03-28-16 Special Meeting - Laserfiche WebLink

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ARDEN HILLS SPECIAL EDA MEETING—MARCH 28, 2016 4 Mr. Weinhagen discussed how the EDC interacted with the document and developed priority projects. He provided further comment on how the site visits were conducted, the data was aggregated and the report was developed. He commented that the implementation phase would be a separate phase independent of the report and formal program. He then reviewed the key findings within the report. Commissioner Holmes indicated that the priority projects within the implementation plan were not taking the recommendations into consideration. Mr. Weinhagen stated that one amenable solution would be to approve the report, but remove the recommendations section on pages 26 and 27. Commissioner Wicklund agreed that the priorities needed further discussion. However, he also understood that staff wanted the document accepted. He looked forward to having a future discussion regarding the details behind the priorities. Executive Director Hutmacher clarified the scope of work that was requested from the Chamber of Commerce. It was noted that the Chamber was to create a report and not an implementation plan. She indicated that the key findings within the plan point to the need for transit and skilled workers. She believed it would be reasonable to accept the document omitting pages 26 and 27 as this would allow the Council to address the implementation plan separately. Commissioner McClung agreed with this recommendation. He understood that the recommendations within the report did not have to be implemented and that further discussion was needed. MOTION: EDA Commissioner Wicklund moved and EDA Commissioner McClung seconded a motion to receive the final draft of the Arden Hills Business Retention and Expansion Program Report from the St. Paul Area Chamber of Commerce. Commissioner Holmes expressed her concern again and stated that she did not believe that the three recommendations would help the businesses in Arden Hills. She stated that the City did not have control over getting the A-Line to expand within the community. She provided further comment on the priorities that the City did and did not have control over. Commissioner Wicklund believed that the Council could receive the document whether or not the City had control over these recommendations. The motion carried 3-1 (Holmes opposed). EDA President Grant requested further comment on the priorities within the City's control.