HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - Economic Development Committee - 11/08/2022November 8, 2022 - SOUTH BURLINGTON ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE APPROVED MINUTES
5:30 PM – Room 301 at 180 Market Street
Members present: Linda Norris, Sriram Srinivasan, Charles Johnston, John Burton, Tom Bailey,
Michael Biama, and Ken Linge.
Members absent: Sriram Srinivasan
Others in attendance: Jessie Baker, City Manager, Ilona Blanchard, City Development Director,
1. Welcome and introduction of new members: John Burton welcomed all and called the meeting
to order at 5:30 PM.
2. Public comments on items not on the agenda: none
3. Approve minutes from September 13, 2022: The minutes were reviewed and approved. Linda
motioned and Tom seconded. Note that the October meeting did not have a quorum.
4. City Manager Updates: Jessie reported that staff is busy preparing the FY24 budget. It will go
to the City Council (CC) on Dec 5. CC approved a Heat and Hot Water Fuel in New Construction
Ordinance at their last mtg. Jessie attended the recent SBBA mtg and reports that the spring
meeting with be at City Hall in Feb/Mar 2023. At the next EDC mtg, Ilona will present an
overview of the TIF funding prior to upcoming Bond vote. Ilona also promoted the upcoming
"Illuminate VT" to be held Dec 16/17 on Market Street showcasing local vendors and music for
all. Jessie has forwarded an email to us all just prior to the meeting from PC on the Comp Plan
process and input required in December. It was also suggested that Ilona present an overview
of the Bike/Ped bridge design and project status at our Dec mtg.
5. Ways to increase engagement with the business community: Linda gave a brief review of the
business community outreach ideas for 3 segments of the SB business community. The SBBA is
a great addition to the business community and provides two way feedback on issues facing
local retailers /small business as one segment. There has been discussion on what kind of
engagement should we have (inbound biz roundtable or outbound visits) with the segment of
large, international, multi-location businesses? And finally, what engagement should be
developed with a third segment of industry aligned businesses in SB? Discussion to continue as
this evolves and more topics like TIF funding and Dashboard information become available to
share with these business stakeholders and the new comp plan input is requested.
6. Discuss ARPA recommendation for the Nov 30 Council meeting: There were a lot of good ideas
(revolving loan program and / or small business incentive grants) and much discussion on
priorities ensued. Michael B is going to draft a letter summarizing our EDC response and
priorities that will go to CC. All members are welcome to attend the Nov 30 CC mtg where this
will again be discussed.
7. Further discussion on the Climate Action Plan – Tabled
8. Develop South Burlington economic metrics – next steps – Tabled
9. FY22 Annual Report – Tabled
10. Next mtg is December 13: Meeting adjourned at 7:30 PM.