MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE

Transcription

1 MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE Adopted March 3, 2016 Thursday, February 4, :00 p.m. Lompoc City Council Chambers ROLL CALL OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS: Jenelle Osborne, Committee Chair Maria Hall, Vice Chair Jeremy Ball Naishadh Buch Gilda Cordova Tom Davidson Michelle Hodapp - Excused Margaret Lau Debbie McComb Robert Manning - Excused Carol Newsome Stephen Pepe Don Pommerville Cecilia Ramos Rick Rantz - Excused ASSOCIATE MEMBERS: Justin Barrick - Excused Mary Hawes Julie Menicucci Luis Servin - Absent 1 open position Ken Ostini - Absent Allyssa Imano Robert Traylor STAFF: Teresa Gallavan, Economic Development Director/ Assistant City Manager - Excused Lucille T. Breese, Planning Manager Jasmine McGinty, Development Programs Specialist MEMBERS OF THE AUDIENCE: Council Member Vega ORAL COMMUNICATIONS -- None WELCOME NEW MEMBERS Chair Osborne introduced new EDC members: Naishadh Buch- COO of LVMC; Cecilia Ramos, who transitioned from an associate member to an at-large member; Mary Hawes, Allyssa Imano, Rob Traylor, and Julie Menicucci a previous member re-appointed as an associate member. TRANSITION OF CHAIR/VICE CHAIR Chair Osborne acknowledged the plaques that outgoing members received at the City Council meeting Tuesday, February 2,, Member Rantz and Member Pepe were unable to attend this meeting. Chair Osborne presented Member Pepe s plaque, thanking him for his four years of service to the EDC. Member Rantz was not present and his plaque will be presented at a later date. Chair Osborne stated that at the Executive Committee Meeting on Tuesday,

2 Minutes of February 4, 2016 Page 2 of 7 February 9 th, there will be a discussion of the new Vice Chair position. She then transitioned the Committee Chair position to Member Hall. STAFF COMMENTS: Recent Development Activity Ms. Breese reported: Feb 2 City Council Meeting Joint meeting was held with Parks & Recreation Commission Plaques were presented to outgoing EDC members Osborne, McComb, and Manning Fire Station No. 2 project was discussed and Council requested answers to additional questions, will return March 1 Mayor requested staff return with a discussion item to consider the priority given to the Sign Ordinance update based on the Reed v Town of Gilbert Supreme Court decision Mayor requested staff return with a discussion item on food carts Feb 10 Planning Commission meeting will review and make a recommendation regarding the Annual Report on the General Plan Feb 16 Council meeting Joint meeting with the Utilities Commission Update on proposed Motorsports Park Follow-up discussion of the mission/purpose, general functions, membership and terms of the EDC Report on City Properties for possible disposition Adoption of a Resolution authorizing staff to apply for a Housing Related Parks Program grant City Clerk will be distributing Form 700 s and are due by April 1 Planning is processing a pre-application request for Conserv Fuel at Ocean Avenue & A, Street, similar to the Crossroads project in Santa Maria Member Pepe asked if the Chipotle Project was still underway. Ms. Breese answered yes. Member Davidson added that the developer for the project was dissatisfied with the turnaround time on his building permit submittal. Member Osborne noted that she had spoken in support of the project at Council as a private citizen. She informed the EDC that Council has additional questions about the project and staff will return to Council on March 1 with responses. She advised the EDC to keep an eye on this project. Member Davidson reminded the EDC The Towbes Group will make a presentation to Council on February 16 on the status of their Burton Ranch residential project. Member Ball asked if population projections over the next ten, twenty and thirty years were available. Member Osborne confirmed they are available in previous EDC periodic reports. AGENDA ITEMS: A. Approval of Minutes November 5, 2015 and January 7, 2016

