HomeMy WebLinkAbout3.b. 20161101 PAM WSMROSEMOUNT PORT AUTHORITY
REGULARMEETING PROCEEDINGS
NOVEMBER 1, 2016
CALL TO ORDER
Pursuant to due call and notice thereof a work sessionof the Rosemount Port Authority was held
th
on November 1, 2016, at 5:30p.m. in the Administration Conference Room at City Hall, 2875 145
Street West, Rosemount.
Chair Weisensel called the meeting to order with Commissioners Droste, Wolf, and DeBettignies
attending. Staff present included City Administrator Johnson, Community Development Director
Lindquist and Communications Coordinator Cox.
WORK SESSION-ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT WEBSITE
The meeting started with an overview of the changes that will occur with the new platform on the
existing website. Mr. Cox reviewed the changes and explained that some of the modifications
promoted in the webinar on economic development website would not work with the old and new
systems. He indicated some of the proposals entailed inserting modules into the website which
would not be possible with the current vendor. The Commissioners understood that changes
wouldn’t be evident until the new website system was in place.
Mr. Cox also presented information about use of the website and provided the metrics illustrating
the visits to individual sites and the number of visitors. He noted that the “business incubator”
information visits were down compared to last year but there are more visits to many of the other
pages, including the new development pages.
Chair Weisensel raised the question about having a separate website for Rosemount Economic
Development. The group discussed the pros and cons and decided that there might not be enough
information for a separate site. There was also a concern about site selectors and residents finding a
separate site. Cost was also a factor.
The group reviewed information they would like to see on the site and questioned whether it was
included and also asked about the timing of website updates so the information is fresh. Staff noted
that much of the demographic information was from other sources and was only available on an
annual basis or more. There was discussion about having more interest on the website including
videos highlighting local businesses and owners. Staff noted that there are two different audiences,
the Realtor/site selector who is looking for specific demographics and testimonials about how easy
it is to work with the City. The community is more interested in what’s going on in the community
and interesting tidbits about businesses and services in the community. The group decided there is
room on the website for both and that the information may be restructured to appeal to differing
interests.
Commissioners want to pursue having videos on the page and discussed potential ideas of subjects,
people and businesses. It was suggested that something relating to sustainability and clean energy
which could include the wind turbine, the solar farm, and co-gen plant at FHR. It was suggested that
small businesses be identified as well as larger ones in the Business Park.Staff noted that larger
businesses are looking for people to vouch for a quick and easy processing of approvals. They want
certainty in the process. Residents are interested in finding out information about the community.
Cox indicated that the website can accept both types of video information. Staff was directed to
determine how to get some videos shot. There was some discussion about how professional the
ROSEMOUNT PORT AUTHORITY
REGULARMEETING PROCEEDINGS
NOVEMBER 1, 2016
videos should be, with members saying some of general interest could be more informal but the
ones to attract businesses should be more professional in presentation. Other subjects that the
website and potentially videos should emphasize include education levels of residents, educations
opportunities in the community, infrastructure including fiber, and availability of land.
NEWBUSINESS
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business to come before the Port Authority meeting was unanimously
adjourned at 6:40 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
Kim Lindquist, Deputy Director