Economic Development Advisory Commission
Meeting Minutes
Wednesday, February 15, 2007

The meeting was called to order at 4:03 p.m. by EDAC Chair, Connie Barton Barba. The Chair welcomed new members Laura Battaglia, Mark Luckenbach and Gary Wiessinger to the Commission.

EDAC Commission members discussed the draft minutes of the January 3, 2007 meeting.

Motion: Scot Marsters moved and Geoffrey Stern seconded that the minutes be approved as submitted.

Action: The motion to approve the minutes of the previous meeting was approved by a unanimous vote of the Commission.

Former EDAC Secretary Tory Hartmann’s term with the Commission expired at the end of January. The appointment of a new EDAC Secretary was the first order of business.

Brian Moura provided the Commissioners with a status report on the work that RSG is doing to develop an Economic Development Plan for San Carlos. Alexa Smittle of RSG has been working with the Chamber of Commerce, Schools, the City and the Laureola Neighborhood Group to promote the Economic Development Plan meeting with the community on the evening of February 28, 2007.

5.       East Side and City-Wide Economic Development Priorities, Strategies and Principles – Discussion, Development and Adoption of Report from EDAC

The Commission discussed East Side and City-Wide Economic Development Priorities, Strategies and Principles. In response to a question, Brian Moura discussed the benefits of Hotel businesses – low traffic impact and high revenue. There are currently four hotels in San Carlos.

Mark Lockenmeyer suggested we create a matrix for the Commission to put together as a tool to help make decisions. Scot Marsters suggested that we include the economic development impact on the residential area (consider what already exists) in the staff report.

Mark Green reviewed a textbook definition of economic development and the commission discussed the following key points:

· Increased flow of money and goods

· Improved social well being

· Increased quality and quantity of public goods

· Increased access to good jobs

· Broader participation in economy

· Improved standard of living

· Sustainable growth

The Commission will continue this discussion and refine and determine what Economic Development means to San Carlos during the March 7, 2007 EDAC meeting.

There was some discussion that a discussion of appropriate goals and objectives for economic development may be best be discussed at the April, 2007 EDAC meeting after the presentation of the draft Economic Development Plan by RSG.

Brian Moura provided EDAC with an update on economic development projects and items of interest.

a)   Economic Development Manager - The City Council approved a change in the position of Economic Development Manager to a new position titled Economic Development and Redevelopment Manager. This new position would report to the Community Development Director and would be transferred to that department.

b)     San Carlos Marketplace (former Bruener’s site) – This project has been approved by the Planning Commission. The developer has obtained permits to remove the former Bruener’s building on that site. The new site will include four “mid-plate” retail buildings as well as a small retain building at the front of the site. Of the four retail buildings, Pet Smart will be one of the selected businesses. An announcement of the tenants in the three remaining retail buildings is expected shortly. The developer has an aggressive schedule that could lead to the San Carlos Marketplace being opened as early as October, 2007.

c)     City Council Strategic Goals Retreat – The City Council and City Department Heads will participate in a retreat on February 26, 2007 in lieu of the second February City Council Meeting. It will be an update of their 6 month Strategic Goals and Objectives. EDAC Commissioners are welcome to observe this meeting.

d)   Bell Market (Kroeger) Site – The City Council voted for an emergency moratorium and use permit requirement for any building 2,500 sq. ft or larger at the 800 block of Laurel street. This could be expanded to include three adjacent blocks. This will enable the Planning Commission and City Council to hold a Conditional Use Permit review of any proposed new tenants at such sites, allowing more control in uses in the Downtown area.

e)     Wireless Silicon Valley – San Carlos will be the first of the three Concept Cities. The “template” version of the wireless broadband network will include the one mile square block bordered by Holly Street, Howard, Industrial, and Oakhurst Avenues.