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HomeMy WebLinkAbout05-01-19 EDC Minutes CITY OF ARDEN HILLS, MINNESOTA ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION MAY 1, 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 8:09 a.m. Present: Commissioners David Radziej and Sheila Bennett Kilander, Council Liaison Steve Scott. Absent: Chair Dan Erickson, Commissioners Rob Williams and Brendan O’Meara (excused) Also Present: City Planner Mike Mrosla and Deputy Clerk Jolene Trauba 2. APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA No quorum 3. MINUTES A. February 6, 2019 No quorum 4. UNFINISHED AND NEW BUSINESS A. State of the City City Planner Mrosla said he would like the Committee to brainstorm ideas for the State of the City and those ideas would be brought to the City Council in June. Discussion was held around the following questions: 1. Should the event be held at a different location? 2. How can the city better market the event to residents and businesses? 3. Should the State of the City have informational booths? (i.e. City Departments, Chamber of Commerce, Ramsey County Recycling) 4. Should the presentation spotlight businesses that reinvested in 2018? 5. Should the presentation spotlight new or relocated businesses from 2018? 6. Should the State of the City be an opportunity for community engagement? (i.e. photo contest, landscaping awards etc.) 7. Are there presentation topics that the EDC would like to recommend to the City Council? 8. Does the EDC have any other recommendations regarding promotion or format that could help improve the success of the State of the City? EDC Minutes May 1, 2019 Page 2 of 3 After discussion, the Committee felt the Tavern Grill location could be used again this year, but potentially change to a different venue with a local restaurant catering next year. A different opportunity that focused on the business community may be warranted. It was suggested that City Staff discuss items like snow plowing, rather than the Councilmembers. A Parks and Recreation booth would be good to have at the event. A short video about recycling and/or a slide show played on a loop before the meeting could show info on new businesses, awards etc. The committee liked the idea of a photo contest or landscaping awards because that could potentially bring more people to the event, as well as awards for businesses or residents that invest in the City. The Red Bull project would be a great topic. It was suggested to have one live meeting that is recorded and played on the website and social media, rather than two separate meetings. 5. UPDATES A. Commission Members None B. Council Liaison Council Liaison Scott noted there was nothing new regarding TCAAP as Ramsey County has pulled resources from the project. He attended the Twin Cities North Chamber of Commerce meeting in February. The City Council passed the Tobacco 21 ordinance in March, banning flavored tobacco. There has been pushback from some local businesses, he met with the owner of Arden Hills tobacco to discuss. Interviews were held for the Public Works Director/City Engineer position. Scoops for Troops, a fundraiser for gold star families, was held at the National Guard Readiness Center on April 28. Council Liaison Scott said he attended a community meeting for Mounds View High School’s proposed construction, the largest concern was the new parking lot across the street from the school. He said there will be new pedestrian crossing controls installed on Hamline Avenue in two locations. He also met with state legislators regarding the new distracted driving bill, and attended a conference regarding inclusionary zoning. C. Staff Comments City Planner Mrosla said the Mounds View High School project didn’t get approval from the Rice Creek Watershed District, and plans were changed so the Planning Commission tabled the plan. The neighborhood meeting discussion centered around storm water plans and getting students across the street from the new parking lot and traffic flow. Improvements to the road are being proposed including flashing signs, motion activated and push button flashing signs, concrete median and a barrier. City Planner Mrosla Boston Scientific is interested in building a volleyball court at Cummings Park due to the elimination of the court they had on their property that was made into addition parking. They are also adding additional parking along Lexington Avenue for the additional employees that will be relocated to Arden Hills. Further discussion ensued regarding TCAAP. EDC Minutes May 1, 2019 Page 3 of 3 6. ADJOURNMENT The meeting adjourned at 9:28 a.m.