RDA Min 1996-07-29 - Laserfiche WebLink

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revenue generators. Ms. Herman described the seven recommended strategies/actions: I) Establish economic development staffing; 2) Target industry programs; 3) Citywide business attraction; 4) Citywide business retention; 5) Revenue enhancement programs; 6) City procedure/department improvements; and 7) Downtown revitalization. She described the surveys and other components of the study. Ms. Herman urged Council to implement the program. 3. Discussion by the auto industry consultant of the changes in the auto industry that will affect Redwood City; Bill Carlson, consultant, Citygate Associates, said that auto dealerships are the single largest sources of sales tax in Redwood City. He discussed the concept of auto malls and auto clusters stating that the trend throughout the country is to large auto malls, with auto clusters as a second choice. Mr. Carlson said auto manufacturers are pressuring their dealers to consolidate or relocate into malls. Redwood City, like its neighboring peninsula communities, has a lack of available land and space for a super large auto mall, and what land is available is very expensive. In answer to Agency board Director's questions, Mr. Carlson said current Redwood City auto dealers have told him they want to be visible ITom the ITeeway; there are seven makes of autos not currently represented in this area's market; and he described the new concept of Used Car Super Stores. 4. A discussion by the Board of the broad and specific policy issues involved in the Strategy; Adopt the specific recommendations concerning: Expansion of the StoreITont Improvement Program (SIP); and those items included in the Agency budget; and continue discussions of any items to September. Director Church described the three programs/projects already approved by the Board which the Strategy budget would continue to implement: I) StoreITont Improvement Program; 2) 101 Corridor Plan; 3) Staff position (This position is in the budget [formerly John Swoboda's position] but is currently vacant.) Director Church also described the two new programs/projects which have been discussed before but for which final approval has not yet been given: I) Auto Ma11/Cluster; and 2) Retail Anchor Program. Chairman Hartnett thanked all the volunteer Committee members and said their report was "a job well done." Mayor Hartnett said the Study identified an area of concern that needed to be addressed and is being addressed: the communication between the City's engineering department and the public. He said although the Study warns against falling behind in the economic development area, he felt it was important not to focus the City's efforts in only one department or one person. Mayor Hartnett said he supported the idea of a lead person, but not an economic development department. He stated all departments should be committed to promoting these concepts. SPECIAL REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY MEETING JULY29,1996 MINUTES MINUTE -BOOK NO.1 PAGE 3 Page No. 314