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<br /> <br />Approved: April 25, 2007 <br />CITY OF ARDEN HILLS, MINNESOTA <br />ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION <br />MARCH 28, 2007 4:30 P.M. <br />CITY HALL -- 1245 WEST HIGHWAY 96 <br /> <br />Chair Kunkel called the meeting to order at 4:50 pm <br /> <br />Attendees: Bruce Kunkel, Jim Paulet, Mayor Harpstead, Karen Barton, Community <br />Development Director. <br /> <br />Absent: Nancy Kneeland, Ed Werner, Ray McGraw, Dale Beane, Chris Ashbach, Rob <br />Davidson <br /> <br />There was a discussion regarding differences between Plan A and Plan B cities. Mayor <br />Harpstead stated that the primary difference was in the ability of the city management to conduct <br />hiring and firing of city staff and didn't see a need to pursue changing the city status at this time. <br /> <br />Chair Kunkel stated that the staff needs to be empowered to make decisions that they are <br />comfortable with. Mayor Harpstead agreed but said the city administrator needs to come <br />forward to request this added authority. He noted that it is his philosophy that the city <br />administrator is empowered and that staff needs to be allowed to be the professionals they are.. <br /> <br />Chair Kunkel reviewed changes to the Strategic Plan as presented at the last EDC meeting. <br /> <br />Mayor Harpstead recommended requesting a support position in the 2008 budget. <br /> <br />Mayor Harpstead also recommended including other commissions in development opportunities <br />in the city. <br /> <br />Mayor Harpstead stated his top three priorities from the strategic plan: redevelopment of <br />existing properties, main street revitalization, and the link between education, workforce and <br />economic development. <br /> <br />Number ten, Central Business District, of the strategic plan was determined to be a top priority; <br />specifying the area at Lexington and County Road E. <br /> <br />Number eleven, Trails and Recreation Program was also decided to be a top priority and that the <br />EDC would recommend and endorse this to the PTRC. <br /> <br />Number twelve, Development Sites, were determined to be a top priority; specifically the Red <br />Fox/Gray Fox business area, Old City Hall site, Lexington and County Road E, and the <br />Chesapeake property in the Gateway business district. <br /> <br />The Mayor recommended removing years in the strategic plan. Chair Kunkel agreed and <br />suggested it prudent to focus on prioritization. <br />