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EDC Minutes <br />March 5, 2014 <br />Page 4 of 6 <br /> <br />Associate Planner Bachler responded that these efforts could occur in tandem. He explained <br />that completing a BRE program would allow the City to continue to respond to the needs of <br />existing businesses while still working on attracting new commercial uses to TCAAP. <br /> <br />Commssioner Alstatt asked for further explanation on the economic need for a BRE program. <br /> <br />Community Development Director Hutmacher explained that significantly fewer financial <br />and staffing resources are needed when cities focus on the strength of their existing businesses as <br />opposed to trying to entice a new business to move to their community. She added that BRE is <br />also about developing strong relationships between the City and local businesses. <br /> <br />Commssioner Heikkila noted the similarities between a City focusing on retaining existing <br />businesses and the importance of maintaining strong customer relations in the business world. <br /> <br />Chair von Holtum added that one of the main benefits of a BRE program is that it educates the <br />City on what the business community needs. He commented that he would like to see data of the <br />efficacy and costs of these programs and would like additional information on the time frame. <br /> <br />Associate Planner Bachler explained that staff would be collecting this sort of information over <br />the next few months and that there would be regular discussions with the EDC on how to best <br />design a BRE program for Arden Hills. <br /> <br /> <br /> E. Open Meeting Law <br /> <br />Community Development Director Hutmacher provided an overview of the Minnesota open <br />meeting law and its applicability to meetings and communication among EDC commissioners. <br />She explained the commissioners should avoid any discussion as a quorum or more either in <br />informal settings or over email. <br /> <br />Commssioner Heikkila questioned what the potential consequences are if commissioners <br />violate the open meeting law. <br /> <br />Community Development Director Hutmacher explained that a violation of the open meeting <br />law, depending on the situation, could result in legal action against the City. <br /> <br /> <br />4. UPDATES <br /> <br />A. TCAAP Update <br /> <br />Community Development Director Hutmacher provided an overview of the “STEAM <br />Learning Center at TCAAP,” which is designed to support the Mounds View School District <br />science, technology, engineering, arts, and math (STEAM) curriculum. In February, staff from <br />the City, County, Rice Creek Watershed District, and St. Paul Chamber of Commerce worked