Agenda - Economic Development Authority - 04/13/1999

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Motion carried. Voting Yes: Chairperson Kent, Members Hardin, Haas Steffen, Scheiber, and Wagner. Voting No: None. Absent: Members Riley and Zimmerman. Member Haas Steffen stated that City staff needs to outline what they want out of this EDA and if the budget meets that---what are the responsibilities in terms of budget dollars. She questioned whether the EDA was expected to make recommendations in terms of TIF, and Mr. Norman replied yes. Ms. Haas Steffen directed staff to brh, g the policies to Council before the EDA. She said it was her understanding that staff intends to use the EDA in the broadest way possible, and she doesn't want Council wondering why the EDA is doing what they do. Ms. Sherman noted them is an enabling resolution that is very general. Chairperson Kent noted they made sure the EDA didn't have final authority, only advisory capacity. Ms. Haas Steffen stated a budget is unnecessary if the EDA is only advisory, but if it is going to investigate or sit at the negotiating table, it needs the power to direct staff. Case #3: Ramsey City Staff Updates Memorandum City Administrator Norman explained the memorandum regarding the current status of the contract for economic development consultant services is for informational purposes since all parties have not been contacted yet. He outlined the City's past economic development with Jim Gromberg and then Connexus, stating that the City is currently reviewing its staffing and hasn't determined whether to use in-house staffing or contract outside. The current contract was discussed. Member Hardin stated the City needs to determine what kind of services are needed and whether in-house staff is able to provide that. Member Haas Steffen agreed that we need to determine what we have, what we need, what we can afford, and what we need to contract for. Chairperson Kent inquired what the 1998 contract expenses were, and Mr. Norman stated he hasn't seen any pay-out for the 1% commission. Member Wagner stated the City certainly could afford in-house staff if they spent $80,000. Member Haas Steffen declared "There is no way the EDA should have four staff members meeting at 7:00 a.m. unless they are working on the hottest program; it's poor use of money and time." Member Hardin stated "That's part of what's been lost; someone that's able to take the ball and be lead of economic development. It would be nice to get back to someone designated as lead." Mr. Norman stated the RFP was just completed, and if Council appoints a new Administrative Services Director, staff wants that person to work with it also. Member Haas Steffen suggested getting information on what other cities contract for, including job descriptions, and find out if it's common to do what Ramsey did with Connexus. Economic Development Authority/February 23, 1999 Page 4 of 5