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ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION-June 18, 2007 6 develop the most effective roles and responsibilities for the City Administrator and Council in managing the city. 5. Community Awareness The EDC recognizes the importance of ensuring our residents understand the city's vision for economic development. Therefore, the EDC recommends a section on economic development be included in the monthly newsletter. 6. Redevelopment Director The City of Arden Hills, with the exception of the TCAAP property, is relatively fully- developed. The goal for the City now is to optimize the space available to us through redevelopment. The EDC is recommending hiring a Redevelopment Director to facilitate the redevelopment of degraded and/or under-utilized properties within the city to foster new investment and job creation. It is anticipated that this position would not be necessary until 2012. 7. Gateway Plan The EDC is recommending the installation of gateway signs at significant entrances to the City to foster our sense of community and welcome visitors and residents. 8. Way-Finding Signage Way-finding signage helps direct visitors and residents to specific destination points, such as the city hall, parks, shopping districts, schools, etc., within the community. These signs add to the style of the community and create a greater sense of presence. The EDC is recommending the installation of way-finding signage in the City in conjunction with development standards for the City as a whole. 9. Central Business District Arden Hills grew up as a suburb to a larger metropolitan center. But as its population grew, so did its need for its own identity. The City did not plan for a city center; however it is finding that it is important to identifY one or more areas as such. The EDC is recommending the area of Lexington and County Road E be identified as the city center and that a master plan be developed and implemented to create the district. The EDC views this initiative as a top priority. 10. Trails & Recreation Program Arden Hills is bisected by highways and lakes, separating the community into smaller residential areas. This separation increases the need to ensure linkage of parks and trails within the community. 1n 2002, the City's Parks, Trails, and Recreation Committee (PTRC) developed a master plan for a parks and trails system within the City. The plan links the trail system into an interconnected network throughout the community. The EDC fully supports the PTRC master plan and views this as a top priority.