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EDC Minutes <br />November 2, 2016 <br />Page 3 of 4 <br /> <br />Council Liaison Holden stated the need for a policy in regards to introduction of new businesses <br />in the monthly newsletter. <br /> <br />Commissioner Johnson feels we should have an online business directory. <br /> <br />Discussion ensued regarding the involvement level with the Communications Committee and if it <br />should be included in the Work Plan. <br /> <br />Commissioner Radziej asked for clarification on working with staff to plan additional small <br />business outreach events. <br /> <br />Senior Planner Bachler said there was a group that was working on events but after having to <br />cancel one of the events they basically disbanded but it would be beneficial to continue to have <br />them. <br /> <br />Senior Planner Bachler noted the Business Retention Expansion program items were also on the <br />Work Plan for last year, but due to limited staff time they could not be completed. The <br />Commercial Real Estate Roundtable was going to be convened by the St. Paul Chamber but the <br />lead person started at the Minneapolis Chamber and transitioned away from the Roundtable. We <br />will need to reconnect with the St. Paul Chamber contact and have a meeting with them. <br /> <br />Senior Planner Bachler explained the recent moratorium that was approved by Council to limit <br />higher education uses in the city. A study will take place over the next year and the EDC will <br />probably have a role in that report. Also, the EDC will need to provide feedback on the City’s new <br />Comprehensive Plan. Work is anticipated to start the early part of next year and the EDC will be <br />commenting on the economic and redevelopment sections of the plan. <br /> <br />Commissioner Radziej wanted to know if there was a process in place for marketing and <br />outreach to new businesses. <br /> <br />Senior Planner Bachler stated that we are trying to keep a running list of new businesses and <br />visit a certain number of them each quarter. <br /> <br />Commissioner Radziej said the names could be distributed to the EDC members and they could <br />help make visits. <br /> <br />Discussion ensued about timelines and expectations of the business visits. <br /> <br /> <br />4. UPDATES <br /> <br />A. Rice Creek Commons (TCAAP) Update <br /> <br />Senior Planner Bachler stated there was a study done to potentially extend the Bus Rapid Transit <br />line to TCAAP site but at this time there is not enough density to support the extension. This will <br />most likely be re-evaluated as the site becomes developed. Discussion ensued. <br /> <br />