HomeMy WebLinkAbout2022-01-04 Business and Economic Development Committee Minutes
BUSINESS & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE
Tuesday, January 4, 2022 - 5:15 P.M.
MEETING MINUTES
Councilors Present: Schaefer (c), Hawes, Sprague
Additional Councilors Present: Fournier, Okafor
City Staff Present: Emery, Krieg, Collins, Bolduc, Collette, Theriault, O’Donnell
Guests: Jason Godfrey, Better City; Kevin Price and Keri Ouellette, Berry Dunn; Francisco
Gomes, FHI Studio
Chair Schaefer called the meeting to order at 5:39 P.M.
1. Economic Development Strategic Plan Presentation
Emery provided an introduction and noted this a 95% draft, there is a staff list of edits to be made.
The goal is to get Council feedback and pass that on so the report can be finalized. Jason Godfrey
(Better City) presented the strategic plan and highlighted the recommendations. Councilor
Fournier said the desirability and feasibility classification of the recommendations really hit home
for him. Councilor Sprague noted the following: “livability is not a sufficient condition for economic
development”, healthcare, education, and large employers were missing from the inputs,
economic data appears to have errors on # of jobs in healthcare, school system should be a
component of the ED strategy, 100k daytime population (vs 33k nighttime), potential for academic
hub is inaccurate, we already are one, entrepreneurial economy – culture of support for innovation
and research, science and innovation should be highlighted (20 – 40 small entrepreneurial
companies created), paint vision for entrepreneurial development, p. 32 housing supply –
supply/demand – inconsistent, conclusions may change based on the factors just resolved.
Councilor Fournier agrees with Councilor Sprague on some point, but believes schools and
vibrancy should be part of the PR piece. Councilor Okafor agrees with Councilor Fournier on the
PR piece and appreciates the work. Councilor Schaefer notes this was an accelerated timeline in
the midst of a pandemic.
2. Comprehensive Plan Presentation
Emery provided an introduction. The comprehensive plan team includes Kevin Price and Keri
Ouellette from Berry Dunn with Francisco Gomes from FHI Studios as subconsultant. They gave
an overview of their team, approach, goals, and timeline.
3. Broadband Update – anticipate further action in January regarding RFP selection and funding
options
Meeting adjourned at 6:59 P.M.
Respectfully submitted, Tanya L. Emery, Director, Community & Economic Development