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HomeMy WebLinkAbout02-06-19 EDC Minutes CITY OF ARDEN HILLS, MINNESOTA ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION FEBRUARY 6, 2019 8:00 AM CITY HALL -- 1245 WEST HIGHWAY 96 CALL TO ORDER/ROLL CALL City Planner Mike Mrosla called the meeting to order at 8:05 a.m. Present: Commissioners Rob Williams, David Radziej and Brendan O’Meara, Council Liaison Steve Scott. Chair Dan Erickson arrived at 8:40 a.m. Absent: Commissioner Sheila Bennett Kilander (excused) Also Present: City Planner Mike Mrosla and Deputy Clerk Jolene Trauba 1. AGENDA ITEMS A. New City Planner Introduction City Planner Mike Mrosla introduced himself and told the Commissioners his work background. Committee Members and the Council Liaison introduced themselves and gave their business backgrounds. City Planner Mrosla noted that Commissioners Johnson and Cordes had resigned, leaving four vacant seats. B. Committee Interview and Discussion City Planner Mrosla stated that in an effort to get to know the Commission and their previous work, he had a list of questions to discuss. City Planner Mrosla wondered what everyone thought about the 8:00 a.m. start time. After discussion, the consensus was the start time was acceptable, or they would be agreeable to start earlier. City Planner Mrosla said he was considering asking the local universities if they would be interested in having a student commissioner and asked for the Commissioner’s input. It could potentially require an ordinance change to from a three-year term to a one-year term. Commissioner Rob Williams suggested having the student attend meetings but not be officially on the commission. EDC Minutes February 6, 2019 Page 2 of 3 City Planner Mrosla said he would ask the universities if they would have a staff person that would want to join the commission, and down the road consider adding a student. City Planner Mrosla asked what they thought the City has done well in the past regarding economic development. Commissioner Brendan O’Meara said he hadn’t really seen much get done. Commissioner Williams said they talk about things but not sure what they’ve actually accomplished. Commissioner David Radziej noted they had started a project to connect with local businesses by meeting them but that seemed to have drifted, although it was a worthwhile project. Commissioner Williams thought the City learned about issues businesses were having when they did visits but many visits did not happen. City Planner Mrosla suggested that staff do the business visits, bring the concerns back to the Commission and the Commission potentially make recommendations to the City Council. He would also like to develop an online tool to show vacant space and update the website with critical information for business owners. Commissioner Williams suggested staff schedule a business visit and then available Commissioners could attend. City Planner Mrosla asked if they would be interested in going on business tours some months in place of having a regular meeting. He would like to have an article each month in the newsletter highlighting a local business. He’d also like to create a map showing Arden Hills’ location, proximity to things such as the airport and downtown, and travel times. Council Liaison Steve Scott said the Council would like the Commission to make recommendations. City Planner Mrosla said he would like to refine business licensing program and fees. He’d like the Commission to look at the program to make recommendations for potential changes. Chair Dan Erickson said hosting a broker and small business networking event had been discussed but to his knowledge, one had never happened. Council Liaison Steve Scott noted that the Twin Cities North Chamber is having an open house March 14 and everyone is welcome to attend. Chair Dan Erickson thought it would be nice to get a list of Arden Hills businesses that are members of that Chamber. City Planner Mrosla said there would not be a March meeting due to the upcoming birth of his son, but he plans to keep the Commissioners updated via emails. EDC Minutes February 6, 2019 Page 3 of 3 Further discussion ensued regarding the business license program and permanent sign renewals. 2. DEVELOPMENT UPDATE The Perkins location is being actively marketed for lease and there has been some interest. ADJOURNMENT The meeting adjourned at 8:57 a.m.