HomeMy WebLinkAbout2002-02-14 ACE MINUTES•
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ALLIANCE FOR COMMERCE IN ENGLEWOOD
February 14, 2002
I. Call to Order
The Alliance for Commerce in Englewood meeting was called to order at 11 :40 a.m. in the
City Council Conference Room of Englewood Civic Center. Chair Van Der Zwaag
presiding.
Members Present:
Members Absent:
Alternate Members Present:
Liaison Members Present:
Staff:
Guests:
II. Approval OF Minutes
Panetta, Schalk, Taylor, and Van Der Zwaag
Ashenfelter, Guinther, Young
Rees
Brenengen, Yurchick
Jan Johnson, Business and Redevelopment Coordinator
Darren Hollingsworth, Business Development Specialist
Harold Stitt, Senior Planner
Bob Simpson, Director of Community Development
Councilperson Olga Wolosyn
Chair Van Der Zwaag asked that the Minutes of January 10, 2002 be considered for
approval.
Mr. Schalk moved;
Mr. Panetta seconded:
THATTHE MINUTES OF JANUARY 10, 2002 BE APPROVED.
Motion carried.
Ill. Business Survey
Chair Van Der Zwaag asked for status reports on ongoing projects. Ms. Johnson stated the
business surveys would be sent out in approximately two weeks; details were being
finalized. She also reported that by purchasing a business list, the Department's business
database grew from 1,800 businesses to 2,269 businesses operating in Englewood. She
thanked the Chamber for their work on updating the database as well. She further reported
that the survey will also be online, and the company conducting the survey has asked
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whether or not the Alliance would like to require an identification number for those users
who complete the survey online. The number would be placed on the mailed survey card,
and if a person wished to conduct the survey online, the identification number would need
to be entered. She explained that this method would allow the company to track duplicate
entries by the same business. Discussion ensued. The members asked that the
identification number not be used. Mr. Taylor stated the company should be able to track
online submittals by the IP address.
Mr. Panetta asked whether or not there had been any feedback from the article in the
Englewood Herald. Ms. Johnson responded that there was also an article in the Englewood
Citizen and the Chamber newsletter; and she had not received any feedback from any of
the articles.
IV. Business Forums
A sign-up sheet for the business forums was given to all ACE members and members were
encouraged to participate in at least one of the forum groups. Members need to identify
businesses and/or business owners they would like to see participate in the forums. Ms.
Johnson clarified that not all of the businesses had to be located in Englewood .
v. Admissions Tax
Ms. Johnson stated that the Admissions Tax issue was at City Council study session on
February 4, and the Mayor proposed a compromise. The compromise would reduce the
Admissions Tax to one percent for the first year; two percent for the second year; and then
return to three percent. Ms. Johnson stated the issue is on the City Council agenda for
February 1 9, and asked whether or not the Alliance supported the new compromise.
Discussion ensued. The Alliance unanimously agreed to support their original compromise
which was for a temporary reduction from the current three percent Admissions Tax to
zero percent for a two year period. (Secretary's Note: Refer to January 10, 2002 Minutes.)
Ms. Brenengen stated she would be unable to attend the February 19 meeting, but stated
she was in full support of the two-year moratorium. She also encouraged other members to
attend the meeting to show their support.
Chair Van Der Zwaag inquired as to whether or not the Gothic Theatre paid more in
admissions tax or sales tax. Mr. Schalk responded that the sales tax revenue is extremely
higher than the admissions tax.
VI. Building Codes & Permitting Process
Community Development staff has met with the Building Official and Fire Marshall to
discuss the permitting process and Building Code . Ms. Johnson stated that she is working
with the Building Official to place a list of contractors licensed in Englewood on the City
website. The Building Official has expressed concern that by doing so, it would appear the
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City was endorsing those contractors. Staff is still researching policies and procedures of
other cities with regard to their permitting process.
VII. Information Kiosks
Harold Stitt provided information and conceptual drawings for proposed informational
kiosks . Mr. Stitt stated proposed locations of the kiosks are CityCenter, South Broadway,
and Swedish Medical Center . In addition to the kiosks , directories with maps would be
located throughout the City. Discussion ensued . Since the kiosks are not electronic, Mr.
Schalk recommended some type of movement on the kiosks. The members unanimously
agreed that the kiosks are needed and recommended that staff move forward with
implementation .
VIII. Sidewalk Sales
Ms. Johnson rev i ewed the sidewalk sales policy. Old Town Englewood has proposed June
8 and August 24 as tentative dates for the two sidewalk sales and have asked for ACE 's
opinion on those dates. Ms. Brenengen stated that the group is considering a street dance
after June 8 si dewalk sale at the Acoma Street parking lot. ACE agreed with those dates and
recommended reviewing the policy with the intention of possibly amending the policy to
allow additional dates for sidewalk sales .
IX. Other Business
Ms. Johnson stated the Community Development Work Program, which was enclosed in
the members ' packet, is subject to change . Mr. Simpson stated that the top three
redevelopment projects for 2002 were General Iron Works, Elati Street redevelopment, and
redevelopment of the old Office Depot site.
Ms. Johnson stated the Annual Business Appreciation Breakfast is scheduled for June 6 at
Hudson Gardens. Ms. Johnson distributed the Community Development 2002 Annual
Report, as well as information from Diversity Initiatives Forum and the Colorado Office of
Economic Development newsletter.
X. Adjournment
There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 1 :1 OPM .
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