Economic Vitality Committee Agenda and Packet 2020 05 22

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Economic Vitality Committee Minutes May 6, 2020 Page 3of5 Mayor Pro Tern likes the strategic goals and thinks they are strong. We have challenges that we need to focus on even in light of COVID-19. Director Pierce said we need to keep retention and attraction in the work plan — retention and expansion go together. We could incorporate retention, expansion and attraction. Director Pierce provided a list of work plan items for the EVC to consider. She presented the same list to LRC. The LRC was very interested in potential building projects and interest in facade project. Those areas would be appropriate for LRC, given their purpose to alleviate blight within the Urban Renewal Area. There have been discussions with City staff and the Downtown Business Association (DBA) about "dining on Main Street" or "distance dining." Staff came up with the outline of a program and would like to share it. However, given that no more than 10 people can gather, we are on hold. Staff is still working on a way assist businesses and still meet the public health guidelines. Director Pierce is looking at ways to partition off sidewalks for dining and still meet public health guidelines. There are liquor licensing considerations. Also envisioned ideas for areas other than Main Street but also in other parts of the community which speaks to the Strategic Plan. DBA has been supportive that they can be involved and help administer this program. Mayor Stolzmann said as far as exterior improvements and how things look, we should send a letter to businesses about types of temporary signs and banners that are allowed. This is not a good time to do heavy handed enforcement but we don't want to lose momentum for all the work that has been done on the Sign c=Code. She suggested sending a reminder note as to what is allowed. The purpose is to have things look good in town and a cohesive environment which is now not being followed. Mayor Stolzmann asked Director Pierce to keep working on the Main Street dining program. Mayor Pro Tern Maloney thanked Director Pierce for brainstorming. There are some interesting and good ideas here. He said there is a lot of opportunity for facade improvement. However, that led him to think of the north McCaslin area, where businesses lack frontage and visibility because of how things were designed in the 1980s and 1990s. How do we help that corridor? The McCaslin area is our economic engine and where much sales tax comes from. He liked Director Pierce's thoughts on building projects. He does not know if it is allowed in our code but believes more and more people will rely on curbside pickup so Agenda Packet P. 4