09-12-2005 CC MIN - Laserfiche WebLink

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City Council J\1inutes September 12, 2005 Page 2 5. \Xlorksession 5.1. Council Open Forum Councilmember 1\1otin stated that he '\vas concerned about seeing an article in the newspaper regarding land being offered to GRE since he felt no formal action has been taken by the City Council or ED~~ and that '\ve are still moving fonvard. He stated that he's not opposed to this but doesn't kno'\v if it's appropriate. Councilinember Farber stated that the concept had been discussed. City Administrator Pat I<laers stated that the opportunity to submit a proposal to GRE came up some\'vhat late in their site selection timetable and that Director of Economic Development Cathy'1vlehelich made a brief presentation to the City Council on the proposal the city \vas planning to submit to GRE. This proposal was deyeloped after a meeting ,"vith the Mayor, ED...A.. Chair J efE Gongoll, and representatives of GRE. It was his understanding that the consensus of the Council \vas to submit the best plan possible in order to encomage GRE to keep its corporate headquarters in the city, although there were some concerns expressed about the magnitude of the offer. The city administrator also noted that staff often submits proposals to companies based on direction staff has by way of the Economic Development Strategic Plan. All final site proposals and subsidy proposals are subject to City Council approval. Councilinember Morin stated that he doesn't know if this follows the strategic plan. He's concerned as to ho\v the GRE \'Vill deyelop this area. Mayor I<J.inzing stated that it's no\'V~ GRE's time to tell us \vhat they ate looking for; that it is a \vait and see situation as of nOVl and we '\vill have to hear back from them. Mayor I<J.inzing stated that this morning additional information "\vas presented to them, discussion involved Energy City and transportation issues, and that GRE knows there are some major hurdles for the city and some of barriers to the city site. 5.2. Exit Intervie\v ,vith Building and Environmental Administrator Stephen Rohlf An exit interview was held as requested by Building and Environmental Administrator Stephen Rohlf. He distributed a handout that captured some of his parting thoughts. He recognized and praised his staff of building inspectors, building pennit technicians, and environmental technician. Some of his constructive ideas were: continue providing on- going education; don't take qualified staff for granted; permit technician salary range should be revie\ved; have En'r1ronmental become a separate division ,vith a current staff member becoming the di,rision head; continue to promote Energy City by obtaining name recognition and seek gubernatorial or legislative designation of Elk River as Energy City; use Energy City as a economical tool; use money administered through Energy City to improve the energyT efficiency of a potential business' building envelope or heati..llg and cooling systems; continue \Vith proactive programs such as archaeological digs, the 2003 Archaeological 11odeling, and cooperative relationship \vith St. Cloud State University for these digs; and cease the licensing of commercial fertilizer applicators (no longer necessary since phosphorus are banned statev~tide).