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HomeMy WebLinkAbout[08a] Code of ConductCITY OF ST. JOSEPH MEETING DATE: January 7, 2010 Council Agenda Item AGENDA ITEM: Administrator Reports — Code of Conduct SUBMITTED BY: Administration BOARD /COMMISSION /COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION: At the November EDA meeting a recommendation was made to the City Council to consider adopting and effectively enforcing a code of conduct for all officials of the City including subsidiary boards. (See attached minutes) PREVIOUS COUNCIL ACTION: The City Council considered the recommendation of the EDA at the November 19 2009 City Council meeting. Staff was directed to review the request and forward a recommendation to the City Council. BACKGROUND INFORMATION: In reviewing this matter the area Cities were contacted to see if they have implemented a code of conduct or ethics policy. Sartell and Waite Park indicated that they do not have a formal policy but they are looking at such. St. Cloud, Sauk Rapids and St. Augusta do not have such a policy. The League of Minnesota Cities had an ethics committee that reviewed this very topic and have formulated two documents for Cities to consider. Both of these documents have been included in the packet, edited for St. Joseph. If the Council moves to adopt a code of conduct, both documents included in the packet need to be adopted. Since the Ordinance Amendment is not land use related, a public hearing is not required, rather, after adoption the Ordinance is published and becomes effective upon publication. The resolution would become effective at the same time as the Ordinance. BUDGET /FISCAL IMPACT: ATTACHMENTS: League of MN Cities information on Code of Conduct, draft Ordinance, draft resolution. REQUESTED COUNCIL ACTION: One of three actions should be considered: 1. Authorize the Mayor and Administrator to execute the Ordinance Amendment establishing a Code of Conduct for City Officials, cause the same to be published and become effective upon publication; and authorize the Mayor and Administrator to execute the Resolution adopting the statement of values to be implemented upon publication of the Ordinance entitled Code of Conduct. Officially motion to not implement a code of conduct and statement of values. 3. Table the matter for continuing discussion. Ethics Resources Ethics Resources LEAGUE or MINNESOTA CITIES Pagel of 2 The work of the LMC Ethics Advisory Panel resulted in two documents —the Model Statement of Values and the Template Code of Conduct. Model Statement of Values The Model Statement of Values is an aspirational document, intended to provide a framework for ethical decision - making. The values it promotes can only be self - enforced, primarily by providing an ethical anchor, raising the quality of discussion and expectation among city officials and in the community, and by appealing to the conscience of the individual. It would be difficult and likely counterproductive to suggest that such values could be subject to formal review or enforcement action. Cities may choose to use the Model Statement of Values in a variety of ways, including: . Simply provide a copy to all elected officials, advisory commission members, and even city staff members for their reference. • Use it as the basis for a local workshop or just a discussion to encourage more city and community dialogue about what ethics means in your city. • Consider formally adopting it as a statement of the way in which city officials and the community would like to see public business conducted. Cities are free, and even encouraged, to review the document in detail and make any deletions, additions, or modifications your local officials feel are appropriate. . View the Model Statement of Values (doc) Template Code of Conduct The Template Code of Conduct is a law -based document, incorporating very specific standards of behavior that are already written into state statute or that have been handed down by court rulings. The Code of Conduct also offers legal methods for dealing with infractions. By adopting this code at the municipal level, a city council can take self - initiated action to see that these standards are upheld in the community, rather than having to wait on civil litigation initiated by citizens or criminal prosecution by the county attorney. The Template Code of Conduct should be considered for formal adoption as a city ordinance. The template can locally codify existing and relatively well articulated standards of conduct already required by state law, so enforcement through quasi-judicial review is feasible. When adopting the code, cities need to consider to whom the code applies. Cities also need to formulate a hearing procedure. This document has been carefully reviewed by LMC legal counsel, and it is recommended that any modifications be considered only after careful review by the city attorney. Cities that choose not to formally adopt the template may still fmd the document to be a useful and concise reference piece for individual city officials. . View the Template Code of Conduct (doc) http://www.Imc.org/page/l/ethics-resources.jsp 12/9/2009 RESOLUTION _ CITY OF ST. JOSEPH RESOLUTION REGARDING STATEMENT OF VALUES WHEREAS, The City Council for the City of St. Joseph has adopted the following Statement of Values: PREAMBLE: The proper operation of democratic government requires that decision - makers be independent, impartial, and accountable to the people they serve. The City of St. Joseph has adopted this Statement of Values to promote and maintain the highest standards of personal and professional conduct in the City's government. All elected and appointed officials and volunteers are required to subscribe to this statement, understand how it applies to their specific responsibilities, and practice its nine (9) core values in their work. Because we seek public confidence in the City's services and public trust of its decision - makers, our decisions and our work must meet the most demanding ethical standards and demonstrate the highest levels of achievement in following this statement. THE VALUES: As a Representative of the City of St. Joseph, 1. I serve the public interest. 