HomeMy WebLinkAbout05/01/2018 05C Minutes 03-22-2018 Council Economic Development CommitteeCouncil EEcollomic Development
Committee
Members:
Councilmember White
Councilmember Cousens
Councilmember Gutierrez
2nd Floor Conference Room
City Hall
March 22, 2018
1:30 p.m.
Staff: Others:
Ana Cortez, Assistant City Manager Maria Rodriguez
Joseph Calhoun, Planning Manager Verlynn Best
Scott Schafer, Public Works Director Jonathan Smith
John Carney, Information Systems Manager Andrew Holt
CaIly Price, Assistant to the City Manager Jessica Camacho
Nick Guy
Executive
Cousens called the meeting to order.
inutes
1. Elect Chair:
Since the committee members changed, a new chair had to be elected. Gutierrez
nominated White as the Chair and Cousens seconded. White accepted the nomination and
facilitated the meeting.
2. Minute Approval
The February 22, 2018 meeting minutes were reviewed. Cousens motioned to accept the
minutes as presented and Gutierrez seconded the motion. The minutes were approved
unanimously.
3. Discussions
a. Update on partnerships with YVC, Entrust, 100 Jobs and other work force
development programs
Cousens reported that she has been working with City staff to finalize an
agreement between the college and the City allowing students an opportunity
to work at the City (unpaid) in order to receive college credit. Students would
work in areas in which they have experience. The Chamber has been using
students and found the partnership to be very beneficial. The Committee
members would like to see the final agreement before it goes to the full
Council. The agreement will be reviewed at the April meeting.
b. Economic Development updates
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Cortez updated the group on the South Korea trip, upcoming events, land
recycling opportunity and strategic plan. Gutierrez requested that the South
Korea deliverables be moved to the April agenda for discussion. Committee
members unanimously agreed to add South Korea deliverable discussion to
the April agenda. Committee members also agreed to have the recycling
workshop discussion and strategic plan discussion moved to April.
Cortez distributed information on the Real Estate Convention that is in May.
Committee members unanimously agreed that White should attend; however,
it needs to go to the full Council for consideration. This will be added to the
April 3 agenda under committee reports.
c. Dig once/WIFI
White gave some background information on why this was on the agenda for
discussion. He would like to offer WIFI at all public facilities and possibly, city
wide access for all residents. Schafer reported that City staff has been
adding fiber and conduit into the City's infrastructure for future need. Carney
added that information systems is creating an inventory of where fiber is
located and will map it in the GIS system.
Nick Guy, Executive Director for Noel Communications, gave his background
and discussed infrastructure needs and things the City should consider.
There are some grants available to municipalities that should be explored.
Cortez stated that this item should be added to the strategic plan goals for the
Committee.
White asked that staff research what is needed to provide wireless access in
Kiwanis Park, Elks Park, Randall Park, Kissel) Park, and Miller Park.
d. Creative District
White reported that he met with the Arts Commission about designating
downtown Yakima as an Creative District and they were very supportive.
White would like to see a team established to work on this. Committee
members agreed to add this to the April agenda.
e. Farmers Market
Cortez reported that the Farmers Market application was awarded to DAY.
Holt added that they are in the process of recruiting a manager, creating a
vendor list and anticipates increasing the number of vendors and attendees to
the market.
f. Truck Routes
Committee members agreed to move this item to the April meeting.
4. Economic Development reference materials
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Cortez stated that she will be providing economic development materials for informational
purposes to the committee members. This month was the Yakima MSA — Labor Area
Summary report from January.
5. Future agenda items
a. Port District — Kittitas County vote
b. Agreement between the City and YVC
c. Identify deliverables for South Korea trip
d. Center for Creative Land Recycling discussion
e. Strategic plan — committee roles and responsibilities
f. Truck routes
g. Arts District — committee members
6. Audience Participation
Holt distributed a copy of the 2017 Annual Report that the Field Group created for DAY and
highlighted some of the projects they worked on in 2017.
xt meeting is scheduled for April 26 at 1:30 in the 2nd Floor Conference Room.
Jason Whi • hair