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The meeting reconvened to open session at 8:43 a.m. <br /> Economic Dev. Mgr./Assistant City Administrator Brama confirmed the consensus of the Board <br /> with the pricing strategy as proposed. <br /> 5. MEMBER/STAFF UPDATE <br /> 5.01: 2017 Business Retention and Expansion Program Report <br /> Econ. Dev. Mgr/Assistant City Administrator Brama reviewed the staff report, reviewing the <br /> business retention and expansion program activity for 2017. <br /> Member Burandt asked if additional background information will be given to the City Council <br /> regarding certain comments, using Highway 10 as an example. <br /> Economic Dev. Mgr./Assistant City Administrator Brama confirmed that additional background <br /> information is available. <br /> Chairperson Steffen asked the official response regarding additional low-income housing. <br /> Economic Dev. Mgr./Assistant City Administrator Brama stated that there is not an official <br /> response. He noted that unofficially, he has observed the City may potentially be reaching their <br /> limit on low income housing specifically located on City owned land within The COR. He <br /> stated that on privately owned property, the City would not have control as long as the property <br /> owner has entitlement to the property and is not requesting City assistance. <br /> Chairperson Steffen asked if there is a list of businesses to visit in 2018. <br /> Economic Dev. Mgr./Assistant City Administrator Brama stated that the list has not yet been <br /> generated. <br /> Chairperson Steffen stated that he would like to see the list once generated, noting that he likes to <br /> attend the visits with staff. <br /> Member Skaff noted that he would also be interested. <br /> Member Riley stated that he would like to see this information presented to the City Council in a <br /> worksession with multiple years of data so that discussion can occur. He asked if the comments <br /> regarding low-income housing are coming from the businesses and whether the businesses feel <br /> that is hurting their business. <br /> Economic Dev. Mgr./Assistant City Administrator Brama provided inputs that he has received. <br /> He noted, he was told by businesses that if there is too high of a concentration of low-income <br /> housing in one area, it can deteriorate the perception of the community, and it can deteriorate the <br /> perceived value of properties in an area, and Ramsey business owners have invested a lot in their <br /> properties, and have a lot of pride in their properties. He noted that he also hears that some <br /> Economic Development Authority/January 11,2018 <br /> Page 5 of 7 <br />