Minutes - Economic Development Authority - 03/19/2009

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Member Elvig agreed that there was a lot of work to be done. He did not know if the City would need to fund that or if a developer would undertake those improvements. Councilmember McGlone stated that the Council is very aggressive, motivated, and has a development agreement in hand. He advised that people in the past did not have the advantages that may be in the future. Case #2: Staff Update The EDA reviewed the Staff Update. Economic Development Coordinator Sullivan indicated that industrial revenue bonds had been issued for Sign Zone, at close to $300,000 in grant funds. Mayor Ramsey advised that City Administrator Ulrich would attend that meeting later today and extended an open invitation to EDA members as well. Economic Development Coordinator Sullivan advised that he met with Martin EDM, who would like to expand on their current location and are working on site plans. He advised that no assistance is being proposed on this project. He stated that Production Design Products is in a holding pattern due to the economy. He advised that a few others are in a holding pattern because of the economy. He reported that grand openings could be held for a few businesses in the next year, if the businesses so choose. He mentioned Acapulco and advised that more information would be available at the next meeting. He advised that the Expo is up coming, and 18 businesses have confirmed their participation. He thought the best case scenario is 50 businesses, but advised that the gym setting at PACT would hold 30 businesses. Member Elvig questioned the marketing of the event. He thought that businesses would be better targeted by email or letter, rather than the Ramsey Resident. Economic Development Coordinator Sullivan advised of the media sources being utilized for the event, including postcards that would be sent out to residents. Councilmember McGlone commented that Elk River is using mobile signage and thought that could be done in Ramsey as well. Economic Development Coordinator Sullivan advised that closer to the event those options would be utilized. He advised that signs would only be allowed to be displayed for a certain period of time due to the sign ordinances. He advised that there is a business list, but due to cost a direct mail had not been utilized. He confirmed that a postcard mailing could be done to targeted businesses. Community Development Director Miller advised that she had been in conversations regarding a leased space that has been vacant for quite a while. She explained that they would be coming in to request a conditional use permit for that space. She advised that expressed interest had been a motorcycle or automotive showroom. Joint Economic Development Authority/City Council / March 19,2009 Page 10 of 11 .