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ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION – APRIL 22, 2026 2 <br />Council Liaison Rousseau connected with some business owners at the Taste of Shoreview. <br /> <br />Commissioner Poelzer said she attended too and it was a really well-organized event. <br /> <br />Council Liaison Rousseau connected with the Rotary and Lions Club at the event. They both <br />support our cities in many ways. <br /> <br />Commissioner Brausen said (the city of) Breezy Point hosts a butterfly release. It’s a really cute <br />event. He thought the city could look into hosting a similar event. We could get sponsors and it’s <br />over in about an hour. <br /> <br />Council Liaison Rousseau said another event she is aware of is the tug of war over the river in <br />Stillwater (sponsored by the Stillwater Chamber of Commerce). She suggested the EDC could also <br />get involved with non-profits. <br /> <br />Commissioner Brausen talked about Jacks Baskets, an Arden Hills business helping families with <br />children born with Down Syndrome. <br /> <br />Commissioner Poelzer thought the City Hall Community Room would be a great space for a <br />Taste of Arden Hills event. <br /> <br />Chair Murchie said we can talk about those opportunities once the 75th Anniversary is done. <br /> <br />B. Economic Development Commission Comments <br /> <br />Commissioner Poelzer asked if there are any updates on the Airtopia business. If they come in <br />soon, they could be a partner sponsor for the 75th Anniversary and make an introduction to the <br />community. <br /> <br />Commissioner Poelzer said Council suggested a table for the EDC at the 75th event. She thought <br />the commission should discuss that. It could be a combined table with the PTRC. <br /> <br />Commissioner Poelzer has begun visiting businesses to solicit sponsorships for the 75th <br />Anniversary celebration. <br /> <br />Commissioner Isik said he and some other students started a nonprofit. They have used funds to <br />supply blankets to retirement homes. He would like to be involved with any nonprofit event in the <br />future. <br /> <br />4. UNFINISHED AND NEW BUSINESS <br /> <br />A. EDC Work Plan <br /> <br />Senior Planner Fransen said four EDC members attended the City Council meeting to present <br />the Work Plan. It was well received. There was discussion of previous plans. There is a lot of <br />support for how this aligns with the Strategic Planning the City Council did. The timeline presented <br />to Council will be used to track the EDC’s progress. <br /> <br />Senior Planner Fransen said Staff talked about gateway signs. The topic first came up in 2024. <br />The EDC set it aside, at the time. Council would like to have a recommendation from EDC.