HomeMy WebLinkAboutEconomic Advisory Commission - Minutes - 01/19/20111
Minutes
City of Fort Collins
Economic Advisory Commission
Regular Meeting
300 LaPorte Ave
City Hall
January 19, 2011
11:00 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
For Reference:
Christophe Febvre, Chair 227-0282
Mayor Doug Hutchinson, Council Liaison 416-2154
Mike Freeman, Staff Liaison 416-2259
Wendy Bricher, Minutes 221-6506
Commission members present:
Christophe Febvre; Michael Kulisheck; Rick Price; Kevin Shaw; Bill Timpson;
Commission members absent:
Blue Hovatter
Stu MacMillan
Jim Clark
Channing Arndt
Guests:
Eric Sutherland
Dale Adamy
Ann Hutchison
Staff Present:
Mike Freeman, Chief Financial Officer
Josh Birks, Economic Advisor
Wendy Bricher, Minutes
Jon Haukaas
Agenda Item 1: Meeting called to order
Meeting called to order at 11:00 a.m.
Agenda Item 2: Approval of minutes
Unanimous approval of minutes 11/17/10, 12/15/10
Agenda Item 3: Public Comment
Eric Sutherland wished to reiterate his counterpoint regarding the SMART Grid Project; he believes the
dollars spent on smart meters is a waste of money and the decisions being made are based on
misinformation and staff decision making. He believes SMART Grid and the RMI2 building do not make
good economic sense. Mr. Sutherland also commented on EAC attendance and stated that he believes
three unexcused absences results in automatic removal from the board.
Financial Services
300 LaPorte Ave
PO Box 580
Fort Collins, CO 80522
970.221.6505
970.224.6107 - fax
fcgov.com
2
Dale Adamy has served on the Air Quality Advisory Board and stated that he found it helpful for his
board to have a liaison to other boards within the City structure. He suggested that EAC appoint a liaison
to the Transportation Board as well as other relevant boards. Rick Price agreed to act as a liaison to the
Transportation Board as best he can, and bring back relevant information to the EAC. Christophe Febvre
also agreed to contact the Chair of the Transportation Board.
Agenda Item 4: Follow-up discussion regarding previous meetings
Bill Timpson presented the following motion for EAC consideration: MOTION: The EAC recommends
that City Council explore how to make City tax and fee revenues more diversified, equitable, and
sustainable. After thorough discussion and questions, Bill Timpson agreed to revise the motion and bring
it forth at a later date. Mike Freeman commented that this would not be a typical item a board would
initiate, and that the EAC should consider asking Council for specific feedback within the revised motion.
Agenda Item 5: Member Updates/ Future Agenda Items Discussion (6 mo planning calendar)
Agenda items for the February meeting will include a financial update and possible recommendation on
the proposed Green Building Ordinance, Manufacturing Use Tax, and drafting the scope of services for
the Strategic Economic Health Action Plan.
Agenda Item 6: Year-End Report Review/Approval
The 2010 Year-End report was submitted to the EAC; approval will be by email and sent to the Clerk’s
office by 01/30/2011.
Agenda Item 7: Flood Plain Regulations
Josh Birks, Economic Advisor, and Jon Haukaas, Water Engineering Field Operations Manager,
presented information regarding the City’s proposed Flood Plain Regulations. Council was presented
with four (4) options for future flood plain regulations and has indicated to City staff that they are
interested in receiving more information regarding Option 4, or the No Adverse Impact Option. The No
Adverse Impact Option revises current regulations for property owners to focus on neighboring properties
as well as their own, and it requires that certain criteria be met to limit any adverse effects. An example
of such criteria may include installing an overflow channel to reduce the effect of elevating the dirt to
required levels. The presentation included the Economic Impact Analysis background, methodology, key
assumptions/limitations, and the summary of findings. Josh Birks indicated that an economic impact
analysis has not been completed for option four and would be very difficult to complete given the
“unknown” or “changing” aspect of the future development in the floodplain area. The EAC believes
without a direct economic analysis for option four, they cannot make a formal recommendation to
Council regarding the proposed flood plain regulations, but has asked staff to help draft a memo that
reflects their opinions/insights on the process.
Meeting adjourned at 1:10 p.m.
The next meeting is scheduled for February 16, 2011 from 11:00-1:30