Minutes - Economic Development Authority - 12/14/2023

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Motion carried. Voting Yes: Chairperson Wiyninger, Members Johnson, Stewart, Howell, Lindahl, MacLennan, and Riley. Voting No: None. Absent: None. Economic Development Manager asked the applicant what the time frame was for opening the restaurant. Mr. Swanson stated that the lease commencement is January 1st with an estimated 12 weeks of construction and anticipated opening on May 1st 4.02: Consider EDA Funding for Replacement of Entrance Monument at TH #47 and Bunker Lake Boulevard NW Economic Development Manager Sullivan presented the staff report. Member Johnson asked what the sign used to look like as she could not recall. Member Riley commented that it was a smaller sign that was lit but did not match any of the other City signs. He noted that it did not stand out. Member Johnson stated that there has not been a sign in that location for a few years and she had not noticed the previous sign. She asked if that would be the proper focal point and perhaps those funds would be better allocated in another location. Economic Development Manager Sullivan stated that he likes signage that is done right and looks good. He agreed that the previous sign did not stand out. He commented that the Public Works Committee and Parks put a lot of thought into this to ensure that it will look nice and stand out. He noted that other communities have this type of signage at key entry points into the community. He stated that location does have a lot of eyes on it and trusted that the design is something that will be seen and will be a landmark. He stated that he does support the sign and noted that there is a significant EDA fund balance that has not been touched for a number of years and would consider this to be a capital expense as there should not be much for ongoing maintenance costs. He believed that there would still be funds to do other things in the COR and this expenditure would not limit the ability to do other projects in the future. Member Johnson stated that she does like the sign and was just questioning the location. Member Lindahl commented that perception is exactly why the sign should be there to alert people to the break between Anoka and Ramsey. She stated that the COR is easily identified as Ramsey while that area may be confusing as to where Anoka and Ramsey split. Chairperson Wiyninger agreed that it will be helpful to extend the branding to that edge and put the Ramsey stamp there. Member Riley stated that the City does have an existing location for the sign as well, which is helpful. He stated that they are limited as to what can be done in that location and this does follow Economic Development Authority/ December 14, 2023 Page 3 of 6