HomeMy WebLinkAbout02-10-2003 Study SessionDublin City Council
Study Session
Monday, February 14, 2443 -Council Chambers
Present:
Mayor McCash
Vice Mayor Boring
Ms. Chinnici-Zuercher
Mr. Kranstuber
Mr. Lecklider
Mr. Reiner
Ms. Salay
Ms. Brautigam
Mr. Smith
Mr. Ciarochi
Mr. Stevens
Mr. McDaniel
Mr. Hammersmith
Mr. Gunderman
Ms. Newcomb
Mayor McCash called the study session to order at 7:15 p.m
Brief Discussion of Study Session Format
Ms. Brautigam stated that because City Council has not held previous work sessions,
she would like to make a suggestion for the format. The main purpose of the sessions is
to encourage dialogue between staff and Council members; it is not designed to be a
public hearing forum. It is a public meeting and the public is welcome to attend. Staff
will present issues that are of concern or in working status, and Council will have the
opportunity to provide input and direction. She recommended that public comment not
be a scheduled part of the work session agenda.
Mr. Kranstuber agreed, noting that all formal Council action on topics discussed in work
session will be deferred to a subsequent public meeting with public comment permitted.
Mayor McCash stated that he agreed, noting that the public can provide input to Council
subsequent to the work session.
Mt. Auburn Study
Mr. Stevens, Economic Development Director stated that when the division's budget was
reviewed, there was discussion about funding an updated economic development
strategy. At that time, Council requested that when the time came to move forward, staff
seek final direction from Council. He will make that a matter of practice.
Mr. Stevens indicated that his presentation would cover the following: the Mt. Auburn
Study; future economic development issues; draft RFP for preparation of an economic
development strategy update.
Mr. Stevens noted that the Mt. Auburn Study is the City's current economic development
strategy. It was adopted in June 1994 and has been the economic development guide
Study Session
Monday, February 10, 2003
Page 2
far the City during the past nine years. Recommendations from the study were for
management of the development process; promotion of business development and
expansion; and enhancement of Dublin's attractiveness as a place to do business.
In terms of management of the development process, one recommendation was to
identify how and where the City wanted to grow and then move towards a visioning and
community plan process. The Community Plan was adopted three years later.
Some examples of implementation that occurred following the consultant's
recommendations:
• Immediate implementation of a full-time economic development staff.
• Creation of a permit review center as a "one stop shop" for citizens seeking a
commercial building permit.
• Utilization of a zoning and land use policy to foster an attractive community.
• Resolution of traffic congestion -Dublin's businesses no longer identify this as a
problem.
• Implementation of a one-page newsletter to the business database to keep them
apprised of upcoming community events.
• Development of an economic development database to track the buildings in
town, the companies housed in those buildings, and the available office space.
• Establishment of Nineteen (19) TIF's.
As a result of Council's implementation of an economic development strategy,
businesses have been attracted to Dublin, and the income tax revenue has grown
significantly. He noted that the Study recommended utilization of TIF's rather than tax
abatements, and that has worked well for the City.
Future Issues
• The study discussed building the tax base for the City, its operations, and the
Schools. The property taxes, which come from the commercial tax base, benefit
the schools; the income tax is the primary source of revenue for the City. It
enables Dublin to provide the "quality of life" amenities its residents value -
parks, pools, and bikepaths. The City has reached $50 million annually in
income revenue; the focus now is to maintain that tax base. He doesn't
anticipate the escalated growth that occurred over the past few years continuing,
but the focus should be on maintaining a positive income tax growth.
Another issue is increased competition. Many Class-A, high-end office buildings
now exist throughout Columbus. There is such a high vacancy in downtown
Columbus that property owners are becoming very aggressive in rental
strategies. They encourage companies to relocate to their property by tactics,
such as: paying the moving costs, buying out the previous lease, and offering a
low rental rate. Yesterday's issue of The Coiumbus Dispatch mentioned the high
vacancy rates in the Crosswoods area (off Route 23) in Worthington. In addition,
other communities now offer amenities such as Recreation Centers. In the new
attempt to attract businesses, communities have become threats to neighboring
communities in inducing businesses to relocate or expand elsewhere.
