Agenda - Council - 12/15/1998 - Laserfiche WebLink

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'l I I I I I I ! I I I I I I I ~ASE # 4 REQUEST FOR PARTICIPATION IN A HOME IMPROVEMENT & REMODELING FAIR; CASE OF CITY OF RAMSEY. By: Community Development Assistant Sean Walther Background: The City of Anoka has been researching the idea of having a Home Improvement and Remodeling Fair in the 1999 calendar year sponsored by surrounding cities. They contacted all the cities in the Anoka Area Chamber of Commerce. Chamber cities include: Andover, Anoka, Champlin, Dayton, Ramsey, and St. Francis. Staff has met three times with the committee of cities that is organizing the event. We would model the event after the City of Fridley's Home Remodeling & Garden Fair. The Home Improvement and Remodeling Fair would consist of a group of local vendors made up of builders, remodelers, contractors, and loan providers. There will be informational seminars held also by non-profit groups and government agencies. The committee will charge vendors $75 for the day to set up a display and distribute information about their services. Booths will be provided for vendors. Concessions also will be available. Cost to the general public for admission will be free. Staff is requesting the allocation $1,500 for the City of Ramsey's portion of the start up costs including rental of the armory building in Anoka, booth rental, advertising, printing and mailing costs, and possibly a door prize drawing. We anticipate recovering some or most of the money invested. The following items are enclosed: 1) Outline of tasks and known costs for the event 2) Information packet from Fridley's 1998 event. The Anoka Area Chamber of Commerce has pledged its support for the event, and has agreed to manage the money from the participating cities, accept vendor registrations, answer telephone questions regarding the event, and redistribute the money remaining after all bills are paid to the participating cities. (The City of Ramsey has used the Chamber in this capacity for it annual Business Appreciation Day event.) Observations: The goal of such an event would be to promote home improvements in the community, promote local vendors of home improvement services, and promote local housing financial assistance programs. The justification for Ramsey's participation in this event include: