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<br />The Board, staff, Mr. Hart and Mr. Johnson discussed the following: <br /> <br />· Location of the proposed sign <br />· Possibility of an LED sign <br />· Signage for the entire Ramsey Town Center, rather than specific users <br />· Possibility of Ramsey Town Center signage being located on the municipal parking ramp <br />· Obstacles in getting a commitment from restaurants <br />· Need for daytime traffic to obtain tenant commitments <br />· Future plans for the Highway 10 and Armstrong Boulevard intersection <br /> <br />Member Strommen suggested a future case for the EDA to conduct a comprehensive study of the <br />obstacles with Ramsey Town Center, including a discussion of what the City can do and what is <br />beyond the City's control, and where the EDA should put their efforts. <br /> <br />Mr. Hart stated there is a hornet's nest brewing at Town Center; however, he believes the <br />grocery store is going better than it was, and the long term effect will be positive. Solomon <br />Group as owners is trying to come forward with a commitment and plan. They will put money <br />into this and want it to be successful. They would like to be able to announce to the tenants that <br />they have come up with a solution and inform them of what they as owners and the City have <br />come up with in terms of how this will be worked out to make a commitment to Ramsey Town <br />Center. It does not need to be elaborate, but it needs to be consistent. <br /> <br />Member LeTourneau stated the one thing coming from the marketing meetings was the need for <br />branding and identification, and to communicate that to the community. He would like the City <br />or someone involved to follow through on the branding for Ramsey Town Center. The City <br />would not necessarily need to put up a sign for specific business, but there could be a Welcome <br />to Town Center sign that would let people know it is there. The momentum is not there right <br />now, but as the momentum continues to build, having that branding will make things easier. <br /> <br />Member Kiefer commented originally RTC, LLC was supposed to take the lead on the branding, <br />but in light of the recent developments the City needs to step up to the plate and take over the <br />lead in terms of the branding for this to be a successful project. <br /> <br />Mr. Hart asked if the City would like input from Solomon Group regarding marketing groups in <br />relation to the marketing initiative. <br /> <br />Member Strommen indicated Council discussed this at their strategic planning session. With the <br />past efforts she does not think the City Council was aware the City was paying for The <br />Tinklenberg Group's involvement with the marketing group. Second, The Tinklenberg Group is <br />not a marketing firm. Third, Council decided they would like the City to participate with the <br />marketing group, but that it may not be appropriate for the City to be the lead and the facilitator. <br />In addition, consultant costs needed to be reduced in the budget and Council did not feel the <br />budget had room to pay for a marketing consultant. Council determined that Economic <br />Development Coordinator Sullivan could act as a liaison, but that the marketing group would be <br />in control with a facilitator. She noted the EDA could provide a different recommendation, but <br />should be aware of the Council's determination. <br /> <br />Economic Development Authority/March 8, 2007 <br />Page 5 of9 <br />