01-15-2008 EDC Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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i Economic Development Committee January 15, 2008 Page 2 of 4 ----------------------------------------------- MARK JURCHENMOVED TO PROCEED WITH THE SURVEY PROCESS. NANCY ADAMS SECONDED THE MOTION. MOTION CARRIED 4-0. Discussion was held regarding how to handle a situation where anonymity is required in the area of business proposals at the EDC meeting. Sheila Haverkamp noted that most of the time a company will go to BLADC first and then BLADC will make a presentation to the EDC for the company and at that time the information is no longer confidential. The Committee noted that any information at the Economic Development Committee meeting would be public as the meeting is an "Open Meeting." 5. Future Project Considerations Business Incubator Concept Sheila Haverkamp noted that BLADC and the Mayor are researching the possibility of a potential commercial business incubator project through a private owner which would be located in Pequot Lakes. The Mayor noted that a few people have shown interest in the concept and that she will continue to work on the project and update the EDC. At this point there is no commitment required from the EDC. Small Cities Development Program Elissa Rogers gave a brief presentation of the Small Cities Development Program through DEED. She noted that if Pequot Lakes is interested in this program the City must have a project ready by the application deadline. Elissa stated that the proposed timeline for Pequot Lakes is 2008, which would mean that the pre-application must be in by October and the full application in by December. The Federal Funds for this program are available for housing, public facilities, and a combination of housing, public facility or economic development commercial rehabilitation). Sheila Haverkamp noted that if the City was not ready this year, the project could be swapped with another community and begin in 2009. The Committee indicated an interest in pursuing the program for 2008. Mayor Malecha suggested that Government Drive Storm Drainage, downtown parking, and downtown amenities be considered as part of the Small Cities project. Discussion was held regarding involving the HRA in the project to address substandard housing. The EDC discussed the fact that it would need Council approval of a project and to begin the process prior to moving forward.