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EDC Minutes December 2, 2015 Page 2 of 5 Commissioner von Holtum stated that about two years ago the group discussed gateway signage and that city maps were referenced to determine potential locations. He also stated he recalled a brief discussion taking place again this past spring 2015. Community Development Director Hutmacher stated the minutes from the spring of 2015 would be checked and that the information that was discussed pertaining to gateway signage could be added to the 2015 Annual Report. Chair Heikkila asked about the Leaders in Local Government Award that the City received from the St. Paul Area Chamber of Commerce for the Business Retention and Expansion program (BRE). Community Development Director Hutmacher showed the award to the Commissioners. She stated that the Award Selection Committee felt the work the City had done was very good. She and Associate Planner Bachler thanked the EDC and stated this was a group effort between City staff, the EDC and EDA, and community volunteers. MOTION: Commissioner von Holtum moved and Commissioner Erickson seconded a motion to accept the 2015 Annual Report. The motion carried unanimously (4- 0). B. 2016 EDC Work Plan Chair Heikkila noted there are items on the 2016 Work Plan that are related to the BRE program’s outcome, and he asked if the report would be ready in January. Associate Planner Bachler stated that SPACC is on track to provide a draft of the report to the EDC at their January meeting. He referenced item 2.c. Work with the EDA to identify and complete action items. He said the report will include the SPACC’s findings and it will offer initial recommendations for next steps. The EDC will have the opportunity to review the report in January and subsequently the report will be presented to the Economic Development Authority (EDA) at their January 25, 2016, meeting. Commissioner Erickson asked if there is a plan to formalize lines of communication between the EDA and the EDC. Commissioner von Holtum asked how often the EDA meets. Community Development Director Hutmacher stated the EDA generally meets quarterly. She explained that the EDA is basically the City Council but with different authority under State Statute than a City Council. A discussion ensued regarding the EDA’s role and responsibilities as they pertain to Economic Development.