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Economic Development Authority Minutes <br />May 18, 2020 <br />Page 4 <br />website approximately a year ago. He stated it addresses the most common business <br />types looking to locate in Elk River. He asked the Authority for feedback on those <br />pages. <br />Commissioner Blesener asked if a flowchart would add value noting the uniqueness <br />and complexities with each application and the multitude of direction they would <br />flow through the city process. <br />Ms. Othoudt stated flowcharts are currently available and are being revamped. <br />Commissioner Christianson asked if the website is known and advertised. <br />Mr. Carlton stated marketing could be improved. <br />Commissioner Blesener suggested sharing with other audiences such as the <br />Chamber. <br />Mr. Portner reviewed the flowcharts developed a few years ago. <br />Ms. Eddy further noted other marketing materials staff utilizes about opening a <br />business. <br />Commissioner Wagner stated applicants feel there is so much time needed to get <br />through the city process and it's not clear on the front end. She stated more work is <br />needed for Concern #9. She stated the items summarized in the staff report do not <br />meet the concerns of #9. <br />Commissioner Ovall discussed general examples where communication occurred <br />with the building or fire department for a project an applicant was considering. He <br />stated there would be a preliminary conversation about what is required but when an <br />application package is submitted, more information is required which costs money <br />and delays projects. He stated moves have been made in the right direction, such as a <br />summary letter paraphrasing the meeting outcome and next steps, but there is always <br />room for improvement. <br />It was consensus of the Authority while there is progress made and while <br />there are key activities, there is opportunity for better visibility and the <br />Authority feels this is not quite adequate to this point. <br />Chair Tviete called for a vote. He stated if the Authority votes yes, they are <br />stating Concern #9 is not quite adequate, it's getting there, and it's in decent <br />shape, but there is more work to be done. He stated if the Authority votes no, <br />they feel the requirements for Concern #9 have been met. The vote was 6 yes <br />and 1 no. Chair Tviete voted no and disagreed based on his personal positive <br />experience. He doesn't disagree there is always room for improvement in <br />communication. <br />E <br />EREI II <br />TURE <br />