HomeMy WebLinkAboutEconomic Advisory Commission - Minutes - 10/06/20101
Minutes
City of Fort Collins
Economic Advisory Commission
Regular Meeting
300 LaPorte Ave
City Hall
October 6, 2010
11:00 a.m. - 1:00 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 221-6505
Commission members present:
Christophe Febvre, Blue Hovatter, Tom Clevenger, Jim Clark, Rick Price; Stu MacMillan
Commission members absent:
Bill Timpson
Kevin Shaw
Beena Bawa
Guests:
None
Staff Present:
Mike Freeman, Chief Financial Officer
Josh Birks, Economic Advisor
Wendy Bricher, Minutes
Joe Frank
Agenda Item 1: Meeting called to order
Meeting called to order 11:02 a.m.
Agenda Item 2: Approval of minutes
Unanimous approval of minutes dated 9/1/10
Agenda Item 3: Public Comment
None
Agenda Item 4: Follow-up discussion regarding previous meetings
Jim Clark provided information on the early polling results for Amendments 60, 61 and Proposition 101.
Christophe Febvre asked for an update regarding Allegiant Air. Mike Freeman stated that having a
commercial carrier is beneficial for the long-term health of the airport. Allegiant Air may possibly add a
route to Mesa Arizona and is looking for some marketing incentives (not City dollars).
Financial Services
300 LaPorte Ave
PO Box 580
Fort Collins, CO 80522
970.221.6505
970.224.6107 - fax
fcgov.com
2
Agenda Item 5: Member Updates/ Future Agenda Items Discussion and Vote (6 mo planning
calendar)
It was suggested that the following topics be included in the November meeting: Lincoln arterial, Electric
Cost/Smart Grid investment, Homeward 2020 and the Green Building Program update.
Rick Price asked for a recommendation from the EAC regarding a Safe Routes to School Coordinator.
He would like to see more emphasis placed toward safety/infrastructure and not event management. The
EAC felt they did not have enough information at this time to make a recommendation.
Agenda Item 6: Budget Update and Recommendations
Mike Freeman provided information regarding the Economic Health Budget which included request for
results information, an overview, and drilling platforms; he pointed out the Economic Health is
approximately 8% of the general fund total. Blue Hovatter inquired about any unfunded items that might
be critical. Mike Freeman stated that support for the target industries had been reduced by 30,000.00 and
that an economic strategy for the next 4 years would be desired if funding was available; proposed action
items might include water and clean energy, resurrect the computer chip design, and develop an
international clean technology network. Tom Clevenger stated that he would like to see more monies
allocated toward primary job creation strategies and cluster activity. After discussion, Tom Clevenger
motioned:
Motion – The budget for Economic Health be increased by $150,000 with the purpose of enhancing
development of the City’s primary targeted industries and toward primary job creation/strategies for 2011
and 2012.
Rick Price seconded the motion; approved unanimously.
The following recommendation went to Council on October 11, 2010:
Due to the importance of economic development in fostering a healthy local economy, particularly within
a local, regional, and national economy that has significantly and negatively impacted local employment
and City revenues, the Economic Advisory Commission (EAC) STRONGLY RECOMMENDS TO
CITY COUNCIL THAT THE BUDGET FOR ECONOMIC HEALTH BE INCREASED BY
$150,000 with the purpose of enhancing development of the City's targeted industries and assisting in
primary job creation/strategies for 2011 and 2012. The EAC believes that investing this additional money
for these purposes will have a vital positive effect on short-term economic development strategies
and long term economic results for the City.
Agenda Item 7: Plan Fort Collins Update
Joe Frank, Advance Planning Director, presented information and updates regarding Plan Fort Collins. It
has been 5 years since the last update; existing plans as well as new topics will be addressed for future
needs. The plan recognizes economic health as an important topic for overall community vitality. The
plan addresses up to seven principles with 24 policies primarily focused on job creation and business
development/retention. It is currently in Phase 3 of the project (strategies/priorities). Public input, as
well as Boards and Commissions input, will continue on Oct 12 & 14. Council will first see the Plan in
November, and it will be brought back to City Council in early spring, 2011 for adoption. Additional
information and updates can be found at www.fcgov.com/planfortcollins.
Agenda Item 8: Private Activity Bond Update
Postponed
Meeting adjourned at 1:32 p.m.
The next meeting is scheduled for November 17, 2010 from 11:00-1:30