City Council Study Session Summary 2008 05 27

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City Council Study Session Summary May 27, 2008 Page 3 of 7 Mayor Pro Tem Marsella agreed with Ms. Lewis and felt the time was right. Mayor Pro Tem Marsella also pointed out that the City had learned the importance of the specificity of question from the Library. Councilor Ron Sackett stated that he thought it was important to define the area and what is historic preservation, and what the definition of historic is, age, character, and incentives to build for a look, etc. He also thought that the discussion should begin now. Councilor Bob Muckle said that the Old Town District has been defined as well as an ordinance that defines what makes a building historical based on the National Historical Guidelines. The City also has a survey of houses/buildings that are landmarkable, but believes there needs to be a comprehensive vision to include historic buildings and quaint character. Mayor Pro Tem Marsella said there is a difference between age vs. historical. She said that the ballot question needs to be written so it will pass and agrees with Councilor Dalton that the net needs to be a little wider than just historic preservation. She suggested that Councilors Dalton and Muckle work with staff. Councilor Dalton spoke about special taxing Districts used in other municipalities but said that those towns/districts have more resources. He felt there was a small subset but not enough to pass and said that HPC and others will need to walk the streets to promote the tax initiative. He also stated that what benefits the life and business of downtown benefits all the residents of Louisville. Councilor Muckle pointed out that an all historic district is a quality of life and is one of the reasons why house values have stayed consistent in Louisville. City Manager Malcolm Fleming pointed out that character is not always a building but who built a building, street faire, City events, etc. He said that staff will work with Councilors Dalton and Muckle and bring it before Council for a discussion/direction item on an upcoming agenda. 4. Discussion - Business Retention and Development (BRaD) 2008 First and Second Quarter Update Becky Hogan, EDge Consulting, presented the 2008 BRaD Work Plan. Ms. Hogan said that in 2007 BRaD had 30 objectives for 2008 and most have been accomplished. Ms. Hogan gave the following updated: o Shop Louisville is progressing o CEO Forum - a breakfast to allow communication between businesses o Business Assistant Proposals (BAPs) 1 so far this year and the process has been adjusted to eliminate a step and come directly to Council o Retention Visits - 12 of 38 visits have been completed. The details will be used for a Business Plan which is a task of the