2. 02-08-16 EDA MinutesThe Scandia Economic Development Authority met in the Board Room at the Scandia
Community Center on Monday, February 8, 2016 beginning at 6:30pm.
Commissioners Present: Sally Swanson, Greg Isaacson, Dan Lee, and Bruce Swenson.
Staff Present: Neil Soltis.
Swanson called the meeting to order at 6:30pm.
Motion by Swenson, seconded by Lee to approve the January 11, 2016 minutes. Motion carried.
Motion by Lee, seconded by Isaacson to approve the agenda. Motion carried.
No one was present for the public forum.
Resolution of support for Washington County Housing and Redevelopment Authority –
Barb Dacy, Executive Director of the Washington County Housing Redevelopment Authority
provided the background on the process which has led to the decision to seek to expand the role
to include economic development and to convert the HRA into a Community Development
Authority. For this to occur action would be needed to be taken by the Minnesota legislature.
The goals of the CDA would be to function as a hub for County economic development
activities, to support and compliment the economic development activities of the municipalities,
and to maintain the current level of control by the County Board over the levy authorization. If
approved funds are available in the 2016 levy to hire an Economic Development Director and to
begin the process of establishing policies and procedures and that additional funds would be
anticipated in the 2017 budget.. In response to questions, Dacy noted that the goal of the CDA is
not to pick winners or losers but to support the local efforts and that the role in tourism
development has not yet been determined. County Commissioner Fran Miron commented on the
need to get legislative support for the change and that the CDA efforts would be targeted at
complimenting the current efforts of Washington County communities. In responding to
questions Miron noted that the potential negative of the change could be an increase in the
County levy. Dacy requested the EDA approve a resolution supporting the change. Motion by
Swenson, seconded by Lee to approve resolution 02-08-16-01 supporting the proposed
legislation to authorize the County of Washington to confer economic development powers upon
the Washington County Housing and Redevelopment Authority. Motion carried.
Update on 2016 goals and work plan – The members reviewed the 2016 priority tasks of
seeking funding for physical improvements to buildings, finding funding for entryway
beautification, and increasing awareness and marketing of the City. Soltis reported on the
changes that have been made to the City’s website to list commercial and mixed use building and
land for sale or lease. Soltis also reported on the Planning commission recommendations to
reclassify a nmber of uses in the Village Mixed Use zoning districts from conditional to
permitted. Approval of the ordinance establishing the changes will be before the Council at the
February 16 meeting.
Treasurer’s report - The Commissioner Lee noted that there was no change in the EDA funds
with $5,396.10 available. .
Executive Director Report: Soltis reported that the Forest Lake times was seeking information
on local business and economic development advancements of the last year. The Commissioners
felt that the remodeling of the Scandia Hair office would be an appropriate story. The
Commissioners also discussed the existing businesses, the length of time the businesses have
operated in Scandia, recognizing those businesses and possibly holding an open house so the
community can meet the business owners.
The next meeting will be Monday, March 14, 2016 at 6:30 pm.
Motion by Lee, seconded by Isaacson to adjourn at 7:50 pm. Motion carried.
Respectfully Submitted, Neil Soltis, Secretary