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<br />Member Steffen inquired as to the amount of money required for current acquisitions. <br /> <br />Economic Development Coordinator Sullivan replied Clint Wilson Auto Ranch and the Hills <br />properties equates to about $1.5 million. <br /> <br />Member Elvig questioned why the Auto Ranch purchase was a priority. <br /> <br />Member Strommen replied one reason is the location. <br /> <br />Economic Development Coordinator Sullivan pointed out the prioritization guidelines for <br />selecting property relating to the RALF Program. <br /> <br />City Administrator Ulrich reported it would be discussed at Council on November 13,2007. He <br />mentioned full access was opened on McKinley Street. He stated he spoke to the owner of the <br />Shell Station who reiterated his desire to be purchased by the City. He indicated RALF <br />availability is being researched. He mentioned options for consideration for this property. He <br />stated that Anoka County gave the City the option to take the street back and make <br />improvements as the City desires. He stated this is not a viable option for the City. <br /> <br />Member Strommen questioned whether there is an opportunity for the City Engineer to develop <br />an alternative and present it. She stated she sees an opportunity to site properties other than <br />viable businesses. <br /> <br />City Administrator Ulrich commented that business impact information was provided to staff by <br />the County. <br /> <br />Member Elvig stated he would like the EDA to have the discussion as it is almost a <br />redevelopment issue, there are blighted properties, and now there would be dysfunctional retail. <br />He mentioned the hardship to retail businesses that the traffic pattern would cause. He asked if it <br />is a policy that the EDA look at this as a redevelopment and develop viable options for retail <br />businesses. He questioned whether the EDA would step in and bring in new businesses. He <br />stated a policy needs to be developed to deal with the issues. <br /> <br />Member Strommen commented there is a policy element to this and exploring the role of the <br />EDA is essential. <br /> <br />City Administrator Ulrich commented there are policy issues county-wide. He stated he would <br />poll other cities to see if they are having similar issues and then to talk to the County. <br /> <br />Case #2: <br /> <br />Business Network Meeting <br /> <br />Economic Development Coordinator Sullivan reported the EDA determined it is beneficial to <br />continue hosting Business Network Meetings as it has been a good forum to share ideas between <br />businesses and City officials. He recommended the EDA look at this meeting and its structure <br />for the upcoming year. He stated the Business of the Year entries are open. He stated he would <br /> <br />Economic Development Authority/November 8, 2007 <br />Page 3 of 7 <br />