5.6. SR 07-07-2008 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Economic Development Authority Minutes March 12, 2007 Page 2 Ms. Steinmetz stated the city is working with other cities in the county on a project. She stated the EDA has contributed $500 for the Enterprise Network Regional Analysis (ENSA) project which is developing a similar cluster program. 5. Consider Recommendation to City Council on Resolution Authorizing Particit~ation in the Sherburne County Economic Development Authority Ms. Mehelich introduced Sherburne County Administrator Brian Benson. Mr. Benson provided information regarding the county's efforts to establish a Sherburne County EDA and is requesting the City of Elk River EDA participation along with other cities in the county. Commissioner Dwyer stated he served on the taskforce that was formed to evaluate the establishment of the Sherburne County EDA and he felt it would be a complement to the city EDA. Commissioner Motion questioned if there were to a conflict with the city EDA and county EDA, would the city have an option to opt out of participating. Ms. Mehelich stated the city would be unable to withdraw for at least five years. MOVED BY COMMISSIONER DWYER AND SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER MOTIN TO RECOMMEND THE CITY COUNCIL ADOPT A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING TH E CITY OF ELK RIVER TO PARTICIPATE IN THE SHERBURNE COUNTY ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY. MOTION CARRIED 5-0. ,~ 6. Update on Gateway Business Center Project Mr. Barnhart provided an update on the main findings of the Maxfield Research Study for the Gateway Business Park development. Mr. Barnhart stated the Study indicated that the Park was best suited for industrial and limited commercial development and not retail. Commissioner Motin stated he would like to see the entire Study report as some comments don't make sense according to what he has heard from developers. He stated that dependent upon the Study he may disagree with the consultant's opinions. He stated the city should contact restaurant businesses and promote directly to them and not to developers. Commissioner Motin questioned who the consultants contacted for the study. Commissioner Dwyer questioned if the easiest way to market the Park is in the best interest of the city. He stated there should be "mix uses" in the Park. Commissioner Tveite stated it may be worthwhile for the city to wait to develop the Park but the EDA should wait until they see the Study report. Chair Gongoll stated he was also surprised by the results of the Study. He stated he would like to see a different name for the Park as Gateway Business Park is being used for another park along Highway 101. Ms. Mehelich noted there would be an April 9 worksession discussion for this item. She stated the Study seems to be in conflict with what the city desires for the Park.