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EDC Minutes March 21,2008 Page 6 of 7 11111 7. REPORT OF COMMISSIONERS There were no Commissioner reports. 8. REPORTS OF STAFF A. Economic Development Component of the Comprehensive Plan Ms. Steinmetz summarized the March 12th Comprehensive Task Force meeting and said she reformatted the Economic Development portion so that it is easier to read. She added that the Task Force asked her to wordsmith the document to be reviewed at the April 9th Task Force meeting. Ms. Steinmetz asked to the EDC to let her know if they had further input and that she would forward any new input to the EDC's Task Force representative, Commissioner Meehlhause. B. Final Version of the Mounds View Business Toolbox Ms. Steinmetz stated that the EDA approved the final version of the Toolbox on March 10th. Chair Helgemoe asked how it would be disseminated. Ms. Steinmetz said that it's only for staff, elected and appointed officials' reference. Chair Helgemoe asked if it is the Council's ideal for staff to distribute the Toolbox to businesses and how the Toolbox would be utilized. If it is not used as a marketing tool or distributed to businesses,what S is the purpose? Ms. Steinmetz stated that she believes the Council does not want businesses to view the Toolbox as a menu of financing options. She added that perhaps this is a policy issue that should be discussed. Are business subsidies something the City no longer wants to provide? Chair Helgemoe added that many or most of the items listed in the Toolbox are not City subsides. He feels that the Toolbox should be mentioned on the City Website but feels that the EDC should discuss this further at a future meeting. C. Premium Stop Redevelopment Area Update Robert's Bar is currently under a purchase agreement and the buyers plan to reopen the facility as a bar/restaurant. The proposed closing date is May 15th, however it could be several months before the business opens because a sprinkler systems needs to be installed. She provided background that Robert's waspart of a 12-acre redevelopment area along Hwy 10 between County Road H2 and Woodale. Robert's and the apartment building are not available,which leaves ten available properties. It is significant and unusual for ten contiguous properties fronting a highway to be available within a community. Chair Helgemoe mentioned the Saturn dealership. Ms. Steinmetz said the Saturn/MultiTech site has received more interest (than the 10-parcel redevelopment area across the Hwy) from the development community. Chair Helgemoe asked if the inquiries have been for the same use (a car dealership)? Ms. Steinmetz said that staff • has received inquires for whether or not the City would be interested in a high density/multi-family residential project, which would require a rezoning.