02-08-2022 MinutesCHANHASSEN ECONOMIC
DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION
REGULAR MEETING
FEBRUARY 8, 2022
Chairman Anderson called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
MEMBERS PRESENT: Jim Sanford, Ryan Soller, James Ebeling, Eric Anderson, and David
Kressler.
MEMBERS ABSENT: None.
STAFF PRESENT: Bob Generous, Senior Planner
PUBLIC PRESENT: None.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
APPROVE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION MINUTES DATED
JANUARY 11, 2022
Member Sanford moved, Member Ebeling seconded to approve the Minutes of the
Economic Development Commission meeting dated January 11, 2022 as presented. All
voted in favor and the motion carried unanimously with a vote of 5 to 0.
GNERAL BUSINESS:
DISCUSSION OF 2022 WORK PLAN
Senior Planner Bob Generous put together the primary objectives of what the EDC wants to
accomplish this year. He asked the Commissioners to discuss if they’d like to prioritize them
differently and look at the 2020 EDC goals and whether they want to continue to bring some of
those over as secondary goals. He reminded the Commissioners that they must present an Annual
Report to the City Council.
The Commissioners discussed the goals and priorities, making adjustments to the document.
Member Kressler feels this is a good set of objectives yet some are still geared towards tasks or
regular business and should be separated out as they are not necessarily goals but things in which
they must follow-up on a regular basis. He thinks it would be wise to look at things and pare
down to 2-3 as it is difficult to get through more than that in the course of a year.
Member Sanford thinks with a new Economic Community Development person coming on Staff,
the goals ought to be formulated toward developing that relationship and look at how this
Commission can be supportive of the person hired. He thinks they also need to set a goal to make
Economic Development Commission – February 8, 2022
2
sure they are meeting with the City Council to get a good idea of the plan for the City and
following the guidance of the elected officials as to the direction they want to go. He suggested a
community survey to get feedback on what residents and businesses would like to see which
would help direct the City Council. Then the EDC can work through the process with the new
Economic Development Manager.
Chair Anderson suggested asking Staff or City Council for goals that they would like the new
Economic Development Manager to accomplish.
Member Ebeling noted it is difficult to set the goals until they talk to the City Council.
Mr. Generous stated that after every EDC meeting he shares that they would like to have a
meeting or work session with the City Council.
Member Soller noted the EDC is relatively new and a good goal is to develop credibility and
establish their place as it does not seem like they are a “go-to” Commission for residents or
businesses interested in economic development or the City Council.
Member Ebeling thinks an absolute goal is looking at City Code and things that can be amended
such as the food truck ordinance as that is where the EDC has had the most success so far.
The Commissioners continued the discussion to look at City Code and make recommendations to
the Planning Commission and City Council. They offered their willingness to consult or to help
with the hiring of the Economic Development Manager if needed.
Mr. Generous will make the changes to the goals document and bring it back to the EDC for
final approval.
NEW BUSINESS: None.
ADMINISTRATIVE PRESENTATION: None.
CORRESPONDENCE DISCUSSION: None.
ADJOURNMENT:
Chairman Anderson adjourned the Economic Development Commission meeting at 7:51
p.m.
Submitted by Bob Generous
Senior Planner
Prepared by Kim Meuwissen
City Clerk