2. I fulfill the duties and responsibilities of holding public office. 3. I am ethical. 4. I am professional. 5. I am fiscally responsible. 6. I am conscientious. 7. I communicate effectively. 8. I am collaborative. 9. I am forward thinking. VALUE EXAMPLES/EXPRESSIONS: 1. I serve the public interest. In practice this value means that: a. I provide courteous, equitable, and prompt service to everyone. b. I am attuned to, and care about, the needs and issues of citizens, public officials, and city workers. C. I am interested, engaged, and responsive in my interactions with constituents. d. I recognize and support the public's right to know the public's business. 2. I fulfill the duties and responsibilities of holding public office. In practice this value means that: a. I observe the highest standards of integrity in my official acts and undertake my responsibilities for the benefit of the greater public good. b. I faithfully discharge the duties of my office regardless of my personal considerations, recognizing that the public interest is my primary concern. C. I uphold the Constitution of the United States and the Constitution of the State of Minnesota and carry out impartially the laws of the nation, state, and municipality and thus foster respect for all government. d. I comply with both the letter and the spirit of the laws and policies affecting operations of the City. e. I recognize my obligation to implement the adopted goals and objectives of the City in good faith, regardless of my personal views. f. I conduct myself in both my official and personal actions in a manner that is above reproach. g. I do not use my position to secure for myself or others special privileges or exemptions that are different from those available to the general public. h. I understand and abide by the respective roles and responsibilities of elected and appointed officials and city staff and will not undermine them in their work. i. I am independent, impartial, and fair in my judgment and actions. 3. I am ethical. In practice this value means that: a. I am trustworthy, acting with the utmost integrity and moral courage. b. I am truthful, do what I say I will do, and am reliable. C. I am accountable for my actions and behavior and accept responsibility for my decisions. d. I make impartial decisions, free of influence from unlawful gifts, narrow political interests, and financial and other personal interests that impair my independence of judgment or action. e. I am fair, distributing benefits and burdens according to consistent and equitable criteria. f. I oppose all forms of harassment and unlawful discrimination. g. I extend equal opportunities and due process to all parties in matters under consideration. h. I show respect for confidences and confidential information. i. I avoid giving the appearance of impropriety and of using my position for personal gain. 4. I am professional. In practice this value means that: a. I apply my knowledge and expertise to my assigned activities and to the interpersonal relationships that are part of my job in a consistent, confident, competent, and productive manner. b. I approach my job and work - related relationships with a positive attitude, contributing to a supportive, respectful, and non - threatening work environment. C. I keep my professional knowledge and skills current and growing. d. I am respectful of all city staff, officials, volunteers, and others who participate in the City's government. 5. I am fiscally responsible. In practice this value means that: a. I make decisions after prudent consideration of their financial impact, taking into account the long -term financial needs of the City, especially its financial stability. 2 b. I demonstrate concern for the proper use of City assets (e.g., personnel, time, property, equipment, funds), follow established procedures, and do not use public resources for personal gain. C. I make decisions that seek to preserve the financial capacity of the City to provide programs and services for City residents. d. I provide full disclosure of any potential financial or other private conflict of interest. I abstain from participating in the discussion and vote on these matters. e. I prevent misuse of public funds by establishing, maintaining, and following strong fiscal and management controls. f. I report any misuse of public funds of which I am aware. 6. I am conscientious. In practice this value means that: a. I act in an efficient manner, making decisions and recommendations based upon research and facts, taking into consideration short and long term goals. b. I follow through in a responsible way, keeping others informed, and responding in a timely fashion. C. I am respectful of established City processes and guidelines. d. I prioritize my duties so that the work of the City may move forward. e. I prepare for all meetings by reviewing any materials provided ahead of time. When I have materials to contribute, I make sure all others involved have ample time to review these materials prior to the meeting. 