05-10-2010 CCM - Laserfiche WebLink

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City Council Minutes May 10, 2010 Page 3 Mayor Klinzing questioned how the business registration program would work. Mr. Ruprecht explained. He added that the program would start out small similar to the rental housing program and could be expanded once the program was up and running. Chief Cunningham explained that the fire department conducts fire inspections to target hazards as provided by statutory authority. He added that the fire department does not have authority to address building code issues. He indicated that having business registration would be helpful to identify new businesses in Elk River. Councilmember Gumphrey questioned if the fire department conducts inspection when a tenant change takes place. Chief Cunningham stated that if the fire department is made aware of a new tenant an inspection may take place. Councilmember Moon stated he believes the city would have a difficult time mandating this program. He added that he frequently writes up purchases orders for clients and they often contain a clause allowing the buyer to get an inspection. Mayor Klinzing indicated she is not opposed as she believes it is important to be aware of new businesses. She would like to see an example written up. Discussion took place on the city's liability in conducting inspections as well as the desire to not impose additional fees on businesses. The consensus of the Council was that they were not in favor of implementing a business registration/inspection program at this time. . 5.4. Great River Energy Business Retention Visit Update Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, the meeting of the Elk River Economic Development Authority was called to order at 6:24 p.m. by President Touchette. Ms. Mehelich presented her staff report. Discussion took place on staff s findings about Great River Energy's decision to move their corporate headquarters to Maple Grove following a business visit, and how Elk River can better position itself in the future to attract this type of development. Councilmember Gumphrey questioned how knowledgeable city staff is with LEED certification. Ms. Mehelich indicated that city staff is further ahead because of the Energy City Commission and other partnerships. EDA President Touchette stated that it is important for Elk River to have a city brand to identify what Elk River is and what it stands for. He requested the City Council look at a vision. He challenged staff, boards, and groups, both public and private, to provide input of a vision outlining who Elk River is and how do we get there. Councilmember Motin indicated he would like to get staff input first. Ms. Johnson explained Council has given her direction to bring back a proposal to work with staff on defining city goals to which the Council could respond. She stated she is in the • process of developing that proposal with the intention of having staff's goals to the Council later this year.