2020 05 12CHANHASSEN ECONOMIC
DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION
REGULAR MEETING
SUMMARY MINUTES
MAY 12, 2020
Chairman Sanford called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
MEMBERS PRESENT: Jim Sanford, Kathleen Donovan, James Ebeling, Steve Stamy and
Adam Schaefer
STAFF PRESENT: Greg Sticha, Finance Director; and Jessica Cook, Ehlers and Associates
APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Ebeling moved, Donovan seconded to approve the Summary
Minutes of the Economic Development Commission meeting dated March 10, 2020 as
presented. All voted in favor and the motion carried unanimously with a vote of 5 to 0.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA: Donovan moved, Stamy seconded to accept the agenda as
presented. All voted in favor and the motion carried unanimously with a vote of 5 to 0.
OLD BUSINESS. Greg Sticha provided an update on the status of City Council action and that
they will not be holding joint meetings with commissions in the near future. The June EDC
meeting will be held via Zoom.
INITIAL DISCUSSION OF EDC GOAL – CONSIDERATION OF CREATION OF
BUSINESS SUBSIDY PROGRAM.
Greg Sticha reviewed the EDC’s list of goals which includes consideration of creation a business
subsidy program for the City of Chanhassen before introducing Jessica Cook with Ehlers and
Associates who reviewed highlights of the power point presentation including policy formation,
statutory requirements associated with business subsidy programs, and why consider providing
business subsidy as part of an economic development strategy in offering economic diversity.
She explained the pros and cons of economic business subsidy programs being used in other
cities such as using levy monies, SAC and WAC fee deferral and assessment programs, creating
special service districts, façade improvement grants, business retention and expansion programs,
business micro loan program, downtown code improvement program, the use of TIF and Tax
Abatement for workforce housing, commercial kitchen revolving loan programs to be used by
restaurants, jobs for fees program, and options for WAC and SAC waivers. In reviewing the
next steps to establish economic development strategies Greg Sticha asked commissioners to
digest the information presented and explained that the EDC will discuss this item further at the
June meeting. Chairman Sanford asked about other places to look for additional guidelines that
could be used by the EDC and if the City Council acting as the EDA presents any difficulties.
Greg Sticha explained that after talking with Mayor Ryan she is open to any and all possibilities
Economic Development Commission – May 12, 2020
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and encouraged the EDC to present a couple options for the City Council to discuss and
consider. Commissioner Stamy asked for clarification on how much success other cities have
experienced with their business subsidy programs and how information is presented to
businesses in town. Commissioner Ebeling asked about the impact to residents of an increased
tax levy. Chairman Sanford asked for clarification of the City’s current practice with SAC and
WAC fees. Greg Sticha asked commissioners to bring their high level goals back for discussion
at the June meeting.
Ebeling moved, Donovan seconded to adjourn the meeting. All voted in favor and the
motion carried unanimously with a vote of 5 to 0. The Economic Development Commission
meeting was adjourned at 7:55 p.m.
Submitted by Greg Sticha
Finance Director
Prepared by Nann Opheim