The Committee placed on its standing agenda an item entitled “Downtown Destination” and intends to start discussion on that item at its February Committee meeting.  The Committee will also be provided an updated strategic plan document reflecting the council priorities and updates from YCDA and DAY, who will be seated at the table and integrated into economic development discussions at future meetings.  That update will be provided in the agenda packet but is not on the agenda for discussion.  PWD Shafer will also be providing the Committee with an outline of what his department has the capacity to do to evaluate the downtown infrastructure.

The Committee will continue its discussion on abandoned and vacant buildings at its February meeting.  Staff will be bringing the committee some requested information and staff will try to solicit information from DAY and the Community Review Board prior to the meeting. 

The Committee heard of a proposed ordinance to address prefabricated steel storage containers.  The proposed ordinance would exempt some containers from the building code requirement that they be placed on foundations.  Staff will formalize their proposal and provide it to the Committee at the February meeting, along with information about right-of-way permit regulations.

The Committee heard a report regarding updating the zoning code to add regulations regarding use of utility poles for small cell wireless facilities.  This will go through the Planning Commission and it will make a recommendation to the full Council after it finishes its process. Fulcrum Institute will provide a presentation on its technology incubator project at the next Economic Development Committee meeting.

The Committee chose not to send a representative to the ReCON conference in Las Vegas this year.

The Committee discussed the National Main Street America Conference, which will be held in Seattle from March 25-27.  It was suggested that since the national conference was close, that Council members be authorized to attend the conference.  The Committee is asking for the full council to authorize one or more council members to attend the Conference. 

Conference fee:  $125.00 per participant (this is the reduced rate for civil leaders in Main Street America communities)

Hotel fee:  $189.00 at the conference hotel (more at overflow hotels with designated attendee rooms, up to $209.00 per night)

Meals are not included

Conference information can be found here:  https://www.mainstreet.org/howwecanhelp/mainstreetnow/now2019