12 Exhibits - Laserfiche WebLink

Business owner Kewaljet Nagral (owner of the Subway located across Bernal Avenue) would like to see the project proceed because he feels it will increase his business. Residents Alice Pryor expressed their concern regarding traffic, noting her perspective that there should be another outlet to get through to Vineyard Avenue. Mr. Pryor indicated his general support for the project. Dave Walden moved that the EVC recommend (to the City Council) approval of the project. James amended the motion to read: Based on the a preliminary assessment (without evaluating any traffic impacts), noting the increased revenues and jobs created, and the positive synergy to neighboring businesses and nearby commercial areas, the Economic Vitality Committee recommends approval of the regency Centers project; Chris Crabtree seconded the motion. Seven EVC members voted in favor of the motion; Chris Grant and Judy Wheeler abstained. James Paxson made a motion to form a subcommittee to define criteria by which the EVC would evaluate projects; Sharrell Michelotti seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously. Pamela Ott will solicit members to serve on the subcommittee. DISCUSSION: ECONOMIC STRATEGIC PLAN Pamela Ott remarked that the draft Economic Development Strategic Plan has not been approved by the City Council but is currently on the Council's February 20 agenda, although she feels it might be moved to a March Council agenda. Ms. Ott suggested that while the committee is waiting for approval of the strategic plan, it can proceed with prioritizing projects and begin to focus on a few so we can achieve our goals as a committee. She asked that the members bring a list of their top few priorities to the March EVC meeting. Sharrell Michelotti asked for the status of the EVe's recommendations to the Council's work plan. Pamela Ott responded that the Council would be reviewing the current work plan along with commission/committee recommendations at a workshop on Tuesday, January 23 at the Senior Center. Pamela will be in attendance to articulate the EVC recommendations and invited EVC members to attend. James Paxson asked for a copy of the staff report, wanting to confirm that the EVe's recommendations were clearly presented. Pamela Ott responded that the staff report was not yet available - she will send it to the committee when it is - and that she will check to be sure the EVe's recommendations are included. ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR'S REPORT Pamela Ott informed the EVC that Mayor Jennifer Hosterman made her recommendations - subsequently ratified by the full City Council - for Commission positions. The following individuals were appointed to the Economic Vitality Committee: Carl Palowitch - Citizen at Large; Pamela Hardy- Residential Builder; Douglas Lowe- Tri-Valley Convention & Visitors Bureau; and Simi Yazdani - software. The Financial Institution position remains unfilled. Pamela Ott commented that the Mills Corporation, owners of Stoneridge Mall, was recently sold to Brookfield Management, Inc., a Canadian investor, noting that the City is unclear as to what the change in ownership may bring, but is confident that Stoneridge Mall remains a prime property in the new owner's prortfolio.