Business Retention and Development Committee Agenda and Packet 2017 10 02

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Business Retention and Development Committee Meeting Minutes September 5, 2017 Page 3 of 4 - Cost of Doing Business Analysis, with comparisons / competitive assessment regarding other communities in the US 36 Corridor and Front Range. - Economic Sector Diversification Analysis, including breakdown of sales tax / commercial tax base by industry, with goal of assessing industry / revenue source concentration risk and longer-term economic cycle risks. Mr. DeJong agreed to provide the Committee with a report / presentation regarding the Louisville business fee structure / rates at the BRaD meeting in November. b. BRaD Committee Interview Questions. Members of the Committee provided general comments regarding the BRaD Committee specific questions proposed by Council to be required of future applicants to BRaD, noting that the questions were appropriate and provided helpful focus / orientation to individuals considering whether to apply for a position on BRaD. c. Downtown Patio Fee Discussion. Chair Oberholzer lead the Committee in discussion regarding possible change to the annual rental fee charged to businesses who choose to participate in the Main Street patio rental program. Mr. DeJong reviewed with the Committee the capital, maintenance and general program costs for the patio rental program, and the shortfall extant under the current $900 per patio fee rate. After discussion, on motion duly made, seconded and approved, the Committee recommended to Council that the Downtown Patio Fee increase be limited to not more than $100 per year over a three year period (i.e. $1000 for 2018, $1100 for 2019 and $1200 for 2020) and thereafter be reassessed for then current costs and benefits. Reasons cited by the Committee in support of a limited fee increase include: City of Louisville sales tax benefit from additional tables / turns provides significant direct revenue offset to the cost of the patio program; Correlation between patio fee rate and restaurant square foot lease rate in downtown Louisville; Substantial `intangible' benefits of the patio program including more lively downtown, sense of `buzz' and desire to be Downtown fostered by the patios, traffic calming provided, and other similar benefits. VII. ED Update. Mr. DeJong provided an update on recent Louisville business / economic events of note. VIII. REPORTS FROM COMMITTEE MEMBERS. - Chair Oberholzer noted that City Council would be considering the draft Noise Ordinance at its Council that evening (September 5), and that he would be attending to express his personal opposition to the ordinance as drafted and relay that BRaD recommends against adoption of the ordinance as drafted. 4