2. 04-12-16 EDA MinutesThe Scandia Economic Development Authority met in the Board Room at the Scandia
Community Center on Tuesday, April 12, 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 and noted that this would be her last meeting.
Motion by Swenson, seconded by Isaacson to approve the February 8, 2016 minutes. Motion
carried.
Motion by Lee, seconded by Swenson to approve the agenda. Motion carried.
No one was present for the public forum.
Election of Committee Chair and Vice-chair – Motion by Swenson, seconded by Isaacson, to
appoint Bob Hegland as Chair. Motion approved. Motion by Isaacson, seconded by Lee to
appoint Swenson as Vice-chair. Motion approved.
Discussion on uses in the Rural Commercial District – The Commissioners reviewed the staff
report to the Planning Commission regarding proposed changes to the allowed uses in the Rural
Commercial Districts which include Copas, Abrahamson’s Nursery, the s.w. corner of STH 95
and STH 97, and the area around the Big Lake store. The Commissioners recommended that the
craft brewery use be listed as condition and that a craft distillery use be added as conditional.
Discussion of the changes will be on the May 3 Planning Commission agenda.
Discussion on SHIP grant application – Soltis reported on the Planning Commission
recommendation that the City apply to Washington County for a Statewide Health Improvement
Program $5,000 grant in order to fund 90% of the cost for a baseline assessment and
recommendations to enhance local food production and distribution as economic development in
Scandia. The information would be utilized in the comprehensive planning process. The
Commissioners agreed the value of the project and the potential economic benefits. Motion by
Swenson, seconded by Lee, to apply for the grant and to use EDA funds for the 10% matching
funds.
Treasurer’s report - Lee noted that there was no change in the EDA funds with $5,396.10
available. Motion by Swenson, seconded by Lee, to approve the payment of the Forest Lake
Chamber of Commerce annual membership dues. Motion carried. The Commissioners
requested that email updates from the Chamber be distributed to all members.
Executive Director Report: Soltis reported that Frontier Telephone will be enhancing their
facilities in Scandia in 2016 and will be able to provide customers with a minimum internet
speeds of 5 m.b. download and 1 m.b. upload. Soltis reported that the legislation that would
allow the Washington County Housing and Rehabilitation Authority to transition into a
Community Development authority is moving through the State legislature and, once approved,
will need final approval by the County Board. Soltis provided information from Community
Collaborations regarding community engagement services that are available to assist with the
economic development portion of the comprehensive plan.
Future agenda items – The Commissioners discussed the impact of the proposed closing of the
Marine Elementary School and the possibility to attract students to the Scandia Elementary
School. The Commissioners discussed the interest in holding a Scandia Business Fair and
potential sources of sponsorship or funding.
The next meeting will be Monday, May 9, 2016 at 6:30 pm.
Motion by Swenson, seconded by Lee to adjourn at 7:35 pm. Motion carried.
Respectfully Submitted, Neil Soltis, Secretary