EDA Mtg 071723
Monday, July 17, 2023
Adoption of July 17th meeting agenda
Approval of June 20, 2023 EDA minutes
Business Retention and Expansion (BR&E) program update
Discussion of BR&E methodology and scope
Inclusion of home-based businesses in economic development surveys
Capstone Viking Meadows concept plan review
Areas of Interest (5)
- East Bethel EDA seeks to modernize 2016 Business Retention and Expansion (BR&E) program to address post-pandemic economic realities.
- Proposed 350-unit residential development at Viking Meadows Golf Course faces preliminary review by EDA and City.
- Reliance on volunteer-led surveys for economic development: Can the city achieve professional-grade results without external university support?
- Managing the integration of 300-400 home-based businesses into the official economic development strategy.
- Tensions in city planning regarding traffic infrastructure at the intersection of Sand Hill Crane and Viking Boulevard.
Votes (2)
Adopt the agenda
Moved by Jack · Seconded by Unnamed attendee
Approve June 20, 2023 EDA minutes
Moved by Jack · Seconded by Epstein
Notable Quotes (2)
If you're looking for like statistical information Jack can reach out to DEED. Tim O'Neill's the labor analyst... it's amazing what he can do.
I think it should be a separate portion things can be hard to integrate the two. I think we currently have about 60 interim use permits issued.
People (4)
JackStaff/EDA LeadDirects the meeting and facilitates discussion on BR&E and development projects.
1 quote
Directs the meeting and facilitates discussion on BR&E and development projects.
“The plan needs reviewed and potential updates reflect the new challenges faced by small businesses in the post-pandemic culture.”
Explaining the necessity of the BR&E program update.
Christine CostelloCommunity Economic Development RepresentativeConnexus Energy representative providing advice based on prior experience with the City of Cottage Grove.
1 quote
Connexus Energy representative providing advice based on prior experience with the City of Cottage Grove.
“I strongly suggest we keep the in-person aspect of the survey; you get more out of it and it's a great chance to see operations.”
Advising on survey methodology.
JulieStaffWorking with Christine on BR&E coordination.
1 quote
Working with Christine on BR&E coordination.
“We've got the chamber, we've got Planning Commission, we've got a lot of us that are all volunteer Civic people already.”
Discussing the potential for volunteer resources.
TomBoard MemberInvolved in EDA oversight and meeting procedures.
1 quote
Involved in EDA oversight and meeting procedures.
“I just want to be very clear-sighted about what this is going to take.”
Warning about the workload of the BR&E program.
Places Mentioned
Events & Meetings (7)
- July 17th EDA Meeting
- June 20, 2023 EDA Meeting
- April 17th EDA Meeting
- May 15, 2023 EDA Meeting
- May 11, 2023 Chamber of Commerce meeting
- June 30th Chamber Board and Garfish meetings
- October Chamber Breakfast Meeting