It's going to be a long day. Another meeting tonight. >> I was supposed to have one this afternoon, except it was actually yesterday afternoon. >> Starting the budget talk, >> so I missed it. >> Work's done, too. >> It's been terrible.
>> Good morning. >> Come on in. >> All right, you guys ready? >> Yep. >> Yeah. All right. Call the meeting to order. EDA, March 19th, 7 a.m. Uh, could everyone stand for the pledge of
>> allegiance? I allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands. One nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. >> All right.
>> So, everybody's got a copy of the agenda. Looking for approval of the agenda. Are there any additions, deletions, or corrections to the agenda? Move to approve the agenda. >> Do we need to add the
>> request that we add um discuss um the EDA's participation at the chambers 2026 street fair. >> So that would be under new business. Correct. >> Correct. >> So we add a B street fair.
>> I'll keep that motion with the addition. >> Okay. Motion by Palava. Is there a second? >> Second. >> Second by Evelyn. Any discussion? All in favor? >> I >> opposed. All right. Thank you. We have an agenda.
Consider approval of the minutes from the February 19th, 2026 regular meeting and the February 23rd special meeting. Any additions, deletions, or corrections to those minutes? >> Move to approve the minutes as
presented. Motion by Palava to approve the minutes. >> I'll second. >> Seconded by Simon. All in favor? >> Opposed. All right. Consider approval of the February 2026
treasurers report and monthly bills. Mr. Ericson. Right. Uh good morning everybody. Um between the three accounts we had a beginning monthly fund balance of 1471 17022 revenues of 55208
um and I guess 15 cents um the revolving loan fund repayment by Pet Vet Clinic uh expenses of 2244.88 88 um pretty consistent uh payroll um U of M economic
development course that I participated in um and social media and then at the time this was done there was no bills um since the treasures report was done um additional bill or bills to be paid.
This month was the um second half of the Maxfield feasibility study for um office and uh retail space and then legal associated with the uh revolving loan fund that we're finalizing with VNS
holdings for the tipsy bull. >> So I have a question for the marketing the social media. It's showing $1,000, >> correct? >> Are we just going to when we reach 3,000 quit paying or? >> Nope. Um, so the
that got coded to the EDA and the February bill, there will not be a EDA expense. I took it out of the um all the other departments. >> Okay. >> So then uh for the March one, it'll be 50% and then all the other departments will pay 5% for the remaining 50%
balance. I have a feeling there'd be some discussion about that tonight. >> Oh, well shall discuss. Okay. Thank you. I was just cuz at $1,000 we weren't going to last very long with >> No, it was an after the fact thing. I
was like, "Oh, that was coded wrong." >> Okay. Thank you. >> Um, how was the course? The U of M course. >> Good. Yeah, >> good. I was actually before this working
on a little presentation for for tonight kind of talking about the community capitals and things like that and kind of transformational um leadership for for economic development and um
all while tying in all the things that that we wanted to talk about that that were on the agenda as well. So, excuse me. >> Awesome. >> I'll move to approve the the treasures report as presented. >> Motion by Simon to approve the treasures report. Is there a second?
>> Second. >> Second by Dubon. All in favor? >> Any opposed? Awesome. All right. Old business update on the small cities development program grants.
>> Well, as you can see, the agenda's got a whole lot of updates with not a lot of things getting done. um basically at the same spot that we were with the um the small cities housing rehab grant. I did um send an email out
to one of the the qualified applicants to see where she was in accomplishing the things that she needed to get done so the work under the grant could get done. I I have not heard back. So, and I haven't heard anything from the county
HRA as to the other applicants that were determined to qualify on the we'll call it the pre-application. So, I mean, we did uh I did reach out to the HA and they reached out to our deed
representative. Um I I think it's obvious we're not going to spend all the money. So, >> asking what do we do with the rest? Is that kind of where we're going? >> Uh, correct. Well, I was hoping that we could because the the the the project
I'm talking about came in about $33,000. >> Okay. >> So, you've got $8,000 to >> that they'll have to, you know, pay the contractor. >> Mhm. >> And it was no, your application was for for 25. So there's no wiggle room,
>> which it is what it is, but >> like >> should have opened a home daycare. >> Well, >> seems like this money would have been spent well compared to the home. >> I was going to say it, too, but I'm like,
>> it seems like this money would be better >> much better well spent than some other state funds recently. >> Yes. Very well put. someone. >> Well, I guess we we keep pushing. I I think uh I've noticed >> I think we kind of unfortunately I think we've
>> probably hit the wall. >> Yeah. >> Almost beaten a dead horse at this point. >> Well, I mean, social media is pushing it. I know. I've been talking to people trying to, you know, the the problem is the the income the income requirement. That's our biggest hurdle. Um, and it's
unfortunate because it's a good program for people. Um, >> if you qualify. >> If you qualify. >> Y. >> Yeah. So, >> I think one of the challenges is, you know, Rice County big bases it off of what the Rice County median is, but
Londale is higher than a lot of Rice County. So, >> yeah, >> we kind of dequal disqualified ourselves just because we're awesome, >> right? Um, so I mean ultimately creates a a barrier. >> Yep. Well, you know, live and learn. At
least we got some people helped. Some's better than none. >> But we still got some time. So, um, I know the social media has been pushing it pretty hard, which is good. I've noticed it. >> Um, >> you know, I guess we just keep talking to people if we can do what we can,
spend what we can, and we'll deal with it later in the year when when we get to the the deadline, right? >> Yep. I don't think we need any actions. So, any other questions in this regard? All right. So, we'll move on to the next
item. Update on the business retention and expansion business visit program. Uh, while like last month, waiting on the um surveys to be returned, I did receive an email from um Ivory and Onyx.
So, I did resend the uh survey to them. I have not received it. So, I'm just going to start reaching out to other businesses and and I guess if we >> see what we can get >> hopefully get a couple surveys in the hopper
>> um to but >> um >> can't do much until the survey or can't do anything until those >> maybe reach out to Shields Lake since they're new. see if they'd be interested because I know um they reached out to me
with some questions around the revolving loan fund. So, um maybe they'd be interested in getting on the list. And then Jace at the hardware stores, he's still kind of >> interested but busy. >> Yep.
>> Yeah. Um, can we and just a thought since uh tmi with the last update at the council meeting I know they're looking at a pretty significant expansion. Is it worth it to ask them? Can EDA come in
and visit with you since you're >> It's a good way to pitch the expansion too as as I mean maybe just I I know they're on the list but um >> and if they don't want to fill out the
survey they just want to is that what is you know part of the problem that they just don't want to take the time to fill out the survey? >> It's not that hard of a survey. I know, but I remember when I used to get them, I was just like, I don't want another survey. >> Yeah. I mean, I guess if we just want to
go there and just talk, we can visit, >> but I guess I am not sure how productive >> that is. I mean, the point of the survey is to kind of get an understanding of >> um to be prepared and and provide them information at that time, not, oh, we'll follow up. It's
>> maybe um maybe just throw it at them, see what they say. I guess something's better than nothing at this point. Any other discussion or questions on the business visits? It says that you reached out to Minnesota work. Did they?
