Laserfiche WebLink
<br />Mr. LeTourneau stated that he does not have an exact number as he does not track that information <br />but noted that he has received input from the businesses that they have been able to find the <br />employees they need using the cohort. <br /> <br />Councilmember Heineman referenced the 5-2 vote for the EDA and noted that there were only six <br />members present. He asked for clarification on that. He stated that it was mentioned there were <br />over 100 members, 21 of those within Ramsey, and asked if those members pay dues. <br /> <br />Mr. LeTourneau replied that there are participants that are members of Chamber of Commerce and <br />some that are not. He explained that while they encourage membership, it is not a requirement in <br />order to participate in the cohort. <br /> <br />Councilmember Heineman asked the number of members that pay dues. <br /> <br />Mr. LeTourneau estimated that 60 percent of the businesses are members. <br /> <br />Councilmember Heineman stated that Anoka Utility seems to be the only other municipal related <br />member and asked if that organization renewed its membership. <br /> <br />Mr. LeTourneau replied that they appeared in front of that Council within the past month and the <br />support was renewed. <br /> <br />Councilmember Heineman stated that the request is for $5,000 and asked the revenue that is <br />received annually from the other contributors. <br /> <br />Mr. Turok estimated that $30,000 to $35,000 is received annually. <br /> <br />Mr. LeTourneau stated that the direction from the Chamber of Commerce Board is that the cohort <br />will self-fund. <br /> <br />Deputy City Administrator Gladhill clarified that the EDA vote was 4-2 as there was a vacancy on <br />the EDA at that time. <br /> <br />Councilmember Specht appreciated the information in the presentation. He stated that it is great <br />to hear about the partnership with the schools and how this assists manufacturing businesses. He <br />asked if this funding would come from the EDA budget. <br /> <br />Deputy City Administrator Gladhill confirmed that the funding would come from the EDA fund. <br /> <br />Councilmember Specht asked if typically, the Council provides leeway in how the EDA uses its <br />funds. <br /> <br />Deputy City Administrator Gladhill confirmed that there are items in which the EDA can delegate <br />its own funding. He noted that in the past, this came forward to the City Council because Mr. <br />LeTourneau was a part of the Council and staff wanted to avoid a conflict of interest. He noted <br />that going forward this could remain a duty of the EDA. <br />City Council / May 11, 2021 <br />Page 8 of 20 <br /> <br />