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MEETING OF THE PEQUOT LAKES ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION <br /> TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 20,2016 <br /> PEQUOT LAKES CITY HALL <br /> Members Present: Chair Jurchen, Commissioners Lindholm, Rieck, Sjoblad, and Stroot <br /> Members Absent: Commissioners Holley and Lubke <br /> Others Present: Nancy Malecha, City Administrator/Clerk; Sheila Haverkamp, BLAEDC; <br /> Cory Hendricks, KC Companies; Curt Johnson, Denali Companies <br /> 1. Call Meeting to Order <br /> The meeting was called to order by Chair Jurchen at 8:04 a.m. Chair Jurchen acknowledged <br /> Sheila Holley's appointment to the Commission. <br /> 2. Approve EDC Minutes <br /> COMMISSIONER STROOT MOVED TO APPROVE THE AUGUST 16, 2016 <br /> ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION MINUTES. COMMISSIONER <br /> LINDHOLM SECONDED THE MOTION. MOTION CARRIED 5-0. <br /> 3. Fiber Optic Availability in Business Park <br /> Cory Hendricks from KC Companies addressed the Commission regarding minimal <br /> broadband speeds for web based business activities in the Pequot Lakes Business Park. Mr. <br /> Hendricks noted that they would like to see 100 MB download and 7 MB upload speeds to <br /> run their business efficiently as current speeds are too slow. When they contacted TDS <br /> Telecom, they were informed that to install fiber optic would cost their business $60,000. <br /> Bob Perkins informed the Commission that one business in the Business Park currently has <br /> fiber optic connection. Mr. Perkins noted that businesses in this area can receive 100 MB <br /> service for $1,500 per month. TDS Telecom is currently in the process of applying for a <br /> broadband expansion grant that would assist unserved areas in receiving 25 MB download <br /> and 3 MB upload speeds. Mr. Perkins is waiting on an architectural design review which <br /> will provide further information on this issue. <br /> Curt Johnson noted that having internet service cost three times as much as rent is not a <br /> practical service. Mr. Johnson explained instances where the school district's transportation <br /> director had to leave the bus garage premises in the Business Park and go to the school <br /> building to download and upload information. Mr. Johnson stated that the services in the <br /> Business Park need to compete in today's business world at a reasonable cost. <br /> Chair Jurchen noted that funding for internet upgrades is the biggest issue,just like any other <br /> infrastructure. <br />