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Economic Development Authority Minutes May 9, 2005 Page 4 President Gongoll stated that he supported Option # 1 or 2, but that he understands the financial issues that would need to be addressed. He stated chat he would like comment from the EDA Commissioners on the options. Commissioner Motin stated he did not feel Option # 1 was realistic; he questioned the viability of Option #3, and felt that Options 4 and 5 did not get anything done. Commissioner Farber stated that Option #3 would at least get the improvements in the ground for a few lots to be available, since the major complaint is that there is nothing immediately ready for development. Ms. Mehelich stated that timing of lot availability makes a difference depending on what type of user the city wishes to attract, since smaller users need to build in a shorter time frame and larger users typically have more time before they need to build. Mr. Maurer explained that Option 3 would work for a larger user. Discussion followed regarding Options 2 and 3. MOTION BY COMMISSIONER GUMPHREY AND SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER FARBER TO RECOMMEND THE FEASIBILITY STUDY ADDRESS OPTION N0.3 FOR PRESENTATON AND CONSIDERATION BY THE CITY COUNCIL. MOTION CARRIED 5-0. Ms. Mehelich asked if staff should continue discussions with Duke Realty. It was the consensus of the Commission to advise Amcon and Duke Realty of the status of the EDA's discussions. Ms. Mehelich asked for feedback from the Commission regarding the name of the business park property. It was the consensus of the Commission to tentatively name the property "Norrhstar Business Park", with the understanding that staff would check with the Northstar Comdor Committee for any issues, and providing that the name has not akeady been taken. 6. Sherburne County Economic Development Workplan Assistant Director of Economic Developmem Heidi Steinmetz stated that staff attended the Sherburne County Economic Development Alliance's (SCEDA) Strategic Planning Sessions to assist in developing a workplan. She reviewed the six main goals of the workplan. She noted that preserving land for future development is their number one goal. Commissioner Itlin2ing asked if the County has acquired any additional land or if they have come up with any additional financial incentives, other than what the City has. Ms. Steinmetz stated that she is unaware of any additional land acquired by the County, and ,and she is unaware on any additional financial incentives. She noted that SCEDA has been very supportive of the use of tax abatement in the past. Ms. Steinmetz stated that a consultant is doing research for SCEDA regarding how other communities are dealing with commercial /retail development. Other Business President Gongoll noted that the Chamber of Commerce will be conducting their annual business awards event on Tuesday, May 17, 2005. He noted that M&M Precision Machining