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Economic Development Manager Sullivan stated that the advertising costs were identified with <br />specific rates in the staff report. He reviewed the discount offered by Clear Channel along with <br />the different advertising choices offered by iDigital. <br /> <br />Chairperson Steffen asked and received confirmation that a digital sign makes sense on Highway <br />10. He commented that this is a unanimous decision by the EDA that this digital billboard should <br />move forward. He asked if there is a preference for one company or the flexibility of two <br />companies. <br /> <br />Member Riley commented that he would prefer to have the input of the EDA as he will be able to <br />provide his input as a Councilmember during the Council discussion. <br /> <br />Member Howell commented that she preferred the multiple options that were made available <br />through iDigital because of the options it would provide to local businesses. <br /> <br />Chairperson Steffen asked if the EDA were to select iDigital, would the Clear Channel proposal <br />not move forward to the Council. <br /> <br />Economic Development Manager Sullivan replied that he will move this forward as the EDA <br />prefers. He stated that if the groups wants to move forward with two, he would prefer to have it <br />further vetted at EDA and the group then make a single recommendation to the Council. He <br />commented that there is a lot of value to the iDigital proposal, but he would also feel comfortable <br />that Clear Channel could also provide a good sign. He stated that iDigital would be entering a new <br />market and therefore that proposal is aggressive, and they are motivated. He stated that Clear <br />Channel is in the market and therefore would perhaps want to defend that turf. He stated that he <br />would prefer not to develop competing proposals but rather focus on what is best for Ramsey <br />businesses. He stated that the cheapest advertising for Ramsey businesses would be provided <br />through iDigital. <br /> <br />Deputy City Administrator Gladhill commented that the recommendation would be provided to <br />the Council, but they would still receive the information within the case. He stated that the decision <br />of the EDA would be whether it feels confident making a recommendation today or whether it <br />would like to interview the two groups in May and make a recommendation at that time. <br /> <br />Member Olson commented that Lamar should clearly be out and believed that both iDigital and <br />Clear Channel would be viable options. He stated that iDigital appears to be the better choice and <br />the higher quality sign will stand out moving forward as lower quality would begin to look outdated <br />sooner. He stated that he also likes that the company would be willing to move the sign. <br />Chairperson Steffen agreed that iDigital seems to be the preferred choice and recognized that the <br />next step would be to determine whether the Council would support a digital billboard. <br />Motion by Member Cords, seconded by Member MacLennan, to recommend to City Council to <br />further investigate and approve the concept of a digital billboard on Highway 10 with the EDA <br />preference for vendor as iDigital. <br />Economic Development Authority/ April 8, 2021 <br />Page 7 of 12 <br /> <br />