Study Session
Monday, February 10, 2003
Page 3
• He commended Council on its leadership in supporting the Columbus America
Campaign. It is hoped this focus on regional economic development will result in
bringing companies to the Greater Columbus area. Dublin is very competitive
because it has a much to offer to new businesses and its employees.
Draft RFP for Economic Development Strategy Update
Mr. Stevens stated the Mt. Auburn Study was adopted nine years ago, and a need to
update the City's economic development strategies exists. A RFP for a new study has
been provided in Council packets. It reflects the intent to focus on retention and
expansion strategies, i.e., what can be done in the next ten years to keep the existing
businesses. It is important to have individualized responses to businesses and to deal
with the public's mindset about government bureaucracy. He invited Council's input on
the RFP.
Mr. Reiner inquired if the City has a game plan to deal with aging office buildings, which
will become less attractive?
Mr. Stevens responded that this would be a new consideration for Dublin. While it is
typical for maturing cities to deal with redevelopment issues, Dublin has not yet had to
focus on this. He stated that the entire "canvas" of the building is important. It is
essential for the City to maintain its landscape code, so that the building owners will be
encouraged to maintain their buildings appropriately within a maintained setting.
Premier rents/leases are being paid to be located in a premier community. He agreed
that this is something the City may want to study.
Mr. Reiner stated that the area north of S.R. 161 and west of Avery is designated green
space, but it is exposed to a major thoroughfare. Exposure along that highway is of high
interest to larger commercial businesses and office businesses. It is a curious strategy
far the City to have taken some of its best real estate and set it aside as green space,
when it could have been prime office/commercial sites during the next ten years. There
is a large amount of land behind that site that could meet the green space requirements.
He encouraged the City to re-think that portion of the Community Plan.
Mrs. Boring stated that if the City emphasizes high-quality buildings, which it has in
recent years, they will not "age" quickly. For instance, Metro Center buildings are aging,
but they continue to be attractive.
Mr. Stevens agreed. The Ashland Chemical campus is over 30 years old, and is of high
quality.
Ms. Chinnici-Zuercher inquired what role government can play in discussion with
developers, such as Duke, about their reinvestment in updating their buildings. The City
has some control over the external conditions, but the internal conditions are more
difficult for the City to address -are the buildings keeping pace with the new styles in
working environments?
Mr. Stevens stated that it is important to work with the business when it moves in -what
can the City do to offset some of its moving-in expenses? In view of the income tax
revenue that the business will generate, would the City want to do an incentive? The
developer would also be interested in participating in that discussion, as he would
Study Session
Monday, February 10, 2003
Page 4
benefit from leasing his building. While it is possible to work with the developer, it is
often more effective to work with the business locating in that building. The City can
offer an incentive to offset the cost of locating the business in the older building in Dublin
versus a building in another community. Based on the income tax revenue that business
is anticipated to generate, the City can offer a payback to offset the cost of
improvements to the buildings. The developer may be happy to participate because
they want to facilitate the lease. The City provided an incentive to CheckFree to offset
the cost of the generator required in the old Frigidaire building. The City has to be able
to respond in creative ways by asking the businesses what they need.
Mr. Kranstuber referred to page 518 in the Mt. Auburn study, which states that tax
incentives do not work. They are not the critical factor in location decisions when other
factors may be equal. He stated that he has a procedural question about the end
product of that strategy. There are value judgments that would need to be made and
would rise to the level of community planning issues and value judgments by City
Council. He is concerned about leaving this in the hands of a consultant. Where are
City Council's value judgments inserted in this process?
Mr. Stevens responded that he envisions the process including City Council. In the
development process, the consultant forms a steering committee and involves
community and business leaders. It must be a Dublin strategy; Dublin does not do
traditional economic development. Dublin does tax-based solidifying and building,
which is different from some communities who are interested only in attracting jobs for
the people who live in the community.