7. I communicative effectively. In practice this value means that: a. I convey the City's care for and commitment to its citizens. b. I communicate in various ways that I am approachable, open - minded, and willing to participate in dialog. C. I engage in effective two -way communication by listening carefully, asking questions, and responding appropriately which adds value to conversations. d. I do not interfere with the orderly conduct of meetings by interrupting others or making personal comments not germane to the business at hand. e. I follow up on inquiries in a timely manner. f. I encourage and facilitate citizen involvement in policy decision - making. g. I am respectful in disagreements and contribute constructively to discussions on the issue. 8. I am collaborative. In practice this value means that: a. I act in a cooperative manner with groups and other individuals, working together in a spirit of tolerance and understanding to accomplish common goals. b. I share information with others in a timely manner so that, together, we can make informed decisions. C. I work towards consensus building and gain value from diverse opinions. d. I accomplish the goals and responsibilities of my individual position, while respecting my role as a member of a team. 3 9. I am forward thinking. In practice this value means that: a. I promote intelligent, proactive, and thoughtful innovation in order to advance the City's policy agenda and provide City services while considering the broader regional, state -wide, national, and international implications of the City's decisions and issues. b. I maintain consistent standards, but am also sensitive to the need for compromise, creative problem solving, and making improvements when appropriate. C. I am open to new ideas and processes, adopting them as they conserve resources and provide efficient and effective service. d. I consider the potential long -term consequences and implications of my actions and inactions. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the City Council of the City of St. Joseph, Minnesota, adopts the above Resolution. This Resolution is adopted by the City Council of the City of St. Joseph the day of January, 2010. ATTEST: Judy Weyrens City Administrator Al Rassier, Mayor 4 ORDINANCE : CODE OF CONDUCT FOR CITY OFFICIALS Section 1: Purpose: The City Council of the City of St. Joseph determines that a code of conduct for its members, as well as the members of the various boards and commissions of the City of St. Joseph, is essential for the public affairs of the City. By eliminating conflicts of interest and providing standards for conduct in city matters, the City Council hopes to promote the faith and confidence of the citizens of the City of St. Joseph in their government and to encourage its citizens to serve on its council and commissions. Section 2: Standards of Conduct. Subd. 1 No member of the City Council or a City board or commission may knowingly: a. Violate the open meeting law. b. Participate in a matter that affects the persons' financial interest or those of a business with which the person is associated, unless the effect on the person or business is no greater than on other members of the same business classification, profession, or occupation. C. Use the person's public position to secure special privileges or exemptions for the person or for others. d. Use the persons' public position to solicit personal gifts or favors. e. Use the persons' public position for personal gain. f. Except as specifically permitted pursuant to Minn. Stat. 471.895, accept or receive any gift of substance, whether in the form of money, services, loan, travel, entertainment, hospitality, promise, or any other form, under circumstances in which it could be reasonably expected to influence the person, the person's performance of official action, or be intended as a reward for the person's official action. g. Disclose to the public, or use for the person's or another person's personal gain, information that was gained by reason of the person's public position if the information was not public data or was discussed at a closed session of the City Council. h. Disclose information that was received, discussed, or decided in conference with the City's legal counsel that is protected by the attorney- client privilege unless a majority of the City Council has authorized the disclosure. i. Represent private interests before the City Council or any City committee, board, commission or agency. Subd. 2 Except as prohibited by the provisions of Minn. Stat. Sec. 471.87, there is no violation of subdivision lb. of this section for the matter that comes before the council, board, or commission if the member of the council, board or commission publicly discloses the circumstances that would violate these standards and refrains from participating in the discussion and vote on the matter. Nothing herein shall be construed to prohibit a contract the a member of the City Council under the circumstances described under Minn. Stat. Sec. 471.88, if proper statutory procedures are followed. Section 3 Complaint, Hearing. Any person may file a written complaint with the City Administrator alleging a violation of the standards of conduct in Section 2 of this Code of Conduct. The complaint must contain supporting facts for the allegation. The City Council may hold a hearing after receiving the written complaint or upon the Council's own volition. A hearing must be held only if the