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EDA MEETING PACKET 10-08-2013CITY OF SCANDIA ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY Tuesday, October 8, 2013 6:30 P.M. Scandia Community Center Board Room 1. Call to Order 2. Approval of Minutes (September 16, 2013) 3. Approval of Agenda 4. Public Forum 5. New Business a) Jill Behnke, Center City Mayor/EDA Chair b) Draft Rural Event Facility Ordinance c) University of Minnesota Extension Programs 6. Old Business a) Draft Mission Statement b) Goals/Projects Recap 7. Executive Director's Report 8. Agenda Items for Next Meeting 9. Adjournment %2. The Scandia Economic Development Authority met in the Board Room at the Scandia Community Center on Monday, September 16, 2013 beginning at 6:30pm. Commissioners Present: Sally Swanson, Tom Triplett, Dan Lee, Greg Isaacson, and Bruce Swenson. Staff Present: Kristina Handt. Motion by lee, seconded by Triplett to approve the August 19, 2013 minutes. Motion carried. Motion by Lee, seconded by Isaacson to approve the agenda. Motion carried. No one was present for the public forum. Swanson provided examples of other EDA's mission statements. Swanson mentioned assisting existing businesses was the top vote getter in recent poll on City's website. Also wants to attract new businesses. Triplett mentioned needing to include a housing component. Board discussed need for both senior housing and workforce house. Handt read Housing Goal from Comprehensive Plan: The City of Scandia will expand life -cycle housing opportunities for residents at all points of life. Handt will draft a mission statement for Board review at the next meeting that includes all of these components. Triplett emphasized the importance of interrelating housing and jobs. Lee asked about including tourism. Swanson mentioned the "chairs" along Hwy 8 in Chisago County. The board discussed goals/projects. Handt suggested a Business Retention and Expansion Survey (BRE). Triplett questioned how to reach home base businesses. Handt will check with UM Extension since they have helped neighboring communities complete BREs. The board discussed zoning challenges and the lack of wastewater infrastructure as things that will need to be looked at more closely and may require the assistance of a consultant. Swenson pointed out some businesses don't require a lot of water to operate. The board discussed focusing the growth in the City Center area and looking for mixed use expansion opportunities along Hwy 97. The board reviewed the current zoning map, particularly around the city center area. Triplett mentioned the housing needs study will be completed by the Washington County HRA about Oct 15 and recommended inviting the executive director to a future meeting. Swanson suggested cleaning up Lilleskogen as an entrance point to the community and relocating a Welcome to Scandia sign to the northwest corner of the park near Hwy 97 and Oakhill because of the visibility for lots of traffic. Triplett suggested a beautification program that stretched from Oakhill to Ozark Ave. Handt also suggested developing a list of the type of businesses to try and recruit to Scandia. Discussion included tourism related businesses or an office park. Triplett provided a written report on County programs. Handt provided a written executive director's report. The board set meeting dates for the rest of the year as follows: Oct 8, Oct 29, Nov. 12 and Nov 26 at 6:30pm and Dec. 10 at 7pm.The County's economic development consultant, members of other EDAs and a draft mission statement will be on the Oct 8 agenda. Oct. 29 will include representatives from other EDAs and Barbara Dacy will be invited to the Nov. 12 meeting. Motion by Triplett, seconded by Isaacson to adjourn. Motion carried. Meeting adjourned at 8:14pm. Respectfully Submitted, Kristina Handt, Secretary SCANDIA Staff Reporl Date of Meeting: October 8, 2013 To: Economic Development Authority From: Kristina Handt, Executive Director Re: Rural Event Facility Ordinance Agenda Item #: 5.b) Background: Late last year the City received a request from a resident to allow him to host fundraisers, weddings, ceremonies and other such events at his property. He has a historical barn on the property that has provided an attractive location for such events. Our ordinances do not currently permit this commercial use in residential areas. The Council was generally supportive of the idea and directed the Planning Commission to research the issue and provide a recommendation on possible ordinance updates. The Planning Commission has been working on this issue since February. At their last meeting they finalized a draft ordinance for public hearing on November 51h Issue: What comments or suggestions on the draft Rural Event Facility ordinance does the EDA have for the Planning Commission to consider? Proposal Details: A copy of the draft reviewed by the Planning Commission on October 1 s` is included in your packet. Some changes were made at that meeting and as soon as an updated draft is available from the City Planner it will be provided