CCP 04-10-2006 - Laserfiche WebLink

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e . . ~ /],\~HILLS MEMORANDUM DATE: TO: April 4, 2006 Agenda Item 7E Mayor and City Council Karen Barton, Community Development Dircct6-@ FROM: SUBJECT: Contract Approval for the Production of an Economic Development Plan Background In October of2005, the Economic Development Commission approved to make recommendation to the Council to consider budgeting for a stratcgic cconomic development planning process that would inelude the hiring of a professional consultant to guide the City Council, EDC, and other commissions in the production of an Arden Hills Economic Development Plan. At the November 21,2005 Council Work Session, Council discussed budgeting for this item. $10,000 has heen budgeted for this item. The EDC sent out a request for proposals in February of this year. They received three responses. After reviewing each of the proposals and interviewing two of the firms, the ECD has selected a firm to facilitate the production of an Economic Development Plan for Arden Hills. Discussion The EDC is recommending Council authorize the execution of a contract for the production of an Economic Developmcnt Plan for Arden Hills with DeSCo Solutions, Inc., in the amount of $10,000. DeSCo is proposing to create an economic development plan that will givc Arden Hills the professional direction to focus economic development efforts, serve the business community, and galvanize community leaders in relation to economic development efforts in the City, and providing the City with a focused plan of action. DeSCo proposes a six-phasc project consisting of a Community Analysis, competitive Analysis, Citizen Input, Consensus, the development of a Marketing Plan, and on-going Support. DeSCo anticipates a 4 month timeline for the development of the plan. Attached is a copy of DeS Co's proposal description.