Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutCouncil_Connection_110111Council approves neighborhood association identification process The Council approved a pro- cess to educate residents about neighborhood associa- tions and to build broad com- munity support for community- wide neighborhood boundaries and individual neighborhood names. Council members previously expressed their preference to include many stakeholders in the neighborhood identification process. To meet this goal, while at the same time using resident input efficiently and effectively, staff proposed a two -tier public engagement pro- cess. A steering committee would design an engagement process to educate residents on the potential of neighborhood asso- ciations, identify key stakehold- ers and gather input into neigh- borhood boundaries and names. The committee would engage broader resident teams. The public would have the op- portunity to learn about neigh- borhood associations and the development history of their area. Teams might be asked to catalog current neighborhood groups and institutions. With the assistance of the oversight group, the resident teams would work toward a consen- sus regarding neighborhood boundaries and names for their quadrant. The process is expected to begin in early 2012. City to apply for grant The City will apply for an eco- nomic development grant from Hennepin County. As part of a broader strategy to promote economic develop- ment, create and retain jobs, and cultivate entrepreneurs, the Hennepin County Housing and Redevelopment Authority (HCHRA) is soliciting proposals from suburban Hennepin mu- nicipalities interested in launch- ing or expanding a small busi- ness and entrepreneur tech- nical assistance initiative called “Open to Business.” The “Open to Business” pro- gram was originally conceived as a partnership between the City of Brooklyn Park and the nonprofit community develop- ment organization Metropolitan Consortium of Community De- velopers (MCCD). Through this partnership, MCCD provides direct, one-on-one technical assistance services to Brooklyn Park’s entrepreneurs and small businesses. The range of ser- vices includes: Business plan develop- ment Feasibility studies Cash flow and financing projections Marketing Loan request preparation Advocacy with lending institutions Since its success in Brooklyn Park, the “Open to Business” model has expanded to the cities of Minnetonka and St. Louis Park. Because of the success of “Open to Business,” the HCHRA has committed funds to support the efforts of suburban Hennepin municipali- A summary of the Nov. 1 Edina City Council meeting Nov. 3, 2011 Volume 13, Issue 20 Council Connection Upcoming meetings: Heritage Preservation Board, 7 p.m. Nov. 7 Park Board, 7 p.m. Nov. 7 Planning Commission, 7 p.m. Nov. 9 Energy & Environment Commission, 7 p.m. Nov. 10 City Council, 7 p.m. Nov. 15 Art Center Board, 4:30 p.m. Nov. 17 City Contacts City Manager Scott Neal 952-826-0401 Assistant City Manager Karen Kurt 952-826-0415 City Clerk Debra Mangen 952-826-0408 Finance Director John Wallin 952-826-0410 Planning Director Cary Teague 952-826-0460 Police Chief Jeff Long 952-826-0491 We’d like to hear from you … If you have any comments, call Communications & Marketing Director Jennifer Bennerotte at 952-833-9520. The text of this publication will be availa- ble online at www.CityofEdina.com. www.CityofEdina.com ties interested in pursuing this initiative. MCCD provides “Open to Business” services to participating municipalities’ entrepreneurs and small busi- nesses for a flat annual fee. The base annual fee is $10,000 for municipalities with populations between 30,000 and 60,000. The HCHRA has $75,000 avail- able for one-to-one matching grants up to $5,000 for munic- ipalities or collaborations of municipalities that wish to provide an annual pilot of “Open to Business” in their community. The Council ap- proved City Manager Scott Neal’s request to apply for the one-time grant. If the City hires an Economic Development Director, he or she will oversee Edina’s participation in the program. Council to consider happy hours The Council agreed to hear a proposal for a change in local law that would allow for “happy hours” and other promotions of alcoholic beverages. The Minnesota Restaurant Association requested that the City review Section 900 of the Edina City Code dealing with the sale of liquor and wine, specifically the subsection covering “sale prices.” Associa- tion Executive Vice President Dan McElroy reported that members have found it difficult to comply with the local law while remaining competitive with venues in nearby commu- nities. The Council will consider the issue at a future meeting.