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HomeMy WebLinkAbout01-08-15 EDC MinutesPage 1 of 9 THE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL (EDC) QUARTERLY MEETING MINUTES BOZEMAN, MONTANA Thursday, January 8, 2015 A. Call to Order – 10:30 a.m. City Hall (121 North Rouse Ave.), City Commission Meeting Room Daryl Schliem called the meeting to order at 10:36. Council Member - Erik Garberg: Absent Council Member - Cheryl Ridgely: Present Council Member - Teresa McKnight: Present Council Member - Tracy Menuez: Resigned Board Chair - Daryl Schliem: Present Board Member - Bryce Ledbetter: Absent Board Member - Rebecca Mahurin: Present Staff present were Economic Development Director Brit Fontenot, Economic Specialist David Fine, City Commissioner Chris Mehl and Deputy Clerk Pearl Michalson. B. Public Comment 10:36:58 AM Steve Holland, Public Comment Mr. Holland retired after 14 years as a director from the Montana Manufacturing Extension Center. As a director he was responsible for implementing economic development through a state wide organization and would love the opportunity to work in Bozeman in the form of an EDC Council member and would like to be considered. 10:37:41 AM Clint Litle, Public Comment Mr. Litle currently runs Dowl HKM Engineering which affords him the experience of understanding business in Bozeman. Dowl HKM has expanded with 24 offices throughout the western region of the United States, which has allowed Mr.Litle to interact and involve himself in various community types. The success of Dowl HKM has made it possible for him to be available to devoting himself to giving back to the community in the form of an EDC Council member and would like to be considered. C. 10:39:01 AM Minutes - October 23, 2014 *Motion to approve minutes of the October 23, 2014 EDC meeting as submitted/amended. Page 2 of 9 Board Chair - Daryl Schliem: Motion Council Member - Teresa McKnight: 2nd 10:39:11 AM Council discussion on the Motion Correction- on page 1 of the previous minutes, the last paragraph under action items requires a grammar correction to change the word “their” to there” located in the second sentence after MSU. Vote on the Motion to approve minutes of the October 23, 2014 EDC meeting as submitted/amended. Council Member - Teresa McKnight: Motion Board Chair - Daryl Schliem: 2nd Council Member - Erik Garberg: Absent Council Member - Cheryl Ridgely: Approve Council Member - Teresa McKnight: Approve Council Member - Tracy Menuez: Resigned Board Chair - Daryl Schliem: Approve Board Member - Bryce Ledbetter: Absent Board Member - Rebecca Mahurin: Approve D. Non-Action Item 10:39:42 AM 1. FY 16 Economic Development Budget Discussion (Fontenot) (30 Min) a. EDC Priorities Brit Fontenot introduced and spoke on this topic. The theme for this year as an organization is to finish what we start in regards to completing projects successfully. Brit Fontenot goes on to discuss what he feels should be prioritized for the upcoming year (FY16): Broadband project (fiber initiative), TIFF district management (economic and community development), photonic industry, economic development plan, and partial funding of the economic profile of prospera for wide spread distribution. Fiber initiative- This initiative has been ongoing now for about 18 months and Brit will be approaching the commission for the plan adoption on Jan 26 th . The goal is to have this project completed in the summer of 2016. TIFF District Management- Mr. Fontenot would like the committee to consider thinking about the best way to manage this budget and district including looking for a local way to expand the redistribution of taxes in this fund for economic development. The districts in this portfolio include the north park industrial TIFF, Technology TIFF, North 7 th TIFF (should it be expanded?), North east urban renewal TIFF (the zoning is of historical mix use including Page 3 of 9 residential, commercial and industrial infrastructure). The overall goal here is to improve the infrastructure and keep the projects and visions in these districts active. There is a lot of potential in keeping these districts up. Photonics- The photonics organization under Larry Johnson has continued to thrive. The strong leadership in this group has a vision in their organization and because of that we want to support this vision and initiative with this business locally, has demonstrated that they want our assistance. Plan update- The economic development plan is currently outdated with its’ most recent approval from 2009 and needs to be updated. We have a lot of value here that could be distributed to all community members. Prospera uses this profile as a fundraiser. This plan cost money to produce, print and distribute. Council Questions and Comments 10:48:57 AM Teresa McKnight- Ms. McKnight commented on the production of the Prospera Business Network plan and supports the $75.00 cost as a non-member. Ms. McKnight cautioned that the community needs to be aware of the economic development profile’s existence however, this low cost could peek the public’s interest. 10:50:10 AM Cheryl Ridgely- Has several questions regarding the expansion of the economic profile based on the current lack of resources. Ms. Ridgely wondered who would fund a portion of this going forward. 