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Mr. Mooney's presentation highlighted DeSCo's credentials and experience, as well as their ability to develop a comprehensive economic development plan for Arden Hills. Mr. Mooney stated that DeSCo would ask to review and studies and/or reports that had been prepared in the past three years to get up to speed quickly and avoid duplication. DeSCo would then take a three-phase approach as follows: DeSCo would request a list of 10 to 15 prominent people in the community that we feel should be interviewed for the SWOT analysis, would review six competitive communities through a 12-point analysis, and would conduct survey's through our web page in a phased manner to ensure all stakeholders had an opportunity to provide input into the development of the plan. Mr. Mooney opened the presentation up for questions. Mayor Aplikowski asked if the EDC would be involved in the information gathering? Mr. Mooney responded that he would ask that they help get the word out about the survey. Mayor Aplikowski asked Mr. Mooney what he felt was Arden Hills' biggest challenge? Mr. Mooney responded that that would be information he would determine through the SWOT analysis. Rob Davidson asked how Mr. Mooney would deal with everything from such a distance? Mr. Mooney responded that he was confident that distance would not be an issue. • Ray McGraw inquired about surrounding city competition and how Mr. Mooney would address it? Mr. Mooney stated that he would incorporate factors into the analysis that we felt were important. Dale Beane asked Mr. Mooney if he felt that the timeline he proposed was realistic, especially given the survey process. Mr. Mooney responded that he did believe the timeline to be realistic, stating that DeSCo is aggressive. Mayor Aplikowski asked how DeSCo would deal with resistance? Mr. Mooney stated that they would provide one on one time to address concerns and issues. Mr. Mooney asked the EDC what they are hoping to achieve with the development of this plan? Ray McGraw stated that we are hoping to have a redevelopment plan that will help upgrade the community. Mr. Mooney was thanked for his time and effort. General Discussion Ray McGraw stated that initially he was opposed to hiring a consultant for this process,but after hearing DeSCo's presentation, he is all for hiring DeSCo. is Mayor Aplikowski stated that we are all too busy to do this on our own. Dale Beane added that he really liked the outside/neutral perspective that DeSCo would bring. Ray McGraw indicated that he too likes the idea of an outside firm.