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192 <br /> <br /> It was the consensus of Councit for Mr. Watts to move forwarding with studying <br />and marketing City Yard, Water Street blocks, CIDA/CSX property and 5th and Water <br />Street property. <br /> <br /> Mr. Caravati asked that Council be provided more information about the <br />fairgrounds property. <br /> <br /> Mr. Cox said that if Kmart expands he hopes it can be used as an opportunity to <br />reconfigure and improve the area. <br /> <br /> Ms. Richards said she would like to see a loan/grant plan, but asked why it would <br />apply just to technology companies. <br /> <br /> Mr. Watts said he would target technology companies_ because of the level of jobs <br />and salaries and the synergy in grouping suchbusinesses. <br /> <br /> Mr. Caravati asked how risk management would be established and how <br />companies would be judged. <br /> <br /> Mr. Cox suggested that consideration had been. given to using an ad hoc group to <br />advise on the loan plan. Mr. Cox said he is very supportive of this initiative. <br /> <br /> Ms. Richards said she would support the loan plan and asked if public policies <br />could be built in such as requiting offering transit passes to employees, -van pool, etc. in <br />order to quality for the loan/grant. <br /> <br /> Mr. Watts said he feels such requirements would defeat the purpose of trying to <br />use the loan as an incentive to attract businesses. <br /> <br />It was the consensus of Council to support developing a loan/grant program. <br /> <br /> Mr. Cox asked what ideas Mr. Watts has for infrastructure improvements, and Mr. <br />Watts said he would like to take those things that have been successful on the malt and <br />develop those along West Main Street. <br /> <br /> Mr. Cox suggested adding amenities to improve pedestrian access and <br />streetscapes. <br /> <br /> Regarding economic development corridors, Mr. Cox suggested that the area of <br />Ridge/Mclntire that corme~s with West Main and Preston be explored. <br /> <br /> Mr. Caravati suggested appointing a steering committee to include City staff, <br />Council and neighborhood representation to provide guidance for an RFP for the <br />corridors. Mr. Caravati challenged the idea that banks willonly approve a loan for a <br />project that includes parking. Mr. Caravati said he thinks the City should be in the <br />parking business, not private businesses, or at the very least, the City should control <br />where parking is located. <br /> <br /> Mr. Cox asked if Mr. Watts has held discussions with the School Superintendent <br />about meeting the technology demand, and Mr. Watts said he has-met with business <br />leaders but not the Superintendent. <br /> <br /> Mr. Cox suggested that Councif put this issue back on the table for discussion <br />with the School Board. <br /> <br /> It was the consensus of Council to pursue an RFP for the economic development <br />corridors identified by Mr. Watts. <br /> <br /> On motion by Mr. Toscano, seconded by Mr, Caravati, Council voted (Ayes: Mr. <br />Caravati, Mr. Cox, Ms. Daugherty, Ms. Richards, Mr. Toscano) to meet in a closed <br />meeting for the purpose of consultation with legal counsel and briefings by staff <br />members, consultants or attorneys on a matter pertaining to actual or probable litigation, <br /> <br /> <br />