Monday, July 25, 2011

July 2011 Talk of the Town

Chamber President Brad Meier discusses upcoming events and the Chamber's efforts in the upcoming City Budget.


Appx. 20 min.

Friday, July 22, 2011

BusinessConnection: Advertising Info

BusinessConnection offers lot of advice and programming, including helpful tips and knowledge, as well as stats and research, on advertising.





Click below for more info!

Wednesday, July 20, 2011

City Council Notes-July 19, 2011

A part of the OACCT's Public Policy efforts for 2011 is for volunteers from the Public Policy committee attend both City and County meetings and report back on items that are of interest/concern to business.


Approval of Labor Agreement Minnesota Teamsters and Law Enforcement Employee’s Union Local 320. Provides 1% increase in pay, additional $20 per month shift differential and incorporate health insurance language. Effective July 1, 2011.

Budget Impacts for FY 2011
1. Sergeants & Corporals $9226.00
2. Patrol Unit $16530.00
3. Non Union Employees $62461.00
Total $88217.00 for July thru December. Increase

Tax Increment Financing for Coca Cola.

Set hearing for plan modification. August 16 2011
“The City has encountered an administrative issue with regard to reporting the District’s financing activity to the Office of the State Auditor. The situation exists because there are variations between information in the tax increment plan, Development Agreement and annual TIF report to the State Auditor”

The City needs to modify the plan to allow Coca Cola to get $278,973.00 instead of 192,870.00. “In fulfillment of the development agreement as well as the intention of the TIF plan, the city will need to amend the TIF plan by modifying the budget. The plan modification amends the budget to provide $278,973 in reimbursement.”

Approve plans and authorize for bids airport paving rehabilitation project.
Cost to City approximately $12,000.00

First reading on changes to Adult Establishments, changes locations of such business to be allowed only in Industrial I-2 districts


Council Comments: Councilman Dotson reminded Council of the Chamber’s efforts to provide for a more transparent and accurate budget, as well as contingency of budget with LGA impacts.

Next Council Meeting to be held on Monday August 1 to allow for National Night Out on Tuesday Aug 2.