10-20-2015 EDC Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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Economic Development Commission Minutes October 20, 2015 Page 2 of 4 Dawn Bittner informed the Commission that street access to this land will need to come from Derksen Road as there will not be allowable access across the Paul Bunyan Trail. Commissioner Roggenkamp wondered if a City campground could also be designed in this area. Mike Loven noted that this area has no trees as it is the City's existing spray irrigation field. Chris Lindholm questioned what the process will be moving forward to cultivate dialogue and create the vision for this area. Sheila Haverkamp noted that Phase 1 could be to layout the ball fields and infrastructure in the triangular parcel. Phase 2 could be the layout of the middle parcel and so on. She stated that the Initiative Foundation has a$5,000 planning grant available for the processing of concepts and layouts and a brainstorming session may be warranted. The consensus of the Commission was to work on the following items for the next meeting. • Gather information from BLAEDC on the return on investment study. • Research the Initiative Foundation grant and NJPA resources to facilitate the conversation of possible ideas. • Chair Jurchen will research the economic impact of existing businesses in the area. Commission Stroot questioned if the USDA has grants and loans available for this type of project. Sheila Haverkamp stated that they do and noted how instrumental Arvig and TDS were in creating the existing business park. Mike Loven informed the Commission that there is a possibility of moving the maintenance facilities from city hall to the land in the northeast corner, south of Derksen Road. The Commission discussed the possibility of a shared maintenance facility with the School. 4. Broadband Update Chair Jurchen noted that he is receiving updates on the Blandin Foundation and the need for broadband funding for the State. He stated that the Commission should meet with TDS and Charter when development is considered on the broadband needs of the area. Commissioner Roggenkamp informed the Commission about the increased broadband speed she is currently receiving from Charter Spectrum. It was the consensus of the Commission to invite Charter and TDS to the next meeting to discuss broadband service needs in the area. Commissioner Roggenkamp and Chair Jurchen will contact them. 5. Marketing Plan No discussion took place.