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ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION — MAY 15, 2023 9 Councilmember Holden thought one of the reasons the committee quit meeting was that businesses they interviewed weren't asking for help and there wasn't anything major for them to do. She wondered if the three items listed in the memo would be enough to keep them busy. Councilmember Fabel felt the Economic Development Commission shows that the city is open for business and ready for new ideas to come in. Councilmember Rousseau said the group could also talk about the 2040 Comprehensive Plan, and create and strengthen partnerships between public and private agencies. Councilmember Fabel thought it would be an opportunity to work with the unnamed grocery store to figure out what we'd like to see in their building and assist them in finding a good use. Mayor Grant stated they own the building and will be subleasing it, and may not want our assistance. Councilmember Monson said she would add a communications strategy to the list, how COVID has changed business and what can the City do to help, business recruitment and TCAAP. Mayor Grant said restarting the EDC is not a problem, they could potentially interface with TCN's manufacturing cohort, but he wasn't sure what kind of involvement they would have with the Gateway Visitor's Bureau other than financial information about our two hotels. Councilmember Holden felt it was fine to re -instate the group but felt we hadn't had any problem saying Arden Hills was open for business. Mayor Grant felt the biggest item would be business retention and employment. Community Development Director Jagoe commented that the EDC could join in the Gateway sign discussion, and if they are reactivating the commission they need to appoint a Council liaison. Councilmember Rousseau volunteered to be the liaison to the EDC. F. Agenda Setting Discussion (This item was discussed after Item 3G.) City Administrator Perrault stated there isn't a right or wrong way to set agendas, some cities have a formal policy, some cities have a very formal policy and some cities have no policy. He included the language that Falcon Heights uses as an example of a formal policy. Currently, the Mayor generally has prerogative over Council items but does ask for additions at the start of a meeting. Councilmember Holden said in the last 10-15 years the mayors have always asked if anybody wanted anything on the agenda and items have always been put on, so she didn't feel it was "mayor's prerogative" as she's never heard a mayor say they wouldn't allow something on the agenda.