11-7-12 EDC Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

EDC Minutes November 7,2012 Page 5 of 7 I Community Development Director Hutmacher indicated she would like some direction from the EDC as this has been on the work plan for 2011 and 2012. Chair von Holtum stated there is nothing the City can really do about a business that is considering leaving. Commissioner Altstatt agreed that they have limited ability to address the situation but he feels it really is the same as business outreach and opening lines of communication. He indicated there is no mechanism to put in place to know unless they tell us. Chair von Holtum indicated a way to open the lines of communication is to recruit members from the B2 and Red Fox/Grey Fox area. He added that by expanding member commissioners it would give the EDC access to the information by word of mouth. Commissioner Altstatt asked if the EDC has actively been recruiting members. Chair von Holtum indicated that part of the recruitment problem is there are some issues and bad feelings when talking to past commission members. City Administrator Klaers clarified that the EDC worked hard on some projects that the Council then rejected and that there was not good communication between the EDC, staff and the Council, and that is why it is important to have a work plan approved and everyone on the same page. Community Development Director Hutmacher indicated that if the EDC is going in one direction and does not have the Council's buy-in there is bound to be conflict. She stated that when she presents the draft work plan it is going to include the Council's goals. Commissioner Altstatt suggested that the EDC reach out to developers and owners of some of the major office building complexes and let them know the City wants to retain their businesses in the City. It was the consensus of the EDC to focus on the building owners and ask them if there are any resources that they need. Community Development Director Hutmacher stated she feels it is easier to talk to the businesses since the landlords are usually not in Arden Hills or even the Twin Cities. • Chair von Holtum moved the discussion to the item "market city website."