Mr. Kranstuber stated that these are value judgments that the public body must make
and Council must adopt.
Mr. Stevens stated that in discussions with the public body, the consultant should be
able to determine and incorporate those value judgments in the document. There will
also be drafts of the document, and Council will have the opportunity to modify the
direction, if necessary.
Ms. Chinnici-Zuercher inquired if it would be possible to state the City's values on same
issues from the beginning, so that the recommendations will incorporate those
parameters.
Mr. Stevens agreed.
Mayor McCash stated that Item #2 of the Community Profile states that the analysis will
incorporate the 1997 Community Plan and the 2000 U.S. Census. The Community Plan
will assist in focusing on the City's policies regarding development. This will be a
balancing of those ideals with tax abatements, etc. This process will require study
sessions with Council to ensure that the consultant's economic strategy will not deviate
from the City's development standards.
Mr. Kranstuber stated that it will be Mr. Stevens' responsibility to ensure that this stays
on that track. He does not want to be faced at the end of the process with a product
embraced by the business community that Council is forced to say they cannot support.
Study Session
Monday, February 10, 2003
Page 5
Council, as opposed to those who by profession must work with a limited focus, has the
responsibility of considering the greater good of the entire community. Possible points of
disagreement exist -- the sign code, tax abatements, and more aggressive TIF's. It will
be necessary to have a strong process so that Council will not have to reject the product
at the end.
Mayor McCash stated this is what makes Dublin different. There is an opportunity to
balance corporate versus community need. Once the community policy is determined, it
becomes the Economic Development Director's job to explain and implement it.
Mrs. Boring stated that the values that were set in the Mt. Auburn study remain valid.
Unless others consider them obsolete, she suggests that the guidelines of the Mt.
Auburn study be incorporated in Item #2. She indicated a concern with one reference
in point #2 of the Strategic Plan, which states "...the strategy should also include a plan
for area agencies to become more business-friendly by amending policy, practices and
regulations." What is meant by area agencies? There are some issues on which it is
necessary to take a firm stance because it affects community image. Also, in Item #4,
it says, "...examples of incentive packages that have been offered by other
communities." She does not want to emulate other communities' strategies. Dublin is
totally different.
Mr. Stevens agreed that Dublin is different. However, as the City's Economic
Development Director, he is interested in being aware of what "tools are in the toolbox."
Although it may not be necessary to mention them in the study, he is interested in
knowing what is available in other communities.. Other communities are using many
strategies Dublin is not using and, at this point, does not need. However, it may be
necessary to be aware of the options at some future point.
Mr. Reiner stated that one of the points mentioned in the plan is "management of the
development process." From his experience, he suggests that is best accomplished by
monitoring the balance of land uses in the community, which affects the tax revenue.
This requires a controlled overview.
Mr. Stevens stated that the management of the development process is a significant
factor in the Mt. Auburn study. This new study is an update and will not invalidate the
previous study. The retention and expansion of today's tax base is the focus of the
update.
Mr. Reiner stated the retention and expansion of businesses must be complemented by
intelligent planning and zoning of the community.
Mayor McCash stated that a balance is necessary. A key factor in attracting businesses
is the necessity of reasonable City regulations. How rigid can City regulations be before
they discourage businesses from locating in Dublin? If businesses begin to select other
communities over Dublin, the City will be financially impacted, and will find it necessary
to offer tax abatement concessions. He is also concerned about the issue mentioned
earlier -what to do about the aging buildings or redevelopments, such as Dublin Village
Center. Should the City reinvest in that center as a retail, office, or business use to bring
Study Session
Monday, February 10, 2003
Page 6
that area back to arevenue-producing category? It probably generates more money for
the school district through property taxes than tax revenue for the City.
