Economic Vitality Committee Agenda and Packet 2023 09 15

Home Browse Search

Economic Vitality Committee Meeting Minutes August 18, 2023 Page 4 of 5 conflict. Councilmember Most agreed and wondered if the event should be held after the elections. Chair Leh countered that the event could be held before elections, but it should not include an opportunity for candidates to respond to issues. Councilmember Most responded that one of the most important aspects of the forum is the opportunity for the business community to interact directly with Council. Councilmember Most commented that if the business community wanted to have its own campaign event in October, they could choose to do so. She recommended that the forum be kept as a separate event and should be held after the election. She cautioned that holding the event before the election could also open the door to Equity, Diversity & Inclusion concerns. Chair Leh agreed and acknowledged that this could become an issue every two years. While not opposed to holding the forum in November, he reiterated that he doesn't want to send the message to the business community that their problems are not as important. Mayor Pro Tern Fahey asked whether staff had capacity to put the forum together this year. Manager Kroner responded that staff is partnering with the Chamber to host the forum, but acknowledged that November would be a very quick turnaround. She also reiterated that direct connection with City Council is important to the business community, but agreed that the event should not be used as a campaign for candidates. Public Comment from Mike Kranzdorf: Mr. Kranzdorf agreed that the forum should be held after the election. He also wondered whether it might make more sense to wait until January or February. He noted that the new members of City Council would be in place and would have participated in several meetings by this date. Chair Leh acknowledged that there is a desire to hold the forum after the election. City Manager Durbin recommended that some messaging around the date of the forum be included in the questionnaire. Mayor Pro Tern Fahey asked whether the 2024 forums should be scheduled for January and July. Chair Leh responded that he agrees with moving the forum to early 2024. The Committee wondered whether the date could be determined by feedback received from the business community. Manager Kroner responded that the questionnaire will include questions around the date and frequency of the forum. Chair Leh appreciated that pushing the forum to 2024 will allow the businesses more time to answer the questionnaire, and will also allow staff more time to be responsive to feedback received. Agenda Packet P. 6