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EDC Minutes March 1, 2017 Page 2 of 4 Senior Planner Bachler mentioned that he had put together a one-page handout with City contact information that could be left with businesses. Commissioner Johnson asked for guidance on the types of photographs they should take while they are at the businesses. Council Liaison McClung suggested photos outside with the business sign, in the reception area or manufacturing area. Chair Erickson noted that the general consensus was that the article topics listed in the staff memo were good, with the addition of an article on the reuse of the Smiths Medical buildings. Council Liaison McClung commented that the Communications Committee was not asking them to write the articles at this time, but they may in the future. B. Business Retention and Expansion Program Senior Planner Bachler stated that the 2017 BRE visits would focus on the Red Fox -Grey Fox Business District. He suggested visiting at least 4-6 of the businesses on the list provided as an attachment. He noted the supplemental questions in the attachment would be asked in addition to the questions included in the BRE survey. Commissioner Williams wondered if these visits could also be an opportunity to gather information for the articles requested by the Communications Committee. Chair Erickson questioned why the EDC would not try to visit all eight businesses listed. He commented that the BRE visits should be scheduled in advance, but that the new business visits did not need to be scheduled. Senior Planner Bachler said that because they are using the same BRE survey used in 2015 he would not need to be at each meeting. He noted that he would bring the full survey, supplemental questions, business list and contact information, and a plan for how to set up the visits to the April EDC meeting. C. Higher Education Moratorium Study Senior Planner Bachler stated the City Council adopted an ordinance in October 2016 that temporarily prohibits land use applications for higher education uses in all zoning districts. The moratorium will remain in effect for 12 months during which time the City will complete a study of the benefits and impacts of higher education uses in the different zoning districts. WSB & Associates has been hired to complete the study and they will be meeting with the EDC in April and June to discuss topics related to the study. The final report from WSB will come in August. Discussion ensued regarding the Smith Medical buildings that are vacant and the University of Northwestern and Bethel College's needs and Campus Master Plans.