HomeMy WebLinkAbout2012 - Economic Advisory Commission - Annual Report1
Economic Advisory Commission
2012 Annual Report
The EAC consists of nine members meeting regularly on the third Wednesday of every month.
The board receives regular updates from staff and advises City Council on matters pertaining to
the economic health and sustainability of the city. The board continues to gather community
input on economic issues and represent the ideas expressed.
Members who served in 2012 include Chair, Bill Timpson, Vice-chair, Blue Hovatter, Channing
Arndt, Christophe Febvre, Stu MacMillan, Jim Clark, Dan Lenskold, Michael Kulisheck, and
Sam Solt.
2012 Year in Review:
The following are items the Economic Advisory Commission were briefed upon, and formal
action was taken with a recommendation forwarded to the City Council:
Parking Plan Update
The Economic Advisory Commission (EAC) has reviewed the Fort Collins Parking Plan Overview and
listened to a plan overview presented by Timothy Wilder and Randy Hensley on February 15, 2012.
After careful consideration and discussion after the presentation, the EAC makes the following
recommendation to the Fort Collins City Council.
Christophe Febvre moved and Blue Hovatter seconded the following motion:
The Fort Collins Economic Advisory Commission feels that parking in downtown Fort Collins
has significant and direct impacts on the economic vitality of this important economic district.
The Fort Collins Parking Plan has good recommendations, and the EAC generally supports the
plan. Nevertheless, the Plan document would be improved if an economic analysis statement
were added. The statement should highlight the short and long term economic risks associated
with the status quo and the opportunities created by the implementation of a sensible plan. As
with all city policies, attention to the impact on the “triple bottom line” of economic,
environmental, and social well-being is important.
Motion passed 6-0
Economic Health Strategic Plan
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.
Bill Timpson moved and Sam Solt seconded the following motion:
2
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
Avago Clean Room Expansion
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 motioned, and Stu MacMillan seconded the following motion:
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
Outdoor Vendor Study
The Economic Advisory Commission held its monthly meeting on June 20, 2012 and received a
presentation by staff on the Outdoor Vendor Study. This agenda item included an overview of
the two Ordinances that address actions needed to implement the Outdoor Vendor Study staff
recommendations.
The Commission is aware that City Council adopted on First Reading two Ordinances pertaining
to the Outdoor Vendor Study on June 5, 2012. Ordinance No. 057, 2012 amends the Land Use
Code. Ordinance No. 058, 2012 amends Chapter 15 of the City Code regarding licensing and
regulations for outdoor vendor businesses. However, the Commission agreed to schedule this
item in later in June, with the ability to discuss and forward a recommendation to Council prior
3
to Second Reading on July 17.
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)
Planned Development Overlay District (PDOD)
In June, 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 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
Forney Assistance Package
In August, SeonAh Kendall, Economic Health Analyst, provided information to the EAC
regarding the Forney Industries Assistance Package. Details covered included Forney History in
our community, employees, costs association with annexation, and results of the annexation.
The package would include a sales tax rebate of 15K annually for three years, a personal
property tax rebate of 399.00 annually for 10 years, and a real property tax rebate of 2,672
annually for 10 years. The rebates would be intended to offset the costs of annexing into the
City and direct revenues for the city would be approximately 300K in the next 10 years.
After thorough consideration and discussion, the EAC developed the following recommendation
to the Fort Collins City Council.
4
Christophe Febvre moved and Stu MacMillan seconded:
The Economic Advisory Commission (EAC) supports the Forney Industries Package as
written and recommends Council approve it on first reading.
Motion passed 7 – 1 (nay Sam Solt)