Economic Vitality Committee Agenda and Packet 2021 03 19

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Economic Vitality Committee Meeting Minutes February 19, 2021 Page 4 of 5 website and also that an article on the Small Business grants would appear in the next Community Update newsletter. Mayor Pro Tern Maloney asked Director Pierce for an update on the 5 Star Certification Program. Director Pierce noted that Boulder County's 5 Star Program website now has a list of all businesses approved for certification. One Louisville business has been certified and a few more have applied and are waiting for inspections. She also clarified that the applications have been slower than anticipated because of the move to Level Yellow; until 70% of Coloradans 70 years and older are vaccinated (measured at the state level), certified businesses cannot operate in Level Blue. Councilmember Leh noted the LRC's interest in business outreach regarding the lack of participation in the Small Business Preservation Grant program. He suggested that this might overlap with EVC activities, but that a conversation between the groups about future cooperation and collaboration may be beneficial. He suggested Chair Dickinson and Director Pierce could present this at a future LRC meeting. Mr. Oberholzer shared that his business had not pursued 5 Star Certification because the move between dial levels would not significantly change their current operations. He also suggested the timing of the grant program and PPP may have impacted the number of businesses that focused on the immediate cash vs. the larger resources available. VIII. Discussion/Direction- Business Representation for Economic Vitality Committee: Director Pierce noted that the agenda materials were prepared prior to the February 16 Council meeting. On February 16, Council did take EVC's recommendation and acted to dissolve the Business Retention & Development (BRaD) Committee. Chair Dickinson said that this is an important issue to explore, but that he anticipates having a less substantive discussion today based on adding the Main Street topic to the agenda. Mayor Pro Tern Maloney agreed that this item needs the Committee's full attention and suggested deferring the conversation until March 19. Councilmember Leh concurred. Chair Dickinson stated the Committee is still committed to adding business voices to the Economic Vitality Committee. He inquired if both Mayor Pro Tem Maloney and Councilmember Leh agreed with the addition of non -voting members, but just that more time is required to discuss. Mayor Pro Tern Maloney said he would like to explore the representation more and the future form; he was not sure four people can represent all business interests. Mr. Mark Oberholzer stated that form was less important to him than that something would occur. He expressed concern that there was not more of a link Agenda Packet P. 5