07-17-1985 EDA MIN
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MINUTES OF THE PROCEEDINGS OF THE ELK RIVER
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION
JULY 17, 1985
1.
Call Meeting to Order
The meeting was called to order by Mr. Dick Gongoll at 4:00 p.m.
2. Members Present:
Dick Gongoll, Virgil Stegner, Lloyd Brutlag, Clifford Lundberg, Estelle Gunkel,
Jerry Hagen, Bud Houlton, Jackie Schuelein, and Tom Bublitz
3. Star City Status
A. Report on Work Background to Achieve Star City Status
Mr. Clifford Lundberg reviewed the business survey which was sent to 137
new businesses. He pointed out that, to date, only 12 have been returned.
He explained City Hall Staff will be doing follow-up on those responding.
He noted the existing data base for the survey included 78 businesses, 40
of which returned the new surveys.
Mr. Gongoll briefly reviewed the activities related to achieving Star City
status.
B.
Review of Meeting with State Officials
Mr. Gongoll reported on the May 16, 1985 meeting where the Commission made
a presentation to State officials, reviewing the City's Economic Development
options.
C. Official Designation Letter
Mr. Gongoll noted the receipt of the official designation of Elk River as a
Star City and explained that the official presentation date has been set for
September 24, 1985. He noted that the designation will be held in conjunction
with the Chamber of Commerce fall meeting and that Mr. Mark Dayton will be pre-
sent. The location and specific program for the meeting has not yet been deter-
mined.
D. Star City Signs, Pins and Advertising Program
Mr. Tom Bublitz noted that the Star City signs were on order and that they
would be delivered within a few weeks and will be located at each of the four
major entrances to the City. He also noted that Star City pins were obtained
for each of the members of the Economic Development Commission. Members present
at the meeting received their pins with the remainder to be mailed out to members.
Economic Development Commission Minutes
July 17, 1985
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The Committee then discussed the advertising budget for the upcoming year.
Mr. Lloyd Brutlag is to work with the City in preparing the budget for the
Star City Program. The City Administrator reviewed, for the Commission the
State Department of Economic Development's advertisement which will be run-
ning in several business magazines around the nation and noted that additional
advertising at this level will be done in the future.
Mr. Hagen suggested looking at what specific dollar amounts would be able to
accomplish in terms of ads. He suggested focusing on trade publications,
such as Corporate Report.
Mr. Cliff Lundberg suggested using the funds to address additional items,
such as promoting merchants and shopping in Elk River.
4. Slide Presentation Brochure Economic Fact Book
Mr. Gongoll noted that the preparation of the slide presentation, brochure and
economic fact book has been completed by the Commission.
5. On-Going Program
A.
Annual Certification by State
Mr. Gongoll reported that the annual recertification includes updating the
Five Year Program and One Year Action Program, and also updating the Capital
Improvements Program.
6. Possible Future Economic Development Coordinator
The Committee discussed the possibility of a future Economic Development Coordinator
in the City of Elk River and the possibility of a jointly funded coordinator position
between the City and the Chamber was discussed.
7. Annual Meeting Date
The month of February was suggested as a month for an annual meeting. It was also
decided that the City Staff will coordinate with Mr. Cliff Lundberg to establish
a set of bylaws for the committee. It was also suggested that the terms for members
be staggered. The City Administrator is to obtain samples of bylaws from other
Star City programs.
There was general consensus that the first Tuesday in February be designated as the
annual meeting date.
Discussion continued on how to coordinate the recertification for the Star City
program. tfu. Estelle Gunkel suggested that appointments to the Committee for re-
placement positions should not be done at the end of the year because of the great
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Economic Development Commission Minutes
July 17, 1985
Page Three
amount of activity at year's end. She also suggested getting the information
regarding the program on the City's computer so that updating would be easier
in the future. She noted that currently, the vacancy of the finance director
position in the City presents a problem and she was also uncertain as to how
to get the information off Mr. Lundberg's computer and onto the City's computer.
Mr. Gongoll stated that he believed the City Staff would have to perform a great
deal of the follow-up work on updating the Star City program, including the one
year action plan and the five year program.
Estelle Gunkel noted that the City Council will be reviewing the Capital Improve-
ments Program in conjunction with the annual budget and she also suggested making
local industries more aware of Star City program benefits.
8. Other Business
Dick Gongoll inquired if there was any other business to be discussed at the
meeting; there being none, he adjourned the meeting.
Respectfully submitted,
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Thomas R. Bublitz
City Administrator
TRB : sm