03-21-07 EDC Meeting Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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Commissioner Kneeland states that a presentation needs to be made to the Council and then open for questions. If we do a presentation, we should focus on the nominal costs for some benefits and include some longer term goals. Chair Kunkel states that in terms of cost, he would rather see implementation of the Plan ramp up as opposed to go up and down in the plan. Commissioner Paulet discusses the gateway signs and removing those would reduce the cost in the short-term. Chair Kunkel suggests spreading out the cost of the signs over more time. Commissioner Paulet states that he does not get a sense that there is very much buy-in to the Strategic Plan as a necessary tool for the City. States that before we start talking about money, it is important to talk about whether there is any buy-in to the Plan from the City. States he would like to initiate a discussion about the value ofthe strategic plan and try to get a sense on whether people see a value in the plan. Commissioner Kneeland asks how you do that. Commissioner Paulet suggests focusing on the ideas and strategies in the Plan. Commissioner Kneeland states that somehow we have to present the benefits of doing the Plan as opposed to not implementing the plan. The Plan needs to be connected to preserving and increasing property values and keeping a vibrant community. The taxpayers need to see a benefit from the Plan. Chair Kunkel states that we need to have a discussion on the opportunities that we have to make some changes. States, for example, the changes that can be made to the ordinances in the Grey Fox/Red Fox area. There are opportunity areas in the business/commercial area. There is also the Chesapeake property and the old City Hall site. We need to relate the strategies toward new and redevelopment. Commissioner Kneeland states that we need some minimum desigu standards for parts of the City. Chair Kunkel asks if we should have a discussion about TIF in the red fox/grey fox area and for potential Wellington redevelopment. Commissioner Kneeland states no. Ifwe want something higher than what the market wants, particularly on the Wellington property, then we look at TIF. Chair Kunkel states that this could be the opportunity to put a stake in the future of Arden Hills in the Wellington property redevelopment. He notes that this is not implying Wellington will do a bad job, we just want the best development possible. EDC Special Meeting Minutes March 7,2007 Page 2 of 5