Agenda - Council - 02/26/1979 - Laserfiche WebLink

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METROPOLITAN COUNCIL Suite 300 Metro Square Building, Saint Paul, Minnesota 55101 July 17, 1978 RURAL AREA TASK FORCE Minutes of the Rural Center Subcommittee June 30, 1978 MEMBERS PRESENT: Harris, Dehn for Mevissen, Lind, McDowell, Lyons MEMBERS ABSENT: Fischer, Hiller, Stalke, LaValle The meeting was convened at 1:50 p.m. The minutes of the June 9, 1978 meeting were accepted as written. Mary Abdul-Rahman of staff briefed members on the status of the Rural Center survey, indicating that a mayor, clerk, councilperson and planner/planning commissioner in each center had been mailed a questionnaire. She also noted that out of a total of 124 persons surveyed, approximately 30 percent had responded as of that date. Members agreed that at least a 50-60 percent total response should be attempted for maximum credibility and that each would contact persons in his county to encourage further response and answer any questions from respondents. Staff agreed to furnish each member with a list of contacts in his area. Mary Abdul-Rahman next noted that Jerry Mevissen, a Task Force member from northwest Hennepin County, was unable to attend subcommittee meetings because of professional commit- ments and had asked Marlys Dehn of Dayton to substitute for him. Mrs. Dehn was introduced. Jim Lushine from the Minnesota Department of Development was introduced and addressed the subcommittee on the subject of industrial development in rural centers. Mr. Lushine's com- ments included the following remarks: The Minnesota Department of Economic Development's primary goal is to encourage and support balanced economic growth in both urban and rural Minnesota. The Department assists communities in industrial development, offers assistance to existing industries in their expansion needs, and acts as liaison between Minnesota communities and the state government. Lashine, in particular, represents the Department in rural and urban communities of Region 11. The Department publishes a number of reports and periodicals on industrial and commercial development including: "Minnesota Statistical Profile" - Outline of population, education, business and industry, taxation, financial aids in the state which are available to prospects interested in Minnesota locations. "Minnesota Industrial Development News" - Listing of available industrial buildings and space. "Economic Growth Record" - Track record for the state. (He noted that Minnesota has a good record and that although it has lost some industry, taxes are only 7th or 8th in the list of reasons.) "New Jobs Program" - Pre-level/entry level training programs available for a particular industry. (He noted that 75 percent of the training is paid by state funds.) "50 Good Reasons to be in Minnesota" - A public relations publication. Various research papers on specific aspects of industry, e.g., publishing, science and technology, micro electronics. 7 "Minnesota Mystiquel' 8 "New and Expanding Industry" - Published annually. Most industrial activity (2/3-3/4) is within the Metropolitan Area. Eighty percent is from within existing industry. Rural centers compete with urban areas. There are 90 industrial parks within the 494-694 beltline. Ail have good access, utilities, and the benefit of set land costs.