City Council determines (1) upon advice of the City Attorney, designee, or other attorney appointed by the Council, that the factual allegations state a sufficient claim of a violation of these standards or rise to the level of a legally- recognized conflict of interest, and (2) that the complaint has been lodged in good faith and not for impermissible purposes such as delay. The City Council's determination must be made within 30 days of the filing of the allegations with the City Administrator. If the Council determines that there is an adequate justification for holding a hearing, the hearing must be held within 30 days of the City Council's determination. At the hearing, the person accused must have the opportunity to be heard. If after the hearing, the Council finds that a violation of a standard has occurred or does exist, the Council may censure the person, refer the matter for criminal prosecution, request an official not to participate in a decision, or remove the appointed member of an advisory board or commission from office. This Ordinance is adopted the day of , 2010, and shall be effective upon publication. City of St. Joseph :4 al Alan Rassier, Mayor Judy Weyrens, Administrator This amendment was published on , 2010. 2 CITY OF ST. JOSEPH ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AURTHORITY Meeting Minutes — Wednesday, November 18, 2009 Present: EDA Board Members Carolyn Yaggie- Heinen, Ken Jacobson, Al Rassier, Tom Skahen, and Dale Wick. Absent: None. Also present: S. Paul Petrek (Stonehouse), Bill Nelson (Stonehouse), Tim Nelson (Stonehouse), Dorian Davidson (DM Building), Dean Wick ( Outsource Architecture), and EDA Director Cynthia Smith - Strack. Chairperson Wick called the November 18, 2009 regular meeting of the St. Joseph EDA to order at 3:03 p.m. Agenda. Chairperson Wick introduced the agenda. Wick suggested moving item 5(a) BFA Application and RLF consideration for Stonehouse Operations up to item 2(a) to accommodate meeting guests. Strack requested item 5(e) be added to the agenda as Disbursement of BFA Grant to Prego Properties LLC, d.b.a. The Local Blend. Moved by Skahen and seconded by Heinen to approve the agenda with the aforementioned changes. Motion carried 5-0. BFA Application /RLF: Stonehouse Operations Chairperson Wick introduced the agenda item. Strack noted guests at the EDA meeting representing the Stonehouse Restaurant included: Paul Petrek, Bill Nelson, Tim Nelson, Dean Wick, and Dorian Davidson. Strack noted she had repeated conversations since the EDA packet was delivered to board members. Those conversations were with Charlie Reichert, Paul Petrek, and Bill Nelson regarding need to resubmit BFA Application and RLF Application for the Stonehouse Restaurant and Eatery to reference a proposed remodeling and expansion project rather than the installation /replacement of a sign on the site. Strack noted a revised application for the RLF program was submitted but incomplete. A revised BFA application had not been submitted. For the RLF application to be complete Strack noted a need for submittal of additional information including number of jobs being created as a result of the remodel /expansion, proposed security /collateral, historic and pro forma financial statements for the company, financial statements from company officers if personal guarantee proposed, lender information, and project sources /uses of funds proposed. Strack noted the revised RLF application requests $30,000 at three percent interest for a term of seven years. The audited balance of the RLF as of December 31, 2008 is $52,648 with a current estimated balance of $54,313.58. The EDA has previously committed to a loan in the amount of $24,000. Strack introduced the project representatives and requested additional background information for the EDA. Bill Nelson requested Dean Wick review the proposed project. Dean Wick from Outsource Architecture noted the proposed project included addition of a southern entry and remodeling to accommodate a banquet hall which would be accessed from the existing entry on the northeast side of the building. The building footprint would be increased by 672 square feet; seating by 61 spaces. Existing landscaping will be altered slightly due to the additional entry. Davidson noted the projected cost of remodeling is $250,000; timeline is to begin remodel following the holiday season. Strack requested clarification as to the number of employees currently versus those projected post remodel. Petrek stated a total of ten new full time positions and 15 part time positions will result from the remodeling /expansion. Strack requested input regarding proposed security, collateral for the loan expressing a preference for a second position on real estate. Bill Nelson stated a second position was difficult for several reasons including the cost of an appraisal for the property, disagreements in the methodology of any appraisal during turbulent times for restaurant properties, and the desire of the Developers to reserve a second position on the mortgage for a larger secondary lender. Nelson indicated a preference for an unsecured loan. Strack indicated the potential for issuance of a loan without security was very low and she would not recommend the EDA consider such a position. Strack further noted the EDA has requested personal guarantees from corporate officers in addition to a promissory note. EDA members echoed a need for security in conjunction with any loan. Skahen questioned what kind of financial information would be needed from the Developers. Strack indicated