Agenda - Economic Development Authority - 03/08/2018

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