04-25-07 EDC Meeting Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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EDC Minutes April 25, 2007 Page 2 of 4 that a business located on Gateway Blvd. has expressed concern about his address and asked if anyone had followed up on this issue. Community Development Director Barton said she would check into it. Jim commented that he thought there was a danger in conducting these events too often. He thought maybe only twice a year. Mayor Harpstead suggested maybe 3 times and skipping an event in the sunrmer. Chair Kunkel asked if a September or October event would work out. The group agreed that a late September outreach event would be best. Chair Kunkel asked Community Development Director Barton to review the calendar for September and propose a date to the group. Community Development Director Barton asked if the group wanted an evening event this time. Mayor Harpstead indicated that he does not want to stick to a particular time of day if a venue the want is available such as a Boston Scientific, Land 0' Lakes, etc. Jim was asked to check with Boston Scientific to get a room for the next event. Chris asked if it made sense to send out a survey to the businesses who attend the events just in case the group is missing something. Chair Kunkel said he liked Nancy idea of handing outreach event attendees a survey as they arrive at the event. Mayor Harpstead thought a survey sent to all businesses rather than those who just attend the events might gain a broader input. ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT STRATEGIC PLAN Continued work on the Economic Development Strategic Plan will take place at the May 16 special meeting of the EDC and is deferred until that time. BUSINESS LICENSING DISCUSSION Community Development Director Barton distributed a memo regarding a review of the current business licensing program. She also indicated the City does not have a comprehensive mailing list and sends licensing materials only to previously registered/licensed businesses. Community Development Director Barton indicated that currently is no penalty in place if a business chooses not to submit licensing materials. Community Development Director Barton indicated that one of the items regarding this licensing that strikes her is that she does not see a service from the City being provided to these businesses for the fee they pay. She said she understands the need for the program so we know what businesses are in our community. She suggested the fees could be less and just cover the administrative processing fee. Chair Kunkel inquired as to the level of revenue that was generated from this program and Community Development Director Barton indicated a ballpark of $1 0,000. Mayor Harpstead said that if staff time is being devoted to organizing this licensing program armually than the businesses are receiving something for their fee and the fee should cover this staff time. Rob indicated that he thought the fee schedule doesn't appear to have any logical reasoning for the various fees and that some businesses do not fall into any of the fee categories listed. Community Development Director Barton said the sign fee of $20 didn't make sense to her.