Economic Vitality Committee Agenda and Packet 2023 09 15

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Economic Vitality Committee Meeting Minutes August 18, 2023 Page 2of5 Manager Kroner continued with an update on the cooperative agreement between the LRC and the City for ice rink operations for the 2023-24 season. The LRC is also working on a budget amendment to fund the remaining portion of the ice rink equipment purchase, operations, and electricity costs. Manager Kroner then gave a brief update on a new business in Louisville. AIS Medicare & More had a ribbon cutting for its new location at 357 McCaslin Boulevard on August 9t" Manager Kroner continued with updates on the following items that will be coming to City Council: • Concept Plan Review Process. Planning Commission recommended approval of the process. The resolution will be coming to City Council for first reading on September 5t" • Dark Sky Lighting. Planning Commission recommended approval of Option 2 (substantial alterations and compliance). The ordinance will come to City Council for first reading on September 5t" • Energy Code Update. City staff will be hosting an open house on August 29 to discuss possible amendments to the adopted commercial energy code. Businesses are encouraged to attend and provide feedback. • Downtown Vision Plan. City staff has selected a consultant to perform the Downtown Streetscape and Vision Plan and will be bringing a contract forward for review and approval. The project should commence immediately with completion anticipated for February/March of 2024. Manager Kroner concluded with an update on the LRC, which is proposing modifications to the existing Fagade Improvement Program. The modified program would be known as a Property Improvement Program and would expand the list of improvements for which businesses could be reimbursed. 7. Discussion/Direction — Business Forum Update: Chair Leh gave an overview of the semi-annual Business Forum and introduced some questions about hosting a forum this fall. He asked for additional details from staff. City Manager Durbin clarified that the group should attempt to identify not only the when and the what of the Business Forum, but also the why and the where. Manager Kroner commented that Staff is planning to partner with the Louisville Chamber of Commerce for the next Business Forum. Staff is working on a questionnaire that will be sent out to the business community to gauge their preferences for the next event. Manager Kroner confirmed that the questionnaire has not yet been sent out, but that staff hopes to send it this week. City Manager Durbin suggested that the questionnaire attempt to identify what the businesses are hoping to get out of the event. Councilmember Most advised Agenda Packet P. 4