HomeMy WebLinkAbout11-01-17�
EN HILLS
CITY OF ARDEN HILLS, MINNESOTA
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION
NOVEMBER 1, 2017 8:00 AM
CITY HALL -- 1245 WEST HIGHWAY 96
1. CALL MEETING TO ORDER
Senior Planner Matthew Bachler called the meeting to order at 8:02 a.m.
ROLL CALL
Present: Chair Dan Erickson, Commissioners Kyle Lassen, Liz Johnson, Rob Williams,
Sheila Bennett Kilander and Brendan O'Meara
Also Present: Council Liaison Dave McClung, Senior Planner Matthew Bachler, and Deputy
Clerk Jolene Trauba
2. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
It was the consensus of the Commission to accept the agenda as presented.
3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
It was the consensus of the Commission to accept the August 2, 2017 and September 6, 2017
meeting minutes as presented.
4. UNFINISHED AND NEW BUSINESS
A. State of the City Review
Senior Planner Matthew Bachler reviewed the memo and asked for input.
Discussion ensued regarding the question and answer portion of the program and options of
improving that portion for next year, as well as how to make the subject matter more pertinent to
attract more attendees.
Council Liaison Dave McClung noted that Land O'Lakes will have their new facility completed
by this time next year and could be a possible location for the State of the City event.
EDC Minutes
November 1, 2017
Page 2 of 3
B. Business Retention and Expansion Program
Senior Planner Bachler noted that this item was placed on the agenda in case Commissioners had
had any updates on the BRE program. No comments were made.
C. 2018 Work Plan
Senior Planner Bachler mentioned that a tentative meeting is scheduled for Monday, January 22,
2018 between the EDC and the Economic Development Authority (EDA) at which the EDA will
consider the EDC's work plan. He also suggested cancelling the January 3, 2018 EDC meeting.
Senior Planner Bachler reviewed the Goals and Tasks as stated in the memo:
l. Business Retention and Expansion Visits
2. Marketing and Outreach
• Work with the Communications Committee on business-focused articles
• Plan and promote State of the City events
• Track and visit new businesses
Advising on Planning and Economic Development Efforts
• 2040 Comprehensive Plan
• Commercial, Industrial, and Higher Education Study
Commissioner Rob Williams asked how the EDC advised the City Council.
Senior Planner Bachler explained that feedback is given in a report directly to the City Council
on certain items such as the Comprehensive Plan and the Higher Education Study.
Chair Dan Erickson noted that the Council Liason also brings back comments to the Council. He
also felt the group is reactionary and underutilized.
Council Liaison McClung mentioned there is now a Communications Coordinator who will worlc
more closely with the committees and commissions to develop outreach and communications
strategies.
Commissioner Liz Johnson suggested organizing small business events.
Senior Planner Bachler stated that we could work in cooperation with the Cities of Shoreview or
Roseville to cohost events, as well as Chambers of Commerce. He also mentioned that the new
Communications Coordinator could work with the committee to help with getting information out
to the public and planning events.
Chair Erickson suggested having a corporate sponsor for an ongoing breakfast networking event
that would bring awareness to Arden Hills.
Discussion ensued regarding how the committee would like their actions communicated to the
City Council and it was decided that topic should be revisited, as well as the efforts of the business
retention program.
EDC Minutes
November l , 2017
Page 3 of 3
Commissioner Sheila Bennett Kilander mentioned the City website and felt is should have more
information for businesses that is easier to locate on the site.
Senior Planner Bachler noted that the Communications Coordinator would be asked to help
improve the website.
UPDATES
A. Commission Members
None
B. Council Liaison
Council Liaison McClung discussed the Amazon headquarters submission that was put forth by
the State of Minnesota. He also commented on the water study that is being completed for
TCAAP and noted that the study is affecting the timeline of the Master Development Agreement.
Council Liaison McClung mentioned the City is no longer under a moratorium for Higher
Education Land Use. He told the committee that the City Council appreciates the Economic
Development Commission's input on the moratorium and the Comprehensive Plan.
C. Staff Comments
Senior Planner Bachler explained that the Council accepted the Higher Education Report at the
end of September and the creation of the new Institutional Zoning District for the Bethel
University and Northwestern University campuses.
Senior Planner Bachler noted the Marriott Springhill Suites redevelopment was approved and
demolition is scheduled to begin this fall.
Senior Planner Bachler also mentioned that there was approximately $52,000,000 in commercial
development done in the city in 2017.
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting adjourned at 9:18 a.m.
c
a€7 Erickson, Chair Jc�l 7e Trau . Deputy Clerk