HomeMy WebLinkAbout03/04/1996City Council Work Session
March 4, 1996
6:00 p.m.
Large Conference Room
Members present: Mayor Rooff, Mollenhoff, Anders, Collier, Murphy,
Krizek, Getty, Jordan
Also present: Rick Young, Jeff Eaton, Tom Watt and Linda Laylin
It was moved by Jordan, seconded by Mollenhoff to approve the
agenda as proposed. Ayes: Seven. Motion carried.
Cedar Valley Economic Development Board Chairman Rick Young
provided an update on the business recruitment and expansion
efforts accomplished in the metropolitan area. An active prospect
list was provided to council members and it has increased four fold
over the past six months. Just recently a very strong lead was
received from the Iowa Department of Economic Development and staff
worked throughout the weekend to prepare a proposal for the out of
state manufacturer.
Cedar Valley Economic Development invited the ten state department
of economic development employees to visit the metro area. The
Iowa Department of Economic Development staff was introduced to
metro industrial sites, incubator facilities and stated that this
is the first time that such an invitation was received for the
entire staff.
Young explained that Cedar Valley's staff have made sales trips to
Minneapolis, Toronto and California in recent months to make
contact with possible clients. The state has asked to participate
in providing marketing materials in conjunction with future trips.
Staff completed an existing business survey this fall which
indicates that forty local businesses are anticipating expansion
within the coming year.
Cedar Valley has been an active partner in efforts to return jet
service to the Waterloo Airport and has a representative on the
Airport Area Development Authority.
Councilperson Mollenhoff responded that the meeting had been called
to ask Cedar Valley for a report which shows the results of the
funding provided by the City of Waterloo. Young expressed that all
economic development activity is a joint effort which includes
cities, banks, development boards and private businesses. Cedar
Valley is excited about the prospect of selling its spec building
to Denver Construction and has assisted with the development by
Weyland Enterprises.
Cedar Valley Economic Development Corporation is asking for the
same level of funding as received in the previous fiscal year.
Young requested the support of the council in economic development
activities. Councilperson Krizek suggested that the city council
try to attend meetings of the economic development boards to better
understand their efforts and success.
With no further discussion it was moved by Mollenhoff, seconded by
Collier to adjourn the meeting at 6:35 p.m. Ayes: Seven. Motion
carried.
Susan Fangman
City Clerk
Council Work Session
March 4, 1996
Page 2
their program. They are losing federal funds but provide a service
to our community which decreases the cost to society for substance
abuse problems. Approximately fifty percent of NECSA's clients are
Waterloo residents and they, are in dire need of funding.
Councilperson Krizek asked for a review of the recommendation that
all inspection programs including the building department, health
department, and fire department be consolidated.
Mayor Rooff introduced the ninety day budget from the Airport Area
Development Authority to the council for review before the next
meeting.
Councilperson Jordan asked for an update on the hotel motel tax
projects funded in the 1997 budget. The city clerk was directed to
set up a work session for Thursday, March 8 at 4:30 p.m. to review
the budget and hotel motel tax funding.
With no further discussion it was moved by Getty, seconded by
Jordan to adjourn the meeting at 6:03 p.m. Ayes: Seven. Motion
carried.
Susan Fangman
City Clerk