Board’s March 8, 2021 Meeting – Motion by Libby, seconded by
Ray, to approve the minutes from March 8, 2021. Motion carried by unanimous roll call vote.
Discussion on the upcoming Virtual Business Breakfasts – The Commission decided that Len
Martinez will be the next special guest to speak on marketing businesses at this month’s breakfast.
A title for the event will be provided. They also determined that Greg Amundson would start the
event with a present on establishing a local business association and time would be reserved for
updates from the County and City. Porubcansky agreed to help arrange a future presentation
regarding the Northwoods and Waters national heritage area declaration for the St. Croix River
Watershed. The Commission also suggested Jan Hogle’s Twin Pine Farm, Ecko Backken, or the
Osceola Medical Center (OMC) to be potential presenters in May or June.
Director’s updates/financial report – Cammilleri highlighted the opening of the Thirsty Buffalo,
and reminded the EDA that OMC was interested in potentially attending a future EDA meeting.
Discussion of the Scandia business association – The Commission discussed efforts to support
the establishment of a local business association with local business owner, Greg Amundson. The
association would be established to support brick and mortar businesses and home-based businesses
alike.
Discussion on the benefit of remote workers to Scandia' future – Ray reported that remote
workers present significant opportunities to draw new residents in the future. She requested that the
Commission continue to have a dialog on the subject and strategize ways to support the conditions
for remote workers.
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DRAFT
Review of EDA Work Plan – The Commission identified the following potential priorities:
- Promoting the development of an available lot on Hwy 97 in the business district,
- Provide support to the establishment of a local business association,
- Investigate opportunities to improve conditions for remote workers including supporting local
internet expansion efforts,
- Identifying solutions to curb falling enrolment at Scandia Elementary School, and;
- To continue to investigate water and sewer issues as it relates to current and future development.
Update on the development of the 45 acres on Highway 97 – Cammilleri reported on the status
of efforts to encourage development of the site.
Items for future agendas – The Commission decided that they wished to focus the remainder of
the next meeting to talk about finalizing the EDA Work Plan for presentation at the May City
Council meeting. They also suggested revisiting the water and sewer investigation at the EDA’s
meeting in June.
Next Meeting Times – The Commission confirmed that its next EDA meeting will be Monday,
May 10th at 6:30pm and the next EDA Virtual Breakfast Wednesday, April 21st at 8:00am.
Adjournment – Motion to adjourn the meeting by Porubcansky, seconded by Benson at
7:55pm. Motion carried unanimously by roll call vote.
Minutes Taken by: Ken Cammilleri, Executive Director
Scandia Economic Development Authority Mission Statement:
The Scandia EDA strives to enhance Scandia’s long-term prosperity and enrich the quality of life of residents by
retaining and growing existing businesses, recruiting new businesses and expanding life-cycle housing opportunities for
residents.