Minutes - Economic Development Authority - 04/19/2004

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Case #3: QCTV Economic DeveloPment Program/Business Spotlight Associate Planner Wald explained that The Business Connection newsletter was designed in an attempt to connect and communicate with the business community. Each publication contains a business spotlight, which includes a complimentary piece about an individual business and their related operation. On April 2, 2004, Associate Planner Wald and Scott Darsow from Life Fitness attmnpted to complete a professional interview at the QCTV studio. After the interview, Associate Planner Wald attempted to update the viewers on projects the EDA is working on and provide information on upcoming events. The EDA agreed that the cable program was ia great idea and requested that the first copy be brought to the next EDA meeting for their:review. Associate Planner Wald inquired if the EDA had any suggestions as to which businesses they should interview. The following is a list of businesses recommended by the EDA to be interviewed: · Life Fitness · Connexus Energy · Hi-Tech Motor Sports Grosslein Beverage · Vision Ease · Northfork PACT Charter School Case #4: Highway #10 Business ReloCation Potential Associate Planner Wald explained that the City Council recently introduced an ordinance to officially map the portion of Highway 10 that will be utilized for future highway 10 improvements. The adoption of the official map will allow the City the ability to request Right of Way Acquisition Loan Funds (RALF) from the Metropolitan Council to purchase properties from willing sellers when opportunities arise. At the January EDA meeting the authority stated interest in reviewing the types of existing businesses located within the subject corridor and determine if they have potential to establish themselves within Ramsey at a different location. Highway 10 in Ramsey has a wide variety of businesses located in the area between the train tracks and the highway. Staff provided the EDA with a comprehensive list of businesses within the corridor; which staff reviewed to identify businesses that the City may be interested in establishing somewhere in Ramsey. The purpose of the case was to initiate a discussion with the EDA regarding the business list, identified businesses, and defining the scope of this project. It would appear that the EDA would ultimately need to provide a recommendation to the City Council; however what the recommendation consists of will depend on the scope of the project. Member LeTourneau inquired if there was a need to move any of the businesses right away. Economic Development Authority April 19, 2004 Page 5 of 10