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HomeMy WebLinkAbout06-26-24 EDC Agenda Packet Chair: • Frank Cupery Commissioners: • Rob Williams • Ted Brausen • Julie Gronquist • Jud Murchie • Sreya Subramanian • Katherine Schneider • Bobby Bonine Council Liaison: Councilmember Emily Rousseau Arden Hills Economic Development Commission Meeting June 26, 2024 1245 W. Highway 96 Arden Hills, MN 55112 651.792.7800 www.cityofardenhills.org City Vision A strong community that values our unique environment, our fiscal soundness, and our tradition as a desirable city in which to live, work, and play. Agenda Regular Economic Development Commission Convenes 7:30 AM Call to Order 1. APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA 2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES A. May 22, 2024 3. UNFINISHED AND NEW BUSINESS A. Meeting Schedule B. In-Person Business Visit Strategy 4. COMMENTS AND REPORTS A. Staff Update B. Report from the City Council C. Economic Development Commission Comments 5. ADJOURNMENT A quorum of the City Council may be present at this meeting. Meeting materials are available online at: http://www.cityofardenhills.org/agendacenter CITY OF ARDEN HILLS, MINNESOTA ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION MAY 22, 2024 7:30 A.M. – ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS CALL TO ORDER/ROLL CALL Present: Chair Frank Cupery, Commissioners Julie Gronquist, Rob Williams, Bobby Bonine, Ted Brausen and Youth Commissioner Katherine Schneider Absent: Commissioners Sreya Subramanian and Jud Murchie Also Present: Council Liaison Emily Rousseau, Community Development Director Jessica Jagoe and Senior Planner Elena Fransen 1. APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA A motion was made by Commissioner Brausen and seconded by Youth Commissioner Schneider to approve the agenda. The agenda was approved unanimously. 2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES A. April 24, 2024 A motion was made by Commissioner Gronquist and seconded by Commissioner Brausen to approve the April 24, 2024 minutes. The minutes were approved unanimously. 3. UNFINISHED AND NEW BUSINESS A. Economic Development Commission Work Plan Senior Planner Fransen thanked everyone for completing the strategy ranking sheet, stating they would be reviewing the results and discussing how those results could serve as an outline for moving forward. She briefly outlined a proposed process for fulfilling the strategies, noting her presentation would go into further detail and there would be the opportunity for discussion amongst the group. Senior Planner Fransen indicated there were six strategies provided with the three highest average rankings indicated for in-person business visits, in-depth business survey and businesses resources webpage on the City’s website. She stated Commissioners’ interests in leading a subcommittee were for in-person business visits, website business directory and hosting event with businesses. She noted interest from Commissioners in leading a group did not necessarily align with highest ranking for strategies. ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION –MAY 22, 2024 2 Chair Cupery stated the first question was if the EDC supports the top three strategies identified by the ranking. He suggested doing a round table to get each Commissioner’s opinion. Commissioner Brausen suggested tying some of the strategies together by asking the businesses to complete the survey when they do an in-person visit, noting he would be more apt to do so if another business person asked him versus just having it sent to him. Youth Commissioner Schneider stated having the in-person visits rank at the top of both lists was a good thing as it reflects how the group values interaction with businesses. She suggested the members each take a piece of the pie and contribute towards accomplishing in-person visits. Commissioner Williams questioned if the Commission should have any other strategies accomplished prior to conducting in-person visits. He provided an example such as having the business directory updated prior to meeting with the businesses and before sharing that information with them, or should they meet with the businesses and ask what information they feel would be helpful prior to updating the directory so those suggestions could be incorporated as well. Commissioner Williams stated it was surprising to him that in-person business visits received high interest because that would entail a lot of time. He noted that making an in-depth survey and working on the website will also take a lot of time and require a degree of knowledge. Commissioner Bonine stated he echoes Youth Commissioner Schneider’s well-said sentiment. Commissioner Gronquist stated she did not have anything to add and was in agreement. She said she liked the idea of tying in the survey in-person as Commissioner Brausen suggested, and that having that ready before the in-person visits would be a better use of time. Commissioner Bonine noted there probably would be higher engagement that way versus sending an email. A brief discussion ensued about what the process could potentially look like and it was noted that when an in-person visit was conducted previously, businesses seemed to like that and felt better supported. Council Liaison Rousseau commented she had spoken to the owner of the Winkin’ Rooster. She said that he is on Shoreview’s Economic Development Commission, noting he indicated they also used a survey. She said Shoreview may have a template that could be used and thought they had possibly worked with Ling Becker for such. Community Development Director Jagoe suggested that the Commission use the survey to gauge what it should be strategizing around and what is needed to supplement the Commission’s needs. She asked if the Commission thought it would be beneficial to direct individuals to complete the survey online, thus making onsite visits quicker. She noted the time commitment involved in conducting an in-person visit that also includes gathering information for the survey at the same time. She recommended the Commissioners plan for a certain amount of time be devoted to the visit and suggested they decide which areas they want to focus on visiting first, whether that be by a certain corridor or business type. ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION –MAY 22, 2024 3 Commissioner Bonine stated that having visibility and letting businesses know the EDC exists would be a success and as far as the survey goes, the power is in the questions. He said he thinks the visits could be completed in 10 or 15 minutes, with a more in-depth follow-up survey at another time if needed. He indicated 3 to 5 casual questions should be sufficient in providing direction as to where attention should be focused, and said as a business owner, he would not want to be engaged with an EDC member for 30 to 60 minutes in the middle of the day. He used a visit by John Connelly of the Twin Cities Chamber of Commerce as an example of how efficient and effective a short visit can be, noting it was important to be respectful of the business owner’s time. If they end up wanting to spend more time, certainly the Commissioner could do so. Commissioner Williams said there could be a qualitative survey and then a quantitative survey where comments could be added. He provided a suggestion of what this could entail. He also thought that a half hour to an hour to meet was a lot of time. Commissioner Williams noted that dropping in at a business is great but that there is a chance the business owner may not be there when they drop in. He wondered if an email notification letting the businesses know they would be coming ahead of time was an option. Senior Planner Fransen said data gathering in advance may work well and that planning the locations in advance as well as reaching out via email or by phone if possible was an option. A discussion ensued regarding outreach, administering two potential surveys and what those could entail, collecting feedback and following-up after the information has been gathered. Commissioner Bonine summarized the business outreach survey initiative as follows: holding an initial icebreaker meeting with business owners/managers with some sort of short-form survey that would lead to a longer survey, allowing for feedback from the survey participants, organizing the feedback to determine what needs to be done from there and bringing the findings back to the group as a whole. A discussion ensued about options for creating a survey and QR code. Commissioner Gronquist asked if the City has email contact information. She inquired as to how contacting the businesses via email would work and who would monitor responses and keep track. She suggested sending an email that would not elicit a back-and-forth response but rather one that introduces the EDC to the business and notifies them that the EDC members have three to five basic questions. She believed making contact with the businesses would result in better engagement in the future. Senior Planner Fransen noted that the contact information the City has on file can vary and suggested that a preferred local contact be established when the in-person visit was conducted as well. Commissioner Gronquist expressed some concern about the survey becoming too lengthy and suggested the group start with the basics such as introductions and no more than five questions. She stated the information they obtain will most likely point the way to go. A discussion ensued regarding how the group could potentially proceed with determining the content for the survey. ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION –MAY 22, 2024 4 Commissioner Gronquist reiterated her statement about a short introduction visit coupled with a few questions would most likely dictate whether or not they feel a survey needs to be done right away. Commissioner Bonine asked what the vision was, and if determining the survey questions would be accomplished as a group or by breaking off into a sub group that would come up with ideas that would be brought back to the group. Senior Planner Fransen stated there were three individuals that had indicated that they wanted to work on leading in-person visits. She noted that would avoid a potential quorum issue and said the group could meet offline and bring back questions for the full EDC to address. Commissioner Bonine stated his preference would be to have a smaller focus group take this offline and provide follow-up to the EDC as a whole as that would be more efficient timewise. Senior Planner Fransen it was her understanding that Commissioners Gronquist, Bonine and Brausen were interested in taking the lead for in-person visits. A discussion ensued regarding the subgroup, the survey/questions and addressing the varying range of businesses in Arden Hills. Chair Cupery asked if there was anything to add regarding the business resources webpage. Commissioner Gronquist commented there were a number of businesses that are not on the business list, and she asked how the City addresses this. Senior Planner Fransen indicated the City requests that businesses complete the licensing process and there is a follow-up yearly but there is not an enforcement component. She said a business license is not a mandatory requirement in order to do business in Arden Hills but it is required. She explained that as the City typically becomes aware of a new business via an application, and that provides the opportunity to reach out regarding business