The Spirit Lake City Council members heard a report from Shaun Arneson of the Iowa Lakes Corridor. The Corridor has completed the Industrial Call Program which consisted of in-depth interviews with businesses in the manufacturing, agriculture and service-related industries.

The four main items the corridor tried to gather through the interviews was growth potential, value to the community, risk of downsizing/relocating and satisfaction levels.

Out of the 25 corridor businesses in Dickinson County, seven went through the interview process. Out of the seven businesses:

n Four own their own facilities while three lease.

n Six anticipate new products/services within the next two years.

n Four have increasing sales while the other three remain the same.

n Four plan to expand within the next three years.

n 832 jobs are provided with 33 unfilled positions.

The seven businesses have a combined 282 years of experience.

Arneson stated that recruiting problems remain a concern with area businesses.

In other business, the council:

n Approved a request to close Gary Avenue between 21st and 22nd streets for a neighborhood block party.

n Approved the second reading of the dangerous dog ordinance.

n Adopted the ordinace to rezone the property at Parcel B, Lot 2, Auditor’s Plat of NW 1/4 of NW 1/4 of Section 4.99.36 in Spirit Lake from light industrial to residential.

n Adopted the resolution directing the sale of $325,000 General Obligation Capital Loan Notes, Series 2008.