2016.01.12 CC Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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January 12, 2016 Page 9 of 10 program. Part of the recommended action is for the Council to authorize the Mayor and City Manager to enter into the Open to Business contract. Staff has attached informational items on Open to Business and Rob Smolund, the City's Open to Business contact, will be available for questions. Rob Smolund, Open to Business, thanked staff for the thorough report. He introduced himself to the Council and stated he was excited to be working with the City of New Brighton. He provided a brief history of Open to Business and the services that would be provided to residents and local business owners. He was pleased by the growth in his niche and noted he had expertise in assisting business owners in demystifying financial management Councilmember Burg requested further comment on an Open to Business success story. Mr. Smolund discussed a local business that had recently closed on a loan to expand his business. He stated unfortunately he was privy to information that was not available to the public and could not be shared with the Council at this time. He hoped to have this individual come before the Council in the near future. Councilmember Bauman did not support a three year contract with Open to Business. She questioned how Open to Business would report to the Council on its activity. Mr. Smolund explained he could provide the Council with updates in a more timely manner if desired prior to yearend. He believed it would be difficult to analyze the success of Open to Business in just one year. He discussed how his services have ex i -xi 1Eied over the years in Brooklyn Park. Councilmember Burg requested staff work with Mr. Smolund on the effective date of the agreement and that it not be dated January 1, 2016. Assistant Director of Community Assets and Development Gundlach reported she could work with the City Attorney to resolve this matter. Mr. Smolund stated he did support a 12 month agreement Mayor Johnson indicated Open to Business was a recommendation from the EDC. She believed the contract was a low risk opportunity that would benefit the City's local businesses and their owners. It was her opinion that the partnership with Open to Business would show these business owners that the City was willing to invest in them. For this reason, she fully supported a one year contract with Open to Business. Councilmember Strub believed the Council would benefit by receiving updates firom Open to Business on how they were assisting local businesses. He looked forward to see how Open to Business would benefit the community. Councilmember Burg questioned if the contract start date should be amended to January 15, 2016. Mayor Johnson supported the contract starting February 1, 2016. Amendment to the Motion: Motion by Councilmember Burg, seconded by Councilmember Jacobsen to amend the Open to Business contract start date to February 1, 2016 and run through January 31, 2017. Councilmember Bauman asked if the cost would remain the same. City Attorney Gilchrest reported this was the case. Councilmember Bauman questioned how much City staff time would be allotted for this program. Assistant Director of Community Assets and Development Gundlach explained Open to Business would provide a great deal of marketing materials for the City's website and would have local office hours. She did not envision this program becoming a large drain on her time after the program was launched. Mayor Johnson called the question on the proposed amendment and motion. 5 Ayes, 0 Nays -Amendment Carried 5 Ayes, 0 Nays- Amended Motion Carried Commission Liaison Reports, Announcements and Updates Mary Bure Commission Liaison Reports, Announcements and Updates