6. EDSR 05-14-2012 - Laserfiche WebLink

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REQUEST FOR ACTION TO ITEM NUMBER Economic Develo ment Authori 6. AGENDA SECTION MEETING DATE PREPARED BY May 14, 2012 Annie Deckert, Director of Economic Develo ment ITEM DESCRIPTION REVIEWED B~/ Elk River Arts Alliance donation request for ArtSoup 2012. Cal Portner, Ci Administrator REVIEWED BY ACTION REQUESTED Consider donation request from Elk River Arts Alliance for their event ArtSoup 2012.. BACKGROUND/DISCUSSION The Elk River Arts Alliance (ERAAA) has submitted a request for an EDA donation of $2,000- to support their annual downtown arts event, ArtSoup 2012. The event has taken place for the past 14 years, is free to the public and is a significant downtown-Elk River promotion. Last year at the June 13,-2011, meeting, the EDA approved the $2,000 donation. request. Commissioners expressed concerns about donation requests and discussed exploring a donation policy. At their July. meeting, the EDA discussed the creation of a written donation policy but did not move forward with a policy. Commissioners indicated their desire to review requests on a case-by-case basis, provided the donation resulted in an economic benefit. Per the attached summary of the event provided by the ERAAA, they anticipate roughly 2,800 attendees at this year's event. A survey was distributed to downtown business owners and festival goers from last year's event. A representative from the ERAAA will be at the meeting to provide a verbal update and discuss the economic impact Along with the monetary contribution, the city has provided the following in-kind donations for past events: • Elk River Municipal Utilities places approxunately 6-8 banners on light poles along the highway. Estimated staff time for two staff members is 2-3 hours, at $75/hour each, for a total of $300 - $450/hour. • Parks and Recreation waives the River's Edge Commons park usage fee; cost of $450. • The Police Department sets up barricades and provides police reserve services as required. Estimated staff time is 8 hours, at a cost of $28/hour, for approximately $224. • The City Council recently set parking lot use fees at $825 for an event of this type. The Council may elect to waive the fees when they consider the special event permit. If the fees are waived, total in-kind donations for this event are $1,749- $1,949. N:\Departments\Community Development\Economic Development\EDA to move\Agenda\Year 2012\5-14-12 EDA Agenda\5-14-12 ArtSoup donation final.doc