HomeMy WebLinkAboutEconomic Advisory Commission - Minutes - 09/01/20101
Minutes
City of Fort Collins
Economic Advisory Commission
Regular Meeting
300 LaPorte Ave
City Hall
September 1, 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, Kevin Shaw, Tom Clevenger, Jim Clark, Beena Bawa, Rick Price
Commission members absent:
Stu MacMillan
Bill Timpson
Guests:
David May
Staff Present:
Mike Freeman, Chief Financial Officer
Josh Birks, Economic Advisor
Wendy Bricher, Minutes
Agenda Item 1: Meeting called to order
Meeting called to order 11:05 a.m.
Agenda Item 2: Approval of minutes
Unanimous approval of minutes dated 8/4/2010
Agenda Item 3: Public Comment
David May provided an update/clarification that the Chamber has not yet taken an official position on the sales tax
ballot issue as of 9/1/2010.
Agenda Item 4: Follow-up discussion regarding previous meetings
The tax diversification/policy discussion was postponed until the November meeting.
Agenda Item 5: Member Updates/ Future Agenda Items Discussion and Vote (6 mo planning calendar)
Tom Clevenger asked for clarification regarding the sales tax ballot issue and street maintenance being moved down
a notch. Mike Freeman clarified that the proposed tax increase will keep us at a low B/high C rating; we have
typically achieved the middle/upper B. The ballot issue will increase our street maintenance from where we are
today, but not as good as historically.
A question was also raised regarding the Mason Corridor and the sales tax initiative. Staff stated that the 11% could
go toward transit in part, but that decision would be determined by City Council should the measure pass.
Financial Services
300 LaPorte Ave
PO Box 580
Fort Collins, CO 80522
970.221.6505
970.224.6107 - fax
fcgov.com
2
Jim Clark provided an update regarding the Colorado Bike Race. Due to the cost of the event (roughly $100,000 -
$200,000), the Fort Collins Convention and Visitor’s Bureau is opting not to bid for the event in 2011. A bid may
possibly occur in 2012.
Josh Birks provided an update on private activity bonds. With the American Recover and Reinvestment Act, the
definition for qualification of the bonds has broadened somewhat; intangible, as we as tangible property, is now
allowed. An extension of this definition may be requested.
New agenda items for September will include budget updates and recommendations, and private activity bond
updates.
Agenda Item 6: Amendments 60, 61, and Proposition 101
John Voss presented information regarding amendments 60, 61, and Proposition 101. He outlined potential impact
on City revenues, explained preliminary contingency plans, and reviewed the Fair Campaign Practices Act
guidelines. Following discussion, the Economic Advisory Commission drafted the following formal
recommendation to Council regarding the three(3) ballot issues:
After a thorough review, the Economic Advisory Commission (EAC) unanimously recommends to City
Council that it come out strongly against Amendments 60, 61, and Proposition 101. The EAC feels that there
will be a severe economic impact to our community if any one, or any combination, of the initiatives passes.
The EAC feels that the economic impacts of these initiatives include, but are not limited to, the loss of a
significant number of jobs and an increase in utilities fees. Passage of these initiatives would seriously affect
our ability to attract and retain businesses at the State, County, and local levels.
The recommendation was included in Council packets on September 16, 2010.
Meeting adjourned at 12:50 p.m.
The next meeting is scheduled for October 6, 2010 from 11:00-1:30