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EDC Minutes Sept 21, 2007 Page 3 B. Status of the Economic Development Specialist position. Director Ericson indicated that the position was posted and candidates were interviewed with an offer extended to the most qualified candidate. The candidate ultimately did not accept the offer and staff decided to readvertise for the position, starting the process all over again. Interviews were again conducted and qualified candidates have been identified. Action will be delayed however until more is known about how the Council plans to deal with the vacant city administrator position. Director Ericson admitted that action would need to occur soon as there are many projects that have been put on hold as a result of Aaron Backman’s resignation and he is concerned that opportunities will be lost and some things will fall through the cracks if put off too long. Commissioner Entsminger expressed her hope that the Council supported filling the position as there is an immediate need to bring someone in to further the economic development goals of the City. She reiterated that the City is not fully developed and this position helps grow the tax base. Commissioner Johnson indicated that not filling the position would be terribly shortsighted. The money that the position can bring in far exceeds the cost of salary and benefits. C. Premium Stop Redevelopment Update. Director Ericson provided copies of a preliminary development agreement that had been prepared by the City Attorney that was forwarded to Master Development. Master had submitted the only response to the City’s Request for Qualifications and they had indicated concurrence with the planning study the City conducted with the assistance of Bonestroo and DSU. Director Ericson reviewed the preferred land use plan for the Premium Stop site as well as Robert’s and the adjoining properties. Director Ericson confirmed that the Robert’s parcel is scheduled for auction on October 11, 2007. Commissioner Johnson asked whether Robert’s would be able to re-open. Director Ericson indicated that it appeared unlikely that Robert’s would be re-opened by the Waste family, however others have expressed interest in re-opening the facility under new ownership and management or perhaps as a retail use. Director Ericson indicated that the zoning is B-3, Highway Business commercial, which is a fairly permissive zoning district. The City’s goal is to have a complete redevelopment of the parcel and tie it in with the City’s parcel, however this cannot be guaranteed unless the City or the preferred developer purchases the land. Commissioner Belting asked to confirm whether the auction was for the contents of the building or the land and the building. Director Ericson confirmed that the auction was for the building and land, although there may be some fixtures and other assets within the building that might be included. D. Other. 1. The Commission asked for an update on the Saturn site. Director Ericson indicated that the Blaine City Council had approved a rezoning application and it appeared certain that Saturn would be moving at some point in the near future. Director Ericson indicated he has been in contact with Saturn officials who confirm they have been talking with other auto dealers who may have an interest in the site. He mentioned that it would not be the City’s desire to see another dealership replace Saturn, as it seems to be an underutilized property, especially when combined with the vacant Multi-tech land adjacent to Saturn. Saturn has confirmed that they would be willing to sell the property right away if an entity would agree to a lease-back arrangement until the new Blaine facility is ready to go. Director Ericson admitted the City would be more involved if it had an economic development specialist on staff.