05-16-2008 - Laserfiche WebLink

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EDC Minutes April 18,2008(Draft) Page 3 of 5 Without further discussion, the Motion carried: 7 Ayes 0 Nays B. Continue Discussion Regarding 2008 Targeted Business List Ms. Steinmetz reminded the EDC that this item originated from a Comprehensive Plan Task Force meeting because the City's Comprehensive Plan contains verbiage about business recruitment. The EDC discussed policy questions regarding business recruitment such as"Is the goal to increase tax base or to provide jobs or both?" and "Is the goal to provide goods/services that are not currently available in Mounds View?" Commissioner Wagner mentioned that the second question will become more important as gas prices continue to rise. Commissioner Johnson said that this policy discussion relates to the EDC's prior discussion regarding branding and who the City wants to be. Commissioner Meehlhause added that since the City is now in the redevelopment mode, it may drive the types of businesses the City is able to recruit. Commissioner Belting agreed and added that redevelopment is complex due to financing and other dynamics. Commissioner Johnson said that the key discussion point is regarding jobs. She gave the example that grocery stores or restaurants will not generate many high-wage jobs. • The EDC then reviewed a targeted business list that staff developed based on staff's memory, resident input and appointed/elected official input. The consensus of the EDC was for staff to categorize the list (to be less specific) for the EDC to review at the next meeting. C. Continue Discussion Regarding Housing Replacement Program Ms. Steinmetz reminded the EDC that the City's Housing Replacement Program provides demolition assistance paid for through Tax Increment Financing. The program offers a 10-year forgivable/deferred loan, which is administered through the Housing Resource Center. The program is the only housing related program that the City itself offers to Mounds View residents; however residents can access other Housing Resource Center programs, such as low-interest loans to conduct home improvement projects. She summarized last month's EDC discussion regarding the housing market, foreclosures and how important it is to maintain property values. Ms. Steinmetz asked the EDC if the City should expand its housing services or continue to refer people to the Housing Resource Center. Chair Helgemoe asked if the City is charged a fee for the Housing Resource Center's administrative services. Ms. Steinmetz said she'll check on that for the next meeting. Commissioner Johnson mentioned that since there are income limits to utilize home 11111 improvement programs, perhaps the programs are a self-fulfilling prophecy.