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<br />program. He stated that during construction, the City could provide traffic control for businesses. <br />He stated it is difficult for the City to get involved with paying for loss of business. <br /> <br />Member Kiefer stated he believes the EDA has a responsibly to go on record stating it is not in <br />favor of median construction. He stated there is enough history to understand how the median <br />would impact local businesses. He commented people do not like to be inconvenienced and those <br />coming from the north would not have easy access; those coming from the south, must now turn <br />north. He stated this significantly impacts customers and the business. <br /> <br />Member Elvig asked what the EDA could do to be more proactive. He spoke to several <br />businesses that stated they rebounded after a time from a previous road project. Therefore, it <br />would be better to determine how to mitigate the impact to businesses during and immediately <br />following the median construction not just the long term solution. He stated displaying signage <br />with options ahead of time is an option. He stated he would like to monitor the current traffic flow <br />to understand seasonal traffic and then before and after construction. He expressed concern that <br />businesses that are currently in jeopardy might use this construction project as an excuse for their <br />failure. <br /> <br />Economic Development Coordinator Sullivan reiterated the plan for traffic monitoring. <br /> <br />Chairperson Riley stated the EDA identified this as a problem and it is important to focus on the <br />existing businesses. He stated he is against the way this is being done. <br /> <br />Mr. Yamoutpour stated the City has no authority relative to the u-turn; this is the County's <br />decision. <br /> <br />Member Steffen asked Mr. Yamoutpour for his ideas and suggestions. <br /> <br />Mr. Yamoutpour commented he talked to his customers and stated they signed a petition stating <br />they were not happy with the plan. He commented that the customers want easy access into and <br />out of his business. He questioned why the City did not talk to businesses. <br /> <br />City Administrator Ulrich stated he was not sure a study was done on the impact of medians to <br />businesses. He suggested a study be requested from the County. He stated the data would be <br />helpful to both the City and the County. <br /> <br />Member Sullivan commented it is important that the businesses participate in trying to help <br />mitigate the potential impacts of the median construction. <br /> <br />Member Strommen commented she would like to see what other cities have done in similar <br />situations. She reiterated the need for traffic study experts to draw on past experiences and <br />provide the best opportunities. <br /> <br />Member Elvig commented the purpose of the EDA is to mitigate the impact and assist the <br />businesses. He agreed with Member Strommen's recommendation for traffic study experts. He <br />commented it would help to understand current business and traffic. <br /> <br />Economic Development Authority/January 10,2008 <br />Page 4 of7 <br />