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Draft EDC Minutes July 16, 2010 Page 3 of 4 Motion/Second: Vice Chair Wagner-Harkonen moved and Commissioner Larson seconded a recommendation that the EDA retain the option of purchasing blighted residential properties (both the land and the structure) in their Economic Development toolbox. Motion Carried: 4 Ayes 0 Nays Motion/Second: Commissioner Entsminger moved and Commissioner Larson seconded a recommendation that the EDA allow more flexibility in how they allocate the $150,000 that has previously been budgeted for the EDA's Housing Replacement Program. Motion Carried: 4 Ayes 0 Nays Motion/Second: Vice Chair Wagner-Harkonen moved and Commissioner Entsminger seconded a recommendation that the EDA offer an option to pay for the demolition of blighted residential structures without purchasing the land. Motion Carried: 4 Ayes 0 Nays Commissioner Entsminger stated that she hopes the City Council will discontinue their discussions about City staff layoffs. She said that she does not think that City staff should have to hear about those discussions repeatedly because it's not productive for staff to have to walk on eggshells. She feels that the economy is going to turn around and if the Council removes staff, the City will be behind the eight ball and will have to spend more time and money looking for staff replacements. Commissioner Entsminger left the meeting at this time (8:21 am). REPORTS OF COMMISSIONERS Commissioner Larson mentioned that he heard the Council say during this past Monday's meeting that they do not want to get into the real estate business but he believes that the City is loosing money by allowing non -sellable lots sit vacant or blighted for too long. He said that Mounds View's large lots would be even more valuable in years to come due to Mounds View location near the Twin Cities. Vice Chair Wagner-Harkonen added that the City is loosing out on opportunities to improve neighborhoods by not using the EDA's allocated housing funds. Chair Meehlhause added that a dilapidated housing stock creates a negative impression of the community and negative impressions are difficult to change. 8. REPORTS OF STAFF • Ms. Steinmetz provided verbal updates for Items 8A -F (adding a name County Road 10, Select Senior Living, farmers market, Mounds View business news, available business sites in Mounds View and upcoming events). Finance Director Mark Beer provided additional information about the Select Senior Living project. • Community Development Director Ken Roberts provided a verbal update about the City's street project (area B/C) and the Coventry Senior Living project. 9. UPCOMING EDC MEETING The next regular EDC meeting is scheduled for Friday, August 20, 2010 at 7:30am.