HomeMy WebLinkAbout2023-11-06 Business and Economic Development Committee Minutes BUSINESS & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE
Monday, November 6, 2023 @ 5:15 PM
City Council Chambers
MEETING MINUTES
City Councilors Present: Davitt, Fournier, Pelletier, Schaefer, Sprague (via Zoom), Yacoubagha.
City Staff Present: Krieg.
Councilor Davitt called the meeting to order at 5:15 P.M.
1. COMMERCIAL KITCHEN — PRESENTATION OF MANAGEMENT & PROGRAMMING PLAN,
Action requested to receive consultant's report and provide staff direction
Development Director Anne Krieg presented Caroline Paras, consultant for the Commercial Kitchen
project.
Paras presented a slideshow outlining a draft of the market analysis and financial plan.
Councilor Davitt expressed approval and appreciation and asked Committee members for any
questions or comments.
Councilor Schaefer asked to confirm the amount of funding that the City has already received. Krieg
confirmed that it is $1.5 million. Schaefer asked if the City will be applying for further grants; Krieg
confirmed that they will be. Schaefer expressed approval and appreciation for the presentation.
Chair Sprague asked Paras what the recommended operating model is. Paras responded that she has
not recommended a specific model at present, but in general she foresees the kitchen as being a public
facility operating as an enterprise fund. Paras noted that she would not recommend starting the kitchen
as a for-profit business, as this can lessen the amount of grant options available for further funding.
Sprague expressed continued concern that there is not a solid plan for an operating model, and noted
that he thinks this needs to be established prior to further financial commitment. Sprague also noted
that it would be helpful bring someone on board who is skilled at partnership development to ensure
the kitchen's success. Noted that the City is committing to the project's being more than a shared
kitchen, and partnering with many other services to make it more of an "incubator." Paras noted that
she identified 25+ organizations that could play a role in this in her written report. Sprague also advised
establishing a relationship between the Commercial Kitchen and the City's Innovation Hub; Paras
agreed with this.
Councilor Fournier expressed a desire to secure funding for the building and equipment before further
expanding upon the operating model.
Councilor Davitt asked Krieg if any action is needed from the Committee; Krieg responded that there is
not and that staff will keep the Committee updated as the project progresses.
2. UPDATES
A. RECENT CDBG AWARDS
Development Director Krieg presented Community Development Officer Robyn Stanicki's
update on current CDBG projects and funding updates.
Councilor Schaefer expressed appreciation for the recent focus on accessible housing options.
B. STAFFING CHANGES
Development Director Krieg reported that Planning Analyst Anja Collette has been promoted to
Planning Officer.
3. END OF YEAR BED MEMBER DISCUSSION
Chair Sprague reported that his draft of outstanding issues to be discussed had been reviewed at a
previous Committee meeting, including staff comments from Development Director Krieg. Asked
Committee members for any other comments or additions at this point. Noted that the items he views
as taking priority are formal adoption of a 12-14 month housing action plan, acquiring additional staff,
and finalizing plans for the pilot program roll-out of the rental registry, particularly as pertains to
inspection and licensing.
Development Director Krieg noted that the position of Housing Officer has been posted.
Councilor Davitt expressed agreement that additional staff is needed and noted her feelings that Krieg
is making concerted effort to secure the needed staff inembers. Expressed agreement with Chair
Sprague that the voluntary participation in a pilot program for rental registry, inspection & licensing is
an appropriate starting point.
Chair Sprague added that some of the dates on the initial draft of outstanding issues could likely be
updated since a month has passed since the last update. Also recommended that the Council consider
transferring approval of Committee meeting minutes to Committee meetings, rather than approving at
full City Council meetings.
Meeting adjourned at 5:52 P.M.
Meeting minutes respectfully submitted,
Sarah Maquillan
Admin. Asst.
C&ED