Minutes - Council - 02/22/2022 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home

Mr. Turok replied that Councilmember Howell was right that he didn’t care because they are delivering the mission that is the cohort. Councilmember Heineman stated he looked at this from a business standpoint that not taking the suggestion to go out for bids but going with a company because they are a member of the Chamber didn’t make sense. He also stated he has been in different levels of business for a while and a lot of time when projects are being done, a detailed report is given so he agreed with the statement that tangible evidence of effectiveness should be given. He also agreed that it is beneficial to have the manufacturing cohort but didn’t agree to continuing to invest in an organization that isn’t being transparent. Mayor Kuzma commented that he sees the value in this because 26 businesses are part of this and two companies were awarded grants. Motion by Councilmember Riley, seconded by Councilmember Woestehoff, to Adopt Resolution #22-045 Approving Anoka Area Chamber of Commerce Manufacturers Cohort 2021-2022. Further discussion: Councilmember Howell asked why Councilmember Riley is willing to pay $5,000 on something they could get for free. Councilmember Musgrove stated it has been said that 26 Ramsey businesses participate but she asked if that number reflects those that have participated over the years, noting the work plan doesn’t give that information for the current year or last year. She was surprised that the Councilmembers are willing to pay tax payer dollars to fund this. Mayor Kuzma replied it is known that two companies got grants last year. Councilmember Musgrove replied they could have gotten those grants without any money. Councilmember Howell requested a roll call vote. Councilmember Specht commented that he could see the concerns and appreciated the questions. He stated the one thing that stands out is the question about whether the EDA didn’t have the information, and asked if there would be interest in having the EDA look at it again. Councilmember Howell replied she would support that. Councilmember Heineman referenced the comments about tangible numbers and stated if numbers are used without any data behind them then the answer is skewed. When hard numbers, tangible facts, and data driven reports are requested and the answer is lacking, that is not enough for the Council to decide. Councilmember Woestehoff asked if a friendly amendment could be added to say contingent upon reapproval of the EDA with the additional information. Councilmember Riley replied the information that is being said the EDA didn’t have, is where the other 18 communities went to. He didn’t feel that was important or that having more information would change their opinion. A roll vote was performed: Councilmember Heineman nay Councilmember Woestehoff aye Councilmember Specht nay Councilmember Musgrove nay Councilmember Howell nay Councilmember Riley aye Mayor Kuzma aye City Council / February 22, 2022 Page 9 of 34