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4.02: EDA Updates Business Expo Economic Development Manager LaFrance advised that the business expo has been set for April 19 and staff is finalizing plans for the expo. He advised that staff is considering whether to include some type of children's activity during the expo such as a bouncy house as a way to draw a larger crowd of parents with kids who might enjoy some type of activity. Member Skaff expressed support for a children's activity if the weather cooperates, adding that the issue will be supervision and whether parents are willing to let their kids be under supervision by someone else. Chairperson Steffen suggested a children's activity on a smaller scale such as a game. Old Municipal Center Site Assistant to the City Administrator Brama provided background information regarding the Old Municipal Center site and advised that four meetings have been held thus far and the final meeting is scheduled for March 24 and will include a draft report summarizing all the comments and input received to date. He stated that the final meeting will ask the group a series of questions including questions about noise and whether the City would be able to properly mitigate noise if a data center were constructed on the site. He stated the group will then be asked whether, based on all the information presented, they feel a data center would be an acceptable use for the site. Prospect Updates Economic Development Manager LaFrance advised that this business is working with two other businesses to discuss combining their resources and has decided to add an additional 10,000 square feet to their existing facility within the year and will require 100,000 square feet in the next couple of years. Business Retention & Expansion Program Economic Development Manager LaFrance stated that all information has been sent to Greater MSP for input into the database. He advised that staff met with Altron Manufacturing on February 4 and Mr. Merrit was pleased with the City's approach. 167/47 Commercial Node Economic Development Manager LaFrance stated that a meeting was held on January 16 for the purpose of drafting a road map for this node to move forward and staff is currently considering how many rooftops will be needed to sustain the square footage of retail in this area. Development Services Manager Gladhill provided an update regarding Total Defense and advised the City Council approved the ordinance change on February 11 which sets into motion the thirty -day publication period starting February 14 and it is anticipated the applicant will submit a CUP application. He stated the owner of the child care center expressed concern regarding the proximity of an indoor shooting range to the child care center and the City held an open house with an estimated 100 -150 people in attendance on both sides of the issue. He noted there is a counter - petition process in the City Charter that requires 2,800 signatures to place the Economic Development Authority/February 13, 2014 Page 3 of 7