Economic Vitality Committee Agenda and Packet 2023 09 15

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SUBJECT: STAFF UPDATES DATE: SEPTEMBER 15, 2023 PAGE 2 OF 3 Dark Sky Lighting City Council set the public hearing date for the dark sky lighting ordinance for Monday, October 2. At the August Planning Commission hearing, the Planning Commission voted to recommend approval of an updated version of the ordinance including the following changes: • Any residential addition (net increase in total SF) requires sitewide compliance • Changes to 25% or more of exterior wall area or materials of an existing building requires building compliance (both residential and nonresidential) • Nonresidential building additions equal to 25% or more of existing building SF requires sitewide compliance (with existing parking lot pole exemption) Energy Code Update Staff held an open house for the Commercial Energy Code on August 29. The event was intended to provide additional education on the adopted energy code and to allow businesses to provide feedback on possible amendments and areas of concern. Approximately 25 members of the business community attended and engaged in conversation with staff. The evening featured two breakout groups: one focusing on new construction and one focusing on existing buildings. Downtown Vision Plan At its August 23 meeting, the LRC recommended that City Council enter into the contract with MIG for consulting services to complete the Downtown Vision Plan for Streetscapes and Public Spaces. Funding for the plan will come from funds that are currently included in the LRC's 2023 budget for Downtown Conduit and Paver Repair. The LRC will complete a budget amendment prior to the end of the year to move the planned expenditure from the current line item (conduit & paver repair) to a new line item for the downtown vision plan; this will be brought forward to the City Council for review and consideration at a future meeting. A Project Kickoff for the Downtown Vision Plan for Streetscapes and Public Spaces is scheduled for September 26. LRC Update The LRC will be reviewing an amendment to its 2023 Budget during its September meeting. Additionally, the LRC will need to adopt a 2024 Budget during its November meeting. Both the 2023 Budget Amendment and the 2024 Budget will go to City Council for review prior to LRC adoption. Staff is in the process of preparing program criteria for the new Property Improvement Program, which would extend Facade Improvement Program funding beyond work to exterior facades to the entire building/property. Examples of additional projects that may be considered for grant funding include entire building exterior renovations, back of building and alleyway improvements, trash enclosures, internal building modifications and upgrades/replacement of core systems (HVAC, electrical, plumbing), incorporation Agenda Packet P. 9