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3 <br />independent body as EDA is more democratic and keeps an arm’s length distance <br />between council and EDA. Mr. Chase stated if EDAC took on a stronger role, meetings <br />would be run with rules of order and not be a place for general discussion. Planning and <br />brainstorming opportunities would be gone. Ms. Divine said EDA meets only when there <br />specific EDA items to vote on, sometimes only a couple times a year. <br /> <br />Mr. Rafferty said quality development is important to the city. EDAC needs to have input <br />into how the limited amount of commercial land is developed. EDAC could assist the city <br />by assuring architectural guidelines for commercial development. <br /> <br />Ms. Schwartz stated that when the Apollo Business Park showed a profit, EDAC could <br />have ensured the money got used to promote economic development if it was the EDA. <br />Mr. Chase agreed a loan program for capital improvements would be a good tool. Mr. <br />Grochala stated EDAC already has the power to recommend to the council the <br />development of a fund. Mr. Grochala said EDAs can have broad authority, including the <br />power to bond. An EDA is committing the city council to backing up the payment of <br />those bonds. Some cities set up an appointed EDA because it is not political. But <br />ultimately the EDA is spending taxpayers’ money. Mr. Juni stated he would be satisfied <br />with pursuing good ideas and taking them to the council for approval. <br /> <br />Staff was directed to bring a sample of how EDAs in other cities are set up. <br /> <br />Meeting adjourned. <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br />