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<br />~ <br /> <br />. <br /> <br />. <br /> <br />ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL - MAY 24, 1999 <br /> <br />3 <br /> <br />Councilmember Malone commended the efforts and hard work of City Accountant Terrance Post <br />on this audit. <br /> <br />Councilmember Aplikowski stated she appreciated the layout ofthe report, which was easy to <br />follow for someone who knows basic business. <br /> <br />MOTION: <br /> <br />Councilmember Malone moved and Councilmember Aplikowski seconded a <br />motion to approve to accept and receive the 1998 Audit Report prepared by Abdo, <br />Abdo, Eick & Mcyers. The motion carried unanimously (5-0). <br /> <br />B. Metro East Development Partnership Presentation, David Piggott <br /> <br />Mayor Probst welcomed David Piggott from the Metro East Development Partnership and <br />invited him to address the Council. Mr. Piggott reviewed the Partnership's recent activities, <br />including its strategic plan that was mailed to the Councilmembers. He noted the Partnership no <br />longer uses job count as its top priority when dealing with businesses due to the lack of adequate <br />workers in the current job market He added they now concentrate on companies making <br />significant capital investment or using the latest technologies to allow workers at the lower end <br />of the skill level to upgrade and obtain better jobs. <br /> <br />Mr. Piggott stated the Partnership is in the planning stage of recruiting business outside the State <br />of Miunesota, which has not had a historically competitive business climate. He added that <br />recent changes have made Minnesota more competitive and promotable. <br /> <br />Mr. Piggott stated the Partnership is funded 70% by the private sector and is conducting cross <br />marketing, making a concerted cffort to give private sector members a sound investment He <br />added a new directory has been completed for this purpose. <br /> <br />Mr. Piggott stated the Partnership has commenced prioritization of prospects to those companies <br />that pay at least $12.41 per hour, which is 50% above the State-designated livable wage. He <br />added they hope to answer some traditional criticisms of economic development this way and <br />accommodate their own activities within the market He noted the Partnership is targeting the <br />information technology industry that is in its infancy and they are working with such businesses <br />and the infrastructure providers to create critical mass. <br /> <br />Councilmember Malone asked [or clarification with regard to MediaOne and its new owners <br />within the communications infrastructure. Mr. Piggott stated the Partnership has some concerns <br />about their service provision, as the community must be up to speed to attract information <br />technology companies to the area. <br /> <br />Councilmember Larson asked how the Partnership, which represents many communities in the <br />metropolitan area, prioritizes those communities when referring an inquiry. Mr. Piggott stated <br />the Partnership handles a very large geographic area, which works to its advantage. He added a <br />project outline is submitted to all communities without disclosing the name of the company, after <br />which communities express interest and are narrowed down by the Partnership for introductions <br />