HomeMy WebLinkAbout2010-02-05 Economic Development Policy Group_MIN
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT POLICY GROUP
February 5, 2010
Page 1 of 2
MINUTES FOR THE
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT POLICY GROUP
February 5, 2010
51 Winburn Way
CALL TO ORDER
Russ Silbiger called the meeting to order at 9:10 a.m. in the Siskiyou Room, 51 Winburn Way.
Policy Group Members Present: Staff Present:
Russ Silbiger Jim Klein Adam Hanks, Project Manager
John Stromberg Pam Hammond Martha Bennett, City Administrator
Ric Holt Annie Hoy April Lucas, Admin. Assistant
Mark Marchetti John Fields
Absent Members:
Wendy Siporen Emile Amarotico
Dean Cropper Laurie Gibbs
Tom Bradley DeeAnn Everson
Mayor Stromberg addressed the Committee and explained developing an economic strategy for
the City of Ashland is his number one priority. He stated these meetings are not long enough to
get everything done and urged each of them to think about this topic and speak with each other
outside of the meetings.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
This item was postponed to the next meeting.
SUMMARY OF TRENDS, SWOT, AND VISION DOCUMENTS
City Administrator Martha Bennett briefly reviewed the documents included in the meeting
packet. She clarified the City Council Vision Statement and Council Values document are the
drafts that were created in June 2009 and went out for pubic comment. She added these
documents will be refined; however they are still relevant. The other documents in the packet are
the proposed categories memo from the Technical Advisory Committee, and both groups SWOT
outlines. Program Manager Adam Hanks explained the next step is for staff to take the two
SWOT outlines and merge them into a single document. Both groups will then use this cohesive
document as they move forward with putting together their proposed economic development
strategies and goals.
Staff asked if the group had any questions about these documents before they move forward.
Councilor Silbiger asked staff to clarify what the group will be working on today. Ms. Bennett
explained staff would like to committee members to talk with each other and start articulating
vision statements. She stated the input the group provides today will be incorporated with the
vision statements from the Technical Advisory Group and this draft document will be provided
to both groups at their upcoming meetings for feedback.
Ric Holt suggested the group agree on a definition of Economic Development. He also
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT POLICY GROUP
February 5, 2010
Page 2 of 2
commented that both the EOA and the update stem from very traditional viewpoints and
questioned if it is possible to get another opinion. Ms. Bennett clarified the City has a very
limited budget and they need to use their resources wisely, however they are open to alternate
ideas that may be more compatible with Ashland. Mr. Holt offered to study this and present
information if the group would find it helpful.
DISCUSSION OF ECONOMIC VISION FOR ASHLAND
The committee members separated into smaller groups and held discussion on an economic
vision for Ashland. Ms. Bennett clarified the group is being asked to discuss how far they want
the City’s economic development policy to reach; is it just bringing and retaining businesses to
Ashland, or does it also include quality of life components.
The committee spent the remainder of the meeting in smaller groups discussing their ideas.
ECONOMIC VISION REPORTS
(insert description or delete)
NEXT MEETING
The next meeting will be Friday, February 19, 2010 at 9:00 a.m.
ADJOURNMENT
Meeting adjourned at 10:50 a.m.
Respectfully submitted,
April Lucas, Administrative Assistant