11 - City Clerk's Monthly Report

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EDC Minutes October 20, 2009 Page 2 of 3 ------------------------ interested to learn what challenges businesses face and what the community can do to help. 5. Vacant Buildings in n Pequot Lakes Mayor Adams gave an update on a new project that is being done in conjunction with the Business Connect Group and the City. She noted that the purpose of the project is to collect information on the empty buildings and building space in Pequot Lakes. Once the information is collected it will be available to assist with inquiries that the City, Chamber, and Business Connect group receive from people interested in locating a business in Pequot lakes. The Mayor noted that during the initial contact of business owners there was a perception that planning and zoning is negative. The Mayor suggested that this could be resolved by inviting those who view Planning and Zoning in a negative way to meeting with some members of the Planning and Zoning Commission. The Mayor noted that Sentence to Serve (STS) has offered to decorate the park and an business that will sign up through the Chamber Office during the week of the 16 of November. The businesses must have their lights and hooks ready for the STS crew to hang. Ruth Ann Hanson, Chamber Representative, indicated that in discussions she has had with building owners in Pequot Lakes, the question has been asked, "Why does someone want to do business in Pequot over other areas." She stated that The EDC must encourage people to come to Pequot Lakes. Mark Jurchen stated that we need to look outside of the box in order to determine what our market is and what our needs are. Ed Larsen suggested having an entire EDC meeting dedicated to this topic. Sheila Haverkamp suggested a SWOT analysis for Pequot Lakes. Patrick Smith suggested getting a perspective from different groups such as the Business Connect Group and Planning and Zoning. 6. Commission Member Terms The Clerk noted that terms for Mark Jurchen and Ed Larsen will expire on December 31, 2009. She informed the members of the City's policy for reappointment. 7. Next Meeting Date The next EDC meeting will be held on November 17, 2009, at 8:00 a.m.