10-23-24 EDC Agenda Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION – JULY 31, 2024 5 those connections. Commissioner Williams thought if the city already has a relationship with someone within the corporation, they are most likely going to be the one to complete the survey. Commissioner Bonine stated the point of this task is for commissioners to engage with the businesses. Community Development Director Jagoe offered that staff could make the time to join the commissioner for the in-person visit, if that is helpful. Senior Planner Fransen outlined the information that is captured from the county data. She stated additional columns can be added. She asked if the commissioners could think of any additional information that would be helpful. Commissioner Williams wondered if there would be any cross checking with permits. Senior Planner Fransen said the city does have contact information through the business licensing/registration process and that may be an option for follow up if no response is received. Commissioner Bonine stated he thought future discussions should include how to capture information from home businesses but he thought getting started with the information from the county and capturing as many as possible now, is important. Commissioner Williams wondered how would Presbyterian Homes or Bethel or Northwestern be contacted. Commissioner Bonine thought it would be best to wait until the lists are generated and ask questions at that time, rather than throwing out what-if scenarios for specific businesses right now. Community Development Director Jagoe sought clarity as she understood EDC members didn’t intend to visit Bethel or Northwestern. She thought the EDC was seeking to capture the commercial businesses. Commissioner Bonine thought the commission should begin with the commercial list, then try to capture the home businesses and the educational/health care facilities, possibly as part of a second phase, as the questions might be different. Senior Planner Fransen confirmed having a phase 2 is definitely an option. Commissioner Subramanian had a thought on the handout with the QR code. She thought it might be helpful to add language such as “complete the three-minute survey” as respondents may be more likely to complete it if they know it will only take a short time. Commissioners agreed. Commissioner Subramanian also thought the language could be clarified to make it clear that we want them to take the survey. She thought is seems like more of a suggestion, rather than directions to do so. Commissioner Bonine agreed that the language sounded casual but thought that could be left to the Communications Department to clarify. B. Gateway Signs Discussion Community Development Director Jagoe began the discussion by reminding the commissioners that City Council has talked about gateway signs. When the EDC started back up in 2023, it was mentioned that this would be a future discussion item. Budget for 2025 and the Capital Improvement Budget discussions are beginning and there is money allocated for gateway signs. She asked if there is interest in keeping this item on the workplan and drilling into the gateway signs immediately or should that be set aside for now. Community Development Director Jagoe noted the Capital Improvement Plan sets aside $270,000 in 2025 for a larger gateway sign at Highway 96 and Lexington Avenue location. This has been an ongoing discussion for several years. The council has identified seven sites but she wondered if there are other sites that should be looked at. This has evolved into a larger discussion in regards to branding, design and expense. Council is pushing it ahead and she wondered if the commissioners want to begin these discussions or if it should be earmarked for a later time. The EDC is being asked to clarify a more realistic vision, for budgetary purposes, if this is an item the EDC wants staff to keep allocating for.