05-15-2012 EDC Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE MAY 15, 2012 MEMBERS PRESENT: Mark Jurchen, Cindy Rieck, and Tommy Woog MEMBERS ABSENT: Ed Larsen, Patrick Smith ALSO PRESENT: Sandy Peine, City Clerk; Sheila Haverkamp, BLAEDC; Jenna Crawford, Chamber of Commerce 1. Call Meeting to Order The meeting was called to order by Vice Chair Jurchen at 8:00 a.m. 2. Approval of Minutes TOMMY WOOG MOVED TO APPROVE THE APRIL 17, 2012 EDC MINUTES. CINDY RIECK SECONDED THE MOTION. MOTION CARRIED 3-0. 3. Business Park Lot Discussion 4. Small Business Subsidy Policy 5. WAC/SAC—Proposal from Tim Houle The EDC discussed agenda items 3, 4, and 5 simultaneously. The City Clerk and Sheila Haverkamp gave an update on a company who has requested to purchase property in the City's business park. The Clerk informed the EDC that the business owner has asked what incentives the City has to offer to his business. The EDC indicated that this is the reason that a small business incentive program is necessary for the City as it is better to be prepared than to have to react. The EDC discussed possible business incentive opportunities such as City fees which could be forgiven, financed etc. The EDC felt that there should be different incentives for specific geographical areas such as the Business Park versus the downtown are in order to drive growth in the specific areas. The EDC discussed the need for a rate study and SAC/WAC policy which would include basing usage charges on equivalent residential units (ERU). The EDC noted that the current rates are unfair as the residential users are subsidizing large water users. The EDC members felt it would be best to draft a letter to the Council explaining the importance and urgency of the need for a WAC/SAC policy or ordinance based on an ERU.