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EDC Minutes Draft July 18,2008 Page 3 of 5 • 7. REPORT OF COMMISSIONERS A. Chair Helgemoe - Should the EDC become the EDA? Chair Helgemoe serves on the City of Lino Lakes Economic Development Advisory Commission (EDAC) as a resident representative. The Lino Lakes EDAC is also in the beginning stages of discussing this idea. The intent would be to relieve some pressure from the City Council (who currently serves as both the Council and EDA). Chair Helgemoe stressed that this discussion item is just a thought and by no means would the EDC want to "take control" of City development projects. He added that(from his understanding), most EDAs are comprised of business representatives and residents with one or two Council liaisons. Commissioner Meehlhause mentioned that sometimes staff has to present the same issue three times prior to approval, which does not add any value to the process. Commissioner Johnson added that sometimes the same issue is sent back and forth between different City Boards more than that. Combined with each Board's set meeting schedule, issues tend to be drawn out. Community Development Director Ken Roberts added that he sees the value in having an EDC because EDC members work with staff to build strong recommendations to the EDA. He did pose the question whether or not it makes sense that the EDA and Council are comprised of the same members. If this discussion becomes more involved, he suggested that the EDC have a work session with the City Council. He would not want staff to research • this extensively unless the idea is something that the City Council is open to considering. Commissioner Belting mentioned that it seems wise to consider this idea in order to avoid redundancy of staff time, especially since a potential "new" EDA would include members from the City Council, however he agrees with Mr. Roberts that the Council should be consulted before staff conducts too much research on the issue. Commissioner Johnson added that perhaps a pros and cons list should be made. Chair Helgemoe concluded by stressing that the intent of this idea would be to achieve better efficiency rather than "stepping on the Council/EDA's toes". 8. REPORTS OF STAFF A. Update -Branding/Public Communications/Marketing Plan Proposals .............. ...... ..... Ms. Steinmetz reminded the Commission that in late May, the EDA authorized (per the EDC's recommendation) the distribution of a Branding/Public Communications/Marketing Plan Request for Proposals(RFP). Nineteen RFPs were distributed and ten proposals were received. Staff interviewed three consultants and will be recommending that the EDA consider hiring Risdall Marketing Group for the project. Mr. Roberts stated that Clerk-Administrator, Ms. Steinmetz and himself agreed on the top three proposals and the finalist, which was reassuring rather than having three different opinions. He also added that if the Commissioners want to show their support for this • project, a good time to do so would be at the July 18th EDA meeting.