12-14-2022 EDC MinutesCHANHASSEN ECONOMIC
DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION
REGULAR MEETING
DECEMBER 14, 2022
Acting Chair Duke Zurek called the meeting to order at 5:34 p.m.
MEMBERS PRESENT: Commissioners Duke Zurek, Chris Freeman, and Stacy Goff.
MEMBERS ABSENT: Chair Eric Anderson.
STAFF PRESENT: Samantha DiMaggio, Economic Development Manager; MacKenzie
Young-Walters, Associate City Planner; Bob Generous, Senior Planner.
PUBLIC PRESENT: None.
Member Goff moved; Member Freeman seconded to approve the agenda. All voted in
favor and the motion carried unanimously with a vote of 3 to 0.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
APPROVE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION MINUTES DATED
OCTOBER 11, 2022
Member Freeman moved, Member Goff seconded to approve the Minutes of the Economic
Development Commission meeting dated October 11, 2022, as presented. All voted in favor
and the motion carried unanimously with a vote of 3 to 0.
DISCUSSION/GENERAL BUSINESS ITEMS:
1. DISCUSS PROPOSED SIGN CODE UPDATE
Associate City Planner Young-Walters gave history noting the Code was updated in the mid-
1990s. Since that time there have been changes in businesses and business climate with retailers
as well as a Supreme Court case which guided municipalities’ ability to regulate signage. High-
level changes include making the Code comply with the court decision, standardizing treatment
of temporary signage, and reevaluating some historic problems. He shared examples on screen of
residential and business signage.
The Commissioners discussed the reasons and issues for a sign ordinance with Mr. Young-
Walters including safety, aesthetics, standards, cohesion, and ability of businesses to advertise
and be successful. They then discussed the history of the Supreme Court case, signage that may
be considered offensive, sign setbacks, and feather signs.
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Mr. Young-Walters showed examples of signage on screen and walked the Commission through
current business signage.
The Commissioners discussed making sure businesses receive adequate signage allowances for
advertising, regulation, flat signs versus the City’s ½ inch standard, and non-conforming signs
within the City.
Mr. Young-Walters spoke about the 30% logo rule giving examples of U.S. Bank, Lund’s, and
Chanhassen Brewing, the careful math required to hit the 30% requirement, and asked what the
City is gaining by enforcing a strict 30%. He would like to loosen that standard a bit and noted
the Planning Commission liked the idea of 50%.
The Commissioners agreed with the 50% and with the ½ inch raised letter standard. They also
agreed with the proposed panel and awning sign standards. The Commissioners discussed
painted signs, artwork versus logos, upkeep, and regulating maintenance on awnings or painted
signs.
Mr. Young-Walters shared about requiring permits for signage to be able to monitor so it meets
Code. Staff is not looking to be punitive but wants to make sure signage is where it is supposed
to be.
2. BUSINESS RETENTION AND EXPANSION (BR&E) PROGRAM
IMPLEMENTATION
Economic Development Manager DiMaggio shared this is an easy and low-cost program with
the goal of getting to know businesses within the city and whether there are things the City can
help with. She has a list of Chanhassen businesses and highlighted manufacturers, then sent a
letter introducing herself and talking about the program. She noted it will be confidential and she
can share about a business without giving the name of the business. Ms. DiMaggio stated the
hope is that she will receive a survey from the businesses, she will visit the business, then put
that information into the new Customer Relationship Management (CRM). She shared about
succession planning training, the knowledge that will come from knowing more about businesses
within the City and being able to bring that information to the City Council to help businesses in
areas where other funds or aid may be missing. Another benefit of the program is building
relationships with the businesses and helping businesses understand what programs may be
available for them.
The Commissioners discussed digitizing the survey, getting contact information and email
addresses for business owners, and the importance of building the CRM.
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NEW BUSINESS: None.
ADMINISTRATIVE PRESENTATION: None.
CORRESPONDENCE DISCUSSION: None.
ADJOURNMENT:
Member Freeman moved; Member Goff seconded to adjourn the meeting. All voted in
favor and the motion carried unanimously with a vote of 3 to 0. The Economic
Development Commission meeting was adjourned the meeting at 7:12 p.m.
Submitted by Samantha DiMaggio
Economic Development Manager
Prepared by Amy Weidman
Administrative Support Specialist