Economic Vitality Committee Agenda and Packet 2024 01 26

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Economic Vitality Committee Meeting Minutes December 15, 2023 Page 4 of 6 City Manager Durbin added that many municipalities that have a bag tax exempt restaurants from the tax. Chair Dickinson agreed that it can be difficult for restaurants to comply. Public Comment from Sherry Sommer: Miss Sommer asked what sort of businesses will be interested in these programs. Specialist Miller responded that any business that is eligible for participation can participate in any program. Ms. Sommer added that she likes the idea of rewarding businesses that have eliminated bags, wondered if there are adequate funds to do this. She closed comments by noting that she has heard complaints from businesses around additional costs required to do taxes and wondered if there could be a program to help with this cost. 8. Discussion — EVC Purpose Statement: Manager Brown introduced the current EVC Purpose Statement that was adopted in 2023 and gave the EVC a chance to provide feedback. Chair Dickinson acknowledged that the purpose statement was adopted in 2023 and that only Councilmember Fahey was on the EVC at that time. He asked Councilmember Fahey if she could share her thoughts on the purpose statement and some background around the crafting of the statement. Councilmember Fahey commented that one goal of the purpose statement was to define the role of the EVC and to create a more cooperative relationship within the business community. Chair Dickinson agreed that the EVC should serve a leadership and advisory role by reviewing economic vitality policies and issues before they are discussed at Council. He noted that staff can help the Committee by identifying potential policy items that are coming to Council and informing the EVC so that they can have a timely discussion. Councilmember Kern commented that she appreciates the open nature of EVC meetings that allows the business community to have a more in-depth conversation than they might be able to have at Council hearings. Councilmember Fahey added that the Business Forum is also intended to allow an open dialogue between the business community and members of Council. She stated that she would also like to see the EVC and other members of Council go and speak directly to businesses. She wondered whether it might make sense to increase the frequency of the Business Forum. Chair Dickinson commented that it's important for the EVC to commit to attending Chamber ribbon cuttings and other events within the business community. He hopes that the EVC can communicate with one another to ensure that at least one member will be present for these events. Agenda Packet P. 6