>> Yep. I have uh didn't even get an email back from them. So, >> okay. >> All right. Next item up, social media marketing update. Mr. Corey. >> Uh, thank you, Mr. chair and good morning um EDA commission. Uh the city
approved the new social media services contract with Sophie and Steven Warlick uh the Bad Hippies LLC at the December 22nd 2025 meetings. Since then the city has executed the social media services contract with the Orels. Uh the ors have
worked with staff to create the March marketing calendar that's uh being actively imple implemented and then has provided the February 2026 stats. So earlier this month as um the EDA discussed the importance of sending out
the monthly meeting notification uh listing all advisory board meetings including the library. Uh March 6 there was a founders day festival donation drive. Uh then as Mr. Chair, as you said, we're pushing the small cities
development grant and the facade grant monthly. That's the second uh month in a row and we'll uh be leaning towards that direction for April again. Uh preface to Arbor Day tree planting on April 24th um at JC Park planting one
tree. Uh had the happy St. Patrick's Day post. Um, and then, uh, what's really neat, I I actually really like this project is is the uh doing a highlight video on the compost site. Unfortunately, that was delayed because
it's not very composty like uh outside, but we have some we have some great in-house talent of Mr. Dornfeld and our new sergeant uh from the police department uh being interviewed. Uh, you mentioned Jace earlier. Uh we will we we
we circle back uh focusing on why Lndale and uh the Lndale uh um hardware and rental is the focus of the upcoming um video. As I mentioned before, EDA facade grant
um we had a switcheroo here. Instead of adopt a landscape bed, we focused on with the city has been receiving several calls about the upcoming town cleanup. So that's we we did a substitute in that post or will be doing a substitute in
that post. Uh followup from our February 19th meeting. Remember the Orics were here to introduce themselves. They went through their stats. Um staff requested Stephen and Sophie to provide a quote for additional platforms additional
platform startup and the management of the city of Lawndale LinkedIn account. Uh the two options that the Orlocks gave us or presented was um a $250 option and the $500 option. Uh this is to an
increase an amendment to their to their uh current contract. So uh the first option copy and paste every post from uh Facebook and make it identical. So every on the LinkedIn account uh so everything scheduled for Facebook would be scheduled for
LinkedIn. The option could gain positive traction. The downside is not taking advantage of the business job development and making more posts about based on the type of growth and then create the $500 option. Addition create a different monthly
calendar for LinkedIn separate from Facebook. Some posts would stay identical and other posts focus harder on development post uh job postings and business post making it less like Facebook social media more based around city growth and development.
So it these are the two options that the Orlocks have uh provided to the city. I'm going to leave that up to the uh EDA to discuss if there is any interest. I know there is interest to look into it and staff is just following through with the request.
Um, we'll come back to that after the stats. SAF is uh, as you can see in your attachments, there's a monthly marketing calendar uh, from March. The images and like I said, uh, Mr.
Chair, we are focusing on both of those grant opportunities for the city. We get into the Facebook stats. uh when we started the contract with uh with the Orlocks uh our followers were 511 and
we've jumped up to 605 as you could see the engagement has drastically increased you know and I think it's it was the production of the Shields Lake uh Cheesecake video and then also creating um an events uh uh
post for the uh July 3rd Founders Festival Fireworks. uh their comments. I I always ask them for, hey, can I have a few takeaways here, a few bullet points to re relay to the EDA? Uh the takeaways include video
content does astronomically well in comparison to other content. Um the shields like cheesecake um highlight video attracted engagement and followers. Uh photo content has improved and engagement is strong.
uh exponential increase in followers in comparison to previous months and um the stats are showing that. So that is my report as far as uh February stats go and Mr. Chair if you don't mind
this this uh pivot back to the LinkedIn LinkedIn options here. So Mr. Chair >> thank you thank you Corey. So folks, any thoughts on the the LinkedIn piece? I know um we asked about it. I believe
council's asked about it as well. Um I think what you're looking for is kind of a a thought from the EDA. I assume that a direction. >> Yeah. This is not something that EDA would pick up totally, right? We'd share this just like the rest of it with the
>> I mean this would go to council. >> Just thought since you played with LinkedIn before. >> Yeah. I don't know. I was brought up by the EDA. I don't know what LinkedIn does for parks or you know streets. >> I would agree this this is more of a economic development aspect as opposed to
>> but if we're doing the job posting piece um you know right now the PD would probably benefit from that. We have openings in the PD. I think it's the only place we have openings, right? The job thing I think would be full. >> Yeah, that would be the only piece I
would see >> citywise. I mean, granted, all the departments benefit from growth, but we drive it. So, what are people's thoughts? >> I didn't expect it to be this high
>> because we're already paying twice as much as what we were paying the previous I can't remember her name, but >> Holly. >> Holly. Um, >> Westbrook Marketing. >> Yes, Westbrook. Um, and I guess
I did not expect it to be, you know, almost, well, not 750, almost another thousand dollar, almost twice as much. >> Mhm. >> So, >> yeah. And that's really that is the going rate. >> I don't I mean I >> Yeah, I'm just I know there was kind of
some sticker shock, but I I deal a lot with the you know, >> I think his prices are pretty reasonable at the end of the day, >> unfortunately. more, you had the the original, you know, idea on LinkedIn and you
>> I always put strategy before execution. So, I would maybe say I'd feel more comfortable saying yes or no after tonight's city council meeting with our joint session. >> Um, >> yeah,
I like the stick I think the bigger sticker shock for me was the copy and paste for 250 a month. Um, just because I mean >> we can do that. >> Well, we can do it or like I I mean I've done social media management before and it's on Hootsweet you just toggle on a
switch and it does it automatically and so it's like there would be no additional staff time other than the 10 seconds it takes to hit the switch. I think that's where I was a little taken aback by oh okay interesting. Um, but I would say like if we have a solid strategy between council and us and we
have a direction and we have goals, I think it might be worth it to explore it, I think now is a little too early just to say yes, let's do it. Um, but I think it's I think it's something we continue to explore. Um, and I think
too, like we've seen really good statistics from them from Facebook, but also like we didn't capitalize on Tony Chu coming down and spotlighting Smoke and Shields Lake. >> Oh, don't worry. They did. >> Like, well, I went to our Facebook and there's no repost. There's no nothing.
And so it's it's it's one of those like do we want to get really good at a channel and then all right now let's add the second channel once we have a really good strategy and things in place for it. >> Well, I just don't think social media is the end all beall for economic
development on tale. >> Right. >> Right. Right. >> I've gotten in the last four days probably three calls just because Quick Trip's coming here. >> They've been our best economic development tool for the last year. Quick Trip. Yeah, >> honestly. >> Yeah.