3 Minutes of February 4, 2016 Page 3 of 7 MOTION: It was moved by Member Pepe, seconded by Member Davidson, that the November 5 th, 2015 and the January 7 th minutes were approved. VOTE: The motion was passed on a unanimous voice vote. B. Vision Statement adopted October 3, 2014 Our Vision statement is to develop a strong positive image which attracts and retains business and visitors and residents that achieves economic vitality in the Lompoc Valley. Chair Hall acknowledged the Vision Statement. C. Strategic Plan Document Sub Group Reports: Fiber Feasibility Study Group Members: Tom, Maria, Cecilia, Jeremy Member Davidson reported no updates for the sub-committee. Member Hawes is currently serving on the Policy Committee for the Countywide Broadband Consortium and Member Osborne will continue with the countywide group after her term on the EDC. Member Pepe noted he is on the Steering Committee and noted the position is available. Member Davidson expressed interest in speaking with Ms. Gallavan about finding someone to develop a fiber network in Lompoc. Investment Vehicle and Funding Opportunities Members: Maria, Rick, Ken Chair Hall noted that Ms. Gallavan was going to check on a consultant to assist in this area but there are no other updates. Added Capacity 1) Identify Possible Committee Members: Santa Ynez Band of Chumash, Vandenberg Air Force Base, Healthcare Representative a) LUSD Representation Member Osborne noted the position with a representative from the Healthcare industry was completed with the appointment of Member Buch. She also noted that a representative from LUSD was needed. Member Cordova indicated she had reached out to a potential representative of VAFB. b) Appointment Process Member Osborne stated the appointment process is done by Council and those members whose terms are expiring at the end of February are asked to continue to serve until new appointments are made. 2) Partners in Lompoc Economic Vitality Forum

4 Minutes of February 4, 2016 Page 4 of 7 Completed on October 28, 2015 Members: Ken, Justin, Jeremy, Gilda Promote and Publicize Lompoc 1) Facilitate and Celebrate Redecorating Old Town 2) Local education initiative providing highly skilled and qualified workforce 3) Promotion of local existing businesses, foster retention and expansion Members: Maria, Michelle, Robert, Debbie, Rick, Cecilia, Carol Member Osborne opened discussion by explaining some of the sub-committee s responsibilities. She noted they prepare a column for the Economic section of the Lompoc Record on the 1 st and 3 rd Sundays of each month. This committee proofreads the articles and identifies new topics. She also mentioned working with Noozhawk to develop publicity. She added that Chair Hall was currently lead by default, and asked for a volunteer to take on this position. D. Committee Business 1. EVA Project Member Hall stated the first EVA of 2016 was presented to Campbell Ranches and Lompoc Valley Cooling. Member Davidson asked approximately how many people Lompoc Valley Cooling employs and Chair Hall responded approximately 200. Member McComb suggested that she would like to recommend the Belluz expansion project for an EVA. She noted that the project is now completed and they are planning to expand the business to create custom couches and upholstery. Chair Hall agreed and stated it would be on the list for next quarter. 2. Additional positions open in February 2016 Six four year terms expire February 2016, one current appointee to seek reappointment. Three four year associate terms (Executive Committee) Member Osborne stated that five of the six members are not seeking reappointment. Member Cordova is still considering it. Members of the EDC encouraged Member Cordova to reapply. 3. Joint meeting with City Council on January 19, 2016 (Executive Committee) Member Newsome stated that she was very frustrated with the Council. Member Ball expressed his agreement with Member Newsome, but noted it provided the EDC with an opportunity to explain their function.

5 Minutes of February 4, 2016 Page 5 of 7 Member Cordova expressed the concern that Council does not understand the goals and tasks of the EDC and they became frustrated with EDC members because there was no budget and budgeting plan. Member Cordova advised the EDC is comprised of volunteers and they do not have a monetary budget. Members agreed the City Council needs a better understanding of what the EDC does. The general consensus of the EDC was that everyone needs to do a better job of reaching out to both Council and community members and establishing better personal and professional relationships. Member Osborne noted that that periodic updates of EDC progress are presented to Council on a regular basis, but advised everyone to do a better job of reaching out. She emphasized that the EDC needs to remain apolitical by following CALED s design of having representatives from a broad range of industries to remain at-large. Member Pepe agreed with the need for diversity in both industry and demographics. The EDC agreed that direct appointments by Council tied to their terms and political view is not the right model for the EDC. Member McComb expressed her concern that the City Manager and City Council have changed from when the EDC first started and they do not understand what the EDC is about. Member Osborne suggested the best option to remedy this is to reach out and inform about the EDC. Member Davidson suggested that because the EDC is advisory, often the City does not agree with the things said by the EDC, so the EDC must make relationships and connections to reaffirm the EDC s purpose. Chair Hall added that she also believes the Council does not understand the EDC functions, based on the type of questions asked at the Joint meeting. She stated her frustration because many of the answers to the questions asked were in the materials that were provided to the Council describing the committee s goals, purpose, etc. Chair Hall advised the EDC that at the Council meeting on February 16, a discussion of the EDC structure will occur and she encouraged all members to attend. There was a general discussion among the members of how to keep Council informed of the EDC progress in meeting established goals and policies stated in the Strategic Plan. 4. Pending Item List Public Safety Training Center Member Lau stated that the Spring Semester began on January 25 th. She noted that for the California Community Colleges at a state level, the Governor s budget may have an increase of $200 million dollars for the year. She noted the need for a larger emphasis on technical education programs and creating career pathways to local and regional economies for grades K-12. Festival Subcommittee Member Hawes advised the subcommittee would be meeting on February 17 at 4 pm at the RE/MAX office on Ocean Ave. Member Osborne cautioned if new members are interested in going to the meeting, no more than seven members are able to attend in order to avoid a violation of the Brown Act. Oversight Community & Parks & Recreation Needs Assessment Chair Hall asked if there were any members interested in joining this subcommittee. Member Osborne indicated Member

