08/09/07 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home

Economic Development Coordinator Sullivan reviewed that on July 31, 2007 the City Council held a work session to discuss the expanded powers of the ACHRA. The ACHRA now has the powers of an EDA and is able to participate in economic development projects. Karen Skepper from the County Community Development Department outlined the process that the County went through to expand the ACHRA's powers and explained why the powers were expanded. The results of a study conducted by Springsted identified gaps in the economic development programs of some cities and townships throughout Anoka County. Mr. Sullivan reviewed the following items identified in the gap analysis: 1. Ability to buy property with eminent domain has changed. 2. Limited financial resources dedicated to Economic Development. 3. Lack of staff dedicated to ED activities who have expertise and knowledge of ED tools. 4. Organization structure for sharing information. 5. Coordinated approach to improving the "image" of Anoka County. 6. Feasibility study of fiber optics infrastructure. 7. Availability of up to date demographic data and projections. 8. Central point of contact for business consideration locating in Anoka County. 9. Ability to provide economic development services to communities that currently don't have them. Economic Development Coordinator Sullivan indicated he does not see the need to dedicate funds towards this project. The only thing the City EDA does not really focus on is the regional aspect, which is why they joined Anoka County Partners; if that were to go away they may want to look at participating with the County next year or the year after. Chairperson Riley stated Ms. Skepper seemed to fairly well admit that Ramsey is doing a good job and would already be ahead of the County as far as the EDA. For the smaller cities and townships it seems like a great idea. The City is allowed to opt out of this. The one project the County identified that they would like to work on is fiber optics to outlying areas that cannot get high speed internet. They have identified that as a hold up to get businesses to go further out. He does not think that is much an issue for Ramsey. Economic Development Coordinator Sullivan pointed out that Ramsey has some high speed capabilities, but it is spotty. They do not really have a map that shows where it is located because the companies that provide the service will not provide that. In talking to the business community, internet access has really not been an issue. Member Elvig arrived at 7:42 a.m. Member Strommen explained part of what the County is trying to do is have a regional scope with their first project, rather than picking and choosing among cities with the first project out of the gate. She asked if staff has provided information on the financial impact if the City were to opt in. Economic Development Coordinator Sullivan replied this information has not been included in the case. He explained currently the City participates in the County's HRA levy and also has the City HRA levy. The County HRA policy is set forward that any dollars generated in Ramsey go to Ramsey; this was used to back bonds on the Savannah Oaks project. However, Economic Development Authority/August 9, 2007 Page 2 of9