to the EDA. The draft ordinance would allow this new facility use in the General Rural and Ag Core Districts as an Interim Use. The application requirements are outlined in subsection 4. Subsection 5 provides standards that must be met for the use to be permitted. The event use must be accessory to a primary use of agricultural or single family residential and be located on a parcel of 20 acres or more. Amplification of noise would only be allowed during the ceremony and events cannot begin before 9am and must end at 1 Opm. The signage requirements are the same as found in the City's sign ordinance. DRAFT for Planning Commission Meeting October 1, 2013 CHAPTER ONE, SECTION 4.0 RULES AND DEFINITIONS Formatted: Left 4.2 I?cr - finition . Formatted: Underline Formatted: Font: Not Bold (256) Rural Event Facility: A facility that operates on a for -profit basis to host ' Formatted: Lett, Outline numbered + Level: 2 outdoor or indoor gatherings that do not exceed twelve ( 12) hours in duration. +Numbering Style: 1, 2, 3, ... + Start at: 2 + The as thcrin&s may include. but are not limited to, events such as weddings or Alignment: Left + Aligned at: 0" + Indent at: other ceremonies, dances, festivals, picnics or anv other eathcrine of a similar 0.25" nature that is consistent with and supportive of the rural and historic character of Formatted: Indent: Left: 0.5", Hanging: the community. 0.5", No bullets or numbering 1257) aural Event Site: the specific area within a propert,, that as a Formatted: Normal, Indent: Left: 0.5", Rural Event Facility on which any of the activities associated with facility are Hanging: 0.5" likely, to occur. Formatted: Font: 11 Pt Formatted: Font: 11 pt CHAPTER TWO, SECTION 4 STANDARDS FOR USES Formatted: Font: 11 pt Formatted: Normal • Formatted: Font: Bold ith all of the fallow 4-74.22 Rural Event Facilit,•. Rural event facilities shall comply with fallowing Formatted: Font: Not Bold requirements: trs Formatted: Left, Outline numbered + Level: 3 + Numbering Style: 1, 2, 3, ... + Start at: 1 + Alignment: Left + Aligned at: 0" + Indent at: (1) Rural l:event Efacilities shall support the rural and historic 0.5" character of the City, shall erA-bebc designed and operated in a manner that is Formatted: Indent: Left: 0", Hanging: 0.5", compatible with 4si-Scandia's rural and small-town character. and shall not +vttheu! Outline numbered + Level: 2 + Numbering negatively impactieg the community or &9d the fiteilit •'s neighbo neighboring Style: 1, 2, 3, ... + Start at: 22 + Alignment: properties. Left + Aligned at: 0" + Indent at: 0.29" Formatted: No underline (2) Permitted PsesDistricts and Uses. (A) Rural k-_Lvent }=facilities arc pennitted in the-ie the Agricultural Core (AG C) and General Rural (GR) Districts, and shall be accessory uses to the primary use of the property for Agriculture or a Single -Family Residence. Event (3) Permit requirements. Ao rural event facility may be allowed by issuance ofe C-AnditiAnnlan Interim Use Permit in the following Districts, and must comply with the setbacks and other Development Code requirements for the District: (A) Agricultural Core (AG C) (B) General Rural (GR) (4) Application requirements. An application for an rural 4-event lifacility shall be accompanied by the following information: (A) A master plan of the entire property where the wm-rural event facility is proposed, drawn to scale (minimum 1:200) and including the parcel boundaries address and legal description, owner's name and signature, topography, location of existing structures on the site, setbacks, existing screening from adjacent properties, existing driveway locations and roadway access, existing parking, -individual sewage treatment systems and well locations. (B) A detailed plan Of 1140 PFOPOfy drawn to scale (minimum 1:100) including the proposed rural leemion event site that will be used for the activities associated all thcok4e rural l-:vents lifacility, incl din a the buildings and structures Iexisting and proposed), outdoor event areas, setbacks, driveways and access, parking areas, sewage treatment systems and well locations, and all other proposed facilities. (C) Rural Events Plan —the application shall include complete information about events that may be held at the facility. Information identifying the typcw of events, estimating the number of attendees per event. number of events per near, onsite vendors, number of employees, proposed hours of operation, parking facilities, sanitary facilities. lighting. sound amplification, temporary structures/tents, signage. screening, solid waste managemenL, security, and landscaping. The Rural Events Plan shall also identifv emcrgencv vehicle access routes and proposed locations(s) for first aid facilities. As deemed necessary. the City may restrict the operation of the facility. (- LDL_A Transportation Management Plan ---this plan shall identify the estimated total ayes c daily traffic (number of vehicles entering and leaving the site) eye nwenerated by the rural event facility on days when events are scheduled (including visitors, deliveries, employees. etc. F: estimated maximum peak hour traffic generated and estimated times of occurrence; and dcSeribe the impacts on area road%%ays. The Transportation Management Plan aad-shall addwse,describe any ropused traffic control. waN'ss. The Transportation Management Plan shall estimate the parking needed to accommodate the rural event Iacility. and indicate the size, location and layout of parking facilities and their relationship to the entrances and exits. [ (I) Grading Plan —if the rural event faefoeilityility includes construction of new buildings, parking lots or other structures, and event areas, the applicant shall submit a grading, drainage and erosion control plan. The plan must meet the requirements of the Watershed District and the City's Development Code. Ll 4jL Landscape Plan —the application shall include an existing and proposed landscape plan. The City may require landscape elements to buffer the facility from neighboring uses and to provide screening. � ereeei+ ........_.........thef ......_... A,. deemed ftee... saf:.. the ice:........... _stF*e..1... (5) Rural €event f-facilities shall comply with all of the following standards (Al IiRural event Efacilities shall be located on a site of at least 20 acres in size in the Agricultural Core (AG C) and General Rural (GR) Districts. 03) Speeiel Events shall be limited to a maximum 300 persons. (C) Adequate utilities, including sewage disposal, must be available on the site. llic sewage treatment facilities for the Rural Event Facility shall be installed under a permit issued by Washineton County . The facility shall provide supplemental septic and water facilities for IafgefSpeei&Eievents as needed. (D) The viral Egvent Rfacility shall have direct access from a Fnifieratefial, public roadway. (E) The rural l=event Rfacility shall provide on -site parking, sufficient to handle all guest, staff vendor and owner vehicles. No parking for Speeial Ethe rural event facility vows shall be permitted on public streets_. eNcept (F) ound amplification of ceremonies only is permitted Sound amplification of ceremonies may include amplification of voices and music that is specifically scheduled as part of the ceremony. No other sound associated with the event may be amplified. Events shall not generate noise that unreasonably annoys, disturbs, or endangers the comfort or peace of any persons, or precludes their enjoyment of property or affects their property's value. (G) and event areas shall be located at least 38]90 feet from the boundaries of adjoining properties. The City may require screening of outdoor event areas. If the facility has a license to serve alcoholic beverages, a designated outdoor area shall be identified for consumption of alcoholic beverages that must meet the 30100-foot setback requirement. (H) . Outdoor Spesial Eevents may not begin before 9-7 AM and shall cease 2/10 PM !Comment fiom Dcputyl. Formatted: Highlight (I) No more than one Special Event shall be scheduled on any calendar date. (J) Permanent signs for the rural lievent lifacility shall conform to the Development Code requirements. One sigA that identifies the IAg111% is permitted with a maximum size of 32 square fect. The sign shall be located on the rural f-event 1-facility property and must be set back at least 10 feet from any property line. In addition. Oone temporary sign for identification of each speein! event at the facility identifieeiitiw:,igwshall be allowed for each street entrance to the rural event facility for each event. The sign may not exceed ten (10) square feet in area and shall require a sign permit. The sign may not he placed more than 10 days belbre the event and shall be removed with 24 hours of the end of the Speeial lii vent. (K) The rural L� vent lifacility must comply with all rules and regulations of Federal, sState, County and 11-ocal agencies. (L) The City may impose conditions related to landscaping, access, security, sanitary sewer. liability or other insurance requirements, and other item%-- nditions -rlas deemed necessary. (M) The City may reyaire-sehcdule a peiadie-_review of the EeAditienal Interim Use Permit for the rural event l4ghty as needed. SCANDIA Staff Report Date of Meeting: October 8, 2013 To: Economic Development Authority From: Kristina Handt, Executive Director Re: UM Extension Programs Agenda Item #: 5.c) Background: At the last meeting, the Board briefly discussed completing a Business Retention and Expansion Survey (BRE). I contacted Extension to learn more about the cost of their involvement in the BRE. We also briefly spoke about other programs Extension has in the area of community development. Issue: Should the EDA engage UM Extension to participate in any of their community economics programs? Proposal Details: Included in your packet is a brochure of the community economics programs Extension offers. In regards to the BRE are there three options I discussed with Extension staff. The first is a course on BRE that the group could attend for about $1,000. It begins in January 2014 and runs through April. The second option is to have minimal involvement from Extension, mainly just the analysis part and EDA members would be responsible for data gathering. Extension provides the BRE tools. This would cost around $3,500. For Extension to assist with a full BRE program the cost could be around $12,000 and takes about 2 years to complete. Another program Extension offers is the Tourism Assessment Program. 