City Council Study Session Summary 2012 02 13

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City Council Study Session Summary February 13, 2012 Page 3of 4 Alan Sobel, 1408 Kennedy Avenue, stated that the vision of Public Access is as a community/civic institution through which people can meet and learn about production,produce localprograms, and be a place for creative expression. Michael Menaker, 1127 West Choke Cherry Drive, recommended that the PEG money currently going to Channel 54 could be used by the City to upgrade equipment in Council Chambers for Channel 8. He stated that far more people watch Channel 8 than Channel 54 and spending on Channel 8 would be more beneficial to a greater number ofLouisville residents than spending on Channel 54. Discussion –Business Assistance Program Economic Development Director Bonnie Star gave a recap of the Business Assistance Program(BAP). She noted that it began in 2007 and the Return on Investment in the program has been very good, including adding new businesses andnew jobs to Louisville. She added that the key to theprogram is that the City does not give businesses money from the City budget, but rather the City rebates only a portion of new money that the City would otherwisenot get. Rebates are made only from sales and use taxes or building fees. Council member Keany asked if there was a concern that assisting new businesses could hurt existing ones. Star stated that new businesses help bring customers to themselves and to existing businesses. She used the downtown restaurants as an example. The addition of Waterloo and Empire helped the existing restaurants andin turnit helped to bring other new restaurants (Zucca, Lucky Pie) to come to the area thereby creating a restaurant district in downtown. Fleming added that the BAPs have been one part of the equation in giving Louisville a very “business friendly” reputation which has helped to bring businesses to town in a variety of locations and from a variety of business sectors. Update/Discussion –Comprehensive Plan 2012Outreach and Work Plan Planning DirectorTroy Russ gave a presentation on the schedule and strategy the Planning Staff has for outreach and public input on the Comprehensive Plan. He noted that the first step is for meetings with all City boards and commissions, local business organizations, andthe general public. The goal of the Outreach Plan is to make contact with as many different groups as possible and use that information from those meetings to clarify the Vision and define the Core Values that will drive the Comprehensive Plan.