03-05-14 EDC Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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EDC Minutes March 5, 2014 Page 3 of 6 Community Development Director Hutmacher responded that the intent was for the video to remain relevant for at least several years. C. Arden Hills Notes Distribution Community Development Director Hutmacher explained that the Arden Hills Notes newsletter is currently sent as bulk mail to all addresses in the City, but since it is not addressed to specific individuals, it may not be getting to local business owners. She asked the commissioners to provide feedback on two options for addressing this issue: doing a direct mailing of the newsletter or sending the newsletters electronically via email to business owners. She explained that direct mailings would be an additional cost to the City and require Council approval. Commissioner Erickson was in favor of sending the newsletter electronically. He suggested that a sign up link be added to the business section of the City's website. Commissioner Radziej recommended continuing the bulk mailings and also sending the newsletter electronically to the City's business contact list. Commssioner Heikkila volunteered to collect additional contact information from businesses in the Gateway District if needed. Community Development Director Hutmacher commented that the City has compiled a list of business contacts covering all business districts except Red Fox/Grey Fox, which staff will work to address this year. She added that an email list would need to be updated at least every two years to ensure that contacts stayed current. Chair von Holtum recommended that direct mailings still be done when businesses within a particular district needed to be notified of planned public improvement projects. Community Development Director Hutmacher requested that the commissioners provide feedback at the next meeting on ways the City could regularly update the email contact list. D. Business Retention and Expansion Associate Planner Bachler provided an overview of the goals of Business Retention and Expansion (BRE) programs and the framework of these initiatives. He explained that completing research on the feasibility of a BRE program was part of the EDC's 2014 Work Plan. In the upcoming months, staff will be contacting other cities that have implemented BRE programs and, having further discussion with the EDC on the costs and benefits of this type of program. Commissioner Radziej questioned if there had been discussion on developing a business attraction plan as well, especially considering the redevelopment of the TCAAP site.