2015-01-28 CC Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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Economic Development Committee Meeting Wmules V. COMMrrTEE BUSINESS Oath of Office for New EDC Member ML Jennifer Doseb Ms. Jennifer Dosch was given the Oath of Office by Chairperson Smith. Discussion of Direction/Goab of the Committee—EDC MissionStaff The committee discussed at length which direction the members would like to see the committee move towards and what goals were important to each member. Chairperson Smith updated the committee members what was discussed at the joint Economic Development Committee / City Council Work Session held in July. The members questioned whether the committee was doing anything worthwhile for the city at this time. City Administrator Larson stated he was an advocate for the committee reorganizing with goals which would encourage the committee to be excited being involved in something which was productive and needed by the City. By brainstorming new ideas the committee members may become more involved and interested in the direction of the committee and better able to draw new members. Committee Member Dosch questioned what City Council's ideas on this were and did the EDC just make recommendations regarding the direction of the committee and the City Council took those recommendations, or is there input from City Council. City Administrator Larson said the first step would be to figure out whether the members wanted to continue with this committee. Council Member Paar stated he knew there were members who were discouraged with what the committee was doing and the lack of movement on items such as the downtown revitalization. He also said that there was nothing that could be done to move forward with the Design Team Plans for the downtown revitalization at this time, but the City Council is still working on the Memorandum of Understanding with Anoka County regarding County Road 14 and a study is currently being done for potential redevelopment of the City owned downtown property, Fast Block 7. Council Member Paan also stated there has been much discussion regarding the redevelopment of the downtown area, but the committee also needs to focus on the other parts of town such as Uptown Center and the businesses on the outskirts of town. The committee discussed the commitment of each member to stay or get involved with the committee. Committee Member Fischbach replied that he joined the committee to work on development within the City, partially because of the high property taxes and would like to get more involved in this aspect rather than focus on the Business Appreciation Barbeque and Frozen Fete des Lacs. He did state that his job often interferes with his ability to attend the EDC meetings. Committee Member Fischbach questioned how does the committee recruit new members or get other people excited about what the IDC is doing if there is no excitement within the committee. Vice-Chairperson Ebel would like to continue to participate, with more guidance, and would like to see the committee more goal driven; he wants to be involved but lacks the time to be in charge. City Administrator Larson questioned who does the committee want to set the direction, City Council, perhaps an outside group or the committee itself. Vice- Chairperson Ebel said he would like the committee to take ownership and set their own agenda. Committee Member Dosch would like to see more economic work done by the committee, such as what kind of businesses does the city need and how to attract and/or how to finance these businesses. Committee Member Dosch stated she does not warn to be involved in coordinating barbeques or parades. 2 of 5 59