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2 <br />provided good information. It helps to make the city visible to the community. It might <br />be time to do that again. She stated she keeps in touch with most of the businesses in the <br />industrial park, and some have expanded, which was the purpose of the incubator <br />concept. Mr. Juni suggested an effort in this area over the next year. Ms. Divine said she <br />would bring the old survey and results to the next meeting. <br /> <br />Ms. Divine stated a community survey in the mid-90’s measured resident issues. Mr. <br />Jensen said it helps to know the views of the citizens to see if it fits with what EDAC is <br />doing. Mr. Hicks said keeping in touch makes a difference and changes one’s perception <br />of the city. Ms. Hansmann said the Lake Drive Road project is an opportunity to notify <br />businesses in the industrial park of the process and give the city a positive image. <br /> <br />Methods to accomplish the EDAC mission: Ms. Divine stated some of those methods <br />include monthly meetings, the EDAC plan and action plan, recommendations to the <br />council on economic development issues and public support in the community. <br />a. Meeting schedule: Mr. Chase asked about the frequency of meetings. Ms. <br />Divine noted EDAC is not a review board with project approval deadlines. Mr. Jensen <br />stated that his board went to every other month, with special meetings if necessary. Ms. <br />Divine noted a meeting is occasionally cancelled for lack of agenda items, and generally <br />a July meeting is not scheduled. Ms. Hansmann suggested with Market Place and the <br />YMCA progressing, EDAC should continue to meet monthly. <br /> <br />Mr. Chase suggested a general meeting every two months, and specific tasks be assigned <br />to the month in between. Subcommittees could meet, or the group as a whole on those <br />months. Mr. Juni suggested a brief update be e-mailed to members on the off month. It <br />was decided to leave EDAC monthly until May, then revisit it. <br /> <br /> b. 5-year Plan: Ms. Divine reviewed the major goals of the plan that was <br />updated in 2000. Mr. Hicks asked if it is standard procedure to use C/I to minimize the <br />residential tax base. Mr. Milbauer said the more residential, the more consumption of <br />services, schools, etc., and cities need C/I to offset the residential tax base. This city is <br />low in C/I properties. Mr. Hicks said he would remove the words “minimizing <br />residential tax burden,” because it sounds negative and has no impact on his decision to <br />live here. Mr. Chase said reducing the residential tax base was a part of the Comp Plan <br />discussion. The tax base may not be reduced, but if a city didn’t work to increase C/I, <br />residential taxes would increase more. Mr. Rafferty said someone moving in has to look <br />at the big picture. The best we can do is maintain and stabilize the taxes. It was agreed to <br />change the wording to “stabilize” rather than “minimize.” <br /> <br />c. Conceptual Theme: Mr. Hicks asked about “building upon conceptual <br />theme.” Ms. Divine explained that when EDAC began, the economic development logo <br />was designed, which eventually became the logo for the city. Brochures and marketing <br />materials were completed and have been used for several years. No further steps have <br />been taken, especially regarding signage at the “doors” and “windows” to the city. As the <br />town center develops, an architectural design and character has been established and can <br />be built on. Ms. Carlson said the city is trying to develop an identity.