09-10-2001 EDA MIN - Laserfiche WebLink

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Economic Development Authority ~linutes September 1Q X001 Page 2 The Director informed the EDA that she is working with a committee to update the City's web site. It is anticipated that the new site will be online by the first of 2002. 6. Review Elk Path Business Centex Concept Plan The Director of Economic Development indicated that the Planning Commission has reviewed the conceptual development plan fox Elk Path Business Centex located west of the Sherburne County Government Center. Catherine noted that the Planning Commission did not find any specific issues related to the concept plan. The Director reviewed the plan and noted that the concept calls Eor mainly office space development with some warehousing and manufacturing space. Commissioner Klinzing questioned if there were any plans from the County fox Outlot F. The City Administrator noted that at this time the County has not indicated that it has any plans for Outlot F nor has the County requested access off of County Road 30. Discussion was held regarding access to Outlot F. Catherine Mehelich talked about discussions she has had with the project developers regarding the possibility of splitting up some of the 3+ acre lots into smaller 1+ acre lots. Commissioner Tveite indicated that be would prefer to see the larger lots at this point which would allow developers to split the lots appropriately as they are platted. Assistant Director of Economic Development Position City Administrator Pat I4aers noted that staff is recommending not to fill the Assistant Director's vacancy at the present time due to the slower economy. The City Administrator indicated that the position is needed, but not at the present time, and recommended that the funding for the position remain in the 2002 budget. Commssion Dwyer indicated that the EDA staff might have to spend more time pursuing prospects due to the stow economy. He stated that he is not in Eavor of leaving the position vacant. President Gongoll stated his concern that there will be a void in the department when the Director is on leave. He indicated that he does not want to lose the momentum that has been established in the department He also indicated that the HRA has many issues that it is dealing with at this time. Commissioner Kuester concurred with President Gongoll and Commissioner Dwyer and stated that she wants to be sure that there is an identifiable contact person in the economic development department. Commssioner Tveite stated that this might be a good time to advertise, as there could be more candidates available due to the conditions of the economy. City Administrator Pat Klaexs indicated that if the EDA wants to fill the position, he recommends that the position be filled as soon as possible so that the new employee can be trained prior to the Director's leave of absence. The City Administrator also recommended reducing the quahficadons of the position from the previous Assistant Director.