Minutes - Economic Development Authority - 03/13/2025

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Member MacLennan stated that perhaps the drive-thru makes up for the smaller seating area as they will be able to service more people with both options. He stated that a ten-year lease is a big commitment, which is good for Ramsey. He stated that he could support either option. Motion by Member Johnson, seconded by Member Lindahl, to recommend to City Council for contingent approval of a $13,881 (70%) SAC and WAC loan to King Baguette; subject to underwriting, project qualification, and City Attorney review. Further discussion: Member Riley stated that EDA has been called on to do what it can to bring in restaurants. He recognized that this is a policy to be interpreted by the EDA and while this request may not hit all the requirements, he believed that it is close and is an amenity desired by the community, therefore he will be supporting this. Motion carried. Voting Yes: Chairperson Wiyninger, Members Johnson, Lindahl, MacLennan, Riley, and Stewart. Voting No: None. Absent: None. 4.02: 2025 Business Network Breakfast Summary and Approval of 2026 Business Network Meeting Budget Economic Development Manager Sullivan presented the staff report. Member Lindahl commented that the keynote speaker was kicked up a notch and believed they should aim to stay at that level. She asked what the savings that would be gained through food. Economic Development Manager Sullivan estimated a cost of $10 to $12 per plate. He noted that they budgeted $2,340 for food when the actual cost came in at $2,755 which pushed the event over budget. He stated that the EDA does have funds to cover that, so it is not a huge issue to have ordered too much food. Member Riley commented that he approves of what staff did this year, trying to minimize while ensuring there is enough food. He commented that staff did the right thing. He stated that while he likes the idea of having a speaker, there are some speakers in the governmental area that could speak on off years, perhaps for free. He suggested alternating between a governmental -type speaker and a motivational/business speaker. He stated that if there is no charge for the governmental speaker, that could then provide $5,000 for the motivational/business speaker without impacting the budget. Member Johnson asked if it would be considered to have police and fire speak about what is expected of a business, or perhaps the Economic Development Director for Anoka County, and asked if staff believe that would be well received by businesses. Economic Development Manager Sullivan stated that if they alternate years for speakers as Member Riley suggested, those would be good options for those years. Chairperson Wiyninger asked if there would be an opportunity for a local business to sponsor a speaker for the event, which would allow for a higher -quality speaker each year. Economic Development Authority/ March 13, 2025 Page 3 of 5