2020 07 14CHANHASSEN ECONOMIC
DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION
REGULAR MEETING
JULY 14, 2020
Chairman Sanford called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
MEMBERS PRESENT: Jim Sanford, Kathleen Donovan, Steve Stamy and Adam Schaefer
MEMBERS ABSENT: James Ebeling
STAFF PRESENT: Greg Sticha, Finance Director; and Jake Foster, Assistant City Manager
APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Schaefer moved, Stamy seconded to approve the Minutes of the
Economic Development Commission meeting dated June 9, 2020 as presented. All voted in
favor and the motion carried unanimously with a vote of 4 to 0.
Greg Sticha asked that the agenda be amended to discuss item E-2 prior to D-1.
DISCUSSION OF CARES ACT FUNDING GRANTS FOR LOCAL SMALL
BUSINESSES.
Greg Sticha presented information on this item for the City’s share of the CARES Act Funding
Grant in the amount of $1,978,000 and discussed eligible expenses, i.e. city facility safety
improvements, and small business grant award program. He explained that this grant money
must be spent by November 15, 2020. Chairman Sanford asked if there will be rules and
regulations published about eligibility for this grant funding, if the City’s payroll suffered due to
the COVID-19 pandemic, if Carver County received any grant money for public safety payroll,
and penalties for using the eligible money incorrectly. He suggested more research be done on
allocating dollars through the small business award program and the financial impact on small
businesses. Greg Sticha explained that it will be staff’s recommendation to hire a firm through
Carver County to handle the small business grant application process.
FOLLOW UP DISCUSSION OF EDC GOAL – CONSIDERATION OF CREATION OF
BUSINESS SUBSIDY PROGRAM.
Greg Sticha provided background information on previous discussions and presented three items
for review. Adam Schaefer favored using the grant program moving forward. Chairman
Sanford suggested the City not go too narrow for a business subsidy program after determining a
funding source. Greg Sticha agreed that a funding source needs to be determined but that the
commission needs to let the council know examples of how the business subsidy program should
be considered. Chairman Sanford asked for clarification on the role of the Economic
Development Commission in advising the City Council on a business subsidy program.
Chanhassen Economic Development Commission – July 14, 2020
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Commissioner Stamy asked what kind of presentation will be presented at the joint meeting with
City Council and the possibility of holding a special meeting to come up with that information.
Commissioner Donovan stated she did not think a special meeting was necessary and the need to
keep the presentation at a high level and not too specific. Greg Sticha explained how he will set
up a power point presentation suggesting the emergency grant assistance program and low
interest micro loan program is what is being considered by the commission and asked that
commission members email a list of community benefits for these two programs. Jake Foster
reminded commission members not to discuss amongst themselves via email which would
violate the open meeting law.
DISCUSSION OF GATHERING LOCAL BUSINESS CONTACT INFORMATION.
Greg Sticha explained that Steven Stamy suggested that this item be added for discussion.
Commissioner Stamy discussed his thoughts behind the need for establishing a local business
contact list to get local businesses more information. Chairman Sanford suggested commission
members attend a Buy Chanhassen and Southwest Chamber of Commerce meetings. Jake Foster
stated that he would contact Vernelle Clayton with Buy Chanhassen and the Southwest Chamber
of Commerce to get discussion started.
DISCUSSION OF BUSINESS/COMMUNITY SURVEY OF LOCAL BUSINESSES.
Commissioner Stamy explained the need for better communication with local businesses.
Commissioner Donovan suggested after the City receives the local business contact information,
then do a Survey Monkey. Greg Sticha advised on the risks associated with the commission
communicating with local businesses who maybe don’t want to be notified by the City.
Donovan moved, Stamy seconded to adjourn the meeting. All voted in favor and the
motion carried unanimously with a vote of 4 to 0. The Economic Development Commission
meeting was adjourned at 8:40 p.m.
Submitted by Greg Sticha
Finance Director
Prepared by Nann Opheim