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City Administrator Ulrich stated a proposal was received for an engineering study on the intersection of Highway 47 and CSAH 116 in light of Anoka County's policy of closing down access points at intersections and concerns expressed by local businesses of having their access closed. He stated the City reached agreement with the County that if open median cuts or additional access cuts are to be considered, an engineering study is needed to determine that traffic can be accommodated and businesses kept open. He advised the City received a proposal from WSB & Associates for approximately $24,000 to study the intersection and noted that the City of Anoka would pay for half of the cost of the study. He stated the City Council reviewed the proposal on December 11, 2012, and voiced concern primarily regarding the potential that Mn/DOT might require the closure of additional access points. He stated the City Council referenced in particular the access at 142 Street, which intersects with a State Highway and questioned the need to spend money on this study. He indicated the City Council did not approve the study and directed staff to meet with Mn/DOT to discuss the possibility of additional access closures. He also recommended that the EDA take no action on this item today. Member McGlone stated his opinion that this issue should be addressed at the legislative level and did not feel the City should spend money on an engineering study. Motion by Member Williams, seconded by Member Skaff, to take no action regarding the proposed engineering study pending further action by the City Council. Motion carried. Voting Yes: Chairperson Riley, Members Williams, Skaff, LeTourneau, McGlone, and Steffen. Voting No: None. Absent: Member Wise. 4.02: Business Retention Program Update Management Analyst Brama explained that staff compiled a list of 50 businesses and approximately 25 businesses responded that they were interested in a visit with City staff. He stated that 14 business visits have been completed, four visits are currently scheduled, and 2 -5 visits are pending. He indicated that overall, the visits were positive and well received and a number of businesses stated their appreciation for this initiative by the EDA. He noted that a number of businesses have asked to keep their information confidential; as a result, the monthly written update provided to the EDA will not contain public information. He indicated that three businesses have expressed an interest in expanding in the City and 14 businesses indicated they expect to expand their business in the coming years. He stated that a lot of follow -up was requested from the businesses and staff will continue working with the businesses to address their concerns and answer their questions. He stated after all the initial visits are completed, staff will provide the EDA with an executive report. He reminded the EDA about the Life Fitness tour and business visit on Thursday, January 10, 2013, at 9:30 a.m. and encouraged the EDA to attend. He added that the EDA is welcome to attend any of the business visits. Member Skaff advised he attended the business visit at Allina and Allina representatives indicated they have an issue with their building's signage on Ramsey Boulevard and Sunwood. He stated Allina has posted a 4x4 banner in their lawn because the building has no signage on that corner. He indicated they talked about how to help them increase their visibility and the Allina representative expressed gratitude for meeting with them. Economic Development Authority/December 13, 2012 Page 2 of 6