Laserfiche WebLink
EDC Minutes <br />January 6, 2016 <br />Page 2 of 4 <br /> <br />Community Development Director Hutmacher stated that the feedback in general was positive. <br />One recommendation from City staff was to include an Executive Summary with the findings and <br />recommendations at the beginning of the report. <br /> <br />Jonathan Weinhagen stated that the findings in the report shows the community is well-received <br />and that businesses identify themselves as being Arden Hills companies. <br /> <br />A short discussion ensued regarding land capacity challenges and economic development options <br />for existing businesses which are growing and looking to expand and that wish to remain in Arden <br />Hills. <br /> <br />A discussion ensued regarding integration of data into the report in narrative form versus charts <br />and graphs. Suggestions included highlighting key findings under general headings, which include <br />traffic, transportation/transit, workforce recruitment, workforce retention, access and development. <br /> <br />A discussion ensued regarding the potential extension of the Metro Transit A-Line Bus Rapid <br />Transit corridor through Arden Hills to the TCAAP site in order to increase transit opportunities <br />for residents, local college students, and the local workforce. Discussion continued regarding how <br />mass transit can affect a community in general. <br /> <br />Community Development Director Hutmacher indicated that initial feedback from the Met <br />Council does not support an extension at this time and it has been the Met Council’s opinion that <br />the TCAAP redevelopment is not enough to financially justify an extension of the line. The Met <br />Council has urged communities to consider pedestrian improvements and land use decisions along <br />the entire route that would better support transit. <br /> <br />Community Development Director Hutmacher added that the City and SPACC have <br />encouraged the Met Council to consider a phased extension at the A-Line or regular, improved <br />transit service to serve businesses and the universities along the route. <br /> <br />Chair Heikkila asked for more information pertaining to the comments made by some businesses <br />that included: “It is difficult to find reliable part time help.” and “The employee pool lacks <br />technical skills.” <br /> <br />A discussion ensued regarding local educational institutions that serve Arden Hills (Mounds View <br />High School, Bethel University, and University of Northwestern) and the technical skills needed <br />by some of the local businesses. The importance of fostering workforce training through <br />partnerships with community or technical colleges was also discussed as Arden Hills has a large <br />number of manufacturing businesses. Other challenges the City faces include the number of <br />skilled labor positions versus the available housing stock options and determining the City’s role <br />in attracting a varied workforce. <br /> <br />It was discussed that feedback on the draft report would be provided to Jonathan Weinhagen by <br />January 14, 2016. <br /> <br />Community Development Director Hutmacher stated that as a Commission and as a <br />community, a priority should be to prepare TCAAP for development so current Arden Hills <br />businesses have the option to stay and expand within the city.