>> Mhm. >> Yeah. We just received a call like, "Oh, yeah. Lisa told told me to give you give you guys a call." And that was for the the business park right across the road here. I mean, I completely concur with Joel that um Quick Trip has been
the number one supporter. >> Yeah. >> And that gets into the seven community capitals, right, network. >> Yeah. >> You know. >> Yeah. It's the It's the word of mouth marketing. If we can get our businesses to really talk about why being in Lawndale is important to them with other
business leaders and people they're connecting with, like that's going to be more than somebody randomly stumbling upon our social media. >> That's true. >> Yeah. And you know, there's I mean, for for better, for worse,
there's a debate going on right now about LinkedIn itself. Is it a viable tool anymore? Um, you know, a lot of people say LinkedIn is dead. >> It used to be the job search place and now there's a lot of AI stuff out there that's killing LinkedIn for job searching. I mean, Glass Door, I think
Glass Door personally is better for job searching than LinkedIn. Um, and beyond that, a lot of people are feeling like LinkedIn is just turning into Facebook with a different >> group of subscribers. >> Yeah. Well, there's even some companies that won't allow employees to have
LinkedIn on their computers because they're using it as a re, you know, hey, I'm having a bad day. I can click over here. Oh, here's a different job opportunity for me, you know. >> That's more of a problem.
>> Yeah. Absolutely. But but so if if there are firewalls being put up that companies can't use that, >> you know, I your exposure is going to be limited. >> Limited. Yes, I agree. >> Yeah, >> I I tend to agree that I I thought that the the pricing was a a little steep for
that. >> Um the other thing, you know, so far the social media has been okay, but it to your point there, it doesn't seem like I don't want to say there nothing organic coming out of it. It's it's very
structured and uh yeah to the that or you know uh anything I don't want to say newsworthy or whatever but just something that pop in that that seems to get more engagement than just uh
scheduled posts. Mhm. >> Not saying it's bad and you know, but right now I think we need we would need more >> draw and some of this is hard to measure too, right? I mean >> um you know we can track our engagement
with our posts with our our accounts but what we can't track is you know is Shields like Cheesecake getting more business because of the video that our social media posted? We don't know. It's possible, but they have to ask that question and report it back to us. Um,
you know, are we getting more Founders Day donations because we have a post about it? Maybe. >> No. >> I mean, I know it's a lot of word of mouth there, but we a lot of this is really hard to track. The actual tangible outcome comes from social media. Um,
you know, I think, uh, we're in the middle of getting our report from the library about 2025 numbers on, you know, they they have to do an annual report to the state. I think those numbers are going to be pretty pretty impressive, but is that because of the programming
or is it because of social media? I'd probably lean more towards the programming. Um, not to discount social media by any means. It's good that we have the presence, but it takes time, >> you know, >> and I hope that the businesses are benefiting from the videos.
>> Absolutely. >> But to Morgan's point, the point of the videos is why Lndale? Why did you choose Lndale as the location for your business? >> Yeah. >> And as a caveat for participating, swing in and, you know, here's some of
the services that >> free advertising. Yeah. >> Yeah. Earned media, I think they call it. >> Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. So, I I tend to agree with everyone else. You know, let's see what I mean, we could talk about it tonight. It' probably be a pretty quick discussion in tonight's meeting on the
the LinkedIn piece, but um not necessarily right now. Maybe sometime, but not not right now. >> Not right now. Not now. >> Yeah, that's kind of how I feel, too. >> Do we need action or just bring it up tonight? >> Well, I mean, I'm not getting the vibe
that it's going to happen. So is it even >> I mean unless >> we discussed tonight I I don't >> unless council wants to take it up and you know make it a thing at the council level which council can do whatever they want. Right. >> Right. >> All right. Cool.
Sorry multitasking. All right. Next up we have update on EDA's facade rehabilitation grant program. I think since the last meeting I did provide um one property owner some information on it but other than that I
um haven't got any other applicants or or inquiries. >> Yeah, I think this is going to be another conversation topic tonight with the council. Um I know I think Scott, you and I talked a little bit about this. I don't know if I mentioned it to you Joel. I I talked to a few people
about it based on conversations I had with a few business owners. We might want to revisit our guidelines around the facade grant program. I know it's street facing is is what it currently is, but the requests that I've
heard people that are really interested because we had a kind of a a pop at the beginning where we had a a large rush of interest, but none of the projects qualified. Um, you know, for example, I know I spoke with one business owner where
they'd like to resside. They they really need to resside the building like functionally. It's not about aesthetics. It's like, I've got drafts. It's terrible. I can't, you know, they've got a apartment above their their um
uh property on Main Street, which they'd love to utilize, but the siding's so bad that they can't. problem is the siding's on the side. There's a very small gap between the buildings. It's not, you know, so it doesn't qualify. Um I heard from another business owner that I
talked about, hey, I'd like to repave my parking lot. Well, that doesn't qualify either. Um I've also had people ask, hey, I'd like to buy patio furniture for my patio for my outdoor area. And you know that, okay, I Yeah, that's it's got to be a an
asset that would transfer with the building, I guess, is the way I would think about it. But I'd be curious to see what people think about if we were to expand it. You know, is there is there uh an appetite to do
that? Do we want to I mean, I'm not saying proposing anything today because I' I'd like to see what tonight brings as well, but it seems like we have opportunities to help businesses. Um because really, especially on Main Street, you know, um aesthetic is one thing if it's facing,
but if it's a functional need, we don't want these buildings to decay to the point where people just dump them and then it's a a condemnation problem, right? Um >> I guess I would disagree and say it should be for facades only.
>> We want nicel looking storefronts. >> Oh, I agree. And and if people are buying buildings that need improvements, then they should negotiate the sale price or I mean >> I agree. >> I think we all know what buildings we're talking about. We've had revolving loan funds for how long? 2% virtually free
money. >> Mhm. >> Um I don't know a lot of cities have facade programs that are strictly for >> front face of the buildings or or a side street. It's it's to make Main Street look nice. And I just that's just my
thoughts. I don't I don't think in the middle I'll kind of agree with Brian though. I do I do agree. Um uh parking lot uh parking lot >> improvements I think do make a big big difference. Uh paving or seal coating striking that kind of a thing that that
definitely does create an impact. So I would >> visual visually as well I guess. I mean and I'm not saying necessarily like I wanted to bring it up because I I want to hear the discussion and I appreciate that input. I mean it it is you know I mean it's it's a valued piece of the
discussion. I'm not discounting you know and I'm not necessarily married one way or the other. I just think this is what I've been hearing and just curious what people think about if we expanded because you know we've had interest but the interest hasn't
borne fruit and you know I mean again our bearing fruit is giving away money. If you put it if you give it to a personal property, they can just pick it up and take it with them wherever they go. >> Oh, I agree 100%. Yeah, 100% with that. Yeah.
>> Yeah. I mean, I'm just I was just throwing out examples of what I've heard from people. Yes, I agree 100%. You know, no, we're not going to buy furniture or flower pots or >> That's what the You could use the revolving loan fund for that. >> Yeah, you could pay for that, right? >> Not a not a forgive not a free thing.
