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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCity Council - 12/16/2008 - Workshop APPROVED MINUTES JOINT WORKSHOP OF THE CITY COUNCIL & EDEN PRAIRIE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE & OPEN PODIUM TUESDAY. DECEMBER 16, 2008 CITY CENTER 5:00—6:25 PM, HERITAGE ROOM II 6:30—7:00 PM, COUNCIL CHAMBER CITY COUNCIL: Mayor Phil Young, Council Members Brad Aho, Sherry Butcher, Jon Duckstad, and Kathy Nelson CHAMBER OF COMMERCE: Chair Cindy Daniels; Directors Greg Albrecht, Zane Birky, Vicki Brown, John Eversman, Jo Freese, Martin Hovden, Brian Johnson, Brian Kelly, Mic Klaith, Dan Murphy, Dave Ward, Dick Ward; President Pat MulQueeny CITY STAFF: City Manager Scott Neal, Police Chief Rob Reynolds, Fire Chief George Esbensen, Public Works Director Eugene Dietz, Community Development Director Janet Jeremiah, Parks and Recreation Director Jay Lotthammer, Economic Development Manager David Lindahl, Communications Manager Joyce Lorenz, Assistant to the City Manager Michael Barone, City Attorney Ric Rosow, and Recorder Lorene McWaters Heritage Room H I. LOCAL ECONOMIC CONDITIONS MulQueeny said that although some local businesses are suffering, many are still doing quite well. Neal said the City's tax collection rate is still high, around 98 percent. Neal said he has met with representatives from General Growth and Liberty Property Trust in the past week and both indicate they are doing fairly well in the local market. II. 2009 CITY BUDGET Neal said the City Council will consider several budget options at their regular meeting later tonight and pass a budget for 2009. Neal said the City may not receive the second half of its Market Value Homestead Credit payment(about$225,000) from the State, due to the State's budget shortfall. III. CHINA TRIP MulQueeny said the Eden Prairie Chamber is the first in the state to make a group trip to China. The trip is schedule from March 21 to March 30, and will depart from Seattle. IV. ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT UPDATE Jeremiah and Lindahl provided updates on economic development in Eden Prairie during 2008. V. GROW MINNESOTA AND CITY MEET & GREET UPDATE Lindahl said the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce's meet and greet program, called Grow Minnesota, grew out of the City's meet and greet program through Scott Thiss. Thiss had received a meet and greet visit from the City as an Eden Prairie business owner, so when he joined the State Chamber he recommended they start a similar program. Lindahl reported that the City and Eden Prairie Chamber have participated in several Grow Minnesota meet and greets this year and plan to take part in more next year. Lindahl said the City's meet and greet program is also still going strong. VI. SWLRT UPDATE This item was skipped due to lack of time. VII. MNDOT ITEMS & ISSUES Dietz gave an update on the City's ongoing effort to obtain funding for the 169/494 interchange reconstruction project. VIII. WAYFINDING UPDATE This item was skipped due to lack of time. Council Chamber IX. OPEN PODIUM Geri Napuck, Eden Prairie resident and supporter of outgoing Council Member Butcher, thanked Butcher for her 12 years of service to the community. Others who commented on Butcher's years of service and work on behalf of the City included: • Betsy Adams, Chair of the Heritage Preservation Commission • Don Opheim, Eden Prairie Hockey Association • Terry Picha, Eden Prairie resident • Cari Maguire—Chair of the Human Rights & Diversity Commission. Maguire read a resolution passed by the commission recognizing Butcher's service and commitment to diversity and human rights. • Lisa Rolf—Eden Prairie resident • Jodi Russell—Eden Prairie resident • Kevin Schultz—Eden Prairie resident • Nancy Tyra-Lukens —Former Mayor • Tommy Johnson—Eden Prairie resident • Jeff Strate—Eden Prairie resident, who also conveyed messages from Planning Commission member Ray Stoelting and Eden Prairie resident Barbara Karwaer • Ahmad Jama—Eden Prairie resident • David Hann— State Senator • Heather Olson—Chair of the Arts & Culture Commission • Jim Butcher—Professor Emeritus and Sherry's father • Pat MulQueeny —Chamber President • Gene Dietz—Director of Public Works • Les & Cindy Ellis —Eden Prairie Residents • Jan Mosman—Former Council member X. ADJOURNMENT