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EDC Minutes <br /> December 21,2021 <br /> Page 2 of 2 <br /> better working relationship with the HRA. <br /> 7. Workforce Housing Update <br /> Mark Jurchen thanked the City Council for their support and informed the EDC that <br /> the WAC and SAC waiver was passed by the at the December Council meeting. He <br /> stated that there are two things to look at with the waiver, one is infill and <br /> redevelopment of existing areas, and the other is looking for lots of land to do more <br /> housing. He said he had a couple people express interest in doing some residential <br /> developments. He believes that there will be a big influx of people wanting to live in <br /> Pequot Lakes. <br /> Mr. Jurchen is looking for a way to kick the wavier off publicly and is looking for <br /> suggestions for his press release draft. He stated that he has been polling some <br /> individual properties already and believes they need to contact some contractors. He <br /> would like input on what type of homes people would like to see built in the area. Mr. <br /> Jurchen discussed contacting Planning and Zoning and lot owners about developing <br /> these empty lots. Discussion ensued about finding out what people would like to see <br /> built. <br /> Discussion ensued about a potential development in the Heart of the Good Life. <br /> Mayor Gardner asked if it would be a Housing Task Force discussion or if it should be <br /> brought to the EDC.They agreed that the EDC would be a good starting point for <br /> those discussions and then the EDC can make a recommendation to the City Council. <br /> Mr. Jurchen informed the EDC that the Library just put in fiber, and he discussed <br /> looking into adding a smart room in the Library, office area for business professionals <br /> and having a spot for seminars or book reviews to be conducted. He stated the target <br /> date is the middle of the summer. He asked for input on that project. <br /> 8. Welcoming Communities Advisory Group Update <br /> Commissioner Rieck stated the Welcoming Committee had a meeting earlier in the <br /> month and there will be another in January. She said that Tyler Glynn attended the <br /> December meeting, and that the committee would like to propose a project with the <br /> early childhood program at the school.She stated that research showed that you can <br /> get the most bang for your buck with economic development dollars in investing in <br /> early childhood. Commissioner Rieck stated that they met with Shannon Wheeler, <br /> Director of Pequot Lakes Early Childhood Program, and said they are looking at <br /> getting a matching grant with the Early Five Wings Art Council to improve their <br /> playground area. Discussion ensued about the funds needed for the project. <br /> 9. 2022 Project Goals <br /> Chair Lottman would like to see a goal and then have actions or tasks associated with <br /> that goal to hold themselves accountable. He would like to potentially look at them on <br /> a quarterly basis to see if their goals have changed and come up with action items to <br /> attain the goals. He recapped the 2021 goals and said he is happy to write down <br /> goals and go over them in January.The commission discussed how they think they <br /> did on the 2021 goals. Chair Lottman would like to see the commission get more <br /> precise on their goals and implement a grading level. He would like to see the goals <br /> on the monthly agenda to review where they are with them at each meeting.They <br /> discussed their 2021 goals and feel they have things moving along at a better rate <br /> than in the past. Chair Lottman stated that he would like to see more precise timelines <br />