Minutes - Council Work Session - 01/26/2016

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Mr. Mulrooney stated that Elk River does have some scattered sites and also has 190 acres adjacent to their current business park that they can open up in the future. He stated that the competition would come down to incentives. Asst. City Administrator/Economic Development Manager Brama stated that in doing research on neighboring cities and competition, he has found Elk River is the most aggressive city in terms of being proactive in economic development. He stated that the City can purchase and sit on land, will install infrastructure ahead of development and will also sell land at low prices to attract economic development. Mr. Mulrooney stated that Ramsey has a proven track record and noted that the City continues to make steady progress on the issues that affect economic development. 2.02: Discuss 2016 DRAFT Legislative Platform City Administrator Ulrich reviewed the staff report for the draft legislative platform, which is adopted annually. Councilmember Riley asked what the City does with this platform. City Administrator Ulrich stated that this document is shared with legislators in order to provide them with a list of items that the City is interested/concerned with. He noted that the list is also shared with the North Metro Mayors Association and represents what is important for the City, both staff and the Council. He stated that it also provides direction to staff and helps with prioritization. Mayor Strommen stated that the list also helps the legislative representatives for the City know the position of the City, rather than having to guess. City Administrator Ulrich stated that the document also provides an opportunity for the City to determine the support level of the legislators on certain issues, whether they are friend or foe to the issue. Councilmember LeTourneau stated that he would place Highway 10 at the top of the list. Mayor Strommen stated that she would place Highway 10 and adequate funding for transportation at the top of the list as this will be a big bonding year. She stated that she would also leave zip code on the list, even though that is mainly a federal item, and would also add an item regarding railroad safety as that is a big issue for the City. She noted that funding local roads, non-MSA, has also been an issue and that could be placed on the list as well as that is consistent with the Strategic Plan. She referenced the item regarding ground water and noted that the item could be expanded to provide a sustainable way for municipalities to supply water with funding distributed equally. City Administrator Ulrich stated that fiscal disparities works for the City now but noted that the Citywould want to be notified if that were proposed for change. City Council Work Session / January 26, 2016 Page 3 of 5