2. 2-21-17 EDC Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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Economic Development Commission Minutes February 21, 2017 Page 2 of 4 ----------------------------------------------------------- Chair Jurchen stated the immediate need is the Business Park. He asked what the timeline would be for TDS to address this. Mr. Perkins stated their timeline is this spring. They need to re-engineer the design strategy. The Business Park is not on the back burner. He has met with a few customers and not all businesses share the same need for service. The first challenge is to get more businesses interested. Chair Jurchen stated a partnership between the businesses and the City may be an option. Commissioner Holley stated she is a Commercial Broker with Edina Realty and prospects looking to move a business to Pequot Lakes ask if there is good internet. The internet service is crucial for our area to bring in new businesses. Commissioner Lindholm pointed out the EDC has had numerous discussions regarding development of the former spray irrigation fields. One thought would be to create a server farm. That would need a high level of connectivity. Mr. Perkins stated he will have additional information for the next meeting. Commissioner Lubke asked if Tax Increment Financing (TIF) would be available for fiber cost. Nancy Malecha stated TIF looks at the whole development package. The developer should bring a proposal to the City. 4. Walking Path by TDS for School Traffic Chair Jurchen explained students walk through the TDS parking lot to reach the school. Mr. Perkins stated there has been some damage to vehicles and littering, although these issues have been addressed over the years. The parking lot has also become the new school drop off location. TDS would like to help partner with the school so no one is run over in the lot and the employee vehicles cannot be a gathering spot for kids. TDS has opened the parking lot to the City for parking. They want to be good stewards of the community, but safety is an issue and a concern; we just need to work out the “how”. Commissioner Lindholm asked if there was a reason this was included on the agenda. Chair Jurchen explained at the Trailside Park improvement meetings discussion included connectivity between the park and school and the TDS path was mentioned. Commissioner Lindholm stated this is not the forum for this discussion; the relationship between the school and TDS is great. Pathways do become sidewalks. How do we make this a good path? Mr. Perkins stated TDS is willing to help with that. 5. Thriving Communities Initiative a. Funding Deficiency Nancy Malecha stated there is a $2,100 funding deficiency and asked how the EDC would like to address it. Discussion included: