HomeMy WebLinkAbout03/04/1985 Economic Development Committee Minutes
March 4, 1985
5:30 p.m.
Mayor's Conference Room
Members present: Getty, Penaluna, Dowie, Klinger, Wright, Seeber,
Mayor Bowers. Absent: Lichty.
It was moved by Klinger, seconded by Getty that the Agenda, as
proposed, be approved. Motion carried.
Mayor Bowers indicated that several projects need the immediate
attention of the Economic Development Committee, especially the
businesses being affected by the Intercity Freeway: Whitaker Foods,
Cattle Congress, Joe Meany Casket Company, Pillsbury, Swiss Valley,
Hayden Searles Signs, Weissman Steel, Young Coal, Local 838 and Ryder
Truck Sales. He also indicated that "cottage industries" should be
of concern to the committee. These are home occupations that have
started in the home and have grown to the point they may need to move
or may be causing problems within the residential neighborhoods.
Councilperson Penaluna stated that perhaps a case by case approach
may be need to be utilized in these instances.
Councilperson Dowie indicated that perhaps an ordinance for
relocation may need to be developed as well as a new business team;
however, he cautioned that this committee should not duplicate the
efforts of the Chamber of Commerce or the Cedar Valley Economic
Development Group.
Discussion was heard on how the Councilpersons would interact with
the staff when approaching new or expanding industries in the City.
Suggestions were heard as to what the City could offer to these
businesses including incentives, tax abatement, etc. It is important
that the City set an favorable business climate for new and expanding
industries.
It was moved by Getty, seconded by Klinger that Councilperson
Penaluna be elected Chairperson of the Economic Development
Committee. Motion carried.
It was moved by Mayor Bowers, seconded by Seeber that Councilperson
Klinger be elected Vice Chairperson of the Economic Development
Committee. Motion carried.
The Committee structure was discussed. It was indicated that a list
of needs should be developed for the ten companies listed above.
Immediate attention should be given to the relocation of Pillsbury
and Swiss Valley as part of the Intercity Freeway. It was also
decided that short and long term goals should be developed for the
Committee and that the Economic Development Policies of other cities
should be researched. It was also indicated that committee members
would not committ money or resources of the City without the
knowledge of the entire committee. It was hoped that members of the
committee could meet with the businesses listed above along with
staff members when relocation of their Company is being discussed.
The Cedar Valley Economic Development Committee is close to hiring a
director. It was hoped that the direction of both committees could
be put in a positive manner.
Economic Development Committee Minutes
Page Two
Planning and Development Director, Don Temeyer was asked to assemble
a listing of all City owned land, as well as a vacant land listing.
The Committee also indicated the need to communicate to the Iowa
Legislature their needs and concerns. Vice Chairperson Klinger was
asked to review the status of the local option tax, the elimination
of the E and M Tax and sales tax.
It was moved by Getty, seconded by Wright that the meeting be
adjourned. Motion carried.
Michelle Temeyer
Deputy Clerk/Auditor