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Community Development Director Gladhill explained the purpose of the meeting today and how <br /> the group will brainstorm to develop broad long-term goals which will then lead to specific goals <br /> for the future. He invited the members to write their ideas on post-it notes. He then summarized <br /> the clusters of goals that were received including an expanded industrial park. It was confirmed <br /> that the goal should be combined to "expanded and retained employment base". <br /> Member Johns noted that she wants to ensure that there are available spaces for businesses that <br /> want to take the next step and expand to the next level, specifically homebased businesses that <br /> are reaching that next level. <br /> Economic Dev. Mgr./Assistant City Administrator Brama stated that the first goal could be the <br /> development of commercial and industrial land and tax base. He noted that business retention <br /> could fall under that goal but could also be its own goal, as there are separate actions needed for <br /> those activities. <br /> Community Development Director Gladhill confirmed the consensus that although the goals <br /> work together, they should be listed separately. He reviewed the next cluster of ideas related to <br /> The COR. It was confirmed that the goal should be that The COR is fully built out according to <br /> the plan. He moved to the next cluster related to Highway 10 and transportation. It was <br /> confirmed that the goal would be for Highway 10 to have improved safety, reduced congestion, <br /> and an improved image. <br /> Member Skaff stated that NorthStar is a great amenity and believes that Ramsey would be on the <br /> map if there were an Amtrak stop. <br /> Community Development Director Gladhill noted that he would include broader infrastructure <br /> on a parking lot list. He moved to the next cluster regarding retail recruitment. It was confirmed <br /> that the goal would be to provide increased options for retail and restaurants for residents and <br /> employers. <br /> Member Skaff noted that the increased retail and restaurant options would not only be a benefit <br /> to residents but would also help to build the well-rounded perception of Ramsey, which will help <br /> to attract employers. <br /> Community Development Director Gladhill asked for input on signage. <br /> Member Johns noted that there are locations in Ramsey that have clusters of signs that are not <br /> organized or coordinated and therefore the aesthetic is cluttered, and people may not pay <br /> attention to any of the signs. <br /> Member Riley stated that monument signs would be nice to help differentiate when you enter <br /> Ramsey and help to define that border and entry places. <br /> Community Development Director Gladhill stated that in the future there may be an incentive to <br /> cluster signs or perhaps funding to bury overhead power lines,which can also clutter an area. He <br /> confirmed that the goal should be to improve the image and brand for the community in key <br /> Economic Development Authority/January 25,2018 <br /> Page 2 of 5 <br />