10:50:48 AM Brit Fontenot- Counteracts and stated we could subsidize the cost making it available to everyone with the support of the board with additional resources. 10:51:26 AM Cheryl Ridgely- Explore opportunities; we don’t need a decision today about how to fund this. 10:51:38 AM Brit Fontenot- Mr. Fontenot talks about the budgeting process to look at the EDC’s recommendation to take to the city commission as part of the general fund budget to offset the cost. 10:51:56 AM Cheryl Ridgely- Ms. Ridgey mentioned that we already utilize a local organization that already does this. Can we post this online? 10:52:21 AM Teresa McKnight- Stated we can expand this to the university by having them partner with us to distribute information. Page 4 of 9 10:52:47 AM Brit Fontenot- Information is usually distributed by Prospera in house and the city isn’t usually involved in the process. 10:53:05 AM Teresa McKnight- It is confusing with other partners who have many ideas 10:53:29 AM Cheryl Ridgely – We need a hub that can expand the information so we have more access to the information. 10:54:05 AM Daryl Schliem- We would love if Prospera was available to everybody and this was available in their fundraising packet. Money might be an issue. We need to look at a free public option and working with MSU might help lower the cost and make is accessible at a lower price. 10:55:13 AM Rebecca Mahurin – Ms. Mahurin would love a shorter document from Prospera for free. We need to see what MSU thinks might help us. Reach out to the PR person at MSU. 10:55:54 AM Brit Fontenot – Recommended that we look at the budget and the counsel can vote. 10:56:17 AM Cheryl Ridgely and Rebecca Mahurin – We need to update the EDC plan. 10:56:40 AM Brit Fontenot- A plan update was put in the budget last year and we just needed funding. 10:57:11 AM David Fine- Mr. Fine expressed community support in terms of economic development as well as talk about the city role in all of it. Mr. Fine suggests try not to spread ourselves thin trying to be all things to all people. 10:57:54 AM Rebecca Mahurin- Commented on the original plan that was proposed. 10:58:04 AM Brit Fontenot- Asked if there are any TIFF transition questions or concerns? 10:58:24 AM Daryl Schliem- We need the TIFF district in the economic development wing. Organization in this department is Page 5 of 9 a good thing. 10:59:04 AM Brit Fontenot- Discussed managing projects in the TIFF districts. 10:59:23 AM Rebecca Mahurin – Supported the TIFF district in the private sector and high tech jobs with photonics. MSU supports this as well. 11:00:07 AM Brit Fontenot- Discussed expanding our footprint to promote Montana as a place to do business especially during the Photonics West conference. We are trying to get the mayor to attend as he seems interested. 11:01:32 AM Brit Fontenot- Will develop the budget and bring it back for a vote. b.11:01:58 AM Departmental Priorities – None as they were already covered within the previous discussion E. Action Item 1. 11:02:09 AM Call for a Recommendation to the Bozeman City Commission on EDC Vacancies (Fontenot) (10 Min) 11:02:16 AM Brit Fontenot- Discussed the review of candidate applications and we need to know what the board thinks. 11:02:48 AM Daryl Schliem- Clarified that council is the appointed by the same process as the board 11:03:15 AM Cheryl Ridgely- We received the compiled information and reviewed all applications for the EDC appointments. *Motion to recommend the following EDC appointments to the Bozeman City Commission: a. For the 3 year term expiring February 1, 2015 (Currently held by Teresa McKnight), I recommend re-appointment of Theresa; b. For the 3 year term expiring February 1, 2015 (Currently held by Erik Garberg), I recommend re-appointment of Erik; c. For the remainder of the term expiring February 1, 2016 (Vacated in September, 2014 by Tracy Menuez), I recommend Steve Holland. Page 6 of 9 Council Member - Cheryl Ridgely: Motion Council Member - Teresa McKnight: 2nd Council Discussion on the Motion Cheryl Ridgely-Stated that we have two strong candidates who applied to serve on this council and thank them for their interest. I am very supportive on the consensus for Steve Holland to serve on this council. Teresa McKnight- feels that we do have engineering representation here on the council and given Mr. Holland’s background and experience with economic development he brings a strong segment to the council that does not currently exist. Both Teresa McKnight and Daryl Schliem feel that Mr. Litle should keep his resume on file for consideration of future vacancies. Vote on the Motion to recommend the following EDC appointments to the Bozeman City Commission: a. For the 3 year term expiring February 1, 2015 (Currently held by Teresa McKnight), I recommend re-appointment of Theresa; b. For the 3 year term expiring February 1, 2015 (Currently held by Erik Garberg), I recommend re-appointment of Erik; c. For the remainder of the term expiring February 1, 2016 (Vacated in September, 2014 by Tracy Menuez), I recommend Steve Holland. Board Chair - Daryl Schliem: Motion Board Member - Rebecca Mahurin: 2 nd Council Member - Erik Garberg: Absent Council Member - Cheryl Ridgely: Approve Council Member - Teresa McKnight: Approve Council Member - Tracy Menuez: Resigned Board Chair - Daryl Schliem: Approve Board Member - Bryce Ledbetter: Absent Board Member - Rebecca Mahurin: Approve 2. 