No. Remind me. Did we amend it I don't know a couple years ago to include signage because I don't remember. >> Uh we actually removed signage from it. >> We removed signage. >> Yep. >> Cuz we were looking at things that
improve the the aesthetics and that was kind of more of a temporary thing based off of if it was, you know, being rented. >> Mhm. >> Or if it was owned. >> Right. And Joel and I were talking about this,
too. I mean, this is a great program, but there's several there's several new business owners downtown or on Main Street that could really utilize this program. >> Uh we just talked about Shields Lake uh Cheesecake Factory. That's a >> case that we were talking about saying,
"Hey, this is a perfect example that this facade grant can help you out here." >> Yep. >> And the EDA just uh invested in the new corner location. That could be another uh location. I mean, the facade grant is to help Main Street maintain and
beautify our our downtown area. >> The hard part there, too, though, is >> you've got a business that's renting like Shield Shield's like they don't own that building. They >> don't want it. >> So, they have to go back to the building owner. So, sometimes that can be a hurdle of >> Oh, they reached out to be the owner.
>> Oh, I know. I know. >> They have yet to see anything. So, >> yeah. I need a horse to water. >> Yeah. I I know. I' I've had a conversation. with them too. Yeah. And you know, it's like the tenant could want, but it's the owner that's got to got to take the initiative.
>> And I wasn't dealing with the tenant. It was strictly the owner. >> Oh. For Shields Lake. >> Yep. >> Okay. Yeah. I mean, uh I just I just bring it up because I've had those conversations and I know this is going to be a topic tonight. So, um
yeah. Bob. >> Well, I I liken doing those. Those are like maintenance repairs. They're not They're not upgrades. You know, what's to say a restaurant tour doesn't come in and say, "Look, I want a
new grill. You know, can the EDA >> Oh, yeah. No, no. I >> the facade program. It's >> Yeah. If if we were to make any modifications, we'd have to be pretty specific about it. I don't see any interior. I'm not saying let's let's move this to
the interior because No, >> but I I guess sighting and and and that's maintenance, you know, e even the even the um asphalt that's that's maintenance. Um,
>> but I I I'll argue that point because uh when I when I started or opened my business, I had a gravel parking lot. >> I remember that. >> And it was I had constant complaints about accessibility, the frost heaves and you know, all that stuff. You know, it was terrible. And literally the after
I paved the parking lot, it was like a light switch was flipped and the attitude towards my business was completely different. >> Oh, really? >> Oh, absolutely. 100%. I've been on two podcasts. I covered it specifically. I can I can provide numbers on it that people viewed my business differently
than a gravel parking lot >> and and just even even we see spikes uh when we seal coat and stripe, we'll see we'll see more drive-in traffic for a couple of months after that. So, I do believe that it definitely does make a visual impact.
>> I mean, >> sighting could be could be considered facade. Well, if it's front front facing only under under this grant, it's only sighting at the front of the building. It wouldn't cover sides or back. Um, you know, I I mean, even if it's just, you
know, no, we don't want to change it. And that's fine. >> I need a new rug, you know. >> Well, and that's why >> it's not a facade. >> Yeah. That's why if if we do maintenance, >> well, then so is the sighting. >> Yeah, it's maintenance. >> Yeah. And that's that's a fair argument. and and you know and if that's the case
then if we do if we do make changes I think we have to be very specific like if we say okay we're only going to add in paving not striping or I mean we I think we have to be very specific on any changes we would make and I just bring
it up because again we had a big spike of interest right away and a lot of the if not all of the the interest was non-eligible. So, the fact that we have interest in in a program and we have to turn people away, that's
the only reason I bring it up is like, do we want to be more accessible to get participation in the program or do we want to leave it as is and wait for the right the exact right thing to come? Which is fine either way. >> I think the only reason there's interest is because it's free money. >> Oh, yeah. There's always going to be
interest for free money. >> That's the only reason there's interest. >> That's what I was going to say. If you call it uh just clinary maintenance, if everything would be maintenance, your front is maintenance, your sides, everything, your roof is maintenance, why even have the pro the program?
Well, you know, people recreate themselves. So, they might have a new logo or they, you know, the sign has was painted on and it's appealing. You need a new sign to advertise your business, >> but signage signage isn't included. >> It's not signage isn't included. See, I
I I still thought we should have included signage because that is a big part of the facade. I'm not sure why we took that out of there, but >> but then if you have sighting >> Well, because it was more so to increase the tax base
>> so that there's actually a somewhat of a return to to the city. >> I know my property taxes went up when I paid my parking lot. >> Well, yeah. Yeah, you improved it. >> Any improvements will raise your property.
>> That's true. >> Yeah. >> So, I don't know. I just uh what people think if we want to just share this these thoughts tonight. I mean, we we're going to have because I know I believe it is one of the agenda items already is to talk about this the
the EDA grant and the loan, right? Are they combined if I remember correctly from the agenda? Uh yeah, I have to add the the revolving loan fund. I was typing the minutes for this. I don't >> Oh, >> funding of it. >> Yeah. >> This is the agenda. I don't know.
>> For tonight. >> Yeah. >> There's nothing on it. >> We have flexibility too to modify the agenda. >> Yeah. >> If we need to. It's a work session now. So, >> can you tell us what the projects were
that didn't qualify? Do you know right off the top of your head? >> Oh, patio furniture. I got a call on that. >> That was an actual Okay. >> Um, a driveway. >> Okay. >> Yeah. And then the the siding on the the one.
>> Yep. Okay. >> A driveway. All right. Have a driveway to a business. >> Yeah. >> Cuz it's citywide. So, >> yeah. >> It's on a Florida street.
>> Yeah. It's not just Main Street. So, yeah, some of those business park, old business park, they would qualify too. Mhm. >> Any more discussion on the rehab facade rehab update?
>> Move on then to the update on the hotel feasibility study. Uh well, since last meeting, signed the contract and submitted the 50% down payment. So, that's where we're at with that.
Okay. So, we've just it's basically just getting started. >> Correct. >> Do they um give any sort of a timeline on when they think it'll be completed? >> 60 days. >> Okay. >> Any questions on uh hotel feasibility
study? >> All right. That was easy. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. Like I said, lots of updates. >> Yeah. Update on revolving loan approved for BNS Holdings. >> Uh got the final draft agreements um
guarantee promisary note loan agreement. So, just need to uh read through those documents and get them to uh Great. Any questions or discussion on that?
