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Chairperson Steffen stated that loves the concept of mixed use with retail on the bottom and <br />apartments on the top. He recognized that this remnant parcel is challenging and commented that <br />this seems to be great use of that space. <br /> <br />Motion by Chairperson Steffen, seconded by Member Riley, to recommend to City Council to <br />approve the Purchase Agreement for Outlot B, COR Stone Brook Academy, subject to City <br />Attorney approval. <br /> <br />Motion carried. Voting Yes: Chairperson Steffen, Members Riley, Cords, and Kuzma. Voting <br />No: None. Absent: Member Burandt. Abstain: Member Heineman. <br /> <br />4.05: Consider Recommendation of Support for Telecommuter Forward! Certification <br /> <br />Economic Development Manager Sullivan presented the staff report. <br /> <br />Matt Woestehoff, 16078 Uraninite St NW, stated that he is a Director of Technology and has <br />worked from home for the past few months. He stated that it can increase the digital divide, with <br />people working from home and children distancing learning. He noted that Ramsey is in a good <br />position in terms of internet access. He stated that the certification is fairly simple and that more <br />people will continue to work from home even after COVID. He stated that the historic focus of <br />the EDA has been to draw businesses to the community, but this would also help to bring additional <br />residents and provide access for those residents. <br /> <br />Member Riley asked the amount of staff time that would be necessary. <br /> <br />Mr. Woestehoff commented that it would depend upon the staff member. He did not imagine it <br />would take much time because of availability of high quality broadband in Ramsey. He noted that <br />it could simply be an annual report to the EDA or Council related to broadband access. <br /> <br />Economic Development Manager Sullivan stated that he spoke with other participants and those <br />staff members have experienced a very little demand on staff time. He stated that this program <br />would help the City from a grant position to make necessary investments but did not believe that <br />would be applicable to Ramsey because there are other areas that have a much higher demand. He <br />stated that he views this as a marketing element and estimated that minimal staff time would be <br />necessary. He stated that he could be the contact for the program and did not feel that it would <br />add much to his duties. <br /> <br />Member Cords stated that it would seem there are some operational costs in terms of staff time but <br />asked if there are capital costs. <br /> <br />Mr. Woestehoff commented that he is not aware of capital costs as it would simply involve <br />designating a contact person to DEED and a resolution of approval. He agreed that for Ramsey it <br />would be more of a marketing tool, whereas in Nowthen it would be a bigger endeavor because of <br />their lacking infrastructure. He noted that the program began this year and therefore Ramsey <br />would join those communities that have chosen to participate early in the process. <br /> <br />Member Heineman asked if there would be any other cost to the City outside of the staff time. <br />Economic Development Authority/ October 8, 2020 <br />Page 5 of 7 <br /> <br />