06-25-25 EDC Agenda Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION – APRIL 23, 2025 7 dates, where it should be hosted, who might be willing to sponsor the food. He thought some of these details can be hashed out over email between the sub-committee. Senior Planner Fransen said the sub-committee cannot create a quorum so should be limited to four members, or fewer. She also defined how forwarded emails can create a serial meeting. She said the sub-committee should communicate directly with her or with other commissioners during meetings, rather than forwarding emails. Chair Murchie said the idea is to have the sub-committee discuss topics and bring them back to the June meeting to continue the discussion with the entire commission. Commissioner Bonine asked if it needs to be four. He said there is energy, passion and experience from the two volunteers. He suggested letting them run with it and bring it back in June. He thinks it’s important to get the perspective of non-business owners to learn what is of interest to them. Commissioner Brausen thinks we need a Staff member and maybe a younger commissioner. Commissioner Gronquist thought Commissioner Sorenson may be a good person to have on the sub-committee. He could not attend the meeting but it would be worth reaching out to him to gauge his interest. That would balance the sub-committee very nicely. Council Liaison Rousseau mentioned Twin Cities Gateway as a possible resource. The Rotary and Lions Club could be possible connectors, as well. There is a Ramsey County position that deals with work force. The position has turned over so she doesn’t know who that new contact is. Senior Planner Fransen summarized that there will be steps taken in May to establish an agenda, location and date. She asked the group to look at the list and start to brainstorm ideas for promoting the event and inviting the businesses for the June meeting. There will be an outreach plan in July with invites going out by the August meeting. She is happy to work with the sub-committee and update the larger group, as necessary. Commissioner Poelzer thinks businesses will like to learn that the EDC has student representatives. Senior Planner Fransen said the June meeting will have a full agenda segment set aside for an update on the Business Breakfast event. She summarized what she heard for the Work Plan. She said a business licensing update from Staff can be a separate piece of the Work Plan. That feeds into the process for welcoming new businesses, capturing the information from the surveys and how to use it, and businesses on the website. C. Zoning Code Update Background Senior Planner Fransen shared that starting in 2023, we were looking at sign code. This was passed to the EDC by the City Council to see if it could be more accessible, less confusing and easier to interpret for local businesses. The EDC reviewed and made suggestions on how this code could be updated. In the past year, the City hired a consultant to update the existing zoning and subdivision ordinances. The goal is to remove inconsistencies, make it more user friendly and address any gaps. As part of that review, the consultant suggested taking the sign code, which is its own section, and incorporate it into the development standards in zoning code. This process is in flux. The language is being reviewed by Staff, the Planning Commission and City Council.