07-12-2022 EDC MinutesCHANHASSEN ECONOMIC
DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION
REGULAR MEETING
JULY 12, 2022
Chairman Anderson called the meeting to order at 7:01 p.m.
MEMBERS PRESENT: Chair Eric Anderson, Vice Chair David Kressler, Commissioners
Duke Zurek, and Stacy Goff.
MEMBERS ABSENT: Chris Freeman
STAFF PRESENT: Bob Generous, Senior Planner.
PUBLIC PRESENT: None.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
APPROVE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION MINUTES DATED JUNE 14,
2022
Member Kressler moved, Member Zurek seconded to approve the Minutes of the
Economic Development Commission meeting dated June 14, 2022 as presented. All voted in
favor and the motion carried unanimously with a vote of 4 to 0.
GENERAL BUSINESS: None.
ADMINISTRATIVE PRESENTATION:
1. Review Economic Development Commissions from Other Communities
Mr. Generous provided a packet of information, noting Commissioner Freeman had requested
information on what other Economic Development Commissions are doing. He noted a
spreadsheet that has neighboring communities and whether they had EDC’s with links to their
websites so Commissioners can look at their minutes. He noted when this group was first
established, the purpose was to be an advisory to the City Council and look at issues that may be
important for businesses in the community and businesses coming into the community. As part
of the 2022 work program they set out to provide a specific work plan for the EDC. In
comparing EDC’s he found many look at how cities can be appreciative to the business
community and what efforts a city can make. One community did a business survey with an
outside agency, which is extensive, and the city received a list of all businesses within the
community which is something Mr. Generous would love to have. He has sent a request to the
City of Eagan to get more information about that process, including cost and timeframe.
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The Councilmembers discussed the amount of responses to the other community’s survey and
whether the relatively low number of responses would give sufficient information for the cost.
Commissioner Kressler also noted two tracks of surveys, including current businesses but also
those businesses that are not in Chanhassen.
Mr. Generous stated EDCs also look at regional marketing and how to attract people into the
community. He was interested to find many people do not use the City’s website to get
information about the community, although Chanhassen seems to get a bit better response.
Another item is finding out the needs of businesses in the community, as well as research and
review. He gave the example of the food truck item the EDC had previously looked at.
Chair Anderson noted the City wants to attract new business, but just as important is keeping
businesses that are paying good salaries with good employees. How does the City tell the
businesses “we appreciate you”?
Commissioner Kressler would like to know what was addressed post-survey; he thinks it would
be okay to go after the existing businesses and start there, which may lead the EDC down some
other roads regarding what is attractive to the City.
Commissioner Goff noted they do not have that connection to the businesses, either directly,
through the Chamber, or through Buy Chanhassen. She likes the idea of talking to these groups
as the City needs to know what the businesses want and how they would like to funnel concerns
and questions.
The Commissioners asked to get someone from the Chamber on the agenda.
Commissioner Zurek stated there are a group of businesses that are very involved in the 4th of
July event and perhaps the EDC could start there.
The Commissioners agreed with that idea. They discussed the City of Lakeville’s EDC and
strategic plan, as well as people moving out of the downtown areas and out into the suburbs.
CORRESPONDENCE DISCUSSION:
1. City Manager City Update
Commissioner Zurek told the commission that he had recently met for coffee with the City
Manager.
The Commission thanked the City Manager for the update.
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Mr. Generous said that the update would be continuing in the future.
Chair Anderson suggested that the commission may want to discuss the work plan and come up
with a priority item to present to City Council.
2. Update on Economic Development Staff Hire
Mr. Generous noted the City made an offer to someone but could not come to an agreement so
the City is pursuing additional avenues. He noted they interviewed four candidates with two
second interviews. He said at the next meeting he hopes to bring an update on the Avienda
development.
Commissioner Zurek asked to hear more about the exploration of a new City Center.
Mr. Generous said next steps will be receiving input from the community on the 4-5 options
presented to the City Council.
Chairman Anderson noted another brewery coming into the City.
Mr. Generous replied the City Council amended City ordinance to allow the brewery to have a
small kitchen.
Chairman Anderson stated at the next meeting they would hope to have someone from the
Chamber speak, an update on Avienda, and he noted he would try to get a retail guru to come
speak.
Mr. Generous asked if the Commissioners would like him to reach out to Buy Chanhassen and
see if someone could come to the meeting.
The Commissioners agreed.
Chairman Anderson noted the next meeting will be on Wednesday, August 10.
ADJOURNMENT:
Chairman Anderson adjourned the Economic Development Commission meeting at 7:42
p.m.
Submitted by Bob Generous
Senior Planner
Prepared by Amy Weidman
Administrative Support Specialist