03-28-16 Special Meeting - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

ARDEN HILLS SPECIAL EDA MEETING—MARCH 28, 2016 5 Commissioner Holmes understood that the Council would be discussing staff workloads later this evening during the work session. For this reason, she questioned if the site visits could be conducted by the EDC. Executive Director Hutmacher stated that this would depend on what other issues staff was managing, and how TCAAP progressed. It was her opinion that the City could achieve all three of the priorities within the year, with the assistance of the Chamber of Commerce. She commented that one other issue staff would have to address in the near future would be the 2018 Comprehensive Plan. EDA President Grant proposed that the items be prioritized by the Council. His initial thought was that Item 1 had a high priority, Item 2 had a medium priority and Item 3 was a low priority. The Council was in agreement with this suggestion. Commissioner Wicklund asked how the City would be conducting the site visits. Executive Director. Hutmacher stated that she was typically the point person; however, this work could also be completed by Greater MSP or the Chamber of Commerce. She wanted to see the City piggyback on their site visits whenever possible. Commissioner Wicklund questioned what the preferred outcome was for a business visit in Arden Hills. Executive Director Hutmacher explained that her number one goal for a business visit was to develop a relationship. This would mean that the business owner would have a name and a face at City Hall to contact with future expansion requests, questions or concerns. She indicated that data gathering was also important. This includes information such as the number of employees, if the business is hiring and what type of skilled workforce needs they have. Commissioner Wicklund asked how data gathering and knowledge of expansion plans help staff to do their job. Executive Director Hutmacher stated that data collection helped the City long-term. She discussed the situation that arose with Smiths Medical. Commissioner Wicklund liked the priority one project so long as metrics were included. He wanted to see targets set for the number of visits that would be conducted. Executive Director Hutmacher indicated that the goal for this year would be to conduct six to eight visits. Commissioner Wicklund inquired how staff would determine if the site visits were successful.