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ARDEN HILLS SPECIAL EDA MEETING—MARCH 28, 2016 3 <br /> implementation plan for the priority projects identified by the EDC. Staff is requesting that the <br /> EDA provide comments on the draft implementation plan. <br /> Mr. Weinhagen added that the recommendations listed in the BRE Report were generated out of <br /> conversations that were held with the business community. <br /> Commissioner Holmes supported the recommendations and understood that there was a need <br /> for rapid transit. She believed that the provided goals or priorities were realistic, but should be <br /> more focused. <br /> Mr. Weinhagen understood that much of these goals could not be achieved in one year. He <br /> added that having an implementation plan would help the City move forward in addressing these <br /> goals. <br /> EDA President Grant commented on the recommendations and believed that the transit line <br /> was TCAAP related. He believed recommendation#3 would be good for the City to track. <br /> Executive Director Hutmacher indicated that the recommendations were based on national best <br /> practices for BRE. <br /> Mr. Weinhagen encouraged the Council to consider the document as a report based on <br /> community research and not as a plan that needed implementation. <br /> Commissioner Holmes believed that the priorities should be tied to the report. She did not <br /> support all of the recommendations being made in the report and thought there was a disconnect. <br /> Commissioner Wicklund stated that he saw the document as a compilation of information by an <br /> outside consultant who is providing the Council with a report that should be received and <br /> adopted. He indicated that a second step for the Council would be to review the priority projects <br /> and respond. <br /> Commissioner McClung agreed with this assessment and discussed his view on the report. He <br /> did not believe that the City had to follow each of the prescribed recommendations, but rather <br /> could review and analyze the report and decide how to move forward as policymakers. He <br /> supported the Council accepting the document and was in favor of setting its own priorities at a <br /> future time. <br /> Commissioner Wicklund was in agreement with this direction of the Council. <br /> Commissioner Holmes commented that she would not be voting to accept the report. <br /> Further discussion ensued regarding the recommendations within the report. <br /> EDA President Grant stated that perhaps the Chamber of Commerce should have brought <br /> forward a list of ideas, along with recommendations from the EDC. <br />