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