HomeMy WebLinkAbout080119 EDC approved minutesCouncil Economic Development Committee
2nd Floor Conference Room
City Hall
August 1, 2019
1:30 p.m.
Members: Staff: Others:
Councilmember White Sara Watkins, Sr. Assistant City Attorney II John Cooper
Councilmember Cousens Scott Schafer, Public Works Director
Councilmember Gutierrez Cynthia Martinez, Sr. Assistant City Attorney II
Rosalinda Ibarra, Administrative Assistant
Executive Minutes
White called the meeting to order at approximately 1:30 p.m.
1. Review draft minutes from June 27, 2019 meeting:
The June 27, 2019 meeting minutes were reviewed. Cousens motioned, seconded by
White, to approve the minutes as presented. Motion carried unanimously.
2. Discussions:
a. Downtown destination / Downtown Master Plan — Watkins provided examples of
pedestrian malls from various other cities and shared why some were successful:
located in areas with populations under 100,000; are near a major tourist
destination or university, designed to be small, variety of mixed uses and activities,
efficient public transportation system, extensive nearby parking. City Council
asked that staff reconvene the group of interested parties that worked on the
original Downtown Plan to assess the validity of the plan. The Committee further
proposed that Trevor Martin and/or Colleda Monick facilitate the implementation
committee meetings. Watkins recommended that the Committee review the
examples provided and select a favorable option so staff can research and provide
further specific information. An update will be available for the September meeting.
b. Economic Development Plan
i. Competitiveness
1. Private sites — no report
2. City sites — no report
3. Mill site — no report
4. Port Authority — On behalf of Verlynn Best, John Cooper reported
that the group reconvened for an information gathering session and
discussed pros and cons of a port authority concept. Their next
meeting will take place in the fall. Cousens encouraged the group
to invite representatives from the Sunnyside Port Authority.
5. Incentives — no report
6. Education alignment — Jonathan Smith reported via e-mail that
progress has been made on getting the high school career based
classes online. He provided a website link to preview that database:
w.choose akimovalle.com/hl h -school -career -classes/
7. YKM — no report
8. Convention Center — Cooper shared preliminary renderings of the
Convention Center renovations. He described in detail illustrations
of the refined design schematics. And noted that scheduled event
holders have been notified of the construction impacts; however the
timeline for construction is weather dependent. In regards to hotel
expansions, Cooper mentioned that, other than minor renovations,
he is not aware of any full hotel expansions for the Red Lion Hotel
in the near future.
ii. Traded Sector
1. YKM no report
2. Clusters — Watkins requested additional clarification on what to
report for this topic. Jonathan Smith will be asked to provide any
updates at the next meeting. White also requested an update from
the Fulcrum incubator group.
iii. Community Pride — the Community Integration Committee (CIC) Final
Report to City Council was provided. It outlines data collected and
strategies related to community pride. An extended in-depth discussion
ensued about previous outreach and events that were accomplished by the
original sub -committee such as highlighting business profiles and
announcements greeting arrivals at the Yakima Airport. And it was
recommended to continue some of those activities and promote them using
a defined and consistent theme. Watkins suggested that the CIC look at
the internal promoting and another group review the economic
development aspect. Staff will coordinate a regroup of the sub -committee
and include past members as well as new ones. Gutierrez motioned,
seconded by White, to recommend to the full City Council that Holly
Cousens be appointed to the community pride group. Motion carried by
unanimous vote. The Committee will review the objectives of the Economic
Development Plan at their next meeting.
3. Staff and Partner Announcements
a. Arts Districts/Creative District — Heath Lamb will be presenting at the next meeting
on August 22"d. Cooper announced a cultural conference taking place in October.
Further details will be shared among staff and committee members who are
interested in attending.
4. Future Agenda Items -
- Review portion of the Downtown Destination Plan that need to be addressed
- Update from Community Pride sub -committee group
- Vacant buildings registry draft ordinance
- Update from Fulcrum incubator group
5. Other Business — Cousens announced that South Korea will have a delegation attending
the Yakima Sunfair Parade in September. Students will be performing during the parade.
Watkins to contact DAY regarding walking tours of vacant buildings downtown.
White expressed interest in the possibility of utilizing airport property as a site for a low
barrier shelter. Watkins responded that there are restrictive limitations for residential uses
in the Airport Overlay zone, Further research and information will be gathered and
provided at the next meeting.
State Employment Security Department to present information on employment and job
growth data for the September meeting.
6. Audience Participation — none noted.
Jason ire, V.WiT
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