Agenda Packets - 2014/02/03 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Item No: 02 Moms �. V TfE Meeting Date: Feb 3, 2014 Type of Business: Work Session City of Mounds View Staff Report To: Honorable Mayor and City Council From: James Ericson, City Administrator Item Title/Subject: Review the Economic Development Specialist Position Introduction: The City's former Economic Development Specialist resigned on October 31, 2013, taking a new position in another community. Since that time, the position has remained vacant. The 2014 Budget includes funding for the position at half time hours. Discussion: The primary responsibilities of this position are as follows: • Business recruitment and business retention activity • Economic development marketing and communication • Coordination and oversight of economic development programs • Liaison to Economic Development Commission, works with the EDA • Maintain available property database • Assist in the submission of grant applications and identification of funding opportunities The job description for the position (attached) is much more detailed regarding the essential duties and could perhaps be modified to be more clear as to what the City's expectations are, but ultimately, the stated responsibilities all tie back to the six listed above. A few minor revisions are shown for Council consideration. I have spoken to other economic development professionals and all of them agree that a part time position could be a perfect fit for a qualified individual looking for a flexible work schedule, or perhaps a seasoned or recently retired economic development specialist looking to ease into retirement or ease back out of retirement. We have discussed job - sharing the position with another community, but this type of position is less conducive to such an arrangement. Given the expiration of the remainder of the City's older TIF districts by December of 2015, the Council may want to discuss whether it believes a need exists to maintain the position beyond such time. Despite the older district decertifications, the City will continue to receive 5% of the increment generated from the Medtronic district, which would almost be enough to cover a half-time position, with the remaining funds potentially transferred from the general fund. MN Statutes allows cities with an EDA or HRA to levy funds in support of those activities, which is another option as well. Finally, any revenues received from the sale of the Crossroad Point properties could only be spent on TIF eligible activities, such as staffing an economic development position.