Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout03/30/1999AGENDA ' CITY OF WHEAT RIDGE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND REVITALIZATION COMMISSION , Tuesday, March 30,1999 7:00 p.m. Notice is hereby given of a Public Meeting to be held before the City of Wheat Ridge Economic Development and Revitalization Commission on March 30, 1999, at 7600 p.m., City Council Chambers, 7500 West 29th Avenue, Wheat Ridge, Colorado. • 1. Call The Meeting to Order 2. Roll Call of Members 3. Consideration of Absences 4. Approval of Minutes February 24,1999 5. Public Forum (This is the time for any person to speak on any subject not appearing on the agenda.) 6. Unfinished Business A) Wheat Ridge Wadsworth Boulevard Corridor Study Update 1) Presentation to City Council Tuesday, April 6, 1999 B) Discussion of 1999 Commission Goals 1) Presentation by Bob Middaugh, City Manager 7. New Business 8. Adjournment - to April 27,1999 - MINUTES OF WHEAT RIDGE 1. 2. ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND REVITALIZATION COMMISSION _ FEBRUARY 24, 1999 7:00 P.M. CALL THE MEETING TO ORDER The Wheat Ridge Economic Development and Revitalization Commission meeting was called to order by Chairman ROACH at 7:00 p.m. ROLL CALL OF MEMBERS EDARC Commissioners present: Rae Jean Behm Norman Burkpile Sandra Collins John Hall Richard Matthews Mazgy Platter Jerry Roach Also attending were: Martin Orner, Economic Development SpecialisUAssociate Planner Alan White, Director of Planning and Development Ann Lazzeri, Recording Secretary 3. 4. CONSIDERATION OF ABSENCES EDARC Commissioners absent: Eiwyn Kiplinger Janet Leo Mr. Orner stated that Commissioner Kiplinger expressed his apology for his inability to attend the meeting due to a conflict and that he had requested a copy of the audio tape of this meeting. APPROVAL OF MINUTES It was moved by Commissioner BURKPILE and seconded by Commissioner HALL to approve the minutes of the February 2, 1999 EDARC meeting. The motion carried 7-0 with Commissioners KIPLINGER and LEO absent. EDARC Minutes Page 1 02/25/99 5. PUBLIC FORUM No one appeazed to speak. 6. NEW BUSINESS A. Guest S ep aker Martin Orner introduced Felice Plain, Economic Development Director for the City of Lakewood. She presented an overview of Lakewood's economic development programs. A summary of her comments follows: Lakewood's economic development budget is approximate(y one million dollazs and is funded by a bed taac from the hotels and motels. Lakewood's economic development program is split into five azeas: Community Image - Lakewood has a community profile package and an Intemet site which gives basic information about the City. It is important to ascertain how the local community fits irito the big picture of the Denver metro area and then get the word out to businesses regazding the advantages of locating in your City. Cities should target the types of businesses they want to attract to their azea, taking into consideration the limited amount of property which is availabie for development in Lakewood and Wheat Ridge. Lakewood also has a newspaper called Looking At Lakewood which is circulated to every business and residence in Lakewood and includes an economic development portion called The Briefcase which strictly reports on what is happening in the business community in Lakewood. Business Retention and Expansion - Lakewood started a formal business retention program two yeazs ago which was initiated by a survey which was mailed to 4,000 Lakewood businesses not only asking questions about different aspects of the businesses but asking for ideas on how the City of Lakewood could be of assistance to businesses. From the 30% response rate, information and programs were developed that the City Feels are helpful and important to the community. As a result of this survey, The Lakewood Business Advisor was created which cpntains information on available resources is only mailed to businesses within the City. For example, there was series on SBA programs and Y2K resources. This publication is not designed to compete with the chamber of commerce. Another business retention area has been in merchant association forrnation. The City was involved with Alameda Gateway Community Association azound Villa Italia Shopping Center. A small grant program was started last year in which the City matched up to $1,000 in target _ azeas for exterior improvements. Ten businesses responded and resulted in approximately $55,000 worth of improvements. EDARC Minutes Page 2 02/25/99 A new grant program is being instituted this yeaz to aid in work force development. $30,000 has been budgeted for a pilot program which will offer up to $3,000 per business for training costs. Business Recruitment - Lakewood tazgets the types of businesses which aze attractive to the City such as high technology, biomedical reseazch and development etc. Because advertising is very expensive, direct mail proved to be the most effective way to mazket Lakewood. Retail Sales Health and Urban Renewal - Lakewood looks for ways to be attractive to the business community. For example, building permits can sometimes be waived or even paid for by the economic development fund. Project teams aze formed to streamline and expedite the planning and permitting processes. Urban renewal tax increment financing has been instituted which offers up to 30% of use tax on capital equipment and up to 75% rebate on sales and use tax for construction. Hospitality Industry - Lakewood has instituted a Hospitality Association which is a group of hoteis that pay a small fee ($2.00 per room per yeaz). In retum, the City works with the hotels on advertising issues, event promotion and coordination so there aze more room nights in the area. Tip sheets aze available in these hotels that offer information about the Lakewood area. This association has a web site and an 800 number (1-800-728-1492). Following her presentation, Ms. Plain invited questions from Commission members. Commissioner BURKPILE asked for an example of bringing a tazgeted industry into Lakewood. She cited the Lakewood Industrial Park which was a cooperative effort between Cobe Laboratories and Lakewood. Cobe was planning to leave Lakewood unless a way could be found for them to expand as well as to create an environment where they could thrive by bringing in suppliers and other complementary business. A partnership evolved • between the City and Cobe Laboratories to accomplish master planning which resulted in the creation of Lakewood Industria( Park. There are over 1,000 employees in the park with a specialty that is international. She suggested that the location of Lutheran Hospital in Wheat Ridge might invite research business into the area. Commissioner HALL asked where the vision and mission of economic development comes from in Lakewood. She replied that this direction comes directly from the City Council. The City Council has an annual retreat to formulate goals that aze communicated to the staff for implementation. IY is important to develop short term and long term goals and to look at resources that are already in place to assist businesses, such as the SBA which counsels small businesses. _ Ms. Plain stated that Lakewood has implemented a design assistance team that meets to go over details of major projects. A team will have an assigned planner, building inspector, etc. EDARC Minutes Page 3 02/25/99 to work on the project from beginning to end. She also explained Lakewood's process for tracking business data. Commissioner COLLINS asked how businesses qualified for the grant programs. Ms. Plain explained that the businesses were, first of all, geographically qualified. Applications were reviewed to ensure the projects were viable and that the changes would meet code. The grants were totally funded by economic development. In response to a question from Mr. Orner, Ms. Plain stated that Lakewood conducts a citizens planning academy which takes participants through the process of all the aspects of community planning and development with one session devoted to economic development. Wheat Ridge has been invited in the past to attend the planning academy and would be welcome to participate this fall. Mr. Omer asked if Lakewood draws on the Community Reinvestment Act. Ms. Plain replied that the City does not; however, Lakewood is involved with Business Capital of Colorado which is a high risk lending group. In conclusion, Ms. Plain stated she believed that time is better spent on projects than on fund raising. B. Jefferson Economic Council Mr. Orner stated that JEC is the umbrella economic development organization for the west side of Denver metro azea. Membership dues aze paid each year by participating cities and are calculated by number of residents in a City. As part of City Council budget discussions, there was some question about the necessity of continuing our membership in the JEC. City Council decided to split the $6,000 annual dues with EDARC and stipulated that dues not be paid until after Mazch 18th when Tom Clazk of the Jefferson Economic Council addresses the Council and explains the membership benefits of this organization. Mr. Orner has been attending the JEC meetings for over a year and gave the Commissioners copies of material which explained the function of the JEC and the benefits to member cities. Following discussion of the benefits of belonging to the Jefferson Economic Council, it was moved by Commissioner BURKPILE and seconded by Commissioner BEHM that the Wheat Ridge Economic Development and Revitalization Commission (EDARC) recognizes the value of services provided by the Jefferson Economic Council (JEC) in furthering economic development in Wheat Ridge. Valuable services provided by the JEC include: Acting as the city's Enterprise Zone administrator. This saves the City's limited staff the job of maintaining fiscai data regarding the Zone, especially in coordinating state tax credits for businesses locating to and operating in the Zone. 2. Significant monetary investments in state-of-the-art computer softwaze for _ demographic, geographic and economic data which is available free of charge.to JEC investors. This software is a valuable and necessary tool in economic studies For EDARC Minu[es 02/25/99 prospective and existing Wheat Ridge businesses. Without these softwaze tools, the City wouid be at a competitive disadvantage in attsacting new businesses and retaining existing businesses. The EDARC realizes that direct and independent City investment in said sofiwaze would be a significant financial commitment which is not realistic. 