Ms. Chinnici-Zuercher inquired if the update of the Mt. Auburn Study would indicate what
percentage of the land use goals have been achieved, and their results. Also, will it
suggest how to build the next level of redevelopment upon those goals already
achieved? It is important to discuss more than the vacant land.
Mr. Stevens stated the study will address how to avoid tenant vacancies in what is
already built. In reference to Dublin Village Center- it is important to have a retail
component in the community.
Mayor McCash stated that is important to focus on how to redevelop such areas. Is
there an accessibility or signage issue that contributed to the vacancy? If so, does the
City remain passive in its policies, or does it do something proactively to change the
situation?
Mr. Kranstuber suggested that Mr. Stevens study the minutes from the Community Plan
workshops. There was extensive discussion on development versus density issues.
After lengthy discussion, it was decided that a lower density per acre was desired for the
community, even though it meant less income. Although 18 units/acre generates more
money than 12 units/acre, if the desire is to create a community, it is necessary to
balance the residential with the commercial. Cardinal Health reflects that decision.
Initially, the discussion was for commercial development on both sides of Emerald
Parkway, but the final decision limited it to one side of the highway. If that change in
direction had not been made, the level of traffic at the Emerald ParkwaylCoffman Road
intersection would be much higher. Some communities have focused on profitable office
parks; other communities have created attractive residential areas, but they have no
revenue to support services. Because establishing a balance in Dublin was thoroughly
discussed, along with fiscal and traffic studies, he encouraged that those discussions be
reviewed and those decisions be incorporated into this current RFP.
Mr. Lecklider questioned if there really is a dearth of office space. There appears to be a
lot of developable land to absorb new office development for the next few years -
Perimeter to the east, Avery Square to the west, Emerald Parkway to the east and also
between Shier- Rings and Rings Roads.
Mr. Stevens agreed that Dublin is not built out. However, there is so much office space
in the Columbus area that developers now hesitate to build new buildings based on the
assumption that there will be tenants. There was a time when Duke could begin a spec
building, and by the end of construction would have it fully leased. There is less
speculative investment now. The prime corridors for development are along I-270. He
does not see the section of land between Riverside Drive and Sawmill being developed
in the near future. Because the cost of the land and the allowable density do not match,
it is unlikely a developer will make that investment. There is not currently a shortage of
office space in the area along I- 270 close to Woerner-Temple. However, the Tuttle
Crossing area is at 95 percent of its capacity. If the economy improves, there will be a
shortage in that area. The economy has slowed to the extent that Dublin will not see
Study Session
Monday, February 10, 2003
Page 7
investment in new commercial office space because of the oversupply in the greater
Columbus area.
Mr. Lecklider stated that his observation is that there is adequate land elsewhere in
Dublin to be developed before it is necessary to focus on land in the S.R. 161/U.S. 33
area, and it could be years before that inventory is depleted. This study should focus on
what level of economic development is needed to sustain the current level of services.
Perhaps Mr. Reiner is correct -- an additional 50-100 acres may be needed for future
office, and in that case, it would be prudent to reserve some land. However, this study
may indicate that the City has more than enough space to sustain a community of
50,000, assuming that is the level to which Dublin will grow.
Mr. Reiner stated that the City's obligation is to plan for future generations. It does not
want to be a city that developed only between 1980 and 2010. It is desirable to always
have some capability to expand. There is no harm in having land in reserve for future
generations to avoid the problems that Upper Arlington is experiencing. He encouraged
the City government to annually participate in this type of planning. In the years in which
single family housing increases, what effect does that have on the City's revenue and its
ability to buy land? A progressive government recognizes a recession, and to maintain
the quality of life for its community, establishes a moratorium on single-family residential
construction and aggressively focuses on raising revenues. It is necessary to manage
the City in a manner similar to that of a good company manager -with an eye on the
economy.
Mr. Kranstuber stated the current plan will continue to work, assuming that the nation's
tax structure does not change. The City would be in serious difficulty, however, if local
income tax was eliminated.
