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City Administrator Ulrich explained this is a team approach so the Development Manager has to <br />be a team player to work with Community Development, Administration, the business <br />community, and the public to put together a unified economic development approach. He noted <br />that by combining HRA and EDA activities, the City can provide a "one stop shop" for <br />developers coming to Ramsey. City Administrator Ulrich stated this position will be primarily <br />involved with commercial /industrial with Development Services Manager Gladhill having a key <br />role in housing policy and developing housing programs and projects. He noted that <br />Development Services Manager Gladhill is now serving as the HRA Deputy Executive Director <br />and he expects him to continue with an active role. City Administrator Ulrich stated the EDA <br />Economic Manager supports the commercial /industrial effort and Administrative Analyst Brama <br />would continue to work under his direction with administration. <br />Development Services Manager Gladhill stated support for Option 1 and to supplement the <br />housing component with the Planning Division and consulting planner who has that type of <br />expertise. He reviewed tasks of the Planning Division to identify housing funding, resources, <br />and coordination with the Metropolitan Council and Livable Communities. Development <br />Services Manager Gladhill supported the HRA role as it relates to housing and belief it makes <br />sense to bring this position under that umbrella. <br />Management Analyst Brama stated the Business Retention and Expansion (BRE) Program is <br />expected to be an ongoing City economic development effort under the new position. He <br />presented the 2012 Executive Report for the BRE Program, noting it has been a successful <br />initiative and well received by the business community. Management Analyst Brama described <br />their efforts to develop relationships and trust in the business community and presented the 2012 <br />results and findings. <br />Mayor. Strommen noted the EDA will also be looking at the BRE Program and asked the <br />Councilmembers to focus on the case before it (Economic Development Manager Position). <br />Councilmember Riley stated with the turnover in Economic Development, he felt the City had <br />dropped the ball and that Administrative Analyst Brama has opened doors by addressing <br />miscommunications, which helped raise the City in the eyes of businesses. He found this <br />position to be a priority. <br />Councilmember LeTourneau stated the 2012 Executive Report brings to light that the Economic <br />Development position plays a critical role and asked how much should be dedicated towards <br />housing activity and towards economic development activity. He noted the statistic on the two <br />salable lots is critical when determining the revenue stream available to the City so he thinks this <br />position will be putting a lot of energy into that area. <br />Councilmember Backous asked if businesses that relocated to other cities were contacted, noting <br />that would be a good resource from which to learn. <br />Administrative Analyst Brama stated they were not but that could be done in 2013. He stated <br />staff will develop an overview of suggestions to address concerns with non - responses and other <br />improvements. He agreed there is more work to be done. <br />City Council Work Session / February 5, 2013 <br />Page 11 of 18 <br />