08/02/2007 EDAC Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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Ms. Keller stated that this shows how right Ms. Schwartz was in the Comp Plan Advisory Panel meeting regarding defined guidelines, not a deal by deal basis. Ms. Divine stated that seven months earlier, the council wanted this project to move forward. The feasibility study was not done earlier because the cost is generally something completed when there is a real project request. Without the sale of city land, there would be no road realignment. Members discussed that land appraisals that was the source of Councilmember Carlson’s concern and subsequent vote against the project. Members discussed the devaluation of land prices in the current economy and the restrictions against certain uses on the site that would make the second appraisal the more accurate one. Mr. Milbauer stated a property is worth what a willing buyer and seller can agree to. Ms. Divine stated she will have a letter from the city’s TIF attorney that addresses the issue, hopefully to Councilmember Carlson’s satisfaction. The project may be tabled at the next council meeting because of another council member who will not be attending. Members questioned if a special meeting was possible to get a full council vote. Ms. Divine stated that the council generally doesn’t do it to accommodate a developer. Business Expansion and Retention Ms. Divine stated the business list is being updated with e-mail addresses. The survey will be placed on the website and an e-mail will be sent out with the link to the survey. Ms. Keller stated one question should be if they have a concern do they want to meet with someone. Other suggestions include the question “are there any businesses not located in Lino Lakes that would benefit your business?” The survey can make the city aware of business and would be good P.R. to work with the businesses, and for marketing materials. Another question could ask them to rate the effectiveness of local government. Also add an attachment or link that takes them to the home page or the list of city officials. Is the minority/woman-owned business question needed? Add more emphasis on what is right with the city. Knowing why they came here will be helpful as a marketing tool. The question about whether sales have gone up or down should have a space to explain why. What factors are affecting their business? Make it easy to fill out by clicking, with room at the end of a section for comments. It was concluded that after the holidays might be the best time for the survey to go out. Ms. Divine stated she would take the draft survey to a local work session before sending it out. School District Boundary Map Members looked at the school district map. Most of the Apollo Business Park is in Centennial School District, however, Hardwood Creek development will not. Ms. Lodico stated that changing school district boundaries are not changeable. Open enrollment is a possibility, but only if there is room available. Meeting adjourned. 2