3. EDARC realizes that the economic prosperity of Wheat Ridge cannot be accomplished independently of the overall west side community and the Denver metropolitan azea. The JECsepresents the city's interest to the Jefferson County Commissioners, the Metro Denver Network and State of Colorado elected representatives relative to the continued economic vitality of Wheat ridge and environs. The EDARC realizes that the Wheat Ridge City government offers valuable services to its residential and business community which depend on tax revenues for funding. Additionally, the cost of providing City services to the community is constantly increasing. The EDARC also realizes the city's economic development staff essentially consists of one staff person and that continued membership in the JEC greatly reduces the amount of paper work and data entry work which would otherwise be the respansibility of City staff. Therefore, the EDARC concludes that continued membership in the Jefferson Economic Council is highly valuable to and, in the big picture, is a cost savings to the City, and recommends to Wheat Ridge City Council that the City of Wheat Ridge membership in the JEGcontinue without interruption. The motion passed by a vote of 7 to 0 with Commissioners KIPLINGER and LEO absent Mr. Orner stated that he will arrange for Tom Clazk of the JEC to appeaz before EDARC at the next scheduled meeting. C. 1999 BudLyet - NIr. Orner reported that City Counci( has budgeted a salary amount of $10;000 from EDARC funds to complement the city's general fund contribution to the Economic Development Specialist salary. UNFINISHED BUSINESS A. Wheat Ridee Wadsworth Corridor Study Mr. White presented an update on the Corridor Study and stated that a final draft is being prepared and should be ready for review at a public meeting in the next month or two. Commissioner HALL suggested that it might be appropriate for EDARC to review the plan at a study session prior to the public meeting. This would give EDARC the opportunity to formulate some recommendations conceming _ the economic development aspects of the plan to be presented to City Council at the public meeting. EDARC 02/25/99 Mr. White and Mr. Orner agreed that such review by EDARC would be appropriate. There was a consensus to have a study session in March when the plan is available for review. Mr. Orner will advise EDARC members of the date of the study session. B. 1999 EDARC Goals Mr. Orner distributed copies of the City of Wheat Ridge Economic Development Plan adopted by City Council in 1995 and Ordinance No. 1078 which sets forth the duties of EDARC. These materials need to be reviewed for relevancy regarding long range and short range plans followed by firm direction from City Council. Commissioner HALL briefly summarized his meeting with Susan Grafton and Mike Smythe from the economic development department of the City of Westminster. Mr. Orner advised EDARC members that he would make copies of Commissioner HALL's written report to be included in the next meeting packet. Mr. Omer reported that he is meeting with the city's information technology officer to establish and maintain a database of all the businesses in the City of Wheat Ridge. Mr. White stated that staff is also working to update the city's web site which will include an economic development page. Mr. Orner stated that he would arrange for the City Manager to make a presentation to EDARC to discuss funding alternatives for economic development programs. There was discussion of the possibility of conducting a joint study session or retreat with City Council to develop a plan once EDARC members have completed and reviewed the summaries of meetings with economic development representatives from other cities and have heazd the City Manager's presentation. Chairman ROACH suggested that EDARC might develop an awazd program to recognize businesses for beautification efforts. There was discussion regarding possible criteria for such awards. Commissioner COLLINS commented that State Beauty Supply might be considered for their azchitecture, landscaping, pazking, etc. Mr. Orner stated that State Beauty supply aiso dedicated a deceler9tion lane and that they aze setting the tone for new businesses along Wadsworth. There was discussion conceming the utilization of the CAP newsletter as part of the economic development strategies. For example, the newsletter could be used to perform a business survey. Mr. Orner invited EDARC members to contribute suggestions for newsletter topics. Commissioner MATTHEWS stated that the Colorado Association of Commerce and Industry is of the opinion that personal property tax is a barrier to economic development in _ Colorado and asked if this tax might affect businesses looking at locating in Wheat R.idge. Mr. Orner replied that he didn't think CACI would take such a strong stance if they didn't EDARC Minutes Page 6 02/25/99 think it was an important issue and stated that there has been discussion at the Denver Metro Network meetings about refunding a portion of that tax which would only last as long as there is a budget surplus. This would not be viewed as tax reform because the tas would not be eliminated. 