Economic Vitality Committee Agenda and Packet 2022 02 18

Home Browse Search

Economic Vitality Committee Meeting Minutes December 17, 2021 Page 3of4 think ahead so that engagement can occur prior to a decision being made by City Council Public comment from Mike Kranzdorf: Mr. Kranzdorf commented that a part of the issue could be related to Council scheduling items without the intention of receiving public input. Commissioner Most responded that it's not necessarily Council's intention, but that Council has not yet figured out how to incorporate adequate public input. Councilmember Fahey agreed that some of the issue could be related to COVID and changes in how the public consumes news. Future City Manager Jeff Durbin noted that this is something that every community struggles with and said that there is room for improvement. Councilmember Dickinson commented on the intentional disconnect between the Council's decision to disband the Business Retention and Development (BRaD) Committee, but not incorporate the business community into the EVC. Public comment from Mark Oberholzer: Mr. Oberholzer commented that the decision to remove the voice of the business community felt intentional and the perception is that City Council does not want to hear what the public has to say. He concluded that City Council has done a great disservice to the business community with these actions. EVC members agreed that an important part of the role as a committee member is working to gain input from the business community. VII. Discussion/Direction- Strategic Plan Action #1-5: Create and Distribute Quarterly Commercial Vacancy Report to Monitor Lease Rates and Available Space: Director Pierce gave an overview of the process, reporting categories, goals, and benefits of producing and distributing a quarterly commercial vacancy report. The Committee concurred with the recommended structure of reporting. VIII. Staff Updates: Director Pierce mentioned that Rocky Mountain Tap and Garden at 1071 Courtesy Road and The Rotary at 1116 W. Dillon Road which both recently opened in Louisville. She also clarified that LuLu's Low Country Kitchen is moving forward with an assignment agreement to change their business entity name to the Louisville Watering Hole and will occupy the former Outback Steakhouse at 988 W. Dillon Road. Director Pierce closed the updates by confirming that letters regarding the reinstatement of the temporary signage requirements had been mailed to all Louisville businesses. IX. Recent Articles: No comments. X. Next Meeting: The next meeting will be January 21, 2022 @ 1:30 PM and is anticipated to include Economic Vitality Strategic Plan Measures as well as the Business Forum. Councilmember Fahey mentioned that she would like to Agenda Packet P. 4