EDC 09-29-2004 - Laserfiche WebLink

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~ . ~~HILLS CITY OF ARDEN HILLS, MINNESOTA ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION SEPTEMBER 29, 2004, 7:00 A.M. CITY HALL 2:-'D FLOOR CONFERENCE ROOM, 1245 WEST HIGHWAY 96 Those in attendance: Commissioners Bruce Kunkel, Chris Ashbach, James Paulet, Kevin Kelly, Mayor Aplikowski and Scott Clark, Community Development Director. Those absent: Commissioners Ed Wemer, Ray McGraw and Dale Beane. The meeting came to order at 7:30 a. m. This was the first meeting of the Economic Development Commission (EDC). The Mayor greeted the group and the Commission members introduced themselves and their interest in serving, It was stated that the broad charge of the EDC will center on business connections, marketing and assisting in developing redevelopment strategies. These areas were outlined in the Council's original enabling resolution. Mr. Clark outlined that the first project could be the creation of an Economic Development Assistance Study. The purpose ofthe Study would be to give the Council information on . regional redevelopment projects, economic development tools, how these tools affect the taxpayers of the community, examine the economic issues of TCAAP on a macro scale and potential policy recommendations. The Commissioners where asked to submit back to staff five key questions that center on " those questions that need to be answered in order to make an informed recommendation to the Council on the use of economic development assistance". These questions will help staff develop a work plan outline. The study would not be specifically focused on the current developer's needs but the broader question of potential economic development assistance for TCAAP. Staff will present this charge back to the Council for their consent at their October 12, 2004 meeting. Based on the idea that the EDC will take on this study, three meetings have been established to start the process-October 20'\ November 3,d and November 17, 2004. All meetings would run from 7:00 a.m, to 9:00 a,m. It is anticipated that this study could take up to five months to complete. In order to meet the other charges staff asked the Commissioners to submit thoughts related to the following questions: How can the EDC connect with the business community? What are your ideas on marketing the City? It was discussed that this could be viewed in tenus of strengthing existing business and future TCAAP development. . What are the current unmet business needs in the City?