Ms. Salay stated that there is a large amount of designated residential, 1-2 units/acres in
the Community Plan land use map. She suggested that some of that land would be
better used as commercial/office use. The Community Plan probably needs to be
updated. Assuming that the City completes the residential development in the
Community Plan, and the commercial development occurs per the plan, what will be
necessary to maintain all of that?
Ms. Grigsby responded that this is part of the anticipated benefit of the update of the
economic development strategies, as well as the Community Plan. It forces the City to
focus on future economic development. Ten years ago, the City was enjoying its share
of development, and perhaps did not immediately need an economic development
strategy. Yet, focusing on a strategy made the City aware that retail was desirable, that
the businesses were in need of office supply stores and restaurants to meet their
employees' needs, and it forced the City to begin to look ahead. Dublin now will be
entering a new phase, one in which it will focus on redevelopment. She noted that the
previous study was a lengthy process. A development oammittee was formed, which
included school and business representatives. Regular updates were provided to
Council.
Study Session
Monday, February 10, 2003
Page 8
Ms. Brautigam stated Council has provided staff with many ideas regarding changes
needed in the RFP. She suggested that an amended RFP be returned to Council at a
future meeting, with those changes highlighted. Staff will attempt to have that ready for
the March 3rd meeting. She suggested that the RFP include a statement of community
values that will not be compromised; this should prevent anyone from being misled.
Ms. Chinnici-Zuercher stated that an earlier statement of Mr. Kranstuber reveals one
factor that distinguishes Dublin from other communities and that is the integration of
business and community. There are other communities that have similar amenities now,
such as recreation centers, but attention to how the economic piece integrates with the
community is really Dublin's hallmark. If that could be captured in the RFP, it would be
what Council desires the Mt. Auburn update to reflect. Dublin has accomplished this, but
how can it be maintained? She referred to the competition noted between communities.
How active is Dublin with the Columbus Chamber of Commerce? How active should
individual Council members be on the Chamber's committees ar with the Columbus
America campaign?
Mr. Stevens responded that in 1999, the Greater Columbus Chamber formed a regional
partnership, and community development representatives from aseven-county area
were invited. Dublin has been very involved, but the partnerships still lack effectiveness.
He encouraged Council members to become involved with the Greater Columbus
Chamber of Commerce. Council would be educated on the business issues facing
Columbus companies and companies throughout the nation, and would be more
cognizant of the issues facing decision makers in the Columbus area.
Ms. Chinnici-Zuercher requested that when staff becomes aware of opportunities for
representation on committees or groups that they inform Council. In addition to elected
representation, there could be the possibility for government representation.
Mrs. Boring stated that it has been noted previously that the McKitrick property is too
costly for the density that Dublin allows. Is that a reflection on Dublin's density policy?
Mr. Stevens responded that it is not. Due to Dublin's success, the price of land is high
throughout the City. When developers look at the cost of various sections of land, they
determine if they would obtain the desired return on their investment. The City could
raise the density, and it would make a difference. However, he is not making a value
judgment eitherway -that the land price is too high or the land density is too low - he is
simply pointing out that it is unlikely any development will occur on that property in the
immediate future. This is a potentially desirable site for commercial development
through which the City would be able to acquire a tax base in the mare distant future. In
essence, it is being banked, as Mr. Reiner suggested, for the future -banked by the
current market forces assisted by the City's density requirements. When it is needed in
the future, the City has options to pursue. Eventually, that land will receive a market
price that fits the density and then it will be developed.
Mr. Reiner agreed that there is not a concern if the land is not developed for a time. The
owner is not concerned. Eventually, a corporate giant may target the property.
Study Session
Monday, February 10, 2003
Page 9
Mr. Stevens indicated that he had received sufficient feedback to proceed with the
second draft of the RFP.
Discussion Regarding Legislation to Permit Executive Sessions for the Purpose of
Economic Development Matters.
