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HomeMy WebLinkAboutEDAC Meeting Minutes 06-24-10Economic Development Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes June 24, 2010 1.Call to Order – 7:30 a.m. Present were: Bill Henry, Mary Viereck, Mike Myser, Joe Passofaro, Terry Gutowski, Troy Presler, Sandi Fleck, Bruce Capra, Adam Blahnik, Deno Howard, Danette Parr, Frank Boyles 2.Approval of May 27, 2010, Meeting Minutes. Howard asked that the first bullet point on the second page of the minutes read: ? Signs showing each business downtown, or Deerfield, or anywhere else are business priority. Deno suggested that businesses in the downtown area be given an option for signage. 3.Old Business a.Upcoming Business, Civic and Community Events Parr stated that the EDAC could decide to have a table at the Farmer’s Market to see if there is any benefit. Committee members asked if this is the right venue. The committee concluded that it could try this on July 17 as an experiment. If it works, then a September date might also be appropriate. Howard asked for volunteers to attend on July 17. Parr also stated that the staff is considering a DVD which talks about the community. Howard also reminded the group that the EDAC will also participate in the Business Expo as part of Lakefront Days on Thursday, August 5. She asked that volunteers contact Parr. b.Other Advertising Opportunities Parr stated that a Website called Co-star is available for the City to post its vacancy information. Since none of the businesses posted on the City Website have given permission to share their data, we have not participated. Howard suggested that the City ask those who post on the City site to give permission to post elsewhere before doing anything. Parr will ask that question on a future survey. c.Previous Retention Interviews ? Factual information Committee members indicated that they were having some problems contacting businesses. The committee found that 15 downtown businesses had not been interviewed. The following businesses were added to the list: Dan’s Auto, Refining Design and Camille on Rouge. Members were assigned for each. The committee agreed to submit these before the next meeting. ? Pros and Cons The committee discussed examples of both based upon their interviews. The committee will discuss all pros and cons received at the next meeting. L:\10 FILES\10 EDAC\Minutes\minutes June 24, 2010.doc The committee talked about receiving education about things like outdoor events, outdoor liquor service and the like. A handout for such information was suggested. Finally, a process for business input for signage and CR 21 alternatives was discussed. Howard suggested that committee members think about their top five items for the next meeting so a finalized list can be provided to the Council. Committee discussed results of survey. Parr stated that some summary results will be available at the next meeting. Committee agreed that these results will be presented at the September Meet and Greet. 4.Other Business a.Sign Ordinance Parr talked about the public input process and handed out a press release. Copies will be emailed to businesses we have interviewed and EDAC members. b.County Road 21 Update Parr reported that the EDA and City Council had approved contracting with Maxfield for a CR 21 alternative alignment analysis. The report is expected this fall and a public hearing would be included for public input. 5.Staff Update Development Update – Parr stated that Elan Dentistry and Willowbrook Senior Citizens Coop appear to have abandoned their efforts. New businesses include Ivy Nails, a chiropractor, dentist and Rosie Posie at Crossroads. 6.New Business a.Retention – continuing to work on b.Recruitment - none 7.Objectives - none Next meeting will be Thursday, July 29, 2010. Howard reminded the committee about the July 17 Farmer’s Market table, August 5 Lakefront Days Business Expo and the June 28, 6 p.m. Joint Planning Commission and City Council meeting on signs. The meeting adjourned at 8:59 a.m. L:\10 FILES\10 EDAC\Minutes\minutes June 24, 2010.doc