HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - Economic Development Committee - 06/13/2023
SOUTH BURLINGTON ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE
MINUTES of the Committee meeting on June 13, 2023 in Room 301 of City Hall, 180 Market
Street, South Burlington, in person and remotely.
Members present: Tom Bailey, Michael Biama, John Burton, Ken Linge and Charles Johnson
attended all in person.
Members absent: Sriram “Srini” Srinivasan
Others in attendance: Jessie Baker, City Manager, Ilona Blanchard, City Development Director
and Tim Barrett, City Council member and liaison attended in person.
John Burton called the meeting to order at 5:30 PM and proceeded to address the items on the
agenda.
1. Welcome, agenda review and approval: The agenda was approved.
2. Public Comments on items not on the agenda: There were no public comments.
3. Approval of minutes of May 16, 2023 meeting: Michael moved to approve the minutes of
the May 16, 2023 meeting. Charles seconded the motion which was approved
unanimously.
4. Discussion and report out of the FY 23 and Approve FY24 Policy Priorities and
Strategies: Using the “FY22 Policy Priorities & Strategies – Report # 3” as a starting
point, the Committee discussed each of the line items recalling prior discussions and
developing a draft work plan for the next year. Wide ranging discussions were held in
which all members of the Committee participated. Some topics discussed included:
• The City’s possible role in supporting childcare resources. The members
acknowledged that the final results of Vermont legislature’s childcare bill, concluding
shortly, would be a good foundation for the Committee’s continuing conversation in
the next meeting in July.
• How and what data should be collected that would be useful to the City and the local
business community in attracting clean energy businesses.
• Polling businesses, including as guests at Committee meetings, for local business
needs and best City policies.
• Suggesting best ways to implement the climate action plans and design local
transportation.
• Determining regional future energy needs and how they would be met as when there
is more demand for electricity and clean energy.
• Engage with future University Mall planning.
• Note: Jessie informed the Committee that, as a result of staff reorganization, she
would no longer staff the Committee. Rather, Ilona will serve as the Committee’s
staff person going forward.
5. Childcare ARPA funding discussion. Since childcare had already been discussed, no
further discussion nor action was taken.
6. Adjournment: No other agenda items were considered. The meeting adjourned at 6:54
PM.