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Motion carried. Voting Yes: Chairperson Riley, Members LeTourneau, Kiefer, and Strommen. Voting No: None. Absent: Members Elvig and Steffen. Case #2: Median Mitigation Assistance Economic Development Coordinator Sullivan reviewed that the EDA discussed the Sunfish Lake Boulevard construction project and the potential impacts of the installation of the median. Staff was directed to work with area businesses to identify actions that could be taken to help mitigate the pending impacts of the construction. Mr. Sullivan stated he met with ownership of Sunfish Commons. The ownership group has met with some of its tenants and has developed a signage plan that they think will help mitigate the impact of the installation of the median. Planning staff has reviewed the request for signage and indicated there would be a requirement to go through the Planning Commission and City Council for approval of a conditional use permit. In addition, there appears to be substantial hurdles to gaining permanent signage within the highway right-of- ways. The signage plan and response from Planning staff are included in the Board's packet. Mr. Leonard Gandel, Gaughan Companies, stated the ownership group of Sunfish Commons applauds the language included in the position statement the EDA approved in Case No.1 and is looking forward to moving forward. At Mr. Sullivan's request the ownership group has been asked to look at and present some ideas, mainly signage, that may minimize some of the negative effects associated with the median installation. The ownership group would like to represent that they continue to invest capital in the area through marketing, looking at other areas in the City, and trying to relocate businesses to the Ramsey area. Mr. Gandel stated the ownership group is coming forward with a plan that will increase signage and awareness to the retail mall. He has read the response letter from Planning staff and understands there will be the need for conditional use permits, there will be code issues, etc. They ask this Authority to look at the signage plan and present it to City Council, and offer as much opportunity as possible for them to work through enhancing the area with signage. Economic Development Coordinator Sullivan indicated the EDA should review the signage plan and make a recommendation on whether to proceed, and if so at what level to participate with the project. If the Board determines that the signage plan is a good idea they should state their approval for the plan as it proceeds through the required process. Mr. Dan Hebert, Gaughan Companies, stated there have been projects like this in other cities where they have not received this type of response. The ownership group appreciates the City taking a hard look at this and wanting to contribute to this cause and what they are trying to accomplish. With the median being installed they want to be sure to have exposure, visibility and access, and to direct people to the accesses that will be open. It is crucial that there be visibility and exposure to the mom and pop shops. The traffic can really be increased or decreased based on the signage. Mr. Gandel stated Gaughan Companies has worked with Spectrum Sign Systems for almost a decade. The company has assisted them with premium signage plans throughout Anoka County. He stated the proposed signage will be done in a quality manner. Economic Development Authority/February 14,2008' Page 3 of8