licensing. She also noted that some businesses do not return the application for a license/registration. A discussion ensued regarding Certificates of Occupancy, multi-tenant businesses and business licensing in general. A short discussion ensued regarding the Council’s discussion surrounding franchise fees. A discussion ensued surrounding the advantages licensing a business with the City can provide, which include being added to a City published business directory, participating in a yearly event for local businesses, and options for support and outreach. Senior Planner Fransen summarized direction received from the group and discussion ensued about approaching those businesses that have not obtained a license and relaying the importance of and value in obtaining a City business license. Community Development Director Jagoe asked if the group would want to consider dividing the city up and each Commissioner could cover a specific area, going door to door in order to ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION –MAY 22, 2024 5 conduct an in-person visit and/or drop information off. She suggested the subcommittee discuss focusing on this function, with the licensing issue being a sub function of the visits. Commissioner Bonine said that if the list contains only those businesses that are licensed, how would they know who to visit. Commissioner Williams indicated the Commissioners could visit a specific area and each business therein, versus walking by one that is not on the list. Community Development Director Jagoe noted that the group could utilize the Ramsey County mapping function and then address certain geographical areas. There was consensus from the Commissioners that this was a good plan. Senior Planner Fransen introduced the second question for discussion. She provided a recap and the group briefly discussed each as follows: strategy – using in-person visits to gauge what the businesses feel is going well and what they would like to see more of from their perspective; goals – the gathering of information and determining how the businesses feel and letting them know the City cares so that they feel connected, valued and respected; target audience – all businesses; and timing – project completion by November 1 with draft questions being presented to the group at the next meeting in June and beginning in-person visits in July. Senior Planner Fransen stated that May was the last month where an additional meeting had been added to the odd months, which means a meeting was not currently scheduled for July. She noted changes could be made to the schedule. A short discussion ensued about use of a QR code and working with the City’s Senior Communications Coordinator to produce a flyer or postcard. A discussion ensued regarding options for future events in the city for which the businesses would be invited to participate. Commissioner Gronquist summarized the to-dos for the in-person visit sub-committee, which include compiling questions for the visits, form of a postcard or flyer that could be left behind, and information for a longer survey that could be completed to collect more information. Senior Planner Fransen noted options for motion language. She asked if the Commissioners would like to revisit the in-depth survey strategy and follow the same question outline or would the interest be focused on the in-person visits for the time being. Chair Cupery stated that in-person visits seem to be key catalyst that would move into a more in- depth survey. Senior Planner Fransen summarized that the focus for next meeting would entail revisiting the strategies, reviewing drafted information, and hearing from the subcommittee. She indicated she would follow-up with the sub-committee about a timeline for preparing materials to be shared with the group in advance of the next meeting. 4. COMMENTS AND REPORTS ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION –MAY 22, 2024 6 A. Report from the City Council Council Liaison Rousseau informed the Commissioners that the City received a grant this year in the amount of $18,000 from the Twin Cities Gateway Visitors Bureau. She explained that last year the City received $14,000 which was divided 50% between Ribfest and Bethel homecoming. This year the Council directed the grant to be divided evenly between Ribfest, Bethel, Beyond the Yellow Ribbon and possibly Mounds View High School or the school district. She noted the money was to be used for marketing and promoting city tourism. She wanted the EDC to be aware of this grant in the event of potential uses next year. Council Liaison Rousseau stated that July 16 is the Committee and Commissions appreciation picnic and urged everyone to attend. Council Liaison Rousseau indicated she would be attending the League of Minnesota Cities’ annual conference June 26. She stated that Councilmember Fabel would be attending the June EDC meeting in her place, noting he was the Council liaison for newsletter. Council Liaison Rousseau informed the group that the Lions Club of Shoreview/Arden Hills provides welcome baskets to new residents that include promotional materials for businesses so another opportunity for marketing resources. Council Liaison Rousseau asked Youth Commissioner Schneider for suggestions on the best way to share the EDC youth volunteer opportunity with the highs school. A short discussion ensued about reaching out to the National Honor Society or school principal and the best timing of such. Youth Commissioner Schneider updated the group about her upcoming college plans and the group congratulated her. B. Economic Development Commission Comments None. ADJOURNMENT A motion to adjourn was made by Youth Commissioner Schneider and seconded by Commissioner Williams. The motion passed unanimously. The meeting