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Business Retention & Development Committee <br />Meeting Minutes <br />January 5, 2015 <br />Page 4 of 5 <br />Council member Lipton said we should be advocate for strong business climate. We can <br />advocate for policies and processes and programs supportive of business community. He <br />believes we should we create 5 significant goals for 2015. Help solve some of the easily <br />solvable issues. Things that are project oriented for BRaD to work on. <br />DeJong asked, as an example, for the group advocating for housing in Centennial Valley — is <br />BRaD that group? Council member Lipton said that should be part of small area plan process. <br />There was a discussion of if and how BRaD should advocate. <br />Chair Dalton said there are some things in this discussion we can advocate: ie simplicity in <br />zoning. We are set up to advocate business - friendly policies. Not specific projects. <br />Commissioner Menaker agreed saying we should work on things we can make <br />recommendation on. <br />Vice Chair Lathrop said when we see the results of developer survey that may give us <br />common area. <br />Council member Lipton clarified that the BRaD committee can bring impediments from the <br />business community to staff's attention. This will open the conversation with City <br />administration as to what staff needs. <br />Commissioner Angell said retention visits allow people to be more open than if we are in public <br />forum. <br />Commissioner Menaker said we should advocate for policy position where people walk away <br />feeling the process is fair. <br />Chair Dalton said in order to develop we have to stretch rules so then staff looks for <br />concession. What we need are broader based rules. For positive effect, we need to simplify <br />our regulatory structure. <br />Acting City Manager Balser said policy dictates process. Staff is doing their job based on what <br />they believe is direction from Council and policy. <br />Chair Dalton said for next meeting: can you think of specific thing we can advocate changing <br />that will have a positive effect on business or development. <br />Council member Lipton said he still thinks process is fair. Would like to hear what the specific <br />issues have been impediments. For next meeting he would like to have Planning Director and <br />Building Official attend. <br />RETENTION MEETINGS <br />5 <br />