8. staff reportStaff Report
RETAP - Through the GreenStep Cities program City businesses have access to the
Minnesota Retiree Environmental Technical Assistance Program (RETAP). RETAP
will perform no-cost, non-regulatory energy efficiency and waste reduction
assessments to Minnesota's small businesses and public and private institutions.
Assessments include an on-site visit from a team of RETAP members with
emphasis on finding opportunities to increase energy efficiency and water
conservation, reduce waste, and reduce operating costs. A description of the
program and a link to the RETAP website are now on the EDA Resources and Tools
Page.
Chikos – I’ve received inquiries from realtor / developers regarding the closing of
Chikos restaurant and the potential to sell the building separately from the office
rental building. That is not possible based on the minimum lot size in the Village
Mixed Use-B zoning district is 2.5 acres and the property is 2.5 acres. The concern
voiced is that leasing the building is a disincentive for the owner to make long-
term investments in the interior and exterior of the property.
Website - Also new to the Resources and Tools page is a link to the Minnesota
DEED Small Business Assistance Office “Guide to Starting a Business in
Minnesota”
Frontier Internet upgrades – The upgrades are all turned up for 2017 and the
sales office in Lindstrom can provide information on the availability of increased
speeds and the cost to upgrade. By mid-year Frontier will be marketing their
Vantage product that will provide cable-type programming to those customers
that they can supply at least 18mbs download speed. The 2018 Connect America
Fund projects will be concentrated in the northeast area of the City. Those
upgrades are scheduled for summer 2018 construction.