HomeMy WebLinkAboutEDAC Meeting Notes 12-10-09o~ P~o~ Economic Development Advisory Committee
,~ ,~ Meeting Minutes
December 10, 209
~j~~~ .~~ r. s o~P
Present: Deno Howard, Bob Facente, Troy Presler, Terry Gutowski, Adam Blahnik, Mary Viereck,
Sandi Fleck, Ron Ciminski, Bruce Capra, Warren Erickson, Mike Myser, Frank Boyles
1. Consider Approval of the Agenda
The Committee approved the agenda by affirmation.
2. EDAC Recruitment Update
Chair Howard reported that new members had been added to the EDAC including Adam Blahnik,
Terry Gutowski and Joe Passofaro. She clarified that Andrew Anthony had not been added as he
was unable to attend the interview. Each person present introduced themselves.
3. Update on Bylaws Revisions
Boyles reported that the City Council approved an amendment to the bylaws allowing up to 40%
of the EDAC members to be composed of persons who are not Prior Lake residents, but who do
work in the community.
4. Brief Review of Proposed EDAC Objectives
Chair Howard reviewed the proposed EDAC bylaws. Boyles suggested that the 12 items be
divided into goals and objectives for 2010. The Committee reviewed each goal and objective and
made modifications. Motion by Viereck, second by Presler to make the modifications discussed
by the EDAC and circulate to the EDAC as part of the January meeting agenda in anticipation of
City Council review in February or March.
5. Update on Business Retention and Recruitment Interviews
Discussion ensued regarding how data obtained from retention interviews can be used.
Committee members proposed that a database of lease terms would be beneficial together with
business names and profile. Concern was expressed that retention interview information is
offered confidentially and may not be shared if it is to become public. Chair Howard suggested
that the retention questionnaire questions be broken into three areas: 1) factual; 2) lease
information; and 3) recommendations, concerns and comments. There was a recommendation
that the interviews be more fluid and less structured. Committee members concurred that they
would make recommendations regarding the questionnaire on or before the January meeting. A
recommendation was made by Erickson that retention innterviews focus on non-Chamber
members. The following members stated they would arrange interviews:
Retention:
Terry Gutowski -Creative Graphic
Troy Presler -Wreck-a-Mended
Bruce Capra -Village Market
Recruitment:
Bob Facente -Super Dragon /Palace Buffet
Troy Presler -Montessori
6. Discussion occurred regarding data gleaned from interviews. Facente stated that the interviews
should be discussed at EDAC meetings. Boyles stated that perhaps subcommittees of EDAC
could discuss but the Committee did not concur. Erickson wondered what kind of feedback
should be offered at interviews. Presler said none as anything offered will appear to be defensive.
Discuss Marketing Piece
Chair Howard suggested some updates to the document: Number of banks in city is not included;
local amenities; YMCA is present not future; update community profile; include current inventory
of business, retail and commercial; provide population in 1, 3, 5 and 7 mile radius; provide trafFic
counts per street; identify building space by type and vacancy; include contact people with city
links and business links; list what we are looking for in businesses; also a list of available utilities.
The marketing piece will be redrafted for consideration at the January meeting.
8. Announcements and Reports
Boyles reported on the Culvers proposal at the Express Gas site, Curves purchase of Boudin
property, Pizza Event Center at Fong's and senior living facility at CR 21 and Duluth. Sandi
Fleck conducted new business interviews with Culvers, Curves and Senior Living. Bob Facente
interviewed the Super Dragon (Palace Buffet) owners and Troy Presler interviewed the
Montessori owners.
The Committee agreed that information about a new business would be emailed to one another
when it becomes available.
The meeting adjourned at 9:03 am.
• Page 2