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Member Riley stated that he would be in favor of that use because of the City's desire to have <br />that use. <br />Chairperson Steffen asked if staff is suggesting making a change to the underwriting for that <br />process for start-up restaurants. <br />Economic Development Mgr./Assistant City Administrator Brama explained that start-up <br />restaurants often have trouble qualifying for financing because it is a high -risk business. He <br />stated that in order to be available and aggressive, the City would most likely need to open its <br />standards a bit. <br />Member Hardin agreed that restaurants are tough for financing because there is little collateral <br />and credit can be an issue for a high -risk business. He stated that he would be leery of offering a <br />discount on sewer and water connection fees for one type of business and not others. <br />Chairperson Steffen stated that there was an issue with the Lunchbox in the past, as to whether <br />the developer or user would receive credit for that. <br />Economic Development Mgr./Assistant City Administrator Brama stated that staff was able to <br />work out the details with the Lunchbox and Acapulco. <br />Member Burandt stated that he understands the viewpoint of Member Hardin with "winners and <br />losers" and the tool not applying equally. He stated that it is a goal of the City to have <br />restaurants and therefore the City should have strategies to attract that type of business. <br />Economic Development Mgr./Assistant City Administrator Brama explained that retail and <br />restaurants do not qualify for TIF use, while industrial uses do qualify for TIF use. <br />Member Hardin noted that TIF funds are recouped while water fees would not be recouped. <br />Chairperson Steffen noted that tool five would most likely be a discussion for another day. He <br />stated that in summary the EDA likes most of the tools and would recommend bringing back the <br />tools as one policy, or multiple policies for review. <br />Member Riley stated that the City continues to hear that there are no restaurants and no places to <br />shop, so therefore this needs to remain a priority and the EDA has a role in this. He believed that <br />any of these tools would be helpful in attracting restaurants. <br />Member Kanaventi asked whether the EDA has found why the Lunchbox failed or closed. <br />Economic Development Mgr./Assistant City Administrator Brama stated that staff received <br />feedback from the user that it comes down to demographics and the traffic coming into their <br />business was not sustainable. He stated that towards the end the customer base was getting <br />stronger, but the business was not willing to continue down the path. He stated that the business <br />did say the traffic is growing and the new apailinent buildings and other new development is <br />creating more traffic. <br />Economic Development Authority/May 10, 2018 <br />Page 3 of 5 <br />