11 - City Clerk's Monthly Report

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Sheila also pointed out that the City can be creative. Where there is a drainage issue the �..- City could create a pond that is attractive with Legacy dollars. We need to think outside the box where the need could be an amenity. After discussion, it was determined that there may be more than one area of need. There is an area west of the business area on the west side of town that could use rehabilitation. Infrastructure exists in that area and there are homes that need to be updated and upgraded. It was decided that a large meeting be held that would include the property owners of the downtown area and the residential area on the west side of town. It could be held at the Cole Memorial Building. The concept of the grant opportunity could be explained to see if there is some interest. Notification could be through public service announcements, newspaper articles, the Chamber and flyers handed out door to door. After the large meeting, there would be smaller meetings with the target areas. BLADC would need letters of intent from the property owners from the target areas. The definition of the target areas would come from the large, public meeting. The EDC supports the conclusions from the small group meeting, expanding the area. Elissa and Sheila will bring back a timeline. They will also contact DEED to obtain information on stormwater issues, the potential of different target areas, infrastructure issues and contact the HRA and Central Minnesota Housing to see what they may already have going. This should be an April agenda item. The large meeting could be held in May. The application should be defined by the end of May. 5. Neighborhood Stabilization update from BLADC: Elissa explained the Neighborhood Stabilization Program Funds requested by the City of Brainerd for Crow Wing County communities had been denied. There were only $6 million to expend with $18 million in requests. BLADC recommends using the local HRA to handle housing needs. The EDC asked that Erika and Shirlee from the HRA be invited to EDC meetings Small Cities Development Grants and Central Minnesota Housing can be used together for residential needs. 6. Next Meeting Date: The next meeting will be held April 21 at 8:00 a.m. 7. Other Business: Justin reported that he has been elected to the North Central Economic Development Association; their first meeting will be in October. PJ Smith has been on NCEDA for 9 years. The NCEDA is a part of Region Five. 8. Adj ournment: Minutes Economic Development Committee March 17, 2009 0a