6 Minutes of February 4, 2016 Page 6 of 7 Pommerville was a key figure in this area because he was one of the primary movers of the pool timers being installed at the Aquatic Center. Member Pepe stated the need to advocate for projects, such as the pool timers, that will generate revenue and business. El Camino Community Center Update Member McComb discussed the Children s Resource Network located at the El Camino school, where there is a Teen s closet and plan to open a Kid s Closet where qualified. Members of the community can go and pick out clothes free of charge. Member McComb recently raised money through Rotary to donate socks and underwear for the children. Member Lau informed the EDC about the Job and Resource Fair at the DeWees Community Center, Thursday April 21, 2016 from 2 5 pm. Zoning Ordinance Update Member Davidson commented on the need for the update to allow food to be served in the Wine Ghetto. Member Pepe added that in the current code, one cannot have a food cart or truck on a public street with no patrons, which he noted made no sense. 5. Debrief from Members with Expiring Terms Member Osborne stated If you re going to be here, be here 100%. She advised the new members of the EDC to be ready to do their homework, do their work, and encouraged them to share their opinions. She mentioned the number of things that the EDC was able to accomplish in the past four years, thanked everyone for their efforts, and stressed the importance of a team effort. Member McComb stated that she has enjoyed the people in the EDC and advised new members to take pride in the small steps. She recalled the sidewalk renovation in Old Town as an accomplishment and how it led to other businesses painting and renovating their buildings, which in turn brought it retail to the area. She noted that small tasks have great impacts. Member Pepe noted Ms. Gallavan s summary of accomplishments provided at the Council Meeting on Tuesday, February 2 was excellent and should be provided to new members. Member Pepe advised that the General Plan will act as a road map for new members and encouraged them to attend any public meetings they can. He noted members should pursue their passions and focus on a few things they enjoy and work hard at them. Chair Hall voiced her appreciation for the outgoing members and thanked them for their dedicated time and service. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS: Councilmember Vega commented on the Sign Ordinance update and stated the Council has to set policy for the community and sometimes they do things that the public does not completely understand. He mentioned that the sky is the limit in terms of goal setting, invited people to come in and help sell Lompoc. He noted that in order to be sustainable, the City must help businesses. Councilmember Vega stated he had reflected upon the joint meeting and noted he appreciates the volunteer work that the EDC does because he acknowledges they are passionate about it. He acknowledges they are unpaid and use their time to help improve Lompoc. Member McComb asked what store would replace Pier One. Ms. Breese confirmed Harbor

7 Minutes of February 4, 2016 Page 7 of 7 Freight as the new tenant. STAFF & COMMITTEE REQUESTS/ANNOUNCEMENTS Member Menicucci announced Lompoc s first Restaurant week beginning February 21, More information can be found on the Chamber of Commerce website. Member McComb announced that February 28, 2016 is the Annual Rotary Wine Tasting Event from 1 4 pm at the Veterans Memorial Building. Tickets are fifty dollars each and the event will highlight local wineries and have both silent and live auctions. Member Cordova noted that Explore Lompoc has teamed up with La Purisima Golf Course to advertise the golf course and promote Lompoc as a place to visit, stay, and eat. This effort launched on February 1, Member Hawes announced that the vaulting team in Lompoc, which is comprised of gymnastics on horse-back, will be hosting an event in April to showcase their talent. Member Davidson announced that April 16, 2016, the Santa Rita Hills Wine Grower s Alliance will team up with the Vintage Trail Group for railroad rides along 70- miles of coastline. Pricing on tickets will be available soon. WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS None ADJOURN -- Chair Hall adjourned the meeting at 8:03 pm.