HomeMy WebLinkAboutEconomic Advisory Commission - Minutes - 06/20/20121
Minutes
City of Fort Collins
Economic Advisory Commission
Regular Meeting
300 LaPorte Ave
City Hall
June 20, 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 Bill Timpson
Christophe Febvre Rick Price
Jim Clark Channing Arndt
Michael Kulisheck
Blue Hovatter
Stu MacMillan
Guests:
Ann Hutchison, FC Chamber of Commerce
Dale Adamy
Staff Present:
Wendy Bricher, Minutes
Josh Birks, Economic Health Director
Megan Bolin, City Planner
Jessica Ping-Small, Sales Tax Manager
Pete Wray, Sr. City Planner
Agenda Item 1: Meeting called to order
Meeting called to order at 11:08 a.m.
Agenda Item 2: Approval of Minutes
Unanimous approval of minutes dated 5/16/12
Agenda Item 3: Public Comment
None
Agenda Item 4: Follow-up Discussion Regarding Previous Meetings
PDOD - Megan Bolin provided a brief update regarding PDOD. Since the last discussion with EAC in
May, the pilot recommendation had changed to include only the original boundaries plus consideration to
remove up to seven special and/or historic districts within the current boundary. After thorough
discussion, the EAC commented that boundary decisions should be made after the pilot is complete when
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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there is ample data/history to support the final decisions at that time. After thorough consideration and
discussion, the EAC developed the following recommendation to the Fort Collins City Council.
Michael Kulisheck moved, and Stu MacMillan seconded:
The Economic Advisory Commission recommends that City Council adopt the Planned
Development Overlay District Pilot using the boundaries as originally proposed. Given the existing
standards and processes within Article 3 of the Land Use Code, the Commission believes PDOD is a
tool that supports the City’s Economic Health Policy 4.2 in City Plan, and also the City’s goal of
encouraging quality infill and redevelopment.
Motion passed 6-0
Project Beta - In May 2012, the Economic Advisory Commission reviewed the Business Assistance
Package being proposed to Avago Technologies US, Inc. After thorough consideration and discussion,
the EAC developed the following recommendation to the Fort Collins City Council.
Sam Solt moved and Stu MacMillan seconded:
The Economic Advisory Commission (EAC) has reviewed the business investment assistance
package prepared for Avago Technologies US, Inc. The EAC has provided insight and feedback.
The commission believes that the Avago’s investment creates financially attractive employment and
the resulting skills add to our community’s technical exposure for other companies engaged in this
technology segment. Furthermore, this awareness enhances the quality of Northern Colorado’s
employer portfolio for prospecting and closing other high quality companies’ interest in the region.
The commission cautions that not every request for financial assistance from potential employers
should be seriously considered. However, Avago is a credible employer offering an opportunity for
our community to invest in an economic capability. Lack of support for the request sends a signal,
not only to Avago, but to other high quality prospective employer companies. Our community
should be recognized not for “easy money” but as savvy and business friendly that is available for
the right opportunities.
Motion Passed 6-0
Agenda Item 5: Member Updates/Future Agenda Items Discussion
Josh Birks provided a copy of the Monthly Operating Report (MOR) for Economic Health which includes
the issues, priority, owner, implications, and actions of emergency EH issues priorities. This report will
be provided monthly to the EAC. In addition, other current programs and initiatives include the URA
policies and procedures, midtown urban design master plan, PDOD, EH Communications plan, cluster
data analysis, Mason Corridor, EH Strategic Plan and the EH business processes.
Items to keep on eye on in the next six months may include advertising on City property and the capital
expansion fees revisions.
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Jessica Ping-Small, Sales Tax Manager, provided a brief update regarding City sales tax collections. We
are up 7.6% over 2011 and YTD up 6.7%. Forecasted grown is just below 3%.
Agenda Item 6: Mason Corridor Update
Claire Thomas, Publicity and Marketing Specialist, provided an overview of the Mason Corridor project.
Her update included information on the vision, significance of MAX, route, new park and ride spots,
bicycle parking, and construction history. Timeline, construction impacts, increased train speed, and
parking restrictions were covered as well. A copy of the Mason ppt presentation will be sent to the EAC.
Agenda Item 7: Outdoor Vendors Memo
Pete Wray, Sr. City Planner, provided information regarding the proposed outdoor vendors policy
changes to the EAC and included an overview of the two Ordinances that address actions needed to
implement the Outdoor Vendor Study staff recommendations. Jim Clark commented that he believed the
proposed changes would have a negative effect on the smaller businesses long-term and could contribute
to bringing in big chain restaurants (instead of the local, unique restaurants we have now) due to costs and
expense differences between small business owners and food truck owners. Pete replied that in fairness
and competition, and separation of at least 200 feet was reasonable. He also stated that some food
vendors look at the trucks as a stepping stone to opening a permanent restaurant. Blue Hovatter
commented that he likes that the changes do not allow food vendors in parks without a special permit.
Christophe commented that he liked that the changes allowed them to reach the outskirts of downtown,
but not directly in downtown. Pete replied that safety was a big factor in making the final
recommendations. After thorough consideration and discussion, the EAC developed the following
recommendation to the Fort Collins City Council.
Christophe Febvre moved, and Sam Solt seconded the following motion:
The Economic Advisory Commission is recommending City Council adopt the two Ordinances on
Second Reading. The Commission concludes that implementation of the Outdoor Vendor Study
will be in the best interest of the City, provide additional opportunities for outdoor vendors
operating in the community, and support City Plan Policies relating to programs emphasizing small
local business and entrepreneurship.
Motion passed 5 – 1 (nay Clark)
Agenda Item 8: DDA Line of Financing
Cancelled.
Meeting adjourned at 1:31p.m.
The next meeting is scheduled on July 18, 2012 from 11:00 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
CIC Room, City Hall