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