08-16-2016 EDC Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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Economic Development Commission Minutes August 16, 2016 Page 2 of 3 Commissioner Lindholm stated he spoke with Dan Frank and will speak to the School Advisory Committee to collect additional information that can be used through the TCI process. Chair Jurchen reported he met with Dean Brandt of Expressions Shoes. Mr. Brandt has been upset with County Road 11 being closed; his sales are down this year about 8%. Mayor Sjoblad had reported the Hungry Loon's sales are up this year, as well as Beau Hanson from Lucky's. The Wild Daisy reports sales are down. He is receiving mixed reports. Commissioner Sjoblad stated SuperValu's sales are down, but that is not affected by County Road 11; it may be the addition of Aldi in Baxter. Chair Jurchen noted gas prices are low and people may be traveling further from home; we may not have as many people traveling to this area. Small businesses need to know where their customers come from. Chair Jurchen stated he had been approached by Country Financial who is moving to Pequot Lakes, whether there were any incentives offered by the City. An EDA is something the City may want to look at, maybe jointly with other local communities. Chair Jurchen further stated as he prepared the narrative for the TCI application he found there were 900 jobs from the large employers in Pequot Lakes and Jenkins. We are not a tourist town any more, we are a regional community. Commissioner Lindholm stated he is championing the Thriving Communities Initiative. Leadership is key; we need to be sure to get the message out. Sheila Haverkamp had been contacted by a prospect who may move to the area regarding different financing paths and what incentives may be available. Several years ago Tommy Woog wanted to have a conversation regarding incentives. There is the traditional TIF, and JOBZ. What can the City do over the traditional incentives? We never got to the end of that discussion. We should reiterate that conversation at some point. That might come through the Thriving Communities Initiative, actions may be addressed and recommendations may come out. Sheila Holley reported 6 properties sold since the last meeting and Pequot Lakes is terribly short of rental units. 5. EDC Vacancy Dawn Bittner informed the EDC that one application has been received for the EDC vacancy. COMMISSIONER LINDHOLM MOVED TO RECOMMEND THE CITY COUNCIL APPOINT SHEILA HOLLEY TO THE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION. COMMISSIONER STROOT SECONDED THE MOTION. MOTION CARRIED 6-0.