All right. Update on the scheduled work session. I think we've kind of touched on this a bit for tonight uh with the city council at 7 PM. Mr. Ericson. >> Yeah. Just again just an update of the
the work session tonight. Talk about the draft uh retail commercial market study, the updates that have been made to the zoning map. um included chapter six of the comprehensive plan design standards.
that kind of goes along with um the changes that have been made to um the well a lot of our zoning districts, but specifically uh EDA um kind of our business and industrial business districts B1, B2, B3, I2, I1,
OI, commercial, industrial uh land that's available included aerial photos in the packet of of those both public and and private. private uh discussion on the next business park uh roles and responsibilities of the EDA
and council. Um and then yeah, type in the minutes from the the last EDA meeting. There was talk about um future funding or long-term or sustainable funding for the the
revolving loan fund. Okay. Yeah, just kind of working on a little presentation for tonight and then include everything that um is is on this list. So,
any questions, thoughts, discussion leading up to tonight? Anything missing? I'm sure I hope everybody had a chance to look at the the agenda proposed. I think it's very well covered. Uh Joel, thank you for all your work on putting
this together. I know work sessions are often a curveball. Adds additional additional work. So, thank you for for all you've done on this. Um >> yeah, I I know. Um I think it'll be a
good productive meeting so we all get on the same page and you know everybody loves an extra meeting. All right. And moving on to new business. Review the EDA's revolving loan fund policy application. I I'm assuming this is kind
of prep work for tonight. >> Um well, it was just it was just um you know, there was some discussion when we were re reviewing the VNS application on >> um you know, loan amounts and things like that. I just we well
it looks like the last time we revised this was either before or shortly after we gave our last loan 9 and 1/2 years ago. So I thought since it was fresh in people's mind that take a look at it after you know almost 10 years of you know hey is this you know what we want
the eligible loan activities to be I mean there's really not a whole lot to change in it >> right >> you know it's basically what the funds can be used for uh interest rate how much um you know I mean an interest rate of of
2% is is great and and you know helps out the the businesses, you know, with with, you know, cheap money. >> Yeah. >> But if we're, you know, if we are looking for additional revenue, you know, should it be
a point or two points below prime or something like that? You know, when you go to a bank for a business loan is prime plus, right? >> Mhm. >> So, I mean, just on a $40,000 loan, if I remember correctly, it was
I $4,000 in interest over eight years. >> Yeah. Really? >> You know, and I mean that money that money goes that money goes back into the fund, >> you know, I'm just things like that, you
know, as we're talking about, you know, financial stability or sustainability. Um, you know, the application fee, it's it is what it is. you know, we probably have more than that into it, but
you know, just since we reviewed it at the last two meetings, it was we figured it was fresh in people's minds if you know going through that process if there was changes that we wanted to be made and maybe there's none. So, I have a question. Item four under
eligible loan activities it says it that all you know have to be brought into compliance with lawndale building codes. I assume that would include like handicap accessibility. >> Correct.
Um, the loan that we approved for V&H um, sorry, VNS Holdings, we never got anything that it would be handicapped accessible, did we? >> Um, no, we did not. >> I think they're probably going to have
to meet the occupancy. >> The Yeah, the ADA. >> Um, >> all the bathrooms will have to >> I was thinking more like to get into the >> to get into an entrance. Yeah, >> but that that's that's part of the that
part of that uniform building code and the uh >> so it's just assumed that it will have to be brought instead. >> Correct. I mean, for example, I I know um when the building next door to mine burned down, uh even though it was they built the new building on the same
footprint, the there was they had to now had to make ADA compliant restrooms and uh the parking lot wasn't paved before that, but because it was new construction, they had to have a paved parking area. So, all those things are all part of the the permit process.
>> Okay. >> So, it brings them all all into compliance. Yeah, as far as that my my based off of prior projects that uses have changed. >> Um they have been required to provide
ADA accessibility to the building. >> Okay. And I just >> it's got pretty sticky at some points in projects as well as far as >> well >> ADVA accessibility to buildings main >> straight. >> Well, we even had that here with this project
>> with the uh lift the the uh adult lift table and whatnot. >> You know that was a >> we you know because this was a different facility it it >> because the law currently requires public buildings. When I say public,
like municipal government buildings >> as of now. Correct. >> Yeah, it's only government. So, >> not to put the fear in any business owners. Not yet, but it may be coming at some point. But yeah, those those adult changing tables, they're not cheap. No, I had a conversation with my dad cuz he
does he does property management at a large church and and they were re remodeling one of their restrooms to put showers in for public use because they handle some of the the homeless population or or transient there or people living in campers. This way they can have a shower. And I said you have
to have that. He's like never heard of that. I'm going to look into it. And >> they fell under the it is not a major remodel. It was a minor remodel. So it didn't if it would have been a major remodel, it would have had to >> really Yeah. >> Because I thought it was only government buildings.
>> Uh no, it covered government and uh large venues uh sporting venues and uh you know large entertainment venues and stuff like that. >> That's good to know. >> Maybe it was maybe it was tiered, but yeah, he he did check into that, but it did say >> it's good to know because the park board wants to build a football stadium from
what I hear. >> I like Sorry. I I I like to give Ki a hard time about some of the some of the >> they're very ambitious football. >> Who's going to pay for something like that? >> Well, I know it's I'm I'm They do not
want to build a football stadium. I'll be clear. I just I like to give her a hard time. The park board is rather ambitious with some of their proposals. >> Too ambitious. So, in our discussions tonight, I think we should talk about funding.
Yeah, >> the the revolving loan. Yes. You know, >> to keep it viable. That was my point. We need to have a policy that, you know, there there's going to be x number of dollars in it, you know, up to whatever, you know, if it's if it ends up being, you know, >> because we're saying these businesses
that don't qualify for facade. >> Yeah. Push them towards this, >> but there's nothing there for us to give them. So, >> well, and when it rains, it pours, right? because we've already had I mean there's one other interested party now that we've given out a loan and I know
I've spoken with another business not the one >> you know so we've got at least two people interested >> in a loan and we potentially don't have any money but >> my conversation and and I don't you know feel free to converse how you want with a business but
>> what I'm telling businesses that are contacting me about it is you know even though this loan was given out, we're looking at what we can do. So, don't feel like it's not an option just because we've given out a pretty large
amount of our our loan fund recently. We're looking at it's not a them problem, it's an us problem. >> Go ahead and apply. We'll, you know, figure it out from there if you're interested. But the other thing, too, is it's it's hey, I'd like to do a bunch of
stuff. uh you know I want to you know it's all real theoretical right and then I want to do this this loan how do I do that well step one figure out what you want to do get a concrete number and then let's go through the process
because if you're just well I can get 20 or 40 grand you know give me 50 grand what are you going to do with it I don't know I just I there's a lot of stuff I can do with yes I understand there is we all a lot of stuff but let's get concrete let's get fixed because that's going to help the process So that's
that's been my approach with people. >> Well, we would require that before we would give them >> Exactly. Exactly. >> But I'm just saying right now, you know, we have nothing there, >> right? >> And and if you guys are dealing business, have them contact us. Yes. >> Have them give me a call. >> Yeah. >> Cuz I get them in contact with Rice County who does have a revolving loan
fund or Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation or deed. It's not just >> the city's revolving loan fund and and that's it. And I have done that as well because I've told people like look if you >> go to the county too, talk to, you know, talk to Joel, talk to Corey, call the city, they'll they'll hook you up with
Rice County because I said if Rice County sees that we're working with you, you're going to get a better shot of getting it from them, too. So, you can >> I don't want to say double dip because that seems like a a bad term, but I mean, you can get both. It's what it's there for.
>> You might as well send them to me. I'll be the one dealing with it. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. Um just looking at the Rice County um revolving loan. So they don't have a fixed interest rate. Um I mean it sorry it's fixed but they don't have a
specific number in their documentation. So >> might be tied to prime I think >> probably. It just says interest rates on a loan may be fixed at an interest rate established by the HA for the duration of the loan. An interest rate shall be negotiated based upon relevant loan
factors. So their interest rate is is pretty wide open in their documentation. So they don't they don't marry themselves to a rate like we do at 2%. Um it 2%'s extremely generous. >> Yep.
