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EDC Minutes Approved <br /> ,,��.rr�� <br /> October 18, 2002 Not Appr <br /> Page 2 <br /> C. TCN Chamber of Commerce Update: Backman has attended various committee meetings and <br /> Board meetings on August 231d and September 27th. The merger process continues to go well. <br /> Jim Witkowski has been relocated to the Chamber office in Fridley and serves as the Gaming <br /> Manager. The Chamber is contracting with Minnesota Gaming Services to improve gaming <br /> operational procedures and financial reporting. Backman the financial trends of the gaming <br /> operations at Jake's in New Brighton and Mounds View. <br /> D. Report of Staff: <br /> 1. Manufactured Home Park Revitalization Application Process: Backman set up a meeting on <br /> August 22nd to sort out program parameters and relationships among Ramsey,HRC,and the <br /> City re this program. He remained in contact with Jennifer Bergman, Program Director of the <br /> Housing Resource Center in Shoreview. The role of the HRC will include application <br /> processing, income verification, loan documentation, construction monitoring, and other <br /> administrative activities. A follow-up meeting was held on September 10th with HRC to <br /> finalize the program guidelines and householder applications for assistance. Applications <br /> were available beginning September 16th at HRC,Site Manager's office(now Jacki Pearson), <br /> and City Hall. Since that time 24 households have sent notices of intent to participate in the <br /> program;over a dozen households have picked up applications(for rehab and for acquisition <br /> of new units); and five households have qualified for financial assistance. <br /> • 2. Metro North CVB Board Meeting: Backman participated in the quarterly Board meeting on <br /> September 11th. The major focus of the meeting was the 2003 budget and what areas to cut <br /> in light of lower revenues. The CVB Executive Director had recommended cutting the budget <br /> by 12% or $173,000. Ultimately the Board decided to adopt an 8% reduction and tap <br /> additional cash reserves. Some of the monies added back were designated for amateur <br /> sports promotion (an area of tourism less affected by 9/11, etc.). Backman also discussed <br /> with the CVB the makeup of the hotel reps on the Board and the need for greater <br /> representation by certain communities. <br /> 3. Hwy 10 Business Center (Abbey Carpet) Prosect Update: The Planning Commission <br /> approved the conditional use permit for the Hwy 10 Business Center on September 4th and <br /> the City Council approved their permit on September 23rd. The appraiser should be done this <br /> week. Village Bank of Blaine will be the lead lender for the project. Soil testing occurred two <br /> days ago. <br /> 4. Community Center& Mermaid Collaboration Discussion: A collaboration meeting was held <br /> at the Mermaid complex on September 30th. Those in attendance included, Cindy <br /> Winegarner(Mermaid), Rich Sonterre, Kathleen Miller, Dabney Bradley, Shannon Roepke, <br /> and Backman. Following a tour of the facilities, we discussed current marketing activities <br /> and areas that could be improved. Catering activities were discussed and coordination of <br /> future activities (eg. holding a joint bridal fair in February, 2003 <br /> 5. Colonial Craft—Development Activities: Colonial Craft is moving forward with its lease <br /> commitment for Building I and relocation from Roseville to Mounds View. On August 29th, <br /> • Quanex, the parent company, signed off on the lease. It will occupy 122,000 sq. ft. of <br /> production/office space, 50% more space than what the company currently has in the Twin <br /> Cities. During September the City issued permits for renovation of Building I. Northco is <br /> renovating the space and expects to be completed the last week of November. <br />