06-26-24 EDC Agenda Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION –MAY 22, 2024 5 conduct an in-person visit and/or drop information off. She suggested the subcommittee discuss focusing on this function, with the licensing issue being a sub function of the visits. Commissioner Bonine said that if the list contains only those businesses that are licensed, how would they know who to visit. Commissioner Williams indicated the Commissioners could visit a specific area and each business therein, versus walking by one that is not on the list. Community Development Director Jagoe noted that the group could utilize the Ramsey County mapping function and then address certain geographical areas. There was consensus from the Commissioners that this was a good plan. Senior Planner Fransen introduced the second question for discussion. She provided a recap and the group briefly discussed each as follows: strategy – using in-person visits to gauge what the businesses feel is going well and what they would like to see more of from their perspective; goals – the gathering of information and determining how the businesses feel and letting them know the City cares so that they feel connected, valued and respected; target audience – all businesses; and timing – project completion by November 1 with draft questions being presented to the group at the next meeting in June and beginning in-person visits in July. Senior Planner Fransen stated that May was the last month where an additional meeting had been added to the odd months, which means a meeting was not currently scheduled for July. She noted changes could be made to the schedule. A short discussion ensued about use of a QR code and working with the City’s Senior Communications Coordinator to produce a flyer or postcard. A discussion ensued regarding options for future events in the city for which the businesses would be invited to participate. Commissioner Gronquist summarized the to-dos for the in-person visit sub-committee, which include compiling questions for the visits, form of a postcard or flyer that could be left behind, and information for a longer survey that could be completed to collect more information. Senior Planner Fransen noted options for motion language. She asked if the Commissioners would like to revisit the in-depth survey strategy and follow the same question outline or would the interest be focused on the in-person visits for the time being. Chair Cupery stated that in-person visits seem to be key catalyst that would move into a more in- depth survey. Senior Planner Fransen summarized that the focus for next meeting would entail revisiting the strategies, reviewing drafted information, and hearing from the subcommittee. She indicated she would follow-up with the sub-committee about a timeline for preparing materials to be shared with the group in advance of the next meeting. 4. COMMENTS AND REPORTS