8. ADJOURNMENT_ It was moved by Commissioner BURKPILE and seconded by Commissioner HALL to adjourn the meeting at 9:40 p.m. The motion passed by a vote of 7-0 with Commissioners KIPLINGER and LEO absent. JERRY ROACH, Chair CdHarbam\ECODEVO4NINUTES\990??4.wpd Ann Lazzeri, Recording Secretary EDARC Minutes Paae 7 02/25/99 Sdest Chamber Leader ,pip ferson County residents Jobs For Jef By Tam Clnrk, President of thelef'ferron Economie Counci( s the economy grows why don't we just leave well enough alone? Now that things are fine, why don't we just settle back and enjoy the fruits of a robust economy? Why should we attract more jobs to Colorado when we've got enough already? Growth is too expensive. It just causes increased taxes. New employers will just come in and steal my employees. Why should I support more economic development? Every day we see media stories with these themes. Today everyone who wants m work can work. Incomes have risen dramatical- ly [hanks to well-planned economic development over the past decade. The types of jobs entering Colorado are, in large part, high paying and in industries, which hold promise for future prosperity. These are "primaryjobs" -jobs that cre- ate products and services in excess of wha[ is demanded in the local market- place. They bring "new money" into the community. Why is this importan[? Because wi[hout new money, exis[ing money gets spent again and again in the community and splits into smaller and smaller fragments. Eventually it exits the community as taxes ro the federal govern- ment or to other mazkets, which have ser- vices not available locally. Primary jobs pay more than "spin off' or secondary jobs. "Spin-off jobs aze-those created fmm the new wealth oF primary jobs. Retail and many service sector jobs aze "spin ofF' jobs. Seldom does a primary employer locate in the same community as its competirors. Primary jobs usually mean a local com- munity is wealthier, enjoys a more expand- ed quality of life; its retailers are more successful and diverse, and, i[s local gov- ernment is more capable of providing more services m the public. T7iis economic realiry is why subur6an or bedroom com- munities (hroughou[ the na[ion have sought to become job importers no[ worker exporters. Even in periods of economic growth, a community still has [tie opportu- nity to improve its financial positiun and increase its public amenities through the attraction of primary jobs. But how does Jeffecson-Counry compare to o[her areas of the region? Today 52% of Iefferson-County resi- dents leave the county each day to work, talting wi[h them much of [heir sales [ax purchases to o[her communi[ies. Despite being one of the first counties in the state to create an industriat development pro- gram over 40 years ago (Indus[ries for 7efferson County) 7efferson county remains primarily a worker exporter, no[ a job importer. Anchored by three major employers, Locl:heed Martin, Coors and Ball (tioth Aerospace and Container) the County has historically lagged five of the six other counties in property and sales tax increases. During the period between 1990 and 1996, Jefferson County lagged the rest of the six county region in bothjob and popu- lation growth. Several facrors cameinto play ro cause this. First is the decreasing availability of developed sites for commercial develop- ment. Since 1990, Iefferson County has only a limited wmber oF acres for new Tom Clark, President oftLe Jefferson Eca- rsomic Cauncil development. Denver, by contras[; has added 11,919 new "dzvelopment-ready" acres. Szcondly, Jefferson Counry's work- force is aging. Today we have the highest median age in the metro area. Third, like our citizens, our inFrastructure is also aging. Significant upgrades in our roads, water, sewer and pu6lic facitities are behind our neighbors. In 1990, the City of Denver committed.to $260 million in pub- lic improvemen[ bond, far in excess of the com6ined public improvement Financing by Iefferson County and its cities during the same period. Lastly, we have moved further away from the transportation hub oF the Rocky Mountain region. Widh DIA's consvuction, Iefferson County employers are now ll rttiles Curther away from the airport, which has its own 2,000+ aere va[eway development occurring on its southem border. By any measure, the Counry continues ro lag in job growth and in the relutionship between job growth and popula[ion com- pared m its neighbors. As the population ages more rapidly than ather mt[ro coun- [ies, this economic lathargy portends a shortfall be[ween the needs ot an older population and the tax base to suppoa i[. 