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ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT PLAN UPDATE
STEERING COMMITTEE MEETING
June 3, 2008-City Hall Room 204, 7:30am
PRESENT: Jon Dell’Antonia, John Casper, Elizabeth Hartman, Rob Kleman, Richard Wells,
Wendy Hielsberg, Melissa Kohn
STAFF: Jackson Kinney, Darryn Burich
UNABLE to ATTEND: None
Review Economic Development Plan Update Process
Jackson Kinney provided a brief overview of the update process and why the parties have been
brought together at this time. It was felt that due to the present interest in the community on the topic
of economic development this would be an opportune time to update the Economic Development
Element of the Comprehensive Plan – especially since the Economic Development Element should
reflect the community’s basic strategy for how economic development is undertaken.
Mr. Kinney envisioned this being a 6-8 month process with periodic updates to the Plan Commission
and some town hall/open house type meetings. The City’s website would also be used to provide
information on the committee’s work and meetings.
There was discussion about the citizen participation process and the need to involve the media as an
additional means to inform the public of the status of committee’s progress on the update.
The Steering Committee discussed the fact that the Economic Development “Element” essentially
serves as the community’s Economic Development “Plan.”
Review Existing Economic Development Framework & Basic Elements Included in a
Comprehensive Economic Development Program
Mr. Kinney reviewed an organizational chart which illustrated the existing framework within which
economic development programming activities are carried out in the community. The chart showed the
primary partners engaged in ongoing economic development activities as well as other partners who
are also engaged in economic development efforts, and it illustrated the basic ingredients and
elements that are typically found in a comprehensive economic development program.
Mr. Kinney recommended that the committee begin the update process by scheduling reviews of what
is being done in each of the areas covered by a comprehensive economic development program.
There was a question as to whether this would be an overall rewrite or an update to the element since
the Comprehensive Plan was just adopted in 2005. Mr. Kinney explained the intent would be that this
be a comprehensive update to the Element that would require an overall rewrite. He noted, however,
that the effort would involve looking at the existing Element and determining what material should be
carried over to the update.
A question was raised about the status of the “Economic Development Summit” that has been
discussed. Mr. Kinney explained that such a “summit” could be incorporated into the update process –
possibly as a town hall/open house meeting.
Econ Dev Steering Committee Minutes June 3, 2008 1
Mr. Kinney explained it was his hope that the updated Element would better explain how economic
development is carried out in the community.
John Casper discussed the need to frame and define what economic development is.
There was some discussion on whether or not additional members should be added to the committee
such as a representative of labor, the development community, business and the media. Mr. Kinney
and Mr. Casper were asked to contact individuals to inquire about their willingness to serve on the
Steering Committee.
There was continued discussion on the need to publicize initiation and progress of the committee work.
Mr. Kinney stated that just as the Department had done with the Comprehensive Plan update process
that a public participation plan would be prepared and approved by the Committee discussing those
issues.
Jon Dell’Antonia inquired as to whether there should be some representation from the hospitals on the
committee due to their large employment base and the amount of property they own and occupy.
There was some discussion regarding doing some research about how other local communities are
doing economic development for comparative analysis.
Next Steering Committee Meeting – Primary Agenda Topic
th
The Committee determined it would meet next on June 17 at 9:30 am to discuss the public
participation plan and business recruitment. Staff would also contact additional parties for possible
interest with serving on the committee.
Meeting adjourned at 9:00 am.
Darryn Burich, Planning Director
Dept. of Community Development
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