that depended on type of collateral proposed but at a minimum would likely include historical and proformas for the restaurant and personal financial statements for those providing personal guarantees. Strack further noted that financial information would be considered proprietary and only shared with the RLF review subcommittee. Wick asked the EDA for direction on the agenda item. Strack noted the EDA had two apparent options, the first to send the RLF application to the review subcommittee provided a complete application and financial information was submitted prior to convening the subcommittee or table action on the matter to a future meeting following submittal of a complete application. Motion by Skahen, second by Heinen to direct subcommittee review of the RLF application from Stonehouse Restaurant contingent upon the submittal of a complete application prior to loan review. Motion approved 5:0. EDA members available to the serve on the review subcommittee include Heinen, Wick, and Skahen. Discussion then turned to the BFA application submitted by Stonehouse Properties, LLC. Strack noted the application included in the packet referenced placement of a new sign but subsequent discussion with the Developers revealed a remodeling project was planned in addition to replacement of a sign. Strack noted the remodeling /expansion would likely qualify for the BFA grant whereas the sign was clearly not a stand -alone qualifier. Strack indicated the Developers plan to resubmit the BFA application but have not yet done so. Motion Jacobson, second Skahen to approve the BFA application contingent upon the submittal of a complete application referencing the remodeling /expansion project as discussed in conjunction with the RLF application. Motion approved 5.0. Approval of Minutes. Chairperson Wick introduced the minutes from the October 28, 2009 regular EDA meeting. Motion by Heinen, second by Wick to approve the minutes from the October 28, 2009 regular meeting as presented. Motion carried 5 -0. EDA Accounts Payable. Wick introduced the topic. Wick noted accounts payable for the month which totaled $2,611.40. Motion by Jacobson, second by Rassier to approve the EDA accounts payable for the month of October 2009 in the amount of $2, 611.40. Motion carried 5 -0. Financial Report. Wick introduced the agenda item and noted the October 2009 year to date Treasurer's Report was included in the packet. EDA Minutes — November 18, 2009 2 Motion Rassier with a second by Heinen to approve the financial reports as presented. Motion carried 5- 0. RLF Application Prego Properties, LLC d.b.a. The Local Blend Chairperson Wick introduced the agenda item. Strack stated the EDA had received an application for the RLF Program from Jeff and Stacie Engholm Owners of Prego Properties, LLC. dba The Local Blend. A copy of the application was included in the EDA packet for information. At the previous meeting the EDA authorized review of the application by a subcommittee. Pursuant to the EDA action the application and supportive materials including profit/loss statements and projections have been received and reviewed by the RLF subcommittee (Finance Director Lori Bartlett, EDA Member Jacobson, EDA Member Skahen, a Representative from the Applicant's Financial Institution, Doug Danielson, and EDA Director Strack). The subcommittee recommends approval of a loan in the amount of $24,000 for a term of either five or seven years at a rate of two percent (for five years) or three percent (for seven year term). The Applicants have subsequently requested a term of seven years at three percent. The loan will be secured by a second mortgage on the subject property and a personal guarantee from the company owners. There is adequate equity in the existing property to secure the loan at a loan to value ratio of less than .9:1. Staff have drafted loan documents including a loan agreement, promissory note, mortgage, and personal guaranty for review by the City Attorney. A recommendation by the EDA to the City Council is kindly requested. Motion Heinen, second Wick to recommend the City Council approve a loan to Prego Properties LLC from the Revolving Loan Fund in the amount of $24,000 for a term of seven years at a rate of three percent secured by a second mortgage on the property at 19 West Minnesota Street and a personal guaranty from the Applicants. Motion carried 5.0. EDA Marketing Position Chairperson Wick introduced the topic and referenced two sample job descriptions that were being distributed to EDA members. Wick noted the City Council was continuing to review the 2010 budget and capital improvement program. Wick stated the City Council had agreed in principle to seek additional marketing outreach efforts by the EDA effective immediately. Wick stated the EDA was being asked to comment on what the EDA marketing staff person's duties should entail using the sample job descriptions as a starting point. Rassier stated the City Council felt a need to reach out to existing and potential business owners to fill space available in St. Joseph and to increase new business activity. The Council favors the creation of a part time marketing position of approximately 20 hours per week (2 % to 3 days per week) to accomplish such a goal. Skahen inquired as to what would happen to the existing contract for professional services. Wick stated the contract would be cancelled. Rassier noted a clause in the current agreement for professional services which allows for a sixty day transition period between the professional services contract and staff addition. Heinen