Economic Vitality Committee Agenda and Packet 2021 02 19

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Economic Vitality Committee Meeting Minutes January 15, 2021 Page 3of4 iterations of the BRaD Committee structure. They felt they were in general agreement about the future structure of EVC. Councilmember Leh and Ms. Butterworth discussed BRaD remaining but in a more advisory role to the EVC. However, if BRaD remains a City board, it must operate as a public body and this encounters the same resource constraints as previously discussed. Chair Dickinson clarified with Director Pierce that she understood the recommendation from the committee. Director Pierce noted that the EVC was recommendation for the BRaD Committee to be resolved and that four non- voting members would be added to the EVC in the future. The process and selection of those business non -voting members will be discussed at a later date. VII. Discussion- Business Support and Grant Program Updates: Director Pierce provided an update on the Small Business Preservation Grant program, which was approved by City Council on January 5. She noted receiving many fewer applications than anticipated, so not all approved funding will be allocated since the applications close at 5:00 PM. She described the first priority as reviewing the applications received by the deadline, getting those approved, and funds to eligible businesses. However, she suggested that if desired, the City could do additional outreach to eligible businesses and extend the application deadline to try to allocate additional funds. Chair Dickinson agreed that the first priority was to get funding to those that applied by the stated deadline. Mr. Oberholzer said it was a quick process. While that was the intent to get funds to those who most needed it, a business needed to be paying attention in order to meet the deadline. Mayor Pro Tern Maloney suggested another discussion on possible business support was warranted rather than allocating funding after the deadline. He suggested it was not clear why not enough applicants submitted and that should be understood. Chair Dickinson agreed and noted that the Council and Revitalization Commission would also need to be updated on the program outcomes. VIII. Discussion- Economic Vitality Strategic Plan: Director Pierce reviewed the memo provided on the strategic plan, including the Supporting Actions that have been incorporated into the Council's Work Plan. She also noted Supporting Actions that just have EVC involvement for 2021. She indicated that none of the plan initiatives are currently underway and that timing will be heavily dependent on the status of the pandemic and local economy. Agenda Packet P. 4