RDA Min 1995-02-13 - Laserfiche WebLink

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. I II In response to Director Steinfeld's concerns, Director Buchan advised that the Agency - Directors had been discussing an economic development program and considering data presented by staff over the last two years with many opportunities for input nom the Agency Directors, and now it was time to move forward with the committee's recommendations and gather this extremely important data. Director Howard advised that Don Saye nom Lost and Found Antiques on Broadway and Jan Starratt nom the Secret Staircase Book Store on Broadway, representing the small retailers in the downtown, were on the Economic Development Committee nom the very beginning, and participated in all the meetings and policy decisions. Vice Chairman Hartnett addressed the issue regarding the Chamber's financial contribution: The Council and the Chamber have a contract that requires the Chamber to participate in the economic development study. The volunteers in the Chamber together with others in the community have spent numerous, numerous volunteer hours in this endeavor and will continue to do so to benefit the community. Director La Berge stated she was pleased with the contributions of time, energy and good ideas nom the Chamber, and expecting a financial contribution was out of the question. Director La Berge stated the proposed study focuses on the best ways the City and Chamber can assist business and businesses in Redwood City; and, a separate traffic study based on that data could be done at a later date. -- In answer to Agency Board's questions, Housing Specialist Svoboda described "entitlements" as the permits for construction of physical projects, and explained why that is such a sensitive area in economic development. Housing Specialist Svoboda explained that all the Economic Development Strategy Committee meetings were open to the public; however, it was necessary to provide anonymity to the participants of focus groups who will be interviewed for the study to encourage them to speak neely, knowing there will be no repercussions. City Manager Everett stated it was essential that the focus groups and the interviews remain confidential to receive complete and truthful feedback on the City's processes and services. Mayor Gasparini added that a focus group is a team of two individuals nom the Economic Strategy Committee that will work with CEOs and Chairmen to discover what is right and what is wrong in the community, why a business would or would not locate in Redwood City. These are sensitive business decision issues which by their nature should be kept confidential, and the Economic Development Strategy Committee agreed. - MINUTE BOOK NO.1 Redevelopment Agency Minutes Page No. 257 February \3, 1995 Page 3