Agenda - Economic Development Authority - 08/09/2004

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were not sealed and are still used for monitoring of the landfill site. Another challenge specific to this site was addressed by MPCA. Currently MPCA has a storm sewer line that traverses the property. Staff has received permission to move that storm sewer line to accommodate development that may occur on this site. This action will be driven by necessity when we have a prospect signed to a development agreement. Staff's dealing with MPCA has been very productive they have been very responsive and reasonable to our requests for development in Sunfish Lake Business Park. This is one of the sites being proposed in the earlier mentioned RFP. Old Town Hall: The EDA has been discussing Old Town Hall for several months.' During discussions at past meetings, the general consensus of the EDA was to utilize the building as an informational or special events building and not for a retail or office user. The EDA also preliminary agreed that the building will need to be relocated in order to utilize the building for any use. In light of the general consensus that old town hall shOUld not be used for a revenue generator, it seems appropriate that the details of where old town hall should be located and how the use ties into the location should be determined by the City Council. The City Council briefly discussed the town hall topic at a work session on June 8, 2004. The Council generally agreed they did not want to utilize the building for retail or office space. The City Council generally agreed that the building should be relocated within the City. The Assistant City Administrator will be leading the town hall case through the City Council at this time, however the EDA may be asked to weigh in at a later date related to location and specific use. Rum River Commercial Node: Staff was displeased to receive a letter on July 28, 2004 from Dom Law Firm, who is representing Bob Muller, stating their displeasure with the City and their willingness to initiate a law suite. The City Council the City Attorney was directed to respond to Dom Law Firm's. Until the City Attorney has had the chance to respond to the accusations, the Rum River Commercial Node Study will need to be put on hold. Hawaiian Open: Staff is excited to report that the 2004 Business Appreciation Day is generating a lot of interest in the business community. In fact, to date there are 144 pmticipates and for the first time in 4 years businesses are calling to reserve a dinner spot even though they will not be participating in the golfing portion of the. day. Staff has also been able to secure 32 holes sponsofs, which is a record number of sponsors for the event. Staff is busy coordinating the event in an attempt to provide a fun and enjoyable day. Business Tour: Staff would like to discuss with the EDA the possibility of coordinating a Business Tour for sometime in the fall. Staff is interested in obtaining feedback regarding what businesses the EDA would like to tour. Staff will prepare a case discussing the tour for the September EDA meeting, however please forward any ideas or suggestions regarding what business, the day, time, and structure of the event to Megan prior to the September meeting. Business Connection: Due to the busy summer season and one business declining to participate in the Business Spotlight, a Business Connection has not been published for a few months. The next target date for the connection to be issued is in late August.