Ms. Brautigam Hated that in the budget workshops there was Council discussion
regarding the fact that Council is often unaware of what is happening in the economic
development work of the City, as many of the details in the process of negotiation must
be kept confidential. Under the City's current policy, staff can only discuss these matters
in an open session, which would be contrary to the wishes of a potential applicant. To
allow this discussion to occur in executive session, legal staff has prepared a draft
ordinance to authorize Council to add economic development matters as a topic for
executive session.
Mr. Smith stated that when the City amended the Charter in 1996, a provision was
included that would allow Council, under its home rule authority, to establish additional
topics for executive sessions. The Charter also provided that an ordinance must be
approved to authorize this. Mr. Smith stated that other cities have passed similar
legislation. The purpose is not to hide the inducement or development agreement from
the public; it becomes public upon passage. The purpose of the additional executive
session topic of economic development is to allow discussion to occur regarding the
company's financial condition and growth plan -- confidential issues which would be
unfair to share publicly, particularly at a time when the company may be bidding in more
than one community. This is a legal option which is available to Council. A copy of the
draft legislation can be provided to Council in their next packets, if they are interested in
pursuing such legislation.
Mr. Lecklider inquired if this is one of the authorized exceptions to the Open Meetings
Act.
Mr. Smith responded that it is not; however, the City has the authority under home rule
to authorize it. There is case law that substantiates that. The Open Meetings Act or
statute recognizes six different matters that may be discussed in executive session:
personnel, property acquisition, litigation, collective bargaining, matters to be kept
confidential according to Federal or State laws, and security issues. However, under the
Home Rule provision of the Ohio Constitution, municipalities have the authority to
exercise all powers of local government and to adopt and enforce regulations that are
not in conflict with general laws. There are two or three communities in Central Ohio,
which have passed similar legislation. In the past, Council has expressed frustration
with the negotiation process which is often far along when they review it.
Mr. Lecklider stated that he recognizes the utility of the ordinance. He inquired if the
other Ohio communities which have enacted similar legislation have had it in place for a
period of time.
Study Session
Monday, February 10, 2003
Page 10
Mr. Smith responded that the time period would predate the City's Revised Charter, as
the discussion referencing those communities occurred during the Charter review
meetings.
Mr. Lecklider inquired if legal staff is aware of any appeal reaching the Supreme Court
level.
Mr. Smith responded that he had not researched that question
Mayor McCash stated that he is undecided about the issue. Dublin is not a strong
mayoral form of government. Council members are part-time. The City has afull-time
Manager and Economic Development Director. It is important, however, that some
discussions occur with the Council, as the policy-making body, to ensure that the
agreements under development are consistent with the policy direction. He indicated
that he is not convinced of the wisdom of establishing this as another reason to enter
into executive sessions. Council has tried to ensure that the City's business is
conducted in the public eye, particularly regarding land use issues. This could make the
agreements appear to be "done deals" transacted behind doors. When it is made public,
there is opportunity for public discussion. However, the citizens' perception would be
that their input is received only to meet the requirement for public input opportunity
before the agreement is authorized. He understands the difficult balance of observing
corporate confidentiality along with the discussion regarding potential expansion or
relocation, but he is not ready for this step in Dublin's city government. He does not
believe that it is essential for City Council to became more involved in micromanagement
of these issues. Council should instead rely upon conveying policy direction to the City
Manager and Economic Development Director. A successful system operated under
Mr. Foegler, a previous Development Director, who was skilled at providing an
appropriate level of information to Council without revealing company names or
specifics. Council members were comfortable with the information and the level of
understanding.
Mrs. Boring stated that since the Mt. Auburn was done in 1994, a lot has been
accomplished without having economic development as an executive session topic.
Until recently, Council was able to obtain general information on bottom-line figures.
Mayor McCash noted that between 1994 and 2002, the City has doubled its income tax
revenue.
Ms. Salay stated that one Council member recently expressed that by the time economic
development agreements are brought to Council, they were far along the road. It was
difficult for Council to avoid appearing negative to the corporate and private citizenry, if
they disapproved the project. Maybe it would be good to have the "opportunity," even if
not often used.