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The tourism assessment consists of three parts: • Prior to the community site visit, collecting and analyzing data and information on tourism development in the Chisago Lakes Area • A community site visit conducted on February 25-26, 2008 which included: o A tour of the city and area o Visits to sites and attractions o Casual conversations with local citizens about their community o A community forum to identify key values as well as strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats related to tourism development • A written report presented to the Lindstrom Economic Development Authority, sponsor of the program, on May 14, 2008 The key findings from the Tourism Assessment Program were as follows: • Major strengths included the lakes and Swedish heritage • Major weaknesses included lack of hospitality facilities as well as a lack of community cohesiveness (conflict over Highway 8 redesign was evident) • Major opportunities included being a Swedish tour destination and proximity to the Twin Cities for day trips • Major threats included failing lakeshore septic systems, lack of community cooperation, traffic congestion, and the lure of Wisconsin attractions The Tourism Assessment Program report outlined the following potential tourism development strategy: 1. Establish a leadership group to "champion" tourism development projects 2. Develop the Swedish connection in a systematic way 3. Develop capacity for additional lodging — food — hospitality 4. Develop the day trip market 5. Develop methods for attracting re -aligned Highway 8 travelers to stop and shop 6. Build community awareness about tourism This case study provides an overview of the tourism development work in the Chisago Lakes Area from May, 2008 through December, 2011. While this case study will be structured around the Tourism Assessment Report recommendations, the credit for the accomplishments lies with the communities within the Chisago Lakes Area. In the words of John Olinger, Lindstrom City Administrator, "The Tourism Assessment Program compiled various ideas and reports related to tourism and pulled them together." Thus, the Tourism Assessment Program was a launching point for local action. Tourism Development Committee The Chisago Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce spearheaded re -constituting a chamber tourism committee composed of business and city administrators. This group has been meeting monthly for the past three years. Preserving the lake's water quality Two major initiatives have been conducted in the past three years to maintain and improve the water quality of three of the four lakes with portions in the city of Lindstrom. The first initiative addressed failing septic systems. Chisago County has agreed to not authorize upgrading septic systems on properties adjoining the lakes. The City of Lindstrom has negotiated an orderly annexation agreement with the township that after seven years, the township will not oppose annexation of lakeside properties into the city. This will allow the city to extend sewer to properties with failing septic systems and will be effective for three of the four lakes (South Center, North Lindstrom, and Kroon. Banks were hesitant to give loans to these properties prior to this decision. Between the Chamber of Commerce building and the lake, the City has added a rain garden on the Linden overlook which opened in October of 2011. This improvement allows visitors to walk from the Chamber's Visitor Center to the lake. The rain garden also helps preserve the water quality of the lake. The rain garden was made possible through funding from the following organizations: $30,000 from the Soil and Water Conservation District; $70,000 from the Lakes Improvement District; and $50,000 from the City of Lindstrom. The City of Lindstrom is currently looking at improvements to other streets that end at the lake to preserve their water quality. Swedish Heritage Lindstrom is the setting for Swedish author Vilhelm Moberg's books "The Emigrants" which has been standard reading for school children in Sweden. As a result, Lindstrom has a long history of hosting individual and group visitors from Sweden. Several developments over the past three years built on the Swedish heritage. The area was contacted by the National Park Service to explore eligibility for designation as a Preserve America Community. Following a visit & encouragement from the National Heritage Director, the Chamber is working on getting the area designated as a Preserve America Community (hn://www.preserveamerica.poy) This designation will place the