02-28-24 EDC Agenda Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION – JANUARY 10, 2024 3 Commissioner Williams thought a welcome packet was outside of the description of the Commission, although he liked the idea of doing one. He stated that he thinks it would be more helpful to learn what other businesses want to see from the City. Council Liaison Rousseau said she was frustrated with the area of the old Pace building, Arby’s and the unnamed grocery. She was hoping the Commission could identify ways to support that area with future development and opportunities. Commissioner Murchie said he would like to see pedestrian bridges between the sections of businesses. He wondered if they could work with Parks and Trails to see if there were ways to connect businesses. Commissioner Gronquist felt the first thing they should do is a survey of the businesses and she would be happy to take the initiative to write a survey and have the Commission review it. A survey would let businesses know the Commission existed, they were being listened to and give them an opportunity to voice what they would like. She asked about contact information for businesses in Arden Hills that is collected for business licensing. Senior Planner Fransen explained that the City does have some contact information for businesses though the contact might not be the most appropriate respondent to a business survey. She elaborated on what a survey could look like to be focused and support a particular initiative. Commissioner Gronquist said as a business owner she felt there was no communication from the City and she would like to see business website links on the online business list and it divided into categories. She mentioned residents not being able to see what businesses are located in the city on the City website. She would also like for there to be a way for business owners to connect to other businesspeople within Arden Hills other than through the Chamber of Commerce. Commissioner Murchie mentioned that some people use Facebook pages to ask questions about where to find things in Arden Hills. Commissioner Bonine said location was a big reason for him to move his business to Arden Hills. He wanted to understand the EDC’s purpose so they have a clear ask in a survey. He felt it would be helpful to understand what items the EDA and Council are looking for feedback on so they’re not spending time on something they’re not being asked to do. He wondered what authority they have on certain areas. He didn’t have knowledge on what things they have the ability to implement within the Commission versus having to go through the Council. An inventory list of businesses that shows how many businesses there are in Arden Hills, and what type of businesses they are would be helpful, and that could be the foundation of a network for consumers and businesses. Community Development Director Jagoe stated that Councilmember Rousseau asked the City Council to start discussing the tasks of the Economic Development Authority (EDA). She felt the role of the EDA might be more toward redevelopment; what areas do we have that are pocket vacant business storefronts and how can the City attract new businesses and possibly financially incentivize business development and redevelopment. That is a parallel process right now, along with the EDC goal setting. The EDA may be on the Council work session agenda in February. She thought the role the EDC had in the past was networking between existing businesses, including opportunities to promote and support them, while the EDA would work on redevelopment opportunities and how can the City attract and support financially. The EDC might put things on