09-13-1999 EDA MIN - Laserfiche WebLink

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Economic Development Authority Minutes September 13, 1999 Page 2 e major issues of the plan. Paul reviewed the Modification Committee's top four priorities of the Strategic Plan, which consisted of: . Issue No. 1 - Growth Industrial Base Goal: Develop West Business Park . Issue No. 2 - Business Retention Growth Goal: Retain and Grow Existing Industrial Firms . Issue NO.3 - Marketing Strategy Goal: Develop a Marketing Strategy . Issue NO.4 - Develop/Redevelop East Highway 10 and CBD Area Goal: Undertake Activities to Facilitate Development and Redevelopment on East Highway 10 and in the CBD Discussion was held regarding the issue of how the development of a transportation plan fits in with the 4 priorities. The EDA consented that the transportation issue revolved around access and the amount of traffic in Elk River, and further that transportation is an important issue relating to economic development. The City Administrator noted that the city has a transportation plan that it is part of the overall city Comprehensive Plan. He further noted that it is the city's intention to work with other agencies to improve the traffic situation in the city. Commissioner Klinzing noted that it might be best for the City Council to deal with the transportation issue. e Commissioner Motin indicated a concern regarding redevelopment of the Central Business District area. He questioned whether redevelopment consisted of preservation and/or restoration of the downtown area. Commissioner Motin indicated that if the intent were to develop a historical theme, he would be opposed to that type of redevelopment. President Dwyer stated that some of the buildings are historical in nature. He further stated that it is important to work with the downtown BEFORE it becomes an undesirable area. Commissioner Klinzing suggested that a time frame be placed on the plan. Paul Steinman suggested that 2000-2002, or 2003 be included as the time frame. Discussion was held regarding whether the action items listed on the plan would require specific EDA approval, and whether the plan should specifically state that the action items require specific EDA approval. Commissioner Klinzing indicated that without the written verbiage indicating that the action plans require EDA approval, the plan suggests that the EDA is giving staff the authority to move forward on the entire plan. Mayor Klinzing noted that she is concerned with the way that the document is worded and will vote against the adoption of the action plan because there are certain items in the plan that she does not agree with. Commissioner Motin suggested that each item be addressed in the plan before the entire plan is passed. Commissioner Gongoll noted that the action plan is consistent with the original Strategic Plan, and that he is comfortable with the document as presented. e Following further discussion by the EDA regarding this issue, it was suggested that the issues in the plan that need additional discussion be specifically identified.