Economic Vitality Committee Agenda and Packet 2020 06 19

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Economic Vitality Committee Meeting Minutes March 22, 2020 Page 2of3 to communicate with local businesses about the Sign Code. Mayor Stolzmann thanked staff for the suggestions since she feels that once there is widespread non-compliance with the Sign Code, it will be harder to regain compliance. She also stated she liked the idea of providing a specific timeframe for flexibility. Mayor Stolzmann was supportive of suspending enforcement of the temporary Sign Code to provide businesses flexibility in their promotions, including waiver of the permit process, as long as staff also communicates the requirements normally in place. Both Mayor Pro Tem Maloney and Councilmember Dickinson concurred with this direction and agreed with setting a specific timeframe since there is still an investment businesses make in temporary signage. With Staff the Committee discussed that education about the Code and encouraging businesses to work collaboratively so signage does not cause obstructions are priorities. The Committee felt flexibility on temporary signage was an opportunity to support businesses at no cost. Staff will draft the communication to businesses and share with the Committee prior to distribution. VIII. Discussion/Direction- Business Assistance Program (BAP) Update and Program Alternatives: Director Pierce reviewed the status of the Business Assistance agreements that had been approved by City Council in 2019 and to - date in 2020. As the Committee also wishes to consider alternative financial and non -financial means to supporting businesses through the COVID-19 pandemic re -opening and recovery, Director Pierce also presented suggestions for a Recovery Business Assistance Program. The program is intended to be separate and distinct from the existing BAP —meaning separate criteria and potentially different funding mechanisms. Councilmember Dickison said that the funding may be an investment that does not necessarily come with new funds to the City. He felt the first two suggested criteria were too general. Mayor Pro Tern Maloney agreed businesses may need to be different to survive and that a program could be focused on helping them re -tool. Mayor Stolzmann said she was skeptical this type of assistance will be the reason that actually helps a business survive, but stated she was willing to further consider the ideas. She said she was more supportive of actions such as streamlining the regulatory framework. The Committee asked staff to bring back a more focused recommendation in June, including additional thoughts on the specific funding mechanism. Director Pierce will also share the program idea with the Louisville Revitalization Commission. Mayor Pro Tern Maloney also suggested trying to further the understanding of how to support businesses in the new normal. IX. Discussion/Direction- Economic Vitality Strategic Plan, Next Steps: Director Pierce stated that the EVC's draft strategic plan Vision Statement and Strategic Goals had been shared with the Council on April 7, but that the Agenda Packet P. 3