3. Draft 08-12-19 EDA MinutesCITY OF SCANDIA
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY
Monday, August 12, 2019
6:30 P.M.
Scandia Community Center Board Room
The Scandia Economic Development Authority met in the Board Room at the Scandia
Community Center on Monday, August 12, 2019 beginning at 6:30pm.
Commissioners Present: Steve Kronmiller, Kirsten Libby, Mark Porubcansky, and Patti Ray.
Absent: Brad Borg.
Staff Present: Deputy Clerk Brenda Eklund
Also present: Chris Eng (Washington County CDA)
Agenda - Motion by Ray, seconded by Porubcansky, to approve the agenda as presented.
Vote: Yes 4-0. Motion carried.
Minutes – Commissioner Ray explained that the business visit assignments were revised
following the July 8th meeting:
• Maefsky – added Meisters Bar & Grill.
• Ray – removed Meisters Bar & Grill, added Hӓr Salon.
Ray recommended the meeting minutes be amended to reflect this change.
Motion by Porubcansky, seconded by Libby, to approve the minutes of the July 8, 2019 meeting
as amended. Vote: Yes 4-0. Motion carried.
Update from Washington County CDA – Chris Eng reported that the CDA will be presenting
their 2020 budget to the County Board on August 13th. Funding initiatives proposed to remain
as they were in 2019, with Open to Business, loan assistance and marketing efforts continuing.
Eng reported that in the 2 years that the Open to Business program has been in existence,
thirteen Scandia businesses have received assistance.
Discussion on Business Retention and Expansion Survey – The Board members discussed the
business visitation schedule as determined last month.
• Scandia Mercantile and Café – Kirsten Libby. Reported on the closing of the Scandia Café
in July. Connected with owner Holly Beyl who asked that the visit for the Scandia
Mercantile to be delayed until mid-August.
• Scandia Creamery, Poplar Hill Farm, Meister’s Bar & Grill – Christine Maefsky. Not
present.
• Scandia Auto – Mark Porubcansky. Met with owner Leif Lundeen. Robust auto repair
business looking to expand to 5-acre property to provide ample room for parking and a
repair garage. Lease for current business site runs through September 2020. Next steps
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Scandia EDA
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are to invite to him to the Fall Business Breakfast, introduce him to Chris Eng (County
CDA), direct him to search County property records for potential site for his expansion.
• Carney Forensics, Hӓr Salon – Patti Ray. Met with the owners of the Hӓr Salon. Looking
to expand their services. Advertising for another stylist, massage therapist but
challenged in finding this talent. Recommended that they try recruiting at the technical
schools.
• Big Marine Lake Store – Steve Kronmiller. Visit delayed due to family circumstances in
July.
• Abrahamson’s Nursery – Brad Borg. Not present.
August visitation schedule:
• Redeemed Farm – Patti Ray, will invite Council member Ness to attend with her
• Brookside Pub – Steve Kronmiller
• Gammelgarden Museum – Mark Porubcansky
• Countryside Arts (MaryJo Milbrandt) – Kirsten Libby
Discussion on 2020 Budget – The Board discussed economic development projects that the
EDA could potentially fund in the coming year. Expanding on the existing dala horses in town
was suggested, as a promotional and beautification program for Scandia. The Board was in
consensus to levy $5,000 for the 2020 budget.
Commissioner Ray suggested a vendor fair as part of the Vinterlights event being held on
December 1st. Commissioner Libby noted that this could tie into Small Business Saturday. Ray
and Libby will put together the details for a “Best of Scandia” vendor fair and report at the next
meeting.
Motion by Ray, seconded by Porubcansky, to authorize funding up to $1,000 for a vendor fair
event held in conjunction with Vinterlights. Vote: Yes 4-0. Motion carried.
Discussion of EDA 3-year Work Plan – The Board reviewed the EDA’s 3-year work plan that was
last discussed earlier this year. No changes were identified; goals and deliverables appear to be
on track for 2019. Eng noted the absence of a City Administrator to assist with moving the
goals forward, but the concepts are good.
Discussion on the Fall 2019 Business Breakfast – The Board set November 7, 2019 for the Fall
Business Breakfast. Invitations will be sent out 3 weeks prior, and promoted in the city’s
newsletter, website and Facebook page. Commissioner Libby will present on her new business,
Apothecary’s Daughter/Libby Law, as the business spotlight portion of the meeting.
Commissioner Ray will promote the Best of Scandia event, and Chris Eng will provide
information on County EDA resources such as Open for Business.
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Commissioner Reports –
1) Update on Broadband Proposals: Kronmiller informed the EDA that the City Council
accepted the recommendation of the Internet Focus Group to further study a fiber to the
premises internet expansion project with CTC or other fiber optic providers . The Council voted
to create a city sanctioned internet study committee to assist with the proposal.
2) Treasurer’s Report: The EDA has a fund balance of $19,813 as of June 30th.
Items for future agendas – Items identified for future agendas are survey results of the
Business Visitation/Retention Program, update on the Best of Scandia vendor fair, the fall
business breakfast, tourism committee report, and a budget update.
Next Meeting Date – The date of the next meeting will be September 9, 2019.
Adjournment – Motion by Libby, seconded by Ray, to adjourn. Vote: Yes 4-0. Motion carried.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:00 pm.
Respectfully Submitted,
Brenda Eklund, Acting Secretary