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EDA BUSINESS Case #1: Budget / Consulting Fee Line Item in EDA Budget A few members initiated discussions regarding the amount the City spends on consulting fees at a previous meeting. Mike Mulrooney, Advance Resources for Development, Inc., was present to discuss the consulting fees. He stated he has served in an advisory capacity to the City for the last five to six years. Mr. Mulrooney explained his background and stated he had been working in the economic development area for 28 years. He felt, because he works in the private sector, he understands current economic development trends. He gave each EDA member a handout detailing the services offered by Advance Resources for Development, Inc. Mr. Mulrooney stated he has been involved in economic development, especially relating to individual business and industrial parks. He was also available to advise in the development of Town Center and was active in negotiations between the City and the Town Center LLC regarding the Memo of Understanding. Mr. Mulrooney also discussed his involvement in helping the City secure state and federal grants. The EDA continued with a discussion about accessing grants, where the money goes, details regarding payout and payback. Mr. Mulrooney talked about other communities and their experiences. Discussion followed regarding various programs that could be accessed. Case #2: Business Tour Associate Planner Wald explained that staff would like to coordinate a business tour with EDA and City Council members as an effort to continue communications with the Ramsey Business community. The May publication of the Ramsey Messenger is requesting participation from interested business owners who would like the City to tour their facility. She explained that the joint tour will be held in the month of June; however, an exact date and time has not been decided. What business facilities and the number of businesses toured also needs to be determined. Associate Planner Wald asked the EDA to discuss a date and time for the business tour and to direct staff to contact businesses that should be included in the tour. A discussion followed regarding businesses that should be considered. Associate Planner Wald asked if the tour should cover half a day and asked if five businesses would be an acceptable number to tour. She told the EDA she would stay in contact via e-mail and will contact the Council members. Case #3: Rum River Commercial Area Redevelopment Study Associate Planner Wald stated that McComb Group is in the process of completing a redevelopment study for the retail node at 167th Avenue and Highway #47 (Rum River Commercial Area). The business and land owners of the subject retail node got together on April 29, 2003, to discuss their individual intentions for the future and discuss the retail node collaboratively. Jim McComb from McComb Group was in attendance and supplied the attendees with a "Demographic and Income Snapshot." Mr. McComb stated that they have Economic Development Authority / May 12, 2003 Page 2 of 5