04-25-07 EDC Meeting Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

~ ~~HILLS Approved: May 16, 2007 CITY OF ARDEN HILLS, MINNESOTA ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION APRIL 25, 2007; 7:30 AM CITY HALL -- 1245 WEST HIGHWAY 96 Chair Kunkel called the meeting to order at 7:37 a.m. Attendees: Chair Bruce Kunkel, Nancy Kneeland, Chris Ashbach, Rob Davidson, Ray McGraw, Jim Paulet, Mayor Harpstead, Community Development Director Karen Barton. Absent: Dale Beane, Ed Wemer. APPROVAL OF MINUTES - MARCH 28, 2007 The minutes from the March 21 st meeting were approved as printed. OTHER BUSINESS Chair Kunkel indicated Ray has not been receiving emails due to a "blocker" on his computer. Ray will look into changing the blocker to allow City emails. Mayor Harpstead sent the members his proposed revision of the strategic plan via email. Mayor Harpstead indicated he is hopeful the plan will build momentum and energy toward economic development in Arden Hills and this was his mindset as he edited the plan. Chair Kunkel asked the group to commit time before their next meeting to reviewing and edit this document so that it could be completed. BUSINESS OUTREACH - RECAP OF MARCH 29 EVENT Community Development Director Barton indicated that 17 people attend the breakfast (not including City staff or EDC members) and that she heard lots of positive comments. Community Development Director Barton asked if they wanted to try a luncheon or dinner for the next outreach event. Mayor Harpstead said he thought the 17 individuals that attended the March 29 event were high quality, major business people in Arden Hills. Chair Kunkel indicated he thought his conversations were more in depth with this breakfast event. Nancy commented she believed more businesses were represented at this event rather than numerous employees from one major company. Mayor Harpstead said it is thought they should continue hosting these types of events. Nancy asked if we should invite neighboring cities as well. Mayor Harpstead agreed that this was a good suggestion for future events. Community Development Director Barton indicated the business mailing list needs to be updated. The group agreed to the purchase of an updated business list. Chair Kunkel asked the group if there were any suggested changes needed before planning the next outreach event. Jim suggested having seating available rather than have a standing only type atmosphere. Mayor Harpstead suggested asking that future events provide a recap of issues that have previously been brought up and the status of these issues so the business community can see these events result in action when issues are raised. Community Development Director Barton indicated she sent out thank you cards to the event attendees. Nancy informed the group