HomeMy WebLinkAbout03.17.25 EDA Minutes City of Farmington
Economic Development Authority
Regular Meeting Minutes
Monday, March 17, 2025
The Farmington Economic Development Authority met in regular session on Monday,
March 17, 2025, at Farmington City Hall, 430 3rd Street, Farmington, Minnesota.
1. CALL TO ORDER
Chair Hoyt called the meeting to order at 5:00 p.m.
2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Chair Hoyt lead everyone in the Pledge of Allegiance.
3. ROLL CALL
Members Present: Chair Joshua Hoyt
Commissioners Holly Bernatz, Jake Cordes, Nick Lien,
and Steve Wilson
Members Absent: None
Staff Present: Lynn Gorski, City Administrator
David Chanski, HR Director/Assistant City Administrator
Deanna Kuennen, EDA Executive Director
Stephanie Aman, Economic Development Coordinator
Shirley Buecksler, City Clerk
Also Present: Leadership from Dakota County Technical College and
Inver Hills Community College:
Michael Berndt, President
Jared Scharpen, Director of Career Development
Chris Hinrichs, CDL, Manufacturing and Business
Representative (CECT)
Bob Trewartha, Director (CECT)
4. APPROVE AGENDA
Motion was made by Commissioner Wilson and seconded by Commissioner
Cordes to approve the agenda, as presented.
Motion carried: 5 ayes / 0 nays
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5. CITIZEN COMMENTS
No one addressed the Commission to speak.
6. CONSENT AGENDA
6.1 Minutes of the February 18, 2025 Joint Work Session with the Parks and
Recreation Commission
6.2 Minutes of the February 18, 2025 Regular Economic Development Authority
Meeting
6.3 Monthly Financial Report
Motion was made by Commissioner Wilson and seconded by Commissioner
Bernatz to approve the Consent Agenda, as presented.
Motion carried: 5 ayes / 0 nays
7. PUBLIC HEARINGS
8. DISCUSSION ITEMS
8.1 Partnership Presentation - Dakota County Technical College (DCTC) / Inver
Hills Community College (IHCC)
EDA Commissioners participated in a conversation with college leadership
around comprehensive college offerings and how we can continue to
collaborate to strengthen and grow our businesses.
Discussion included:
• DCTC/IHCC and high schools should be working together for alternative
avenues outside of college for high schoolers.
• How to support our businesses and employers through unconventional
models. For example, a recertification course conducted at the place of
business.
• Soft skill development and the ability to be part of a team.
• Are the degrees people are seeking not the roles employers need? The
DCTC / IHCC Advisory Board can consider customized training, and
faculty are open to discussion. We want to figure out the need so we can
provide and deliver that.
• Employers need to invest and engage early.The college has 69 short-term
programs available.
• Is it on the education system or also the employer to understand the work-
life balance that those coming into the workforce are looking for? We all
have a piece in the puzzle.
• Dakota County Regional Chamber may be able to coordinate for
multiple entities.
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• Grar,t opportunities, such as the dual pipeline grant for incumbent
employers. There are a lot of opportunities that can be capitalized on.
• Dakota 911 dispatch is needed. The colleges will look into it.
• The colleges invite high school students to the colleges to explore offered
programs and meet employers - they get excited by this opportunity.
• Career exploration.
• The City could publish offerings at DCTC / IHCC in The Currents.
8.2 2025 EDA Work Plan
Executive Director Kuennen presented the 2025 EDA Work Plan.
9. DIRECTOR'S REPORT
9.1 Director's Report
Executive Director Kuennen highlighted information from the Director's
Report.
Commissioner Bernatz commented on the work that is being done to
connect to the businesses that are here and how invaluable this is. People
are excited to see City Staff walk into meetings, she said.
10.ADJOURNMEINT
Motion was made by Commissioner Wilson and seconded by Commissioner Lien
to adjourn the meeting at 6:45 p.m.
Motion carried: 5 ayes / 0 nays
pectfully submitted,
WRC
City Clerk '
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