Lakes Area on the national web -based Preserve America Community directory, map, and give authorization to use the Preserve America logo. The application timing also dovetails well with the St Croix Watershed listening sessions held to identify what is historic in the area. A new historical walking tour brochure has been developed for Lindstrom which is available at the Chamber office. Center City and Chisago City are both in the process of developing similar walking tour brochures. In 2010, the East Central Regional Arts Council funded a local artist to develop four marquettes of historical figures: Daniel Lindstrom (founder of the city), Joris-Pelle Per Andersson (the Karl Oskar character in Vilhelm Moberg's books was based on Joris-Pelle's life), Nellie Gustafson (midwife), and Eric Norelius (Lutheran pastor). These models will be used to build life-size statues along Highway 8. Currently there is funding for Nellie. Left to right: Nellie Gustafson, Joris-Pelle Per Andersson, Daniel Lindstrom, and Eric Norelius Lodging & Meeting Facility The community expressed strong interest during the Tourism Assessment Program in recruiting a hotel to Lindstrom which could also host events (ex weddings). There has been interest on and off from hotels over the past two years. The hotels that did express interest were seeking, but did not find, local investors. The hotels that expressed interest did not have the convention facilities the community was seeking. Currently the Economic Development Authority of Lindstrom authorized creation of a marketing brochure to recruit a hotel. In addition, the Chisago County Economic Development Authority has contracted with the University of Minnesota Extension to conduct a Market Area Profile for lodging to assist in the hotel recruitment effort. Over the past three years, the City of Chisago City purchased Ojakeda, a former Campfire, Inc. campground which contains cabins and large group facilities. The City's Economic Development Authority has been restoring the cabins (which include indoor plumbing) and had managed rental of the units. Immigrant Trail The Immigrant Trail is a bike path that Chisago County communities have been working on for a number of years. New residents and tourists see the value of a biking trail, while the Tourism Assessment Program helped show the value of the trail to area farmers who had less familiarity with the benefits of a trail. During the redesign process for Highway 8, various options were explored for the Immigrant Trail. The Minnesota Department of Transportation indicated a bike lane would not be an option on this state highway. Businesses wanted to be visible to the bikers. The final plan is wider sidewalks through the Lindstrom business district so bikers can walk the three blocks through downtown. The wider sidewalks will also accommodate perennial flowering plants. In the past three years, all the land but one parcel was acquired to build the trail. The remaining parcel is through hunting land with resulting concerns about safety. The Chisago County Park Board developed a colored bike trail map in 2010, which was the first time this had been developed. The maps are available at visitor centers. The trail is being used. Currently the Forest Lake Bike Club travels to the area on Monday nights, Wednesday nights, and Saturday mornings. Business Development With the upcoming highway 8 road construction scheduled for the summer of 2012, downtown businesses have been holding off making changes until construction has been completed. Funding has been obtained from the Small Cities Development Program through the Chisago County Economic Development Authority to provide loan funds to businesses for building improvements like roof, fascia, windows, etc. The first $200,000 has been loaned out and the City has an application in for another $250,000 for the program. Chamber of Commerce The Chamber of Commerce building has had several updates including repainting the exterior and new landscaping (designed by a local landscape architect) to make the building more visible to visitors. Inside, several strategies are being used to introduce visitors to the area including: 4 A new and improved brochure display area Displays about area businesses (below) Regional Marketing The Chamber coordinated with communities throughout the county to do collaborative marketing of each community's Christmas lights festivals for better cross -marketing of these events. The Chamber jointed the St. Croix Valley Regional Tourism Alliance, a group composed of Minnesota and Wisconsin tourism -related businesses and organizations working to increase the impact of tourism through cooperative promotion of the Scenic St. Croix River Valley. (http://saintcroixriyer.com) The Chamber has seen an increase in calls and web -hits following target marketing of magazine ads including "What's Playing" and "Minnesota Trails." The Chamber has also seen an increase in membership from retail businesses. Communication The Tourism Assessment Program report articulated the need for better communication