inquired as to who would conduct other duties completed at this time by the professional services contract. Rassier indicated the marketing staff person would complete activities currently administered under the professional services contract and perform additional marketing outreach, apply for grants, update marketing materials, met with development leads, pursue advertising deals, and update the website. Heinen suggested removing 'marketing' from the job title in favor of the title of "Community Development Director" as included in the sample job descriptions. Wick inquired as to whether or not EDA members were stating more than just a marketing position was needed. EDA member affirmed the statement. Rassier stated the City Council felt strongly that economic development efforts needed to try harder and do something more to fill more businesses and get more people into town while reducing costs. Heinen EDA Minutes — November 18, 2009 3 inquired as to whether it was realistic to attract a staff member who met desired qualifications, who would serve more hours per week for less than the existing professional services contract. Rassier noted the job market at this time seemed favorable as evidenced by a report from the City Administrator. Skahen stated a qualified part-time applicant could be difficult to find. Rassier stated the ideal candidate would be a retired business owner looking for part-time employment. Wick asked EDA members what duties other than marketing should be included in the job description. Heinen suggested grant writing, attendance at board meetings, and representation of the EDA at official functions. Heinen asked Strack for input on the job description. Strack encouraged EDA members to think about specific outcomes desired prior to creating a job description. If specific, measureable outcomes were desired the job description and posting should reflect those outcomes so as to be fair to applicants as well as furthering the City's desires. Skahen suggested the position would be more effective if it was a full -time permanent position and expressed a desire to be sure to gain something from the change. Rassier stated that what the City Council wants to do is to lower the cost of staff for the EDA while improving economic development efforts. Wick stated that if the part-time staff person provided more office hours per week then the EDA would get more for their money. The discussion concluded by Wick reaffirming the EDA thought the part-time staff job description should be expanded to include more than marketing duties. SCSU Study Wick introduced the agenda topic. Strack noted that although the final study was expected to be complete by today's meeting date, Dr. Edwards was awaiting receipt of additional details and to review revised data with graduate students in charge of the project. Strack stated that as such no action was required. Disbursement of BFA Grant to The Local Blend Chairperson Wick introduced the agenda item and referenced an invoice for the project that was being distributed. Motion Wick, Second Heinen to approve BFA Disbursement for The Local Blend project. Motion approved 5:0. Board Member Announcements Rassier noted he had attended the ribbon cutting at Coborn's Superstore earlier in the day. Rassier stated Chris Cobom and Dan Coborn thanked the EDA, the Planning Commission, and the City Council for working with the company from proposal through grand opening. Jacobson distributed a memo to the EDA and requested the language included in the memo be placed in the minutes for the meeting verbatim as follows. I enjoy working with all the members and staff of the EDA, and believe 1, as a committee member, have always acted respectful and in the best interest of the city on all the matters that have come before me. I understand there will be disagreements among us and that is acceptable as long as those reactions do not become disreputable. Some recent events have left me concern that the city is neglecting to notice or failing to admit the hostile environment that is developing and the demeaning, verbal harassment that is occurring as a result of opposed votes between committee members. I have decided that unless the city adopts and efficiently administers a set of moral and ethical rules for all city employees and committee members to follow, I will resign from my position with the EDA. Thank you for your time regarding my concern. I will be looking forward to the city's response to this matter in written form no later than December 18, 2009. EDA Minutes - November 18, 2009 The EDA board discussed the memo and questioned Jacobson as to details included in the memo. Motion Wick, second Skahen to recommend the City Council investigate whether or not written ethics policies or guidelines relating to City commissions, committees, and boards were in place. In the event such policies/guidelines do not exist the EDA recommends such items be established and placed into effect in 2010. The EDA further requests the incident prompting the submittal of the memo be investigated by the City Council. Motion approved 4:0, with Jacobson abstaining. Wick noted he was not at the Coborn's ribbon cutting because he attended a SCAEDP meeting which featured a speaker from Michigan State who addressed economic development in difficult economic times. Wick stated he requested a copy of the presentation from the meeting and wished to provide it to EDA members for review. Adjournment. Meeting adjourned by consensus at 4:45 PM. Cynthia Smith - Strack EDA Director EDA Minutes — November 18, 2009 5