Agenda - Economic Development Authority - 01/11/2006

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Economic Development/TIF Specialist Sullivan reviewed that the EDA decided it is beneficial to continue to host Business Network Meetings. The winter network meeting will be scheduled sometime in January; he would like to hold the meeting the week of January 23rd. The meeting would be held in the morning, and would likely include a catered breakfast. He stated recently, Anoka County Partners was created by Anoka County. David Piggott is the new Executive Director for this body and his perspectives on regional and national economic development issues would be very informative for the local businesses as well as staff. Staff recommends booking David Piggott to speak at the winter meeting. Connexus Energy has been contacted to host the winter meeting and is willing to assist the City in this matter. Member Strommen asked if Connexus is willing to set up the room differently than was done at the last Business Network Meeting. Economic Development/TIF Specialist Sullivan replied Member Gromberg informed him he would be sure that the room is set up the way the EDA has requested. Economic Development/TIF Specialist Sullivan inquired if there is a specific list other than the normal business list that the EDA would like to send invitations to. The consensus was to invite businesses on the Chamber and Rotary lists, and the Ramsey Lions to the Winter Business Network Meeting. Economic Development/TiT Specialist Sullivan asked if the Commission is agreeable to the speaker suggestion of David Piggott, and if there are other suggestions if Mr. Piggott is unable to attend. Member Kiefer suggested Ken Blanchert, the One Minute Manager, be considered as a speaker. Acting Chairperson Steffen noted Mr. Blanchert would likely demand a heavy fee plus expenses, which is not in the EDA budget. Economic Development/TiT Specialist Sullivan suggested more notice be allowed for a speaker with this type of notoriety. Motion by Member Strommen, seconded by Member Kiefer, to direct staff to schedule the Winter Business Network Meeting the week of January 23, 2006, and to authorize staff to pay for the catered breakfast fi.om the EDA budget. Motion carried. Voting Yes: Acting Chairperson Steffen, Members Strommen, Kiefer, and LeToumeau. Voting No: None. Absent: Chairperson Riley, Members Elvig and Gromberg. Case #2: Industrial Land Acquisition Economic Development/TIF Specialist Sullivan reviewed that at the October 12, 2005 meeting staff was directed to look into acquiring more land for industrial development purposes. There was discussion of the parcel of land located north of Sunwood Drive and south of the landfill property. Staff contacted MPCA as directed by the EDA to discuss the possible acquisition of the property. MPCA is not willing to sell this land at the present time. Member Strommen stated the Public Works Committee has directed staff to talk to the MPCA regarding this site for a future Public Works Campus. Economic Development/TiT Specialist Sullivan replied the Public Works Campus and industrial land could both work in this area. Economic Development Authority/November 16, 2005 Page 2 of 5 2