Minutes of the special meeting of the Economic Development Authority of Apple Valley, Dakota County, Minnesota, held June 20, 2006, at 7:30 o'clock a.m., at the Apple Valley Municipal Center.

PRESENT: President Severson; Commissioners Bergman, Erickson, Goodwin, Grendahl, and Hamann-Roland.

ABSENT: None.

Staff members present were: Executive Director Lawell, Secretary Gackstetter, and Acting Community Development Director Lovelace.

President Severson called the meeting to order at 7:30 a.m.

APPROVAL OF AGENDA

MOTION: of Hamann-Roland, seconded by Goodwin, approving the agenda for today's meeting as presented. Ayes - 5, Nays - 0.

MINUTES

MOTION: of Hamann-Roland, seconded by Bergman, approving the minutes of the special meeting of January 12, 2006, as written. Ayes - 5, Nays - 0.

Commissioner Grendahl joined the meeting at 7:32 a.m.

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR POSITION UPDATE

Mr. James Brimeyer, of The Brimeyer Group, provided an update on the Community Development Director position profile. He conducted numerous interviews to solicit feedback on the position, the organizational structure, and the issues surrounding economic development. He described how consultants might be used to supplement various needs depending on what is expected of the Community Development Director.

The Commission talked about various organizational structures options, the pros and cons of using consultants, and the possibility of sharing an economic development specialist with another public agency.

Councilmember Grendahl said she is not interested in sharing an economic development specialist with the County. She stressed the importance of an economic development specialist being well connected.

President Severson recommended hiring a higher level Community Development Director and using a consultant for economic development.

The Commission discussed the need for an overall plan for undeveloped property as well as possible tools for attracting industrial and commercial developments.

Commissioner Bergman left the meeting at 8:04 a.m.

Commissioner Grendahl asked the types of projects currently being worked on by Planning Department staff.

Mr. Lovelace recapped current projects under review by Planning Department staff.

Mr. Lawell said Planning staff are also working with the Urban Affairs Committee on a number of issues.

The Commission then discussed whether Building Inspections or Code Enforcement should fall under the Community Development Department and whether the search for the Community Development Director should be nationwide or stay local.

Commissioner Grendahl left the meeting at 8:27 a.m.

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT PROMOTION

Mr. Lawell said the Economic Development Authority previously had an advisory body called the Economic Growth Partnership Committee. The Committee consisted of four representatives from the City and three representatives from the Chamber of Commerce. He described the purpose and goals of the Committee, summarized its history, and asked if the Economic Development Authority was interested in reviving it. He indicated there may be a renewed interest by members of the Chamber of Commerce.

Commissioner Grendahl joined the meeting at 8:29 a.m.

Councilmember Goodwin said the Economic Growth Partnership Committee was a means of involving Chamber of Commerce members in economic development discussions; however, not a lot was accomplished by the Committee.

The Commission discussed ways of partnering with the Chamber of Commerce and getting them involved in economic development.

Commissioner Erickson suggested Mr. Grawe research past successes of the Economic Growth Partnership Committee. He questioned if the Committee would be worthwhile now if it hadn't been productive in the past.

President Severson said the Chamber of Commerce has been active on road issues. Perhaps that is an area to focus their membership interest.

The Commission talked about the Chamber of Commerce interest surrounding the County Road 42/Cedar Avenue issue.

Commissioner Hamann-Roland suggested creating an economic development blue ribbon committee to address the County Road 42/Cedar Avenue issue.

The Commission agreed it may be better to work with the Chamber of Commerce on specific issues as they arise versus reestablishing the Economic Growth Partnership Committee and having scheduled meetings without purpose.

Councilmember Grendahl said she would like to hear directly from members of the Chamber of Commerce as to their interest in becoming involved in economic development.

MOTION: of Erickson, seconded by Grendahl, to adjourn. Ayes - 5, Nays - 0.

The meeting was adjourned at 8:45 o'clock a.m.