within the community. As a result, the City of Lindstrom and the Chamber have made concerted efforts to increase the frequency and content of communication with businesses and residents. Since mid-2011, the City of Lindstrom has been emailing a weekly Friday update on everything related to the city. In addition, the city has held a Business Breakfast twice a year for the past two years for dialog on business concerns which has consistently drawn 50-60 people. The Chamber emails a weekly news flash on Wednesdays about upcoming events, including information about upcoming group tours, etc. Opportunity The Highway 8 road construction project will bring in crews who will be residing in the area for the duration of the project. The members of the crew have the option of a company -sponsored hotel room (in Forest Lake) or a stipend. The company indicated some crew members prefer to live in their camper. The City and Chamber saw an opportunity to increase local spending by these crew members through several techniques. First, the EDA owns a small house which they are looking at opening for the crew member's use. Second, they are developing a shaded picnic -type eating area for crew members to lunch locally and they are encouraging local restaurants to consider group orders / sandwich truck to serve crew members at their work site. Challenges Funding is an on -going challenge. The Lakes Area does not have a lodging tax which could provide funding for tourism development. SCANDIA Staff Report Date of Meeting: October 8, 2013 To: Economic Development Authority From: Kristina Handt, Executive Director Re: Draft Mission Statement Agenda Item #: 6.a) Background: At the last meeting, the Board began discussing a mission statement. The mission statements of other EDAs were reviewed as well as components of the Comp Plan. The Board directed staff to bring a draft statement back to the next meeting Issue: What should be the mission statement of the Scandia Economic Development Authority? Proposal Details: Scandia Economic Development Authority Mission Statement: The Scandia EDA strives to enhance Scandia's long-term prosperity and enrich the quality of life of residents by retaining and growing existing businesses, recruiting new businesses and expanding life - cycle housing opportunities for residents at all points of life. Options: 1) Approve the draft mission statement 2) Amend and then approve a mission statement 3) Continue until next meeting A Q, 1 ��Mk�A- '7'k . SCANDIA Stuff'Report Date of Meeting: October 8, 2013 To: Economic Development Authority From: Kristina Handt, Executive Director Re: Goals/Projects Recap Agenda Item #: 6.b) Background: Over the last couple meetings, the board has been brainstorming goals and projects to work on. Below is a summary of previous discussions. President Swanson would like to make sure everyone is on the same page following those discussions. Issue: What are the goals or projects the EDA would like to adopt or undertake? Proposal Details: From 8/19 Meeting: ➢ Inviting members of other EDAs to speak to our group ➢ Creating a vision and mission statement ➢ Compiling a list of businesses in Scandia ➢ Reviewing zoning and property classifications ➢ Presentation from the Executive Director of the Washington County HRA ➢ Discussion of infrastructure issues From the 9/16 Meeting: ➢ Business Retention and Expansion Survey (BRE) ➢ Ways to address Zoning and Infrastructure Challenges ➢ Promote growth in City Center ➢ Promote mixed use expansion along Hwy 97 ➢ Cleaning up Lilleskogen area and signage ➢ Beautification program from Oakhill to Ozark ➢ List of businesses to recruit-i.e. office, tourism, etc Options: 1) Add/Delete goals/projects to list Recommendation: Develop list of goals, then begin process of further defining them using the SMART (Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, Time) process or some other tool. SCANDIA Staff Report Date of Meeting: October 8, 2013 To: Economic Development Authority From: Kristina Handt, Executive Director Re: Director's Report Agenda Item #: 7 At the last meeting, President Swanson asked to have the Public Works Director look at the Welcome to Scandia sign located near the school to see if it is movable. The Director said we could attempt to move the sign. One thing to take into consideration will be the difficulty posed by the fact that the poles go into the ground at an angle. We may need to work with a local contractor on removal and damage may result because of the entry points into the ground are at angles. I've also included the most recent survey for Lilleskogen Park so that you can see where the road way easement goes. The easement is over a hundred feet back from the intersection of Oakhill and Hwy 97. Lastly, the Lilleskogen Park Restoration Plan includes a "2,500 square foot wildflower garden in [the] northwest corner of the park and this location could also include the installation of a second park identification sign because of its highly visible location from Scandia Trail and Oak Hill Road." V, Y iY eFl Mj �