Economic Vitality Committee Agenda and Packet 2021 09 24

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Economic Vitality Committee Meeting Minutes August 20, 2021 Page 4 of 6 were anticipating. Councilmember Dickinson commented that if there was a way to make all businesses aware of the requirement, then that would solve the issue. Mr. Oberholzer questioned the purpose of a program that gives money to businesses who have already decided on a location. Public Comment from Mike Kranzdorf, downtown commercial property owner. Mr. Kranzdorf agreed that there is a difference between an incentive package and a business assistance package. He asked how some businesses know to ask for assistance while others do not. Director Pierce responded that this communication is often facilitated by brokers. Public comment from Councilmember Fahey. Councilmember Fahey asked a question regarding the timing of business licenses. Director Pierce clarified that it is atypical for a business to apply for a license before they have signed a lease. Mr. Oberholzer stated that with all of the permits required, most businesses should speak to the City before signing a lease and again spoke in favor or requiring the application prior to lease signing. Councilmember Dickinson felt that many business will want to decide on their space prior to looking into any other licenses or permits and may miss out on the BAP because of this timing. Mayor Pro Tern Maloney echoed Councilmember Dickinson's concerns about small businesses missing out on the BAP and wondered whether there could be an exception for BAPs and if it could solve this timing issue. Director Pierce responded that an exception could potentially be an option but that it may hurt the current objectivity of the program. Mayor Pro Term Maloney also expressed interest in establishing criteria for administrative BAP approval. Interim City Manager Davis responded that this could warrant further discussion with the Council. Councilmember Dickinson encouraged Director Pierce to bring this forward to City Council as an option. Director Pierce introduced the idea of targeting long-term commercial vacancies with direct incentives. She also mentioned the possibility of incentivizing existing businesses who wish to relocate, adding a sign permit rebate or fee waiver, as well as an incentive for local employment. Councilmember Dickinson stated that a relocation incentive for existing businesses within the City could be important for retention efforts. He was also in favor of the sign permit rebate and the long-term commercial vacancy bonus. He encourage Director Pierce to include all of these items in discussion with City Council. Agenda Packet P. 6