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Chairperson Steffen expressed concern about the selective nature of Alternative 2. <br />Member Skaff asked if there was any way that Alternative 2 could be structured as a joint <br />meeting so that it broadens the attendance. <br />Assistant to the City Administrator Brama stated that while he could not speak on behalf of the <br />Chamber, he assumed they would not agree to a joint meeting. <br />Chairperson Steffen stated he was in favor of Alternative 1 and would like to consider ways to <br />increase attendance. He added he was not opposed to being a trusted partner with the <br />manufacturers' cohort but was not in favor of replacing the EDA's networking event with <br />Alternative 2. <br />It was the consensus of the EDA to direct staff to continue the status quo with respect to the <br />annual fall networking event. <br />Chairperson Steffen requested ideas for a speaker or topic for the networking event. <br />Member Brunt suggested having someone speak about the MNsure program. <br />City Administrator Ulrich suggested having Development Services Manager Gladhill discuss the <br />Community Development Department's impact on local business, e.g., sign ordinances, approval <br />of expansion plans, and sharing information about the City's new strategic plan. <br />Chairperson Steffen suggested allocating ten minutes to the City's Business of the Year. <br />It was also the consensus of the EDA that the annual networking event should include remarks <br />by Mayor Strommen, remarks by Development Services Manager Gladhill, comments by <br />Vision -Ease, and consider a presentation about the MNsure program if time permits. <br />4.02: EDA Updates <br />Assistant to the City Administrator Brama presented the EDA updates and advised that the old <br />LeTourneau SuperValu building has been sold to Java Investments with the intention of <br />renovating then selling the property. He stated the City received interest from Premier about <br />listing the entire 167/47 parcel and the City is seeing more leases in that node as well, especially <br />in the convenience store building. He reported that the Police Department has started an <br />initiative to visit all Ramsey businesses to obtain feedback about the City's public safety services <br />with a goal of visiting over 300 businesses by December. He stated that recruitment continues <br />for the Economic Development Manager and five applicants will be interviewed by phone in the <br />near future. <br />4.03: Community Development Update <br />Assistant to the City Administrator Brama reported that Molin Concrete is in the process of <br />completing a 10,000 square foot expansion of their facility. He also reported that Cullinan <br />Economic Development Authority /September 19, 2013 <br />Page 3 of 5 <br />