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EDC Minutes October 18, 2002 Page 2 C. TCN Chamber of Commerce Update: Backman has attended various committee meetings and Board meetings on August 23rd and September 27th. The merger process continues to go well. Jim Witkowski has been relocated to the Chamber office in Fridley and serves as the Gaming Manager. The Chamber is contracting with Minnesota Gaming Services to improve gaming operational procedures and financial reporting. Backman the financial trends of the gaming operations at Jake’s in New Brighton and Mounds View. D. Report of Staff: 1. Manufactured Home Park Revitalization Application Process: Backman set up a meeting on August 22nd to sort out program parameters and relationships among Ramsey, HRC, and the City re this program. He remained in contact with Jennifer Bergman, Program Director of the Housing Resource Center in Shoreview. The role of the HRC will include application processing, income verification, loan documentation, construction monitoring, and other administrative activities. A follow-up meeting was held on September 10th with HRC to finalize the program guidelines and householder applications for assistance. Applications were available beginning September 16th at HRC, Site Manager’s office (now Jacki Pearson), and City Hall. Since that time 24 households have sent notices of intent to participate in the program; over a dozen households have picked up applications (for rehab and for acquisition of new units); and five households have qualified for financial assistance. 2. Metro North CVB Board Meeting: Backman participated in the quarterly Board meeting on September 11th. The major focus of the meeting was the 2003 budget and what areas to cut in light of lower revenues. The CVB Executive Director had recommended cutting the budget by 12% or $173,000. Ultimately the Board decided to adopt an 8% reduction and tap additional cash reserves. Some of the monies added back were designated for amateur sports promotion (an area of tourism less affected by 9/11, etc.). Backman also discussed with the CVB the makeup of the hotel reps on the Board and the need for greater representation by certain communities. 3. Hwy 10 Business Center (Abbey Carpet) Project Update: The Planning Commission approved the conditional use permit for the Hwy 10 Business Center on September 4th and the City Council approved their permit on September 23rd. The appraiser should be done this week. Village Bank of Blaine will be the lead lender for the project. Soil testing occurred two days ago. 4. Community Center & Mermaid Collaboration Discussion: A collaboration meeting was held at the Mermaid complex on September 30th. Those in attendance included, Cindy W inegarner (Mermaid), Rich Sonterre, Kathleen Miller, Dabney Bradley, Shannon Roepke, and Backman. Following a tour of the facilities, we discussed current marketing activities and areas that could be improved. Catering activities were discussed and coordination of future activities (eg. holding a joint bridal fair in February, 2003 5. Colonial Craft—Development Activities: Colonial Craft is moving forward with its lease commitment for Building I and relocation from Roseville to Mounds View. On August 29th, Quanex, the parent company, signed off on the lease. It will occupy 122,000 sq. ft. of production/office space, 50% more space than what the company currently has in the Twin Cities. During September the City issued permits for renovation of Building I. Northco is renovating the space and expects to be completed the last week of November.