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MINUTES <br />ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE <br />AUGUST 17, 2010 <br />MEMBERS PRESENT: Cindy Rieck, Ed Larsen, Tommy Woog, Patrick Smith, and <br />Mark Jurchen <br />ALSO PRESENT: Sandy Peine, City Clerk; Dawn Bittner, Zoning <br />Administrator; and Ruth Ann Hansen, Chamber of <br />Commerce <br />1. Call Meeting to Order <br />The meeting was called to order by Chair Larsen at 8:00 a.m. <br />2. Approval of Minutes <br />MOTION BY MARK JURCHEN TO APPROVE THE 7/15/10 EDC MINUTES. <br />CINDY RIECK SECONDED THE MOTION. MOTION CARRIED 3 -0. <br />3. Business Subsidy Policy <br />Ed Larsen explained that Sheila Haverkamp was unable to attend due to being called for <br />jury duty. The EDC decided to discuss the business subsidy policy even though Sheila <br />was absent. <br />Mark Jurchen stated that he felt the City policy did not address subsidy in regard to <br />competition. Mark stated that he liked the Springsted policy and also the Anoka policy in <br />regard to the introduction and definition of the purpose. He indicated that he was more <br />interested in a defined policy. Cindy Rieck stated that she also liked Springsted policy <br />especially because it addressed tax abatement. <br />Patrick Smith stated that he would like the policy to address how to handle a request for <br />subsidy when dealing with a competing business. Patrick stated that the policy should be <br />used to bring jobs and new ventures to town. <br />Discussion was held on the subject of subsidies for competing businesses. The EDC felt <br />that there should be a very good reason to offer a subsidy if there is a competing business <br />in the City. <br />Discussion was held regarding subsidy for retail business. The EDC felt that retail <br />businesses should not qualify for subsidy. It was suggested to place the wage high <br />enough so that retail would not qualify. <br />