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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2002-08-08 ACE MINUTES• • • ALLIANCE FOR COMMERCE IN ENGLEWOOD August 8, 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 Member Present: Liaison Members Present: Staff: Guests: II. Approval of Minutes Guinther, Panetta, Schalk, Van Der Zwaag, Young Ashenfelter, Taylor Rees Brenengen, Yurchick Jan Johnson, Business and Redevelopment Coordinator Darren Hollingsworth, Business Development Specialist Lance Smith, Chief Building Official Mark Graham, Senior Planner Councilperson Olga Wolosyn Chair Van Der Zwaag asked that the Minutes of July 11, 2002 be considered for approval. Mr. Panetta moved; Mr. Young seconded : THAT THE MINUTES OF JULY 11 , 2002 BE APPROVED. Motion carried. Mr. Panetta requested the Minutes be sent out earlier in order to remind Commissioners of important dates and deadlines prior to the next meeting. Ms. Johnson stated draft Minutes would be e-mailed to the Commission once they are completed; a final version will be sent out in the Commission 's packet. Ill. ISO Ratings and Insurance Rates Ms. Johnson reported that an insurance underwriter was not available to attend the meeting; however, she distributed a memo containing information she had received from • • • Robert Weist B. Agency regarding ISO ratings. Mr. Weist confirmed that there are two ISO ratings -fire and building code. Discussion ensued regarding the memo. Ms. Johnson stated she had e-mailed the ISO web site additional questions, and she was waiting for a response. Mr. Smith stated he is still trying to determine which version of the Building Code ISO is accepting. An August 19 study session has been scheduled with City Council to discuss the issue. Mr. Young stated he would contact his insurance carrier to determine what the affect would be on his business insurance rate if Englewood 's ISO rating dropped. Staff will do additional research on the issue. Chair Van Der Zwaag questioned the potential negative impact on the regional business community as well as individual rates. He stated any negative impact could work as a barrier for investment. Mr. Smith stated the City of Lakewood does not participate in the Building Code part of ISO . IV. City Council Study Session The Commission discussed the August 5 City Council study session. Ms. Brenengen stated she needed to understand the format of the study session better. She had hoped Council would have taken advantage of the number of business people in the audience and opened up the discussion. A number of business owners have approached her and didn't understand why they were unable to participate in the discussion. Ms. Wolosy n and Mr. Yurchick responded that it was a study session not a public meeting. Mr. Yurchick further stated that the Commission is the voice for the business community; he has asked City Council to schedule an open forum meeting for the business community. Discussion ensued regarding methods of informing the business community that the Commission is their conduit to City Council. Mr. Yurchick stated that a newsletter was needed; Ms. Johnson stated the technical problems with the fax software have delayed the newsletter. Ms. Johnson further stated that Tom Munds, reporter for the Englewood Herald, would like to do an editorial on the Commission. Discussion ensued on how to convey to City Council that the business community is disenchanted and would like to know what the "city-line" or vision is for the entire City. Mr. Panetta stated he felt the first priority was for City Council to clearly define who their constituents are . He also suggested that the Commission develop a vision statement and then bring it forth to City Council as a recommendation. Chair Van Der Zwaag asked for a subcommittee to work on the vision statement. The Commission agreed that Anne Ricker of Leland Consulting should be involved. Mr. Schalk agreed to chair the subcommittee. Mr. Rees and Mr. Panetta also agreed to serve on the subcommittee. Chair Van Der Zwaag asked the members to review the Commission's action items from the June 24 workshop; prioritize the items; and e-mail them to staff by Friday, August 23. The Commission is scheduled for another study session with City Council in September. The Commission discussed holding lender forums and realtor forums. The Commission discussed how to market themselves to the business community. An open house at the Gothic Theatre was discussed . 2 • • • v. General Iron Works Mr . Graham provided an overview of the history and proposed redevelopment plan for the General Iron Works site. VI. Elections Mr. Panetta moved; Mr. Young seconded: TO ELECT DOUG VANDERZWAAG AS CHAIR. Motion carried . Mr . Schalk moved; Ms. Guinther seconded: TO ELECT NICK PANETIA AS VICE CHAIR. Motion carried . VII. Other Business Mr. Rees stated he was pleased that City Council decided against impact fees since it would have affected the business community. Mr . Panetta suggested the Commission send a letter to City Council expressing their appreciation on the issue . Ms. Johnson asked members to review the memos she distributed regarding Aurora 's development review process and South Pearl Street. These items will be discussed further at the September meeting. Ms . Johnson invited the members to the Boards and Commission Appreciation Event scheduled for August 26 , 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m . VIII. Adjournment There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 1 :05 p .m. Nctncy Fefiton , Recording Secretary 3