2015-01-28 CC Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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Economic Developmem Committee Meeting Ivl ntw 0".05 Committee Members questioned if given the authority by City Council to do so, could the committee be involved in doing the research and leg work on promoting and attracting businesses? Committee Member Dosch felt this was entirely separate from the Centerville Corporation for Economic Development, which is not part of city government. Committee Members also questioned if an EDA is formed by City Council will the EDC still have a function and how does the Centerville Corporation for Economic Development fit in with an EDA or an EDC? City Administrator Larson explained the Centerville Corporation for Economic Development is a private, non-profit corporation that could do some things that would be in line with the goals of city. A development corporation can, for instance,often issue higher risk loans that the city would not be able to do and/or purchase land. While a development corporation does not need to be in conflict with the city,committee members questioned whether it may be in conflict with or on a separate path from the Economic Development Committee with perhaps two different groups having two different plans. City Administrator Larson stated that is why it is important to have some membership that crosses the lines to see what other groups are involved in. Vice-Chairperson Ebel doesn't agree in the idea that the groups would be in conflict, he thinks the groups could work harmoniously as long as everyone was informed as to what each group was involved in. Council Member Paar stated one concern he had regarding the Centerville Corporation for Economic Development was that it appeared the group's focus was on one location and not the overall city. Vice-Chairperson Ebel questioned what has the EDC done in the past and what should the EDC continue to do? While most of the committee members saw value in the Business Appreciation Barbeque, they failed to see how Frozen Fete des Lacs or the Parade related to the EDC. It was explained to the newer members that the summer festival originally started out as an idea of EDC and when it got too big it was taken over by other groups and the original plan was to draw people into town to visit local businesses. Vice-Chairperson Ebel reminded the committee that the parade was not an EDC function; it was one he, personally, committed to as he did not want to see the parade discontinued when Mr. John Thill stepped down as the organizer. He added, however, that he felt the parade not only involved local businesses, but brings people to town and increases revenue for existing businesses. It is also a quality of life issue;the parade adds to the idea that Centerville is a nice place to live. Vice-Chairperson Ebel plans to continue with the parade next year also. Council Member Paar stated that in the early 1990's the EDC was actively involved in the Design Team process and when nothing was done with this project the Barbeque and SNO BIZ then became the focus and he felt now was the time for the priorities to switch. The committee questioned what is the committee doing for businesses exactly? A survey of the businesses was suggested, as was a survey of residents inquiring as to what type of businesses they would like to see in Centerville. The City has surveyed businesses and residents in the past, and found it is difficult to get responses. Businesses and residents seem to not get involved unless it directly affects them. If a survey showed the residents would like a Subway in Centerville for example, how would the committee go about attracting a Subway? It was suggested the EDC should know what land and/or buildings are available for sale in the City and be able to direct prospective business owners. City Administrator Larson stated this is where and EDA could be useful as it would have the power to buildtbuy a building and lease space to a Subway shop. The committee would like an inventory of what sites and buildings are available, but this is not something the City necessarily keeps track of. When City Hall gets calls regarding businesses interested in moving to Centerville the calls are generally taken by the City Administrator. 3 of 5 60