>> Um you know and frankly >> well we set it that low back in the day to hopefully get people to utilize it and >> haven't given out a loan for nearly a decade. >> Y Yeah. >> Was 2% from day one.
>> Yeah. And I mean, you know, that especially now, you know, but but then rates were probably really >> rates were lower than now. Well, >> for for a business 7 8%. >> Yeah. Rates are
>> I mean, I suppose we could look at increasing it, but I don't know. I mean, anything cheaper than bank financing is a win, right? >> Right. Right. >> I don't know if we're talking revenue. Here's a simple one.
>> Yeah. >> So, I don't know if if uh again, it's one of those things. Do we want to how deep do we want to get right now versus because again, this is going to come up tonight. Well, I was just going to say, I mean, I think we need to have some idea of how we're going to >> Yeah. >> You know, discuss it tonight.
>> What's our approach? >> Yes. >> What is What has been like the the average or whatever loan amount? It's usually been around that 30 to 50, hasn't it? Somewhere. >> Um, well, the um what stop
>> 60 I believe. >> Okay. So they they've been in higher amounts. >> Yeah. So we could say that probably an average would be anywhere from 35 to 50 maybe. >> Yeah. On the Yeah. Even Yeah. On the
higher end of that. >> So I mean we should try and have at least 50,000 in that fund, you know, ongoing. That was my point is if it get you know
if it gets drawn down a transfer would take place from another from where wherever the s funding source would be and then would we have an annual cap that we would want to set on it. you know, we don't want everybody coming in and pretty soon we're a million dollars
into it just because it was said we're going to get 5050 5050, you know, every time, you know, we we have to set a overall program cap, >> but it you know, the thing is it's not >> Well, and that would probably be up to the >> Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. But that was my that
was my thought is >> 100,000 max per year or something like that. >> And it it's not it's not being consumed either. This we get this back. It's not a loss, you know. It just >> usually it's >> well, >> but I I guess my my point being is it's it's not an expenditure per se. It you
know, we go into it we go into a negative, but but it but it ends up we end up getting it back. So >> it's not like the grant where >> once it's gone, it's gone. >> Um you basically have property taxes or the liquor store. >> Mhm. >> Those are your options. Well, so one of
the things I was thinking about is >> no one should the liquor store really be funding the right >> revolving loan fund. I don't I don't know. >> Um, one of the things I was thinking about too is like if we ever have a surplus at the end of the year in the EDA budget, the operating budget, you know,
is there some sort of a policy you want to say where 50% of that goes into the revolving loan fund to back fill, you know, so it's it's not a concrete number. It's going to change yearover-year and some years there might be nothing. But I mean that was just one
thought that I had was, you know, if we have a surplus, we have a a reserve fund for EDA, start there because then we're not talking about levy. We're not asking the council to find it somewhere else.
Just a thought until we can get our arms around it. I don't know what other people think. Because currently we we do have a a surplus reserve for from the EDA. Correct. So like today if somebody came
to us today and there was a business that >> wanted a revolving loan loan say they want 10 grand. We have 10 grand in a reserve that we could pull from to grant that loan. Correct. >> Uh
>> sorry to put you on the spot. Well, yeah. I mean, so end of February, we had a fund balance of what's 82,000. Budgeted expenses for 26 are 53,000. >> So, we got about 30,000 available
potentially in a pinch if needed. >> Yeah. >> I don't want to make it seem like >> take seven grand off that for that hotel study. >> You know, we're talking marketing. What's going to happen? You know. >> Yeah. Yeah. the fees that developers pay, where does
that money go? >> Uh, oh, essentially water, sewer, and parks. Yeah, those are dedicated >> because it would kind of make sense to take some, you know, to be able to use some of that money since it's be paid by
developers to, you know, >> yeah, we can >> to option other, >> you know, >> you know, the only thing with that is is the, you know, besides the uh um
apartments in in Prairie View. It's been 20 years, >> right? >> Yeah. >> It's been 10 years since the last time someone's wanted a loan from our revolving loan program. >> Mhm. >> So, it's not critical we come up with a
clear-cut solution today. It seems like we have additional money should something develop in the near future, but expectations are it's not going to be a lot. No, you could address that issue should that loan application come
in at the time and take a look at it then. Correct. >> I was just thinking more about tonight's meeting if I mean if they want to know what our thoughts are on this. I think we should have an idea of you know how
you know should be funded and how much should be funded or if not then you know I guess we just >> so when our fund is full it's at what 75,000 >> 50 right >> was 50 wasn't it >> 50 correcting loan is 50 >> 50 is what we allocate before it was
just whatever's there >> okay >> and then was it last year >> we couple years we dedicated a minimum >> established a separate fund >> yeah separate fund and So now we're talking about raising the the cap on the fund. >> Well, not necessarily. >> No, not necessarily. It would just if
once it once it was drawn down >> potentially moving moving from a another account to make it so it could be drawn again. >> Okay. >> We probably would still keep the same cap on it per, you know, whatever 50,000
max allowed draw on it. But, you know, one one draw wipes it out. >> Right. >> Now, we got to wait 10 10 years for a loan to get paid off to do it again. >> Yeah. >> That might have been part of the reason why we didn't get any traction before was it was well, what do we want? What's
what's available? Uh, we don't really know, you know. So, just people just moved on. >> Yeah. We just weren't getting calls. >> No. I mean, it does say in the policy, you know, the loan amount is based off of available funds, right?
>> You know, but is 50 grand too much? Maybe that's part of the pro solution. >> Yeah. Change. >> We don't loan out that much. >> Yeah. Cap on how much we give out. >> But it also does say up to that. We don't have to give the 50,000, doesn't it? >> Uh, there's not a cap. It just says that
it'll be determined based off of available. I thought in the was it on the application it said that >> up to 25 up to 75% of what was available. >> Is that what it says? >> No, it says the EDA will determine the loan amount after considering the number of jobs one will create and increase in
the city tax based loan amount will be limited based on funds available. >> Yeah. Okay. But everyone that applies asks and it's hey historically here's what we've done. I mean, I guess I don't know that we really need to make any changes to the
application or to the to the ordinance or >> I guess yeah, in my mind, you know, the only things that would be open to address in my mind would be interest rate and do we set a cap on how much we give out just to kind
of keep the fund viable if we're not backflowing? Well, I would entertain raising the interest rate. I think 2% is very, very generous. >> Is there a thought on where we'd like to go? I mean,
do we set it at something specific? Like again, you know, um, Rice County, they're not tied to a specific number in their documentation. Do we stay? >> So, it's determined with each loan application process. >> That's that's based. It's pretty
nebulous, you know. It doesn't say it's tied to prime or anything like that. It just says interest rate will be determined based on specific loan details. >> But prime is probably one of the factors. >> Oh, I'm sure it is. But they're they're leaving their door open to make any
decision they want on it. >> Right. because they can tie the interest rate into like the length of the loan, for example. >> So, could you probably say like 2% below prime? >> I mean, we could say anything we want. >> Yeah. Rather than have it cut at a
certain amount, go with prime and like you could say like I just said 2% below prime. >> Right. Yeah. >> It's not less than >> right now it's about six to seven. >> Yeah. >> Is what? Yeah. Well, for business >> that would bring it down to four
something, you know. >> Yeah. >> Um, >> better than >> you go get a car loan or whatever. You're you shop around rates, right? I mean, that's the only thing you're doing. >> Mhm. >> And you go with the lowest rate. >> Yeah.
