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Kunkel said he believes SWOT analysis is the first step. He asked who else besides the EDC should be part of the SWOT analysis process. Mayor Aplikowski stated she thought all the committees should be included. She further noted that on November 9, an all-committee meeting will be held. She also suggested we could perhaps branch into the business community. She stated perhaps we should start internally, taking a look at ourself as a city. It was noted that it would be best to have a facilitator for the process. Mayor Aplikowski noted that in the past, there had been discussion about a revolving loan fund. That might be a topic for future discussion. Kunkel asked the group if they think a SWOT analysis seems like a good idea, and if so,what should the next step be? Kneeland stated that she thinks it is a good idea, and that we should take a regional approach to the analysis. Wolfe suggested that it might be helpful to the process to be informed by neighboring communities about what is happening in their communities. McGraw stated that perhaps we should talk to DSU for input. He suggested that they probably already looked at the surrounding communities as they worked on planning efforts for TCAAP. Mayor Aplikowski suggested we could perhaps get all the communities together on one night. Ashbach said he thought it would be good information, but we need to first figure out what we need and want as a City. • Paulet referenced the sample economic development plans that were shared with the commission members. He stated that he likes the Milaca model. He suggested that we could benefit from a process similar to the one they used. He further suggested that we consider hiring a consultant to help us better understand who we are and where we want to go. He made a motion to hire a facilitator to help us prepare an economic development plan, which would include a SWOT analysis. Kelly seconded the motion. There was discussion about the need for funding such a project. Hiring a facilitator could cost several thousand dollars. Kneeland suggested an amendment to the earlier motion, that the City appoint a facilitator, but that it could be a volunteer, staff member, or hired consultant, which would be for staff and Ctiy Coucnil to decide. Paulet agreed to amend his motion. The motion carried unanimously. The next meeting date was set for November 16. The December meeting will be December 21. All meetings will begin at 7:30 a.m.