HomeMy WebLinkAboutEconomic Advisory Commission - Minutes - 05/16/20121
Minutes
City of Fort Collins
Economic Advisory Commission
Regular Meeting
300 LaPorte Ave
City Hall
May 16, 2012
11:00 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
For Reference:
Bill Timpson, Chair 493-3673
Council Liaison Wade Troxell
Josh Birks, Staff Liaison 416-6324
Wendy Bricher, Minutes 221-6506
Commission members present: Commission members absent:
Sam Solt Stu MacMillan
Christophe Febvre Rick Price
Jim Clark Blue Hovatter
Bill Timpson Michael Kulisheck
Channing Arndt
Guests:
Ann Hutchison, FC Chamber of Commerce
Dale Adamy
Michael Pruznick
Diane Smith, Senior Advisory Board
Gordon Nuttall, Courage, Inc.
Wade Troxell, Council Liaison
Karen Weitkunat, Mayor
Staff Present:
Wendy Bricher, Minutes
Josh Birks, Economic Health Director
Megan Bolin, City Planner
Agenda Item 1: Meeting called to order
Meeting called to order at 11:06 a.m.
Agenda Item 2: Approval of Minutes
Unanimous approval of minutes dated 4/18/12
Agenda Item 3: Public Comment
Gordon Nuttal, CEO of Courage, Inc., commented that it would be helpful for the City to have a liaison to
the Federal agencies when dealing with local businesses. His business location was “locked down” for
three weeks when another business owner in the same building had tax issues with the Federal agencies.
He thought it would have been helpful for him to have a city resource for guidance and assistance. Josh
Birks provided his information as a source of contact.
Financial Services
300 LaPorte Ave
PO Box 580
Fort Collins, CO 80522
970.221.6505
970.224.6107 - fax
fcgov.com
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Michael Pruznick commented that he believes the Economic Strategic Plan still needs additional citizen
review/comments before being finalized. Specifically, he would like to see a more balanced plan and to
quit applying “band-aid” solutions and look for long-term, holistic solutions.
Diane Smith (Senior Advisory Board) commented that the Economic Strategic Plan is missing “aging” as
an economic driver. The senior population will have effects on populations, consumerism, and as
employees. She believes the plan should relate to non-traditional employment as well as wider sidewalks,
longer crosswalks, etc. She believes that plan has overlooked the senior population as an economic driver
moving forward.
Agenda Item 4: Follow-up Discussion Regarding Previous Meetings
None
Agenda Item 5: Member Updates/Future Agenda Items Discussion
The June agenda will include a Mason Corridor update as well as reviewing and making a
recommendation regarding the Outdoor Vendor Council item and DDA financing. Future agenda items
will include reviewing the definition of manufacturing equipment, fracking, internet sales tax collection,
as well as the senior population as an economic driver.
For future meetings, Josh Birks has agreed to provide a 10 minute update each month as to what his office
is working on plus a review of the 6 month calendar and what the EAC should be focusing on.
Agenda Item 6: “Project Beta” Business Assistance Package
Megan Bolin provided information regarding “Project Beta”. Topics covered included space, job
creation, company investment, direct fiscal impacts, economic impacts, and assistance package overview.
Other topics covered included state strategic funds, equipment use tax rebates, county property tax
savings, city personal property tax savings, expedited development review, electric capacity as well as
free integrated design assistance. The next steps will to bring the agreement to the Council Finance
Committee in June, draft the agreement, and send to Council for consideration in early July.
Sam Solt commented that process technology retention is important and did not believe the presentation
addressed that issue. Mayor Weitkunat commented that the EAC should also focus on whether the
package meets certain criteria such as expansion and retention, economic incentives, as well as allowing
no negatives to occur. Christophe Febvre commented that we need to consider the marketing element and
lend support for cross-section appeal; not so much about the dollars spent, as the type of jobs created. We
should “sell the jobs” we are creating and not focus so much on revenue for the City.
Agenda Item 7: PDOD Update
Megan Bolin provided a brief review of PDOD for EAC members. The City is now looking at starting
PDOD as a pilot (6 months) and implementing at a later date if the Pilot is successful. This would require
City Council to adopt an ordinance to begin the pilot and would only include properties within the current
boundary area. Jim Clark questioned whether the time period was long enough and Bill Timpson
inquired about possible legal issues. Discussion and a recommendation may occur at the June meeting.
Agenda Item 8: Economic Health Strategic Plan – Final Recommendation
Over the past twelve months, the Economic Advisory Commission has participated actively in the
development and review of the Economic Health Strategic Plan by participating in the SWOT analysis,
reviewing the document drafts, participating in active board discussions, and providing beneficial
feedback to both TIP Strategies and the Economic Health Team. After careful consideration and
discussion, the EAC makes the following recommendation to the Fort Collins City Council.
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Bill Timpson moved and Sam Solt seconded the following motion:
The Economic Advisory Commission (EAC) participated in the development of the Economic
Health Strategic Plan as a key stakeholder group. Throughout the development of the plan, our
commission has provided insight and feedback. The Plan represents an evolution of the
principles and policies articulated in Plan Fort Collins related to Economic Health. Our
commission supports the Plan as a living document and recognizes the plan focuses on business
activity/expansion and effective land use. The EAC recognizes and expects that other areas
crucial to economic health will be incorporated over time.
Motion passed 5-0
Meeting adjourned at 1:29p.m.
The next meeting is scheduled on June 20, 2012 from 11:00 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
CIC Room, City Hall