>> Just a discount, >> you know. It's not like, oh, it's 2% or I'm not borrow money from you. That's not >> Yeah. And I guess one of the things to think about too is when people are applying for this, they maybe aren't u they they
don't have the tremendous amount of business credit. I'm looking at the lowest numbers and those are usually going to be for the people with the absolute best credit. So with uh you know it's just starting off you might not have great credit. So, >> right
>> or a good credit history, you know, and you know, bigger picture, do we want to be the only lender? Do we want to be GAP, right? Things to think about, I guess. >> Yeah. Well, don't they have to be um tied to a
a bank of some sort or something like that to be a to get this kind of loan also? >> Well, that's only if you're purchasing something else. But if you if you're if you wanted to do a >> some type of improvement or whatever. >> Well, if you just want to do an improvement, you don't have to do that
way then. >> Okay. Well, >> I don't think that suddenly. You think 2% below prime is too small. You going to go bigger or what what would you say? >> I mean, pine to prime seems to make
sense. Every every other loan that you get is >> Yeah. >> I definitely put a a bottom on it. >> Yeah. That way we wouldn't be stuck with one percentage and go by prime. Um,
would it be worthwhile to talk to Rice County to see how they come up with everything? >> That would give us some, you know, >> benchmark. Right. There you go. >> Mhm. >> Well, you could state that 2% below prime, but never lower than 2%.
>> No, because interest rates if they drop. >> H >> Yeah. If interest rates ended up dropping to >> right >> 4%. >> Right. New bed fed chair in there. Let's go >> after eight. Let's >> so broach the issue tonight with the
with the discussion about >> hey we feel that the interest rate should be what about the amount? Do we want to set a a cap on that or would we be interested in setting I mean >> I guess we don't have to go to council on this because we have the authority to make the changes on our own if we want
to >> but it's how how is it going to be be funded year to year you know that >> I think that's the bigger thing for them >> we we have to decide what our allow ask for what our allowances and then budget from that >> right >> I mean I think as far as setting a cap
it it really depends on if we have two applicants then we No, I mean there has we can't they would you know we just give what we could to the two. If we have only one well then you know >> just give what you have available
without completely deleting it. >> But >> circle back once we know what >> backfill options may or may not be available. you know, if we're going to budget 15 grand a year for it out of the general fund or whatever, you know, do we cap it
at 25? That way we know we can get two or, >> you know, something like that. Just >> so we have a >> some guidelines to go by. >> Who knows, you could get one for 25 and two of them for 12 and a half.
>> Yeah. >> Any other thoughts on this? Are we ready to move on to the next item? >> Move on. >> Move on. >> How long is that meeting going to last tonight? >> Great question. >> The way it sounded, 3 hours. Bring your pajamas.
>> Really? Bring your pajamas. >> Oh jeez. >> Oh my goodness. You say popcorn. I'm bringing popcorn. >> It's probably going to be a long one, but >> 7:00 just started at 6 o'clock. >> Yeah. Okay. So, next up, uh, street fair. So,
everybody's got the addendum to the packet in front of us. Participate and/or sponsor events that increase economic development. Discuss the EDA attendance at the Lawndale Area Chamber of Commerce Street Fair. Yep.
So, um, got this from the chamber and I think even when it was the expo back in the day, um, transitioned to the well, they had the used to be the expo or showcase and then it was expo showcase job fair and was at the school
for a couple years and changing it up. Um, the chamber decided to go with a a street fair on Nash Street in the marketplace. Um, every year the EDA has been uh at at a minimum a sponsor. Last year we we had the booth to promote uh
the revolving loan fund and our uh housing rehab project or program. Um it I think it was beneficial to at least be there for a year. Um I just it's not the right crowd. It's not businesses going around. It's It's residents and
their kids and getting chip clips and pizza cutters and, you know, all the all the swag. >> Yeah. >> Bars. >> Yep. Yep. That's you got to get that when right when you walk in there. >> Um so I guess you know we do have some
chip clips uh remaining from from last year. Um I guess at this point my recommendation would be to be a sponsor. I don't know if we necessarily have to have a booth. Um, but if if the board wants to, we can. >> I mean, I was there last year. Um,
>> I know Scott, you have your own, right? Don't you? >> Well, I I I use the I I've done both tables and but I always have the tow truck there for the stage and stuff. And my my my because I'm part of the logistics thing for it. It's really hard for me to staff it. And so, I typically
have not been having a table, per se. >> Yeah. I know Laura Laura and I were there last year. Um I mean there there there were some small opportunities to network with businesses other um booth
uh sponsors I guess or or you know people that were attending from the booth perspective. I had a few opportunities to talk to some of the business owners that were participating. Um, but we can do that without having our own
booth, too. We can go and just walk around and talk to people. Um, >> so >> and get free stuff. >> Yeah, >> last year we decided someone was going to wear a billboard talked to me about >> I was I was going to say, do we do we need a sandwich?
And then >> so I suppose we got to figure out what we want to do here. Um >> do we have this budgeted? >> Yes. >> Yeah. So we're budgeted to have a booth anyway. >> Yeah. >> Well, I think they're um >> contributions to the chamber like $1,000 I believe.
>> So that's typically been this >> uh Frosty Fest >> and then um we typically do the uh their lunch and learner networking event in June, >> right? uh over at Tritka Park. >> Gotcha.
So, we do have chip clips to give out. >> Um >> 200 won't last very long though, will they? Cuz what is >> How many people usually go through this? >> How many did we start? >> About about half. >> Yeah, last year we have about half. >> Is that what I What did I I thought I
looked at the invoice. >> I think we got maybe 500. >> That seems like a number that you >> I thought we did. Yeah. >> Yeah. That's like in the 200. There's one full box and about a third or close to half of another one. >> Sure.
>> When you're out, you're out. No big deal. >> That's right. >> Mhm. >> Yeah, exactly. >> But this is the only thing we're giving them out at also. So, >> well, home improvement load application. >> Just throw a chip clip on there. >> No need for a binder clip. >> Sorry you're not approved, but enjoy your chip.