11:05:51 AM Nominate and Appoint the EDC’s Executive Committee (Fontenot) (10 Min) Brit Fontenot- We need to reestablish what the executive committee is. Whoever is interested in filling those positions should please do so. *Motion and Vote per the EDC bylaws, I nominate the following EDC members, pending Page 7 of 9 Commission approval if necessary, to serve as the EDC’s Executive Committee: a. I nominate that we retain (Dayrl) to serve as the EDC’s Chairperson; b. I nominate that we retain (Cheryl) to serve as the EDC’s Vice- Chairperson; c. I nominate (Teresa) to serve as the EDC’s Recording Secretary. Board Member - Rebecca Mahurin: Motion Council Member - Teresa McKnight: 2 nd Council Member - Erik Garberg: Absent Council Member - Cheryl Ridgely: Approve Council Member - Teresa McKnight: Approve Council Member - Tracy Menuez: Resigned Board Chair - Daryl Schliem: Approve Board Member - Bryce Ledbetter: Absent Board Member - Rebecca Mahurin: Approve F. 11:10:01 AM FYI/Discussion/Updates (Fontenot, et al) (10 Min) 1. Update on the Bozeman Fiber Initiative 11:10:19 AM David Fine- Excited to go forward with engineering build plan for fiber optic and recommendations about constructions and info structure as well as discussing the future of fiber optics using non government funded money. 11:11:53 AM Rebecca Mahurin – Thanks David for all his work on Private and Public Sector people to get this moving. 11:12:21 AM Brit Fontenot- Discussed the TIFF District Update 2. TIF Districts Update 11:12:50 AM a. N 7 th Urban Renewal District Brit Fontenot-stated that North 7th is going through a change in economic development. There is a lot going on and we meet with that board tonight to talk about expansion and working with the downtown district and make it more pedestrian friendly. 11:14:12 AM b. Northeast Urban Renewal District Brit Fontenot- stated that thus needs an improved info structure. Better the transportation and improve the park. There is increased traffic going to Page 8 of 9 Bridger bowl. We need to improve the infrastructure to be able to improve the about of traffic going through there. We need to make it appealing to investors 11:16:00 AM Daryl Schliem- Began the discussion on the Marketing Collaborative 3. Marketing Collaborative 11:16:13 AM a. Bozeman Area Chamber of Commerce Partnership Daryl Schliem- We need a digital library. We need Hi-Def videos quarter of a mil for the city and library. We need brand recognition. We are writing a brand book want to keep those media (photos, videos) on a professional level and not available to just all of the public to use in a non- professional way. 11:18:31 AM b. Communities of Distinction Brit Fontenot- Discussed the partnership with communities of distinctions; 4 communities highlight as why their town is the place to live, work, play. 11:19:27 AM Rebecca Mahurin- Questioned if we have agreements about media use for the public? 11:19:45 AM Daryl Schliem- We are in work on that agreement and citation 11:20:54 AM –Discussion started by Brit Fontenot on the following topics: 4. Montana Legislature a. Broadband b. TEDDs c. Local Option Taxes (Sales/Gas) d. TIFFS 11:21:48 AM Brit Fontenot- We are keeping an eye out on all of these areas and bills in November. 11:22:01 AM Daryl Schliem- We are looking at eliminating property tax for small businesses. It would help the state. Local option tax, there isn’t much support for it, but more than in the past. Will this effect transportation? Propose to reduce the property tax by 50%. We are supporting on a local level. Kalispel and Missoula are looking at supporting this as well. The gas tax has been enacted; we Page 9 of 9 need the voters to give their say. TEDDs- not all TIFF’s will be converted into TEDDs. 11:25:11 AM Rebecca Mahurin- Mentioned that there are two bills MSU is concerned about 15mil research funds, a lot of our economy is tied to start up companies, and photonics. Rebecca Mahurin is a proponent of the Romney Hall renovation to create jobs and serve vets and students. There would be higher retention rates and will help vets as a whole. Hope to have this remodeled 11:26:41 AM Chris Mehl- Stated that Bozeman would be 8 th largest county which we’re asking for flexibility public vote needs to happen, clarity to where the tax would go to. There’s a place holder for where the property tax could go. We need county and city cooperation. We need to find a way for tourist to contribute 5. Montana Photonics Industry Alliance a. Photonics West, February 2015 Brit- we need to support this conference in February, this is a great opportunity for us. G. 11:30:07 AM Adjournment Motion and Vote to adjourn the meeting at 11:30 a.m. Board Chair - Daryl Schliem: Motion Council Member - Cheryl Ridgely: 2nd Council Member - Erik Garberg: Absent Council Member - Cheryl Ridgely: Approve Council Member - Teresa McKnight: Approve Council Member - Tracy Menuez: Resigned Board Chair - Daryl Schliem: Approve Board Member - Bryce Ledbetter: Absent Economic Development Council meetings are open to all members of the public. If you have a disability that requires assistance, please contact our ADA Coordinator James Goehrung, at 582-3232 (TDD 582-2301).