Minutes - Economic Development Authority - 06/06/2013

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Business of the Year was Green Valley Greenhouse. He advised that in 2012, the EDA reviewed 15 businesses and narrowed the list down to four businesses; the EDA directed staff to focus on the three remaining businesses considered in 2012 when making its selection for 2013 Business of Year. He stated the three businesses are Acapulco, Bolton & Menk, and Vision Ease Lens. Member Skaff stated his preference for 2013 Business of the Year is Vision Ease Lens, adding the company is a national firm with a large number of employees and the company is quite involved in volunteerism. Chairperson Steffen stated that all three businesses are worthy and his preference is Bolton & Menk. He stated Bolton & Menk was one of the first tenants in the COR and the company has also done a lot of volunteer work in the City. Member Riley agreed that all three businesses are worthy and urged the EDA to make sure that no businesses were inadvertently excluded from consideration. Member Hardin stated his preference for 2013 Ramsey Business of the Year is Vision Ease Lens. Member LeTourneau agreed that all three businesses are worthy and stated he would defer to the preference of the remainder of the EDA members. Member Brunt felt that Vision Ease Lens was a very worthy selection for 2013 Ramsey Business of the Year. It was the consensus of the EDA to select Vision Ease Lens as 2013 Ramsey Business of the Year. 4.04: Planning Commission Update (Development Update) Management Analyst Brama presented the Community Development Department written update. Chairperson Steffen requested an update on the Super America and McDonald's projects. City Administrator Ulrich reported that the most recent delay had to do with the filing of the plat. He stated that bids will be opened tomorrow and this item will go to the City Council next week for approval. He advised the McDonald's project is moving forward and groundbreaking is anticipated to take place this fall. He stated that Super America has indicated it needs corporate approval of the financing package that has caused some delay in the project. 4.05: Updates City Administrator Ulrich provided City Council updates and stated that Anoka County EDA is back on the agenda and explained there was a discussion last October about joining with the EDA to authorize HRA monies to be used for economic development. He stated this was previously rejected by the City Council and is back on the agenda because the City has an opportunity to purchase the adult bookstore on Highway 10 and wants to use County dollars to complete the purchase. He advised that the City Council agreed to reduce its participation at the Economic Development Authority /June 6, 2013 Page 6 of 7