03-08-2022 MinutesCHANHASSEN ECONOMIC
DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION
REGULAR MEETING
MARCH 8, 2022
Vice Chair Ebeling called the meeting to order at 7:06 p.m.
MEMBERS PRESENT: Jim Sanford, Ryan Soller, James Ebeling, and David Kressler
MEMBERS ABSENT: Eric Anderson
STAFF PRESENT: Bob Generous, Senior Planner
PUBLIC PRESENT: Chris Freeman
APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
APPROVE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION MINUTES DATED
FEBRUARY 8, 2022
Member Kressler moved, Member Sanford seconded to approve the Minutes of the
Economic Development Commission meeting dated February 8, 2022 as presented. All
voted in favor and the motion carried unanimously with a vote of 4 to 0.
GENERAL BUSINESS:
ADOPT 2022 WORK PLAN
Senior Planner Bob Generous presented the 2022 work plan, noting the Commissioners had
wanted to divide the list between long-term items and ongoing items.
Member Sanford suggested a tone adjustment in some areas to be more persuasive rather than
directive. He asked Member Kressler if they directed the work program to be divided into two
sections.
Member Kressler replied they discussed and possibly recommended it. He would support that
change.
Member Sanford moved, Member Kressler seconded to adopt the 2022 Work Plan. All
voted in favor and the motion carried unanimously with a vote of 4 to 0.
ADMINISTRATIVE PRESENTATION: None.
Economic Development Commission – March 8, 2022
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CORRESPONDENCE DISCUSSION:
1. BIO-INNOVATION, GREATER MSP GRANT APPLICATION
Mr. Generous attended a bio-innovation presentation from MSP and noted they are looking for
partnerships with cities, businesses, and educational programs in the community that would
provide financial support or be allies in the development of bio-innovation activity. He is
presenting this item informationally. Mr. Generous stated there are four specific programs in
which MSP is looking for support and that MSP is a finalist for funding, however it is
nationwide so they are competing with other communities. The grant request would be for
$75,000,000 and with an additional $20,000,000 in local funding which could be from a business
or in-kind bio-innovation work.
ADJOURNMENT:
The Commissioners noted the two most helpful things for them would be to hire someone for the
Economic position very soon and to have a joint meeting with City Council.
The Commission recognized that it was Members Sanford and Ebeling final meeting and
thanked them for their contributions.
Member Sanford moved, Member Kressler 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 7:36 p.m.
Submitted by Bob Generous
Senior Planner
Prepared by Amy Weidman
Administrative Support Specialist