>> Well, you know what? We can talk qualifying questions before we go any further. Answer this. Yeah. And and that's what we did. We had, >> you know, whatever. >> Yep. >> 3 by 11 and general information. Um we had >> together
>> business cards and it was on the clip and >> have to worry about things blowing away. >> Yeah, >> it was windy, but >> it very Yeah, it was a windy day. At least it wasn't raining, >> right? I mean, is there anything we want as the EDA for public comment that we
could ask all residents who come and visit the booth? >> I mean, the biggest thing is that development grant. I mean, that's that's the public thing to really get out there is getting people, hey, here's development grant. Really hammer that. I mean,
I don't know. I'm kind of It's budgeted. We've got the chip clips to to move. Do we make them follow us on social media? Um to get >> I mean we can throw that out there. No, no, >> I don't think so. >> Oh, I I mean I've done that before. Um
if one of the things that we're paying for out of the EDA is social media. Like awesome. Show us that you're following the city of Blondale on Facebook and you get a chip clip. >> Yeah. >> No, >> that would work if there wasn't that would work great if there wasn't really cool stuff given away for
>> You can't do that. You can't do that. That's disqualous. Okay. >> Oh, it's a >> Yeah, it's a way to drive people to our >> Yeah, I mean, one of the things we can put on there is we could put a um >> QR code on a a card to say, "Here you
go." >> Put it right front and center in the packet. >> I mean, or is it for us to gather like, you know, we're potentially going to be opening another business park. Like, what do you want to see? Like are there things that we can ask the public to
participate in beyond just focusing on well if you're a business owner come talk to us like is there anything >> I mean do we want to develop a survey? >> Oh I not even a survey like as far when you do booth things you have one question. >> Sure.
>> Or like I mean I've gone out with >> do like an index card. What would you like to see in Lansdale? They just drop it in a just like a drawing box and then we go through it. I I don't know. I mean, it it there's really no cost to it. It just would provide some level of
engagement um without a lot of >> wasted energy. >> Or I've done a step and repeat with a cell phone of like tell tell me why businesses should be in Lombdale. Like it's I mean there's ways to use the public that we
beyond just here we have this program if you happen to be a business owner like >> sure >> something to think about. >> I I like the idea. The question really is do we have a booth or not? >> Exactly. >> You never give anything away for free for
>> Well, if I I think the decision today is do we want do we want to be the sponsor of the $300 and then you get the table use it or not? And then between now and >> I say no to the table. >> I say yes to sponsor. Is it two different questions? >> Yes.
>> No. If you're a sponsor at $300 the >> the table comes with it whether it then it just boils down if there's not >> otherwise I think it goes down to 125 bucks or something. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. And if it's not if the if there if there is no desire to be staffed there,
then it becomes my job with logistics to make sure that there's not an empty table that doesn't look awkward. Here's the city's leave empty. >> We'd be there. >> It's important to I think it's important to be a sponsor. >> Yeah, absolutely.
So, with that said, I mean, I we'll need a motion at some point to do it, but um people should make themselves available. If we're going to have the table, please come and help out cuz uh yeah, I think
last year, like I said, Laura was there and I I got there when I could, but I can make it a point. You >> were there. I was there for a couple hours. >> Were you there, too? Okay. I may I might have missed. Yeah. over overlapped >> cuz I stopped by and my help wasn't needed. So, >> yeah,
>> cuz I think Joel and Laura were there the whole time. >> Yeah, Cory. Cory. >> Cory's there. Yeah. >> Yeah. So, >> but it's good to get our faces everybody out there. Yeah. >> Um, so look for a motion of some sort.
>> Some sort. >> I mean, either yes or no, we do it. We don't do it. 300 gets us a table and we have the next meeting in April to decide what we do details. >> Yeah. >> So we don't have to figure that out today. But do we sponsor or do we not
sponsor? >> I would make a motion that we do sponsor >> at the 300. >> At the 300. >> Okay. Motion by Simon to sponsor at the premium. >> Second that. >> Seconded by Dubon. Any further discussion? All in favor? >> I
>> opposed. All right. Motion prevails. Thank you folks. All right, other business development updates. Yes. Um well, the Quick Drip job suit um stopped at city hall either last week or the week before, they're looking at a
April 20th start date and then as we've seen on social media, looking at opening in September. daycare. Uh we've had a couple meetings with the developer builder um and made an email introduction to the daycare and in that
that company. So, we'll see where where that goes. Um as was alluded to earlier, um TMI is looking at doubling their um square footage of their building. So, that land application will be coming to to the
planning commission. I think we've got our uh review committee meeting this morning this morning after after this. So, that's exciting. Um nothing on packaging. Uh nothing on the next business park and then residential. Council has approved the uh
concept plan for the 100 lot Prairie View subdivision. and then uh also has everything in place um for the apartment project that all indications are looking at starting in July.
>> Nice. >> And then we had the Tipsy Bullfrog um or VNS holdings uh revolving loan fund at our last two meetings. Great. Um, in regard to Quick Trip, are they
planning some sort of a groundbreaking ceremony or anything? >> I got to reach out to them. So, okay. >> I would I would assume so. >> Yeah. >> Course we're at the MMBA conference that day. So, >> of course,
>> of course. Well, typically the actual the ceremonial operation doesn't line up with the actual actual start >> construction day one. >> Yeah. >> Well, they got to set up that whole pile
of dirt and golden shovels and whatever nonsense. >> Our hats. >> Yeah. So, I'm sure if that happens, you know, we'll >> anybody who's available from the EDA can can attend. Council will attend. I'm sure. >> Oh, yeah. I'll set out.
>> Yeah. I invite everybody. Absolutely. >> I'm sure the chamber will have something too. >> Yeah, because I believe they're the ones that Oh, they do the ribbon cutting. >> Yeah, that'll be after that'll be September. But I don't know. You know, it's been a while since we've had a big project development wise. So,
that whole uh groundbreaking ceremony wouldn't be a terrible thing to help promote, especially with Quick Trip spreading the word about Lawndale force. you know, if we have some video of it on our social media, then those people that Quick Trip is talking to can see, yep, look, they're
moving dirt. The, you know, EDA is involved, the council's, you know, it shows our involvement, our support, that kind of stuff. So, cool. All right. Any other items? >> Um, Joel, you said that feasibility study would be 60 days
>> for the hotel, correct? >> Yeah. For the and then the market, the Is that the same the market? Um, no. That was um what the uh EDA approved last fall for the commercial retail. >> Okay.
>> So, do we know when we're getting that, >> but >> uh was it in the package for tonight? >> I thought Yeah, I guess I didn't go all that deep, but I I thought I saw it that we're going to be talking about that tonight. So, >> that was one of the reasons why we were looking at the date in March is because
I know Tom was saying he really liked to have that market study available for that discussion. >> It is draft. Um I have met with Maxfield and asked a couple questions that that I had had him add some information and then um
earlier this week I did provide them uh I think it's table 13 just of the existing um retail and office spaces that we had. Wanted it to reflect what is actually occupying those buildings right now.
>> Sure. But as far as any of the the recommendations or you know square footage demand for office or retail, none of that is is changing. >> Sure. >> Okay. Thank you. >> All right.
Any items people would like to see on the April agenda? I'm sure follow up from whatever we discussed tonight. Um, I think the the what do we do if we have the table at the the street fair should be a discussion topic.
>> Um, probably a line item specifically on the revolving loan >> based on whatever comes from tonight, you know, because I think we're going to have to make changes which will require action. Any other thoughts?
>> All right. >> Motion to adjurnn. >> Motion by Plava to adjurnn. Is there a second? >> Second. >> Second by Dumont. All in favor? >> I. >> All right. Excellent. Thank you everybody.