Economic Development Advisory Commission ( EDAC) Meeting - Minutes October 3, 2007
Economic Development Advisory Commission Approved Minutes Wednesday, October 3, 2007 Commissioners Present Connie Barton Barba Laura Battaglia (Secretary) Bob Farkas Mark Green Mark Lockenmeyer Mark Luckenbach Scot Marsters (Chair) Harold Schuette Gary Wiessinger (Vice Chair) Staff Present: Brian Moura, Assistant City Manager Mark Sawicki, Redevelopment & Housing Manager Deborah S. Nelson, Interim Planning Director 1. Call to Order The meeting was called to order at 4:04 p.m. by EDAC Chair, Scot Marsters. 2. Review and Approval of Minutes – September 5, 2007 EDAC Meeting Motion: Mark Green moved and Hal Schuette 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. 3.Discussion of Downtown Interim Zoning Ordinance Deborah Nelson discussed with the Commissioners the details behind the latest proposed replacement to the current downtown interim zoning ordinance.The current interim ordinance requires use permits for buildings 2500 sq. feet or larger along the 600, 700, blocks of Laurel Street and the 1100, 1200 blocks of San Carlos Avenue. Deborah asked the Commissioners if the size (2500 sq. feet) was appropriate and should the downtown core be considered as a whole instead of two specific blocks along Laurel Street. Mark Green began the discussion by asking if the ordinance is legal since Section 1 of the proposed Ordinance contained findings based on subjectivity. Deborah Nelson stated that yes, it would be legal based on a case in Coronado in which the decision when taken to court favored the City. Mark Lockenmeyer suggested instead of only the shop space for specific businesses last use being grandfathered in – it should include all previous businesses grandfathered in for the ordinance.Mark Lockenmeyer also suggested that we make the Conditional Uses more specific. Mark Green wants to make the conditional use permit process more user-friendly and expeditious. Mark Green also asked why there is no mention of revenue or the stated vision of the downtown (Economic Development Plan) in the Conditional Uses. Mark Green suggested the Commissioners make four Motions: 1. State that the ordinance is applicable to “single occupancy tenant spaces of 2500 usable square feet or greater.” The commission defines “usable” as what the business uses inside the building including aisle space for example. Motion: Mark Green moved and Connie Barton Barba seconded that the motion be approved. Action: The motion to approve was approved by a unanimous vote of the Commission. 2. While preparing the findings described in the proposed Ordinance sections 1C(2) and 2C(2), ensure
that the stated goals are consistent with the City's Economic Development Plan and the Downtown
Retail Advisory Report. Motion:Mark Green moved and Bob Farkas seconded that the motion be approved. Action: The motion to approve was approved by a unanimous vote of the Commission. 3. The City should expedite the conditional use permit process for affected permit owners and
prospective tenants to the maximum extent possible. Motion: Mark Green moved and Connie Barton Barba seconded that the motion be approved. Action: The motion to approve was approved by a unanimous vote of the Commission. 4.The City shall provide appropriate assistance to affected property owners in marketing vacant spaces. Motion: Mark Green moved and Bob Farkas seconded that the motion be approved. Action: The motion to approve was approved by a majority vote of the Commission The Commission also made a motion to recommend the zoning ordinance with proposed changes and City attorney approval. The affect of this motion is “no recommendation” from EDAC until the editing is complete on the proposed Ordinance as four Commissioners rejected the Motion.
Deborah Nelson agreed to email the section of the code that defines permitted uses and conditional uses to the EDAC commissioners. She will also update EDAC during the November meeting on the progress of the proposed changes to the Zoning Ordinance. The EDAC Commission recommends that RSG review the proposed Zoning Ordinance changes and reviews the terms used in the Conditional Use section of the document for adequate definition and description. 4. Updates from Staff Mark Sawicki provided EDAC with an update on economic development projects and items of interest. a) PAMF – City Council will have the final approval vote on October 8th for a PAMF facility. b) Sam Trans Transit Village project on El Camino – City Staff is discussing with the developer the type and amount of retail use and the impact and design of the project. c) Holly & Industrial – May have a retail food service building developed soon. d) Wheeler Plaza – The design firm also working on the Samtrans village project will be working on a conceptual plan and feasibility of developing this site. The City may want to purchase two adjoining properties which have recently become available. City Staff is meeting with nearby property owners to discuss potential opportunities and work together on developing this property. Staff will discuss further with EDAC this site during the January 2008 meeting. e) Refinancing – The city is refinancing current Redevelopment Agency bonds with new bonds at lower interest rates and proposing to borrow additional funds for future projects. f) Green Certification program – Brian Moura shared with EDAC that 18 businesses applied for green certification in San Carlos, the pilot city under this program in San Mateo County. The Youth Center is the test facility for green certification. g) Levitz – This property still has not finalized a new tenant. A decision is expected by November.
5. Update on Liaison with Economic Partnership Group (City, EDAC, Chamber of Commerce, HIA) Gary Wiessinger passed out Minutes from the September 19, 2007 meeting and briefly discussed key items such as creating a marketing strategy for the City and progress on Appendix B items. Hal Schuette is considering being replaced on this Group and asked EDAC Commissioners to consider taking his slot. We will discuss this matter further during the November meeting. 6. Discussion of EDAC priorities going forward EDAC discussed upcoming meeting topics and decided to add more time to the November meeting to assist with further progression on our priorities.
7. Discuss next meeting date and time November 7th from 4:00-6:00 p.m. in City Hall room 207. We may add more time to the next planned meeting to assist in reviewing all the agenda topics. 8. Public Comment None 9. Adjournment The EDAC meeting adjourned at 6:18 p.m. |
