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Econormc Development Authority Minutes <br />May 18, 2020 <br />Page 3 <br />It was consensus of the Authority that current rebate programs are adequate <br />with room for improvement and continual review, given how the city markets <br />Elk River as Energy City. <br />Concern# 9 (a): Can there be a proactive approach to business development such as <br />educating builders, contractors, owners before a project is submitted? <br />Ms. Othoudt outlined current approaches utilized by staff as noted in the staff <br />report. <br />Commissioner Christianson stated business retention visits are great when trying to <br />capture expansion but asked how staff engages with builders new to the construction <br />process in Elk River. <br />Ms. Othoudt stated a meeting is scheduled with the builder and various staff such as <br />planning, economic development, and building. <br />Commissioner Christianson asked if this was sufficient. <br />Mr. Carlton stated business cards are given to prospective developers and they are <br />free to call at any time with questions. Follow-up letters are sent after meetings <br />outlining the discussion and expectations. He stated staff is considering a <br />1-IN requirement for a pre -application meeting for large scale projects. He discussed <br />setting aside a specific date and time each month for developers to visit and ask <br />questions regarding their projects. <br />Chair Tviete noted he experienced the city process when the Elk River Golf Course <br />was considering construction of condos. He stated economic development staff <br />acted as the liaison and scheduled the meeting with various staff. It was an incredibly <br />helpful meeting, resolved a lot of questions, and laid things out very effectively for <br />his group. He said it was a good experience noting staff does a good job He noted <br />applicants will get good information if they reach out to staff. He stated you can't <br />make everyone happy all the time and it is not our role to hand hold people through <br />the whole process. <br />Commissioner Wagner stated the site plan review meetings are a good process but <br />the issues are occurring prior to them. She questioned if there could be a proactive <br />approach to business development, such as educating builders/contractors. She read <br />one comment that stated, "... if the city process was clear and well communicated <br />there wouldn't be such a need for independent consultants." She stated business <br />retention visits don't belong under Concern # 9 as they are not proactive. She asked <br />if we could hold meetings a few times a year such as `Opening a Business in Elk <br />River 101' type course. <br />Mr. Carlton stated there could be a monthly meeting open and available for anybody <br />10-*N to attend and ask questions no matter where they are at in their business <br />development process. He noted an `open a business' section was added to the city <br />p011RE0 I <br />NATUREI <br />