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Draft EDC Minutes Oct. 21, 2011 Page 2 of 3 Chair Johnson stated that the EDC had received word that the Economic Development Specialist position would be eliminated at the end of the year. She said the news has created confusion about the EDC’s role moving forward. Chair Johnson requested that the EDC discuss the issue before Ms. Steinmetz’s departure and wondered who on City staff would assume Ms. Steinmetz’s duties. Commissioner Paron asked City Administrator Jim Ericson why the City would eliminate the position at this particular time. Mr. Ericson responded that this discussion may be premature because the City Council has not yet discussed this issue publically. He explained that the City Council will discuss the Economic Development Specialist position at the November 7th Work Session. He invited the EDC to attend the meeting. Commissioner Belting said that the EDC has been clear about their goals over the years and that the Economic Development position is important. Mr. Ericson agreed. Chair Johnson agreed that now is an important time to maintain the position because the economy appears to be recovering. Commissioner Meehlhause asked for clarification on how the position is budgeted. Mr. Ericson responded that the position is funded entirely by Tax Increment Financing (TIF), not the City’s General Fund. Ms. Steinmetz mentioned that the City’s TIF Districts will be expiring in a few years, which would eliminate the funding source for the position. Mr. Ericson responded that if the position is worthwhile and a benefit to the community, the City Council would find a way to fund the position. Referring to the Medtronic District, Commissioner Meehlhause added that not all of the City’s TIF Districts expire by the year 2015. Commissioner Belting said that the City can’t afford to be without both an Economic Development Specialist and a Community Development Director. Commissioner Larson agreed. Mr. Ericson concluded by reminding the EDC that although the budget presented to the City Council at the October Work Session did not include the Economic Development Specialist position for 2012, it is not a foregone conclusion that the position will be eliminated. The Council will be discussing it at the November 7th Work Session. The EDC decided to discuss the future of the EDC after the November 7th Work Session. Motion/Second: Commission Meehlhause moved and Commissioner Paron seconded a motion to recommend that the EDA retain the Economic Development Specialist position especially in light of recent developments in neighboring cities and continued needs in our own city for 2012 and beyond. Motion Carried: 5 Ayes, 0 Nays 7. REPORTS OF COMMISSIONERS There were no commissioner reports.