Title
ACCEPT: Community Development Committee Meeting Highlights of April 17, 2012
Body
CITY OF SAN LEANDRO
CITY COUNCIL COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE
April 17, 2012
4:00 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.
San Leandro City Hall
835 East 14th Street
San Leandro, California
Sister Cities Gallery
HIGHLIGHTS
Committee Members: Mayor Cassidy and Vice Mayor Gregory
City staff present: City Manager Zapata, Community Development Director Sims, Business Development Manager Battenberg, Community Relations Representative Ornelas, Business Development Analyst Kay, Business Development Specialist Ricard
Public present: David Johnson (Chamber), Chris Crow, Audrey Velasquez (Marina Inn and Downtown Association)
The meeting was called to order at 4:03 p.m.
1. Discussion Regarding Committee Chair and Future Committee Meeting Days and Times
The Committee discussed possible meeting times and decided to schedule the meetings for 4:30 -6:00 P.M. on the third Tuesday of the month. Mayor Cassidy was appointed the Chair of the Committee.
2. Discussion of Economic Development Post-Redevelopment
a. Fiscal Year 2012-13 Programs Budget
Business Development Manager Battenberg provided the Committee with a programs budget for FY 2012-13 based on the direction Council provided at the February 14, 2012 work session. The Committee discussed this budget and the possibility of funding the LINKS shuttle in the future. The Committee approved the budget but would like to have a more in-depth discussion regarding programs for the FY 2013-14 budget.
b. Downtown Property-Based Business Improvement District
Development Specialist Ricard provided the Committee with a memorandum (attached) and explained how a Property-Based Business Improvement District (PBID) functions and the process necessary to adopt a PBID. Ricard explained that staff recommends hiring a consultant to assist the Downtown Association, downtown property owners, and the City with the creation of a PBID. Ricard explained the consultant’s scope of work would include two phases; the first phase would include a feasibility analysis and conducting outreach to gauge support among downtown property owners and the likelihood that the PBID would pass the weighted supportive vote. If adoption of the PBID appears likely, the second phase would include developing a work plan and budget, preparing legal documents, developing and implementing an outreach and educational plan, conducting the campaign and formally adopting the PBID.
David Johnson, CEO of the Chamber of Commerce, and Aubrey Velasquez, President of the Downtown Association, spoke in favor of the creation of a Downtown PBID.
The Committee supported hiring a consultant to assist in the adoption of a downtown PBID. A request for proposals will be issued in the next week and a recommendation will be brought back to the Committee in June.
c. Economic Development Incentives - Continuation of the Commercial Façade Improvement and Industrial Competitiveness Programs, Establishment of a Broadband Connection Program
Battenberg provided the Committee with a memorandum (attached) explaining that for the past several years the San Leandro Redevelopment Agency funded two incentive programs to encourage private investment: Commercial Façade Improvement Program and an Industrial Competitiveness Program. Battenberg highlighted the successes of these programs and explained that staff is also exploring creating a Broadband Connection Program. Staff recommends that the Community Development Committee provide direction to continue these programs and create a new Broadband Connection Program to facilitate businesses in connecting to the Internet.
The Committee supported continuation of the Commercial Façade Improvement Program and the Industrial Competitiveness Program as well as the creation of a new Broadband Connection Program.
3. Discussion Regarding Economic Development Policies and Initiatives
a. Open For Business Pledge
b. Update on the City’s Current Local Purchasing Preference Policy
c. Cal State East Bay MBA Project - San Leandro, The Location for Business
These items were only briefly discussed due to time constraints.
4. Public Comments
Chris Crow spoke regarding the proposed Fiscal Year 2012-13 Programs Budget.
5. Committee Member Comments
Mayor Cassidy spoke regarding evaluation of the City's permit process through a customer service survey, updating the economic development strategy, locations for the Alameda County Mayors meeting, and reviewing the inclusionary housing ordinance.
6. Adjourn
The meeting adjourned at 6:30p.m