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ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION <br /> JUNE 16,2015 MEETING MINUTES <br /> MEMBERS PRESENT Chair Jurchen, Commissioners Rieck, Roggenkamp, Stroot, <br /> and Merritt <br /> ALSO PRESENT Sheila Haverkamp, BLAEDC, Dawn Bittner, Zoning <br /> Administrator; David Sjoblad, Mayor; Chris Lindholm, <br /> School Superintendent; Sandy Peine, City Clerk; and Matt <br /> Killian, Chamber of Commerce <br /> 1 Call Meetm2 to Order <br /> The meeting was called to order by Chair Jurchen at 8.00 a.m. <br /> 2. Approval of May 19 2015 EDC Minutes <br /> COMMISSIONER MERRITT MOVED TO APPROVE THE MAY 19,2015 <br /> ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION MINUTES. <br /> COMMISSIONER RIECK SECONDED THE MOTION MOTION <br /> CARRIED 5-0. <br /> 3 Review Survev Ouestions and Coordinate Action Plan for 2015 Summer <br /> Implementation <br /> Chair Jurchen spoke about the empty store fronts in Pequot Lakes. He noted that <br /> Pequot Lakes is not the only City facing this dilemma. Mayor Sjoblad informed <br /> the EDC of a meeting he attended in Crosslake regarding empty spaces. He <br /> explained that one of the reasons store fronts are empty is due to the fact that <br /> owners will not lower the rent. He stated that if the business is going to cash flow, <br /> small business operating expenses have to be reduced. Chair Rieck stated that she <br /> read an article that spoke about this era being the end of retail for many <br /> businesses as people are spending their dollars on technology items rather than on <br /> expensive clothing. <br /> Sheila Haverkamp stated that Crosslake's EDA Chair suggested that areas provide <br /> a unique characteristic at each City's downtown. <br /> Chair Jurchen stated that consumers have changed the paradigm of how they do <br /> business. The discussion focused on whether Pequot Lakes is a destination for <br /> travelers or a convenience stop for local residents. Mayor Sjoblad stated that <br /> special events in the City are a necessity to increase retail sales. Commissioner <br /> Stroot stated that people who stay on the lake don't want to shop, but people that <br /> attend events are more apt to shop <br /> Chair Jurchen stated that the City is fortunate to have a park in the center of town. <br />