05-19-2020 EDC Meeting Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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EDC Minutes May 19, 2020 Page 7 of 8 ----------------------------- He stated that they have been working with the Chamber on some projects and working with the Chambers has been probably the most important thing they could do just because of the database that they have access to. He said as an economic development organization they have 150 members plus the communities that support them and when you look at the Chambers they start going over a thousand members and that is a great platForm for BLAEDC to get information out to. He stated with regards to the Xcel project it will get the Heart of the Good Life Development kicked off with a tremendous company that has a good solid plan for this area. He stated that he is willing and able to do whatever is needed to help and make the best decision Commissioner Holley stated that New Heritage Architecture and Design in the old Pfeiffer building will be renting out the front, about 800 square feet, to a retail business. She wanted to make people aware that space is available. 11. Citv of Jenkins Uqdate Commissioner Lubke informed the EDC that they have been working with Jenkins Township, Ideal Township, and Crow Wing County on County Road 145. He stated that they are going to be widening it and making it a little more user friendly. He discussed the new restaurant in Jenkins and thanked Tyler Glynn for his assistance with the new business. Commissioner Lubke also discussed trying to work with the local units of government to try to get some kind of consortium together to start looking at a real strategic push to try to get broadband in this area,. He does not believe that it is something that can be done by any one community on its own. He stated that it is a long range project but they are looking at trying to get these communities together to sit down at one table and figure out what needs to be done to make it happen. 11. Other Business 11.1. OAen all businesses Commissioner Rieck stated that she was caught off guard when she read that the City of Pequot Lakes had voted to open all businesses in the City. She stated that she is curious and concerned on what the City's liability would be if a business that is open and is exposing someone to COVID-19 or if they go ahead with the 4th of July parade and people get sick. Council Member Pederson stated that the proposal stated that businesses that chose to open must follow OSHA, CDC and state health department guidelines. He stated that they felt that it was really a good stand for the businesses and that every business in town is essential to our economic community. He said without them we are not going to have a town. He stated he believes the pushback is