2/17/99 Susan Grafton and Mike Smyth from City of Westminster John Hall Retention • Visit with lazge employers; City staff inembers. 27 visits/year. • Formed a Business Advisory Group that is an advocate for businesses; initiated a tax reform that deterred business development. They provide input on transportation issues. Provide services as ombudsman for businesses who don't want to deal with the City. • Make businesses get a license so you can track data found on the license form • All city dept. heads would participate and conduct retention visits to businesses. • This group organizes and facilitates a Business Appreciation Event. This is a showcase event that is catered and used as an outreach to commercial real estate developers, financial persons, news media. Last event showcased Westmore Technological Development Park. Brochures aze used to promote development sites. • Business Appreciation Event; says thank you for doing business in Westminster. Awazds aze made to businesses operating in Westminster for 10, 15 and 20 yeazs. • Website has a Business Directory; if business has a website then you can get an E- Mail link. • Focus is on businesses that draw from areas outside of Westminster. King Soopers generates $600,000 of sales tax revenues. Had pursued hotels for room taxes; now mazket is saturated. Advice • Avoid loan programs; big political problem. • Inform council of problems; no surprises. • Advise Council in Executive Session. • Analyze which businesses have most growth potential and learn from this. • Don't implement programs that aze staff intensive. • Promote the things that Council wants. Find out what Council wants. Give them a voice in what you aze doing. These issues are sensitive during elections. • Identify your competitive advantage. Advertisine • Metro Denver Network • Jeffco Economic Development Council Pro2rams • Ask Council for supplemental appropriation when you need to incent a company to move. Try to recapture this investment in I 1/2 years. • Small Business Training/Scholazships-business reinvests in themselves through education; helps them grow and prosper. Good outreach, politically speaking. A RESOLUTION WHEREAS, the Wheat Ridge Economic Development and Revitalization Commission (EDARC) recognizes the value of services provided by the Jefferson Economic Council (JEC) in furthering economic development in Wheat Ridge. Valuable services provided by the 7EC include: 1. Acting as the city's Enterprise Zone administrator. This saves the City's limited staff the job of maintaining fiscal data regarding the Zone, especially in coordinating state tax credits for businesses locating to and operating in the Zone. 2. Significant monetary investments in state-of-the art computer software for demographic, geographic and economic data which is available free of charge to JEC investors. This software is a valuable and necessary tool.in economic studies for prospective and existing Wheat Ridge businesses. Without these sofiware tools the city would be at a competitive disadvantage in attracting new businesses and retaining existing businesses. The EDARC realizes that direct and independent city investment in said software would be a significant financial commitment which is not realistia 3. EDARC realizes that the economic prosperity of Wheat Ridge cannot be accomplished independently of the overall west side community and the Denver metropolitan area. The JEC represents the city's interests to the Jefferson County Commissioners, the Metro Denver Network and State of Colorado elected representatives relative to the continued economic vitality of Wheat Ridge and environs. WHEREAS, the EDARC realizes that the Wheat Ridge city govemment offers valuable services to its residential and business community which depend on tas revenues for fundina. Additionally, the cost ofproviding city services to the community is constantly increasing. The EDARC also realizes the city's economic development staff essentially consists of one staff person and that continued membership in the JEC ,greatly reduces the amount of paper work and data entry work which would otherwise be the responsibility of city staff. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND REVITALIZATION COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF WHEAT RIDGE, COLORADO, AS FOLLOWS: That continued membership in the Jefferson Economic Council is highly valuable to and, in the big picture, is a cost savings to the city, and recommends to the Wheat Ridge City Council that the city of Wheat Ridge membership in the JEC continue without inYerruption. PASSEp-qs 24"' day of February, 1999. 9 Jerry Ry~'ach, Chaipfiian ~ Date City Wheat Ridge Economic Development and Revitalization Commission