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HomeMy WebLinkAbout04/12/2023 - Meeting Minutes MINUTES FOR THE BUSINESS ADVISORY BOARD Wednesday, April 12th, 2023 1. Roll Call The following members of the Business Advisory Board were present: Jeff Carleton, Chair Darin Piccoli Scott Lyttle Karen Gunn Pook Carson Jocelyn Kearl Abudujannah Soud Siliveninusi Niu Sue Rice The following members of the Business Advisory Board were absent: Andy Robertson, Vice Chair Alfonso Brito Also Present: Veronica Cavanagh, Department of Economic Development; Lorena Riffo Jenson, Department of Economic Development; Jake Maxwell, Department of Economic Development; Roberta Reichgelt, Department of Economic Development; Peter Makowski, Department of Economic Development; Will Wright, Department of Economic Development;, Andie Feldman: Department of Economic Development; Todd Andersen, Department of Economic Development; Lindsey Day, Department of Economic Development; Michelle Saucedo, Suazo Business Center, Allison Rowland, City Council Office; Tammy Hunsaker, Community and Neighborhood Department. 2. Briefinsts by the Staff Outreach Program Ms. Reichgelt informed the BAB regarding a new outreach program led by the Purchasing Department. The program aims to address the concerns of the diverse small business community regarding obtaining contracts with the City. She mentioned that the program will involve information sessions and educational presentations to explain the process and provide application tips. The Purchasing Department will present to the BAB when they are ready. Small Business Week Ms. Reichgelt announced that Small Business Week will happen on May 1st and May 3rd will take place in two locations: State Street and Redwood Road. The event aims to highlight small businesses, particularly those in the food industry. The format will involve visiting three different restaurants on a walking and cultural tour. Main Pedestrian Mall Mr. Makowski provided updates on the Main Street Pedestrian Mall. They are currently selecting their vendor to conduct the study and will move to contracting. He is hoping to have a kickoff in mid-May. Open Streets Updates Mr. Makowski said City Council has given Economic Development $500,000 to host Open Streets this year. the Department has been working with the Downtown Alliance and surveying all the businesses to get feedback on how to improve this event. We are currently seeking to move the event to the Fall. Outdoor Dining Grant Program Mr. Makowski updated the BAB regarding the Outdoor Dining grant. As of now, all funding for the program has been applied for, but the Economic Development will request more funding. 3. Approval of the minutes No minutes to be approved. 4. Business A. Fleet Block Rezone Discussion Ms. Tammy Hunsaker, Deputy Director of the Department of Community and Neighborhoods, provided a presentation regarding Fleet Block, which is located between 3rd and 4th West. Here are some brief discussion points: • Proposed zoning for the block is form-based urban, which is a new zoning designation developed by the City's Planning Division. This zoning allows for up to 125 feet in height and a mix of land uses. • The block covers 8.75 acres of land and the appraisal conducted over a year ago valued the property at $37.5 million. • The property is currently owned by the city and has no existing buildings suitable for development, but it does have environmental contamination. • She highlighted the City's master plan for parks, specifically mentioning the inclusion of a new park on the block, covering at least 25% of the 3-acre corner portion but clarified that the city does not own the southwest corner building, and its future development would pose a challenge. • Ms. Hunsaker discussed potential development plans for the project, including mixed- use buildings and small-scale commercial spaces The possibility of engaging the BAB in the development discussions were raised, and it was agreed to send a representative to communicate with the BAB. • Ms. Hunsaker is hoping to get in front of City Council and get their feedback on this project as sib as she can. Mr. Makowski asked Ms. Hunsaker if they have any plans to preserve the current murals of people who were killed by police that are on the property. Ms. Hunsaker responded that Ms. Ashley Cleveland from the Mayor's Office has reached out and has been working with the families of the victims. B. Special Event Permitting Subcommittee Mr. Carleton discussed the All Star Bizarre that was cancelled at the last minute and the effects it had to business. He stated that many minorities owned businesses were affected. The event was canceled because it required a special event permit, but unfortunately, the necessary information was not provided to the City in a timely manner, resulting in the event's cancellation. The Mayor's Office is conducting research on the matter and expressed support for the formation of a subcommittee where the purpose would be to evaluate the City's event permitting process and make recommendations for improvement. Chairperson Carleton mentioned that he had personally applied for an on-street permit and highlighted the complexity of the process, involving multiple City departments. He emphasized the need to streamline the process and avoid similar consequences in the future. Chairperson Carleton requested two volunteers from the BAB to join the subcommittee. One participant, Mr. Soud, expressed interest, and Chairperson Carleton confirmed his inclusion. Mr. Lyttle also said he would like to join. 5. City Council Announcements Ms. Rowland provided a high-level summary of the following items: 1. Proposed County Convention and Tourism Assessment Area 2. Proposed Downtown Building Heights & Street Activation 3. RDA funding priorities for new housing development incentives 4. FY24 Budget Process 5. Spring Runoff and Flood Control 6. BAB Member Announcements A. Geraldine King Women Resource Center Chairperson Carleton discussed how the BAB can take a tour and volunteer at the Geraldine King Women Resource Center. He emphasized the importance of educating themselves about the homeless issue before the Mayor and Mr. Andrew Johnston, Director of Homeless Policy and Outreach,present next month. 7. Board Member Videos BAB members who were present filmed short videos for the Business Advisory Board website. Adiournment There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned. 'YeA-e� C Ca�-Woir Jeffrey C CarletdY(Nov 3,202309:52 MDT) Jeff Carleton, Chairperson This document and the recording constitute the official minutes of the Economic Development Business Advisory Board meeting held on April 12th, 2023.