03-26-08 ED Meeting Minutes - Unsigned

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EDC Minutes March 26, 2008 Page 4of5 mix of the three vacancies. He said if we were dealing with just one vacancy, then he would like to see him on the group. Other Business: Asst. City Administrator Simon reported he was hoping to have met with the Derek Hames on the Gateway Sign topic but this has not occurred yet. He hopes to do so by the next EDC meeting. Asst. City Administrator Simon passed out a brochure he received from the St. Paul Chamber of Commerce for the groups review. Councilmember Holden suggested looking for Gateway Sign information in previous Council packets, as well as talking to David Sand (former chair of the Planning Commission). Jim noted in his review of the most recent draft of the comprehensive plan, there is very little in the economic development section — only a goal statement. He thought all the other areas covered extensively but not this area. Councilmember Holden noted she believes City Planner Lehnhoff is waiting for input from the group on this topic and he will then include that • information. Asst. City Administrator Simon asked the EDC members to email any comments to City Planner Lehnhoff or himself to be included. Jim asked that the Mooney Plan be included. Jim suggested this topic be on the next EDC agenda for discussion. Chair Kunkel indicated he likes like system of sending out emails to find the best appropriate meeting dates fore everyone and would like to continue in this fashion. UPDATE ON COUNCIL Councilmember Holden summarized recent City Council actions: the City received the Safe Routes to School grant and will be developing a sidewalk at Valentine Hills School; the sign ordinance revision has been approved and will be note in the City newsletter— a mass mailing of this revised ordinance will be sent out to businesses as well; City Administrator candidates are currently be interviewed; The PDA was amended to be extended by one year; The Super 8 Motel's request to cease the motel/hotel tax has been approved; Earnest money was returned on the old City Hall property; Visioning is still occurring on the 10/96 intersection; The Traverse Business Center preliminary plan has been approved by Planning Commission;Northwestern has come forward with parking lot plans; The Holiday Inn reuse project will be on the March 31 City Council agenda for approval. Jim asked Rob about the long-range plan for the Holiday Inn site. Rob noted he has a limited contract with the City and it requires a 3 year termination requirement on the temporary use. He indicated it is his long range goal to tear down the building and redevelop the property.