adjourned at 9:04 a.m. Page 1 of 1 EDC AGENDA ITEM – 3A MEMORANDUM DATE: June 26, 2024 TO: Economic Development Commission Members FROM: Elena Fransen, Senior Planner SUBJECT: Meeting Schedule Requested Action Staff is asking the Economic Development Commission if the group would like to consider adding a July meeting to the calendar. The EDC could elect to add a meeting on July 24 or July 31 and can determine if a quorum could be met on one of these dates. The meeting schedule for August through December will remain as scheduled due to staffing availability. Background In 2024, the Economic Development Commission has met monthly January through June in order to work through the tasks set forth by the City Council and to start working on the EDC work plan. So far, the EDC has hosted Twin Cities North Chamber of Commerce and Ramsey County Workforce Solutions, reviewed the sign code and shared a recommendation for possible revisions, and initiated work on an in-person business visit strategy as part of the EDC work plan. A July meeting could be centered on continuing efforts for the in-person business visit strategy. Other topics or possible presenters could be suggested by Commissioners for the group and staff to consider adding to the agenda. Next Steps Staff will take the recommendation from the EDC and update the meeting schedule. Page 1 of 2 EDC AGENDA ITEM – 3B MEMORANDUM DATE: June 26, 2024 TO: Economic Development Commission Chair and Commissioners FROM: Elena Fransen, Senior Planner SUBJECT: In-Person Business Visits Strategy Requested Action The Economic Development Commission should revisit the In-Person Business Visits strategy discussed at the May meeting. Commissioners should review and discuss the details established at the last meeting, suggesting edits and additions as appropriate. The Subcommittee will have a draft of questions for in-person business visits to distribute at the meeting. Commissioners should discuss and comment on the drafted information. Background At the May 22, 2024 meeting, the EDC discussed the top three strategies identified by commissioners: 1. In-person business visits 2. In-depth business survey 3. Business resources webpage on City website – include events The group discussed the strategies and elected to focus on in-person business visits to get started and help inform future work of the EDC. A sub-committee was established and is comprised of Commissioners Gronquist, Brausen, and Bonine. Next steps for the sub-committee included drafting 3-5 questions for commissioners to ask business representatives during in-person visits and developing an outline for a flyer or postcard that could be left behind after a commissioner’s visit. The discussion also included references to a long-form survey that could be linked on the flyer with a QR code for instances when a business representative was not available at the time of the visit and if the business representative expressed interest in completing a more in-depth survey. The sub-committee drafted questions for the in-person visits and a working draft of this document will be provided as a handout at the meeting. The Commission also went through the following questions to add specific details to the framework of the in-person business visits. Page 2 of 2 1. What is the intention behind working on this strategy? 2. What are the goals of this strategy? 3. What is the target audience of this strategy? 4. What is a possible timeline for this strategy? 5. What are some milestones for this strategy? 6. What information needs to be prepared for this strategy? 7. What additional resources such as materials, funding, staff time, and City data, might be needed for this strategy? Staff has drafted an updated document with the May 22 responses in Attachment A. These responses can be discussed and added to as appropriate. Discussion In-person business visits strategy follow-ups from May meeting Questions for in-person business visits (handout) - Review and discuss handout - Review of staff comments - Discuss possible updates to the draft - Establish who will work on revisions - Timeline for next steps Handout/postcard outline - Discuss what should be included handout - Establish who will draft content - Timeline for next steps Long-form survey - Discuss what types of questions should be included on this survey - Establish who will draft the content - Timeline for next steps Details for In-person business visits Drafted details (Attachment A) - Identify any missing details - Discuss timeline and milestones more in-depth - Consider what information needs to be prepared for in-person visits Next Steps Staff will update the drafted details document based on the discussion and draft a timeline with milestones for the in-person business visits strategy. Other next steps and timeline to be discussed during the meeting. Attachments A. Work Plan – Details for In-Person Business Visits Strategies/Specifics Details Details as of 5/22/24 meeting In-Person Business Visits What is the intention behind working on this strategy? Visibility, engagement, connection, awareness, hearing from businesses about their needs, informing future work What are the goals of this strategy? Gather information about businesses and leave them feeling like the city cares, Value, leave something behind What is the target audience of this strategy? All businesses What is a possible timeline for this strategy? 2024, Summer/Fall, November 1 as idea What are some milestones for this strategy? Questions by June 2024 meeting What information needs to be prepared for this strategy? What additional resources such as materials, funding, staff time, and City data, might be needed for this strategy? Hand out flyer with linked survey, work with the Senior Communications Coordinator