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HomeMy WebLinkAbout03-28-07 EDC Meeting Minutes Approved: April 25, 2007 CITY OF ARDEN HILLS, MINNESOTA ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION MARCH 28, 2007 4:30 P.M. CITY HALL -- 1245 WEST HIGHWAY 96 Chair Kunkel called the meeting to order at 4:50 pm Attendees: Bruce Kunkel, Jim Paulet, Mayor Harpstead, Karen Barton, Community Development Director. Absent: Nancy Kneeland, Ed Werner, Ray McGraw, Dale Beane, Chris Ashbach, Rob Davidson There was a discussion regarding differences between Plan A and Plan B cities. Mayor Harpstead stated that the primary difference was in the ability of the city management to conduct hiring and firing of city staff and didn't see a need to pursue changing the city status at this time. Chair Kunkel stated that the staff needs to be empowered to make decisions that they are comfortable with. Mayor Harpstead agreed but said the city administrator needs to come forward to request this added authority. He noted that it is his philosophy that the city administrator is empowered and that staff needs to be allowed to be the professionals they are.. Chair Kunkel reviewed changes to the Strategic Plan as presented at the last EDC meeting. Mayor Harpstead recommended requesting a support position in the 2008 budget. Mayor Harpstead also recommended including other commissions in development opportunities in the city. Mayor Harpstead stated his top three priorities from the strategic plan: redevelopment of existing properties, main street revitalization, and the link between education, workforce and economic development. Number ten, Central Business District, of the strategic plan was determined to be a top priority; specifying the area at Lexington and County Road E. Number eleven, Trails and Recreation Program was also decided to be a top priority and that the EDC would recommend and endorse this to the PTRC. Number twelve, Development Sites, were determined to be a top priority; specifically the Red Fox/Gray Fox business area, Old City Hall site, Lexington and County Road E, and the Chesapeake property in the Gateway business district. The Mayor recommended removing years in the strategic plan. Chair Kunkel agreed and suggested it prudent to focus on prioritization. EDC Minutes March 28, 2007 Page 2 of3 Mayor Harpstead recommended that the EDC select one redevelopment site at a time to focus on and assist, for example Chesapeake. The EDC should help sell or rent a building and recommend the use ofTIF to upgrade Round Lake Boulevard. Number thirteen, Business Retention Program; we'll continue with our efforts related to the business retention program. Number fourteen, Business & Education Initiative; not a direct EDC involvement. Number fifteen, Sign Committee; Mayor Harpstead suggested logging complaints relating to our sign code for six months and then reviewing. Number sixteen, Business Issues on community Web Page; Not a priority at this time. Number seventeen, Mayors Council on Existing Business Services; Karen Barton stated that this is better served through individual meetings with businesses. Mayor Harpstead recommended having a group of Arden Hills realtors to give input into TCAAP. Jim Paulet stated this is stacking meetings on top of meetings Number eighteen, Resource Database; Chair Kunkel stated this is a later priority-too soon at this point. The Mayor suggested putting together a marketing folder that is professionally printed. Number nineteen, Business Matters monthly newsletter; decided not to be applicable. Number twenty, Information Assembly and Readiness; suggested this could all be part of the marketing folder. Mayor suggested involving the Communications Committee. Number twenty-one, Network Development; the Mayor suggested inviting Shoreview's EDC to one of our meetings this summer. Jim Paulet asked it there would be an issue working with other cities. Mayor Harpstead suggested the EDC run it past Council. Recommended requesting budget for business outreach efforts in next budgeting cycle. Number twenty-two, Incentive Policy; recommended to be removed as being too volatile. Number twenty-three, Decision Influencers; it was decided this will happen with the development ofTCAAP and we can ride on the coat-tails. Number twenty-four, Joint Marketing; recommended the EDC reviews current joint marking efforts, such as Visit Minneapolis North and the Twin Cities Chamber. Number twenty-five, Individual Marketing; decided not necessary at this point. EDC Minutes March 28, 2007 Page 3 of3 Twenty-six through twenty-nine, Workforce Development; Mayor Harpstead stated none of these initiatives will work in Arden Hills. Jim Paulet stated he did not believe these to be a priority. Mayor Harpstead added that we need to attract an educated workforce. Discussion ensued about leveraging our resources to foster cultural events. The meeting was adjourned at 6:54 P.M.