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Action Plan <br />Elk River Area Chamber of Commerce Focus Group Discussions <br />July 30 & 31, 2019 <br /> <br /> <br />Concerns/Recommendations <br /> <br /> <br />Type of <br />Concern <br /> <br />Task/Action <br /> <br />Staff Point of <br />Contact <br /> <br />Expected Completion Date <br />(Date to CC or Commission) <br />1 <br />If the city really wants to be known for supporting renewable energy, they <br />should reconsider their incentive programs to support projects that are in line <br />with the stated objectives in the Comprehensive plan: to be more energy <br />efficient, preserve resources, even if it means ordinance or design flexibility. <br />Policy Review Comprehensive Plan Update <br />-Explore programs to support goals <br />-Explore ordinances that provide flexibility to meet <br />goals <br /> <br />Zack <br />Comp Plan update throughout the year. <br />Work session discussion July 20. <br /> <br />July 20 (Postponed to August 17) <br />2 <br />Current rebate programs are insufficient to achieve the objectives of the stated <br />goals. <br /> <br />Policy Review ERMU, EDA and HRA Commission Reviews <br />-Discuss programs to achieve Comp Plan Goals <br />-Determine what is sufficient <br /> <br />Amanda/Troy <br />May 18 <br />3 <br /> <br />Clearly outline what is being inspected for the entire project and limit the <br />inspection to that list. New items should not pop up with every inspection <br /> <br />Communication Citizenserve Software Implementation Suzanne June 15 (Postponed to July 20) <br />Formal letters of explanation Suzanne/Bob R. June 15 (Postponed to July 20) <br />Preconstruction meetings Suzanne/Bob R. June 15 (Postponed to July 20) <br />Develop inspection policy for each permit with <br />explanation sheet for each permit to include relevant <br />code citation <br />Suzanne/Bob R. June 15 (Postponed to July 20) <br />5 <br />Clear written instruction including citing relevant code for each infraction. The <br />remedy should be clearly defined so there is less re-work that needs to be done <br />Communication Citizenserve Software Implementation Suzanne June 15 (Postponed to July 20) <br />6 <br />Can there be an ombudsman or advisor type position to negotiate the maze of <br />city rules on the business owner’s behalf? This person could develop <br />relationships proactively with business owners and encourage a partnership <br />mentality between owners and city staff. <br />Budget/Position <br />Addition <br />Council Budget discussion Suzanne/Zack/Amanda May 18 - First budget meeting discussing <br />new positions requests. <br />7 <br />Use the velvet glove approach when delivering requirements for compliance. <br />Think of the business owners as customers. <br />• The business customer often does not feel their risk is appreciated or understood. <br />Empathy does not mean bending the rules. <br />• It is generally understood that rules are rules; it’s the attitude and approach of <br />those tasked with compliance/enforcement that makes the difference. <br />• Can Compliance and Customer Service both be accomplished or balanced? <br />• Find a way to say “yes” and not always “no”. Find a way to be more welcoming <br />in the process, even when the answer might be “no”. Can staff help to find a way <br />to say “yes” with suggested changes in design? <br />Customer Service -Customer Service Training <br />-Professional Standards Training <br /> <br />Suzanne June 15 (Postponed to July 20) <br />FAQ guides Suzanne/Zack/Bob June 15 (Postponed to July 20) <br />Authority/Council review/craft of ordinance and <br />policy purpose statements <br />Zack/Amanda July 20 (Postponed to August 17) <br />8 There is a need for balance between desire for beautification and business use of <br />property (storage, signage etc.) <br />Policy Council Review/Action on city ordinances Zack July 20 (Postponed to August 17) <br />9 <br />• Can there be a proactive approach to business development such as educating <br />builders, contractors, owners before a project is submitted? <br />• Communications regarding process requirements for Building permits, Codes, <br />Loan programs and Ordinances needs to be timely, consistent, clear, transparent <br />and communicated up front, before excessive money is spent. <br /> <br />Education <br />Planning and ED <br />-Incorporate Pre-application meetings <br />-Encourage Work Session Reviews <br />Suzanne/Zack June 15 - Process has started. No need to <br />discuss, provide as information in future <br />update. <br />Review and update project checklists Zack July 20 (Postponed to August 17) <br />Meet with Minneapolis planners regarding their <br />Business Navigator Office <br />Amanda May 18 <br />Citizenserve Software? Suzanne June 15 (Postponed)