2014.09.09 EDA Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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RECAP OF MICRA MANUFACTURING SITE VISIT The EDA made a site visit to Micra Manufacturing and toured the facility guided by the president of the company Craig Benson. Micra Manufacturing specializes in machining, fabrication, sawing, welding, abrasive blasting, and painting of metals. Mr. Benson provided background on the business and showed the EDA the pieces of equipment that are used to make the products they manufacture. Staff asked the EDA if they would like to continue visiting businesses and how often. The EDA agreed that they would like to continue to conduct business visits. They agreed to try to do them bi-monthly. REVIEW OF 2030 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN One of the EDA's goals for 2014 includes a review of the economic development section of the 2030 Comprehensive Plan. The Comprehensive Plan was adopted by the City in 2010 and the EDA has accomplished several items since then. Staff provided an overview of the section and what items the EDA has completed. Staff presented on how the City has implemented the items that were identified in the economic development section of the 2030 Comprehensive Plan. These items include, identify a target market, marketing, financial incentives, infrastructure needs, downtown redevelopment, gateways, promoting quality among businesses, and retention of businesses. It was in staff's opinion that the EDA done a good job accomplishing the implementation items. Staff also reviewed the EDA's goals for 2014. Commissioner Klein stated that the EDA should look into a business incubator for starter companies. Commissioner Denaway agreed that the EDA has done a good job with the things they can control. He stated that at some point the City may want to look into a new location for an industrial park. He also stated that staff may want to look into any successes from GreaterMSP, but we was not aware of much. Commissioner Klein asked if staff has been in contact with the utility companies about locations for a data center. Staff stated they have made contact with them and have information to provide to anyone that may be interested in locating a data center. President Weidt stated that on our land use plan we have areas that are guided for industrial. It may be sooner rather than that there may be a need for more land for industrial. At that time it would be good to evaluate the feasibility a new industrial park. City Administrator, Bryan Bear, stated that staff was recently contacted by the realtor of the Thommes and Thomas property along 165th Street about purchasing the property. At the time, the realtor did not state a purchase price. If the EDA is interested staff can get more information