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I . . ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORKSESSION December 20, 2004 2 Matthew Auron stated that the Chamber appoints a board of directors and numerous policy committees that research different issues and provide recommendations to the organization. Mayor Aplikowski stated that the St. Paul Area Chamber of Commerce is working hard to improve and build relationships with the other suburban communities, but there appears to be little need for the City to join the chamber at this time. Ehlers & Associates Economic Development Financine: Presentation Community Development Director Scott Clark provided a brief overview of the Economic Development Commission's policy question "Does the TCAAP project need economic development assistance, and if so, what type of issues does this raise for the community?" At this time, the Economic Development Commission (EDC) has had four informational sessions regarding the following topics: . Tools of Economic Development; . Redevelopment Projects in Burnsville and St. Anthony; . Third Parly Economic Development Assistance. Stacie Kvilvang, Ehlers and Associates, gave a one hour presentation to City Council and staff regarding the tools of economic development financing. This presentation discussed all aspects of public financing, such as tax increment, tax abatement, assessments, special tax districts, and state legislation. Members of the City Council were presented with a copy of the presentation and more in-depth information regarding the different funding options that are available to the City. Retreat Update City Administrator Michelle Wolfe reported that Jim Prosser, Ehlers and Associates, has begun preparatory work for the City Council-City Staff 2005 retreat. She recently forwarded information from last year's retreat to Mr. Prosser. Members of the City Council will be contacted by Mr. Prosser to discuss tbe agenda and goals of the retreat. The retreat has been scheduled for January 14th and 15th. Lunch will be provided to members of the City Council and department heads at 12:00 PM on January 14th. The times for the City Council-City Staffretreat are as follows: . January 14th I :00 PM to 8:00 PM . January 15th 8:30 PM to 12:00 PM Mayor Aplikowski stated that she would like to have the retreat address goal setting and future priorities for the City. Councilmember Larson would like to have the retreat also address working relationships and the different roles of the City Council and department heads. City Administrator Wolfe mentioned that the areas of decision making and goal setting will encompass the need for improved working relationships and open communication between council and staff.