05-07-1987 EDA MIN - Laserfiche WebLink

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. . . Page 2 Economic Development Task Force Committee Meeting May 7, 1987 Larry Toth then spoke on the existing businesses in Elk River. He stated that Elk River must promote business as well as industry and that a increased tax base must be established. Toth also commented on how the Planning Commission is handling businesses requesting to locate in Elk River. Jerry Hagen added the comment that Elk River needs people on the Planning Commission who do not have tunnel vision. Dick Gongo11 stated that Mike Mulrooney, acting as Economic Development Consultant, could help Elk River to decide how fast to get involved in an Economic Development Program and could also be a coordinator between the City and the Chamber. It was stated that the City and businesses do not necessarily mesh together and that there is a lack of communication. This gap may be closed with the help of Mulrooney. The taxes of Elk River were discussed as to why they are so high. Two basic reasons were given for these rates: 1. No valuation. 2. With the new construction, it adds value but also increases school taxes. Jackie Shue1ein spoke on the clerical pos1t10n the Chamber would like to establish. Jackie stated that such a person would be used to better channel the information available and do the clerical work so she can call on businesses to see what the Chamber can do for them. A suggestion was made to have the City shuffle one of their clerical workers between the City and Chamber. The suggestion was addressed by Chairman Lundberg who stated that he does not feel the City would want to share a Staff person and that in such a situation it has to be decided who is the controlling authority. Lundberg stated that some of Jackie IS work should be done by the City rather than sharing an employee. It was stated that the City could provide funds to help staff a clerical person since the Chamber budget is so low. Additional suggestions were then made for the duties of a consulting person: 1. Work on business retention program. 2. Do follow-up on prospective businesses looking at Elk River. 3. Research various funding service programs available. 4. Keep list of Economic Development data and development trends. 5. Act as liaison between City Council and Economic Development Commission. 6. Keep in touch with neighboring City Administrators. 7. Work on cost justification. It was stated that the Economic Development Commission will ask the consultant to teach them how to present themselves and Elk River to businesses looking at locating here.