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<br />private sector. The organization is getting some private support from companies located in <br />Anoka County; however, it will not likely be any more self sufficient than government is. He <br />explained Anoka County Partners is trying to work on issues of commonality between the cities <br />that by themselves the cities cannot necessarily address effectively, for example, Highway 10 <br />and transportation, and things of that nature. <br /> <br />Member Schindel asked how many paid staff members are employed by Anoka County Partners. <br />Economic Development Coordinator Sullivan replied David Piggot is the only staff member. <br /> <br />Councilmember Strommen asked where the organization is currently in relation to the goal to <br />achieve an 80% participation level from the municipalities. Economic Development Coordinator <br />Sullivan replied he believes the participation is at 6 or 7 of the 20 municipalities. A lot of the <br />municipalities that have joined are smaller populated cities, and the membership fee is based on <br />population. Also, the membership last year was only at 3 or 4 municipalities. <br /> <br />Member Strommen asked if there are larger cities that have committed to membership. <br />Economic Development Coordinator Sullivan replied Andover just committed; Anoka has their <br />EDA committed and it will be going through the City Council; Blaine is not committed at this <br />point and likely will not commit. Anoka, Andover and Ramsey have all committed; all three of <br />these communities definitely have transportation issues and commonality between them. <br /> <br />Member Strommen inquired about the possibility of committing $5,000, rather than the $10,000 <br />that is based on Ramsey's population. Economic Development Coordinator Sullivan replied <br />Ramsey would not sit on the Board without full membership; currently Community <br />Development Director Trudgeon sits on the Board. <br /> <br />Member Schindel questioned if the City is getting leads due to their membership. Economic <br />Development Coordinator Sullivan replied yes he has gotten leads. He looks forward to the <br />website and database that will be online; this will be invaluable information for him. <br /> <br />Chairperson Riley inquired about the City's membership on the Board. Economic Development <br />Coordinator Sullivan replied there are quarterly Board meetings and he meets four times per year <br />with his colleagues from other member cities. <br /> <br />Member Schindel inquired how it is determined where business prospects are directed. <br />Economic Development Coordinator Sullivan explained the prospect would be directed to the <br />web site that will provide a view of Anoka County, and will include the site inventory database. <br />Economic Development Consultant Mulrooney indicated in talking with Mr. Piggott, the <br />emphasis on the website will be on parcels available in member communities. <br /> <br />Chairperson Riley asked if Anoka County Partnership is under the blessing of Anoka County. <br />Economic Development Coordinator Sullivan replied Anoka County is participating with the <br />organization. Economic Development Consultant Mulrooney indicated Mr. Piggott was hired <br />about I 12 years ago and brought on board to re-Iaunch the Anoka County Economic <br />Development Partnership as Anoka County Partners. The County funds half of the budget. The <br /> <br />Economic Development Authority/May 10,2007 <br />Page 4 of7 <br />