4.1. DRAFT EDA MINUTES (5 SETS) 08-17-2020

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Economic Development Authority Minutes Page 4 June 15,2020 ----------------------------- Mr. Portner stated staff typically seeks guidance from respective outside agencies to interpret policies if there are questions. Commissioner Westgaard indicated building codes leave a lot to interpretation and the difference between what the code actually says and staff s view on how it should be done can be perceived as a personal agenda. Mr. Portner questioned what can be done to clarify the interpretation when there is a question with the code. Commissioner Wagner stated she hears the most concerns with inspections and building code issues. She explained it is clear from the listening sessions that residents and developers want to abide by the ordinance and building code. She believes the problem is often a communication issue and she believed 98% of these issues could be solved by good communication with a customer service approach. Commissioner Westgaard indicated attitude and approach are one part of it but being good stewards of taxpayer dollars is another. He questioned if the customer is the taxpayer or the new applicant or business is the taxpayer. Commissioner Wagner explained it doesn't matter who the customer is and she believes attitude and lack of communication is what gets developers and others on the phone to the Council asking if this is how they want people doing work in the city to be treated. She has concerns with residents or developers being told one thing when they apply at city hall and being told something else once the application is processed. Commissioner Christianson stated he believes this may come from the back and forth that is sometimes involved with resident/developers and the city. He added it would be better to provide people with all the information up front. Mr. Portner indicated playing devil's advocate if people want to build up to code then everything should be built to code when the inspector goes out. Commissioner Christianson suggested explaining to people why something needs to be done a certain way to help them understand. President Tveite explained he does not believe being a good steward of taxpayer dollars and being courteous are mutually exclusive. He stated staff should always act professional and courteous and if not,it should be a training or discipline issue. He added by being courteous that does not mean staff should capitulate to everything the developer is requesting. Mr. Portner indicated the city has a high standard of professionalism and at times when issues with staff are brought to his attention,he took appropriate action. He questioned if there is a way to get the specific feedback on these issues to see if they have been addressed and questioned what process can be put in place to be sure of a quick resolution when issues come up. P O w E R E U 9 1 UREI