HomeMy WebLinkAbout12.18.2000COUNCIL WORK SESSION
December 18, 2000
4:45 p.m.
Council Chambers
Members present: Mayor Rooff, Anders, Jordan, Krizek, Murphy, Gronen, Getty, Berry.
Moved by Jordan, seconded by Gronen that the Agenda, as proposed, be approved. Ayes:
Seven. Motion carried.
Carl Adrian, Lisa Riveria and Duane Amhof from the Cedar Valley Economic Development
Corporation reviewed their organization with the council. Carl Adrian, President of the Cedar
Valley Economic Development Corporation, stated that economic development is best defined as
the process of increasing wealth in a specific geographic area. The Cedar Valley Economic
Development Corporation was formed in 1985 and is a private not -for -profit corporation. There
is a 31 member Board of Directors, 17 elected at large from contributors and 14 positional with
mayors, county, UNI, utilities, Chambers of Commerce, Hawkeye Community College and the
schools. The Cedar Valley Economic Corporation's budget for 2000-2001 is $399,325, with 23
percent of the funding from the public sector and 77 percent funding from the private sector. The
City of Waterloo contributes $50,000, $25,000 from Cedar Falls, $7,500 from Black Hawk
County, $5,000 from the University of Northern Iowa, $4,300 from Evansdale and $2,500 from
Hawkeye Community College. The Cedar Valley's Plan of Work includes: business visitations,
expansion and retention assistance, business recognition and appreciation. Mr. Adrian
commented that the Cedar Valley is the only organization in Black Hawk County that is trying to
attract new business to the county. Cedar Valley markets the area through national marketing,
IDRC, web site and advertising, and IDED joint marketing efforts. Cedar. Valley provides
programs and services such as housing initiative, work on a labor shed analysis, seed investment,
information clearinghouse and workforce development.
Cedar Valley provides staff services for the Community Economic Betterment Account, New
Jobs and Income Program, and Physical Infrastructure Assistance Program. Cedar Valley
Economic Development Corporation developed, wrote and printed the Northeast Industrial Park
marketing brochure, is the primary contact for MidPort America, consultant on Tax Increment
Financing Brownfield Redevelopment and is lobbying IDED for special projects. Mr. Adrian
reviewed a list of accomplishments for the organization from 1995-2000 and 1999-2000 results.
Duane Amhof, Board Chairman of Cedar Valley Economic Development Corporation, stated
there is a tremendous amount going on through their efforts and efforts of all the groups. The
Board of Directors feel the organization is poised for further things to happen. This is a
cooperative effort and Cedar Valley will continue to promote the Cedar Valley area and
Waterloo. Mr. Amhof stated Cedar Valley appreciates the city's support, and they look forward
to working with the city and city staff in the future.
Councilperson Anders stated he is glad that Cedar Valley is attending the Airport Board meetings
and asked what are Cedar Valley's plan to market MidPort America. Mr. Adrian stated that
Cedar Valley has always been involved with MidPort American, and Lisa Riveria is going to
present some guidelines for marketing MidPort America.
Mr. Adrian reported that during the budget process this year, Cedar Valley Economic
Corporation was budgeted for $45,000 rather than the normal $50,000. Mr. Adrian stated that
Cedar Valley's funding has been budgeted from the city's Revolving Loan fund, and if the
Revolving Loan Fund has the capability to fund the $50,000, Cedar Valley would appreciate it.
Mayor Rooff stated that the Chamber of Commerce is looking at marketing Waterloo. Mayor
Rooff stated that with the major companies that come to this state, it would have been hard to
market this area without the Cedar Valley Economic Development Corporation. Mayor Rooff
commented that the partnership has worked well, and they have added a lot of businesses.
Mayor Rooff stated that right now the city has budgeted $45,000 for the Cedar Valley Economic
Development Corporation, and we will look at their request as the city reviews the budget.
Council Work Session
December 18, 2000
Page 2
With no further business before the council, it was moved by Getty, seconded by Berry that the
meeting be adjourned at 5:15 p.m. Ayes: Seven. Motion carried.
Nancy Eckert
City Clerk