Mayor McCash inquired if this is the solution to that problem, or is there a different
problem? Is it a failing of Council to convey its policy direction clearly to staff, or is staff
not communicating to Council early enough in the process to obtain Council direction on
various issues?
Study Session
Monday, February 10, 2003
Page 11
Ms. Salay agreed that Council members are part-time. In the past, perhaps there was
not a concerted effort to ensure that direction was consistently given.
Ms. Chinnici-Zuercher stated that she has expressed concern about receiving
information about economic agreements in the final stages. Very little is communicated
to Council. Although she is not certain this legislation is the answer to that situation,
there clearly needs to be some method of communicating details. Recently, there have
been only brief memos indicating that Mr. Stevens is communicating with "ABC"
Company. Sometimes Council has not even been aware of that until a company has
applied to the State far job credits. She added that, while Council does not require the
level of information that staff has, a better communication level with a certain amount of
detail is needed. It is not appropriate that the elected representatives of the community
learn this information in Business Firsf. There have been instances in which she has
received calls from the public before she has had an opportunity to read about it.
There are benchmarks in Mr. Stevens' negotiations at which time some communication
should be shared with Council apprising them of what is on the table and what is
happening. Not all the discussion is in regard to effects on the tax base and traffic
patterns. There were a couple of occasions in the past year where Council was aware
of agreements after the fact, i.e., the City had to pay tax dollars to a billion dollar
company due to a provision in an economic development agreement. The Golf Course
agreement was one example of the poor level of understanding that Council has had
recently regarding the details of these contracts.
Mr. Kranstuber stated that much of the earlier soccer stadium negotiation occurred
outside Council's purview. In the final phase, Council members were forced into
entrenched positions, while in reality, Council members were probably not that far apart
in their views. It is good that staff drafted this document, and perhaps in the future it will
be used. In the previous administration, there were some issues that should have been
resolved within the context of existing law. Although the new City Manager has not been
tested in these issues, she appears to be sensitive to the democratic process and will
work with the elected body. He trusts that she will not move in a direction that Council
and the community does not desire. Even without this proposed legislation, perhaps the
current system will work better than it has recently.
Ms. Chinnici-Zuercher stated that the economic situation is different and future
negotiations will be more difficult. Different kinds of concessions will have to be made
than have been made previously. Maybe that is the type of discussion that will occur in
Council work sessions. If a "laundry list" of possibilities to work with is developed in
work sessions, staff then has the direction without the specificity. She considers this to
be an important issue and is the reason she was interested in having an economic
development update - to establish a framework for future agreements.
Mayor McCash stated that Ms. Chinnici-Zuercher has offered some good points. During
the past two years, those important benchmark communications have not been present,
and that communication is vital to allow Council to address issues early in the process.
That type of communication once existed -- some Council and staff members remember
Study Session
Monday, February 10, 2003
Page 12
it well. He suggested that a less aggressive approach than legislation would facilitate
better communication.
Mrs. Boring agreed that the majority of Council members believe legislation isn't
necessary.
Mayor McCash stated that at this time, legislation would not be pursued. However,
Council's direction to Ms. Brautigam, Mr. Ciarochi and Mr. Stevens is to ensure that the
benchmark communications are established in the future. If staff needs clarification of a
policy approach, this should be brought to Council's attention.
Mayor McCash moved to adjourn to executive session at 8:45 p.m. far discussion of land
acquisition matters. He noted that the meeting would be reconvened following executive
session only to formally adjourn.
Mr. Lecklider seconded the motion.
Vote on the motion: Ms. Salay, yes; Mrs. Boring, yes; Mr. Reiner, yes; Mr. Lecklider,
yes; Mayor McCash, yes; Mr. Kranstuber, yes; Ms. Chinnici-Zuercher, yes.
The meeting was reconvened at 10:30 p.m. and formally adjourned.
Clerk of Council