HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes EDOC 092503•
L
•
Economic Development Advisory Board
Economic Development Oversight Committee
Minutes
September 25, 2003
Meeting was called to order at 8:30 am on September 25, 2003.
Members present:
Elaine Beers
Dan Clark
Kelly Fanelli
Neil Merin
Jim Griffin
Members absent (Excused):
Frank Compiani
Kenneth Kahn
Eric Habecker
Staff present:
Dolores Key
Guests present:
Kelly Smallridge, Business Development Board
4400
PALM BEACH GARDENS
A Signature City
Dave Haysmer
Ed Sabin
Joe Russo, City Council
Lou Gaeta
Casey Steinbacher
Mark Nys
Barbara Cottrell
Janice Massie
■ Minutes of the August 28, 2003 EDOC Meeting reviewed and approved.
■ Staff Report Presented by Dolores Key
• Informed members that she will be attending the aerospace convention in Orlando
the week of October 6, 2003.
• Presented Committee with a copy of the newly printed Economic Development
collateral, which depicts a map of the City with an overlay system, and inserts
illustrating the four concepts of Live, Learn, Work and Play in the Gardens, which
show housing costs, schools, parks, golf courses, Art in Public Places, transportation,
demographics, land density, as well as other pertinent statistics in relation to the City
of Palm Beach Gardens. The Committee would like to see the product when
completed.
1. It was felt that the collateral was very well done and a good start to project a first -
class image for the City.
2. It was recommended for future pieces that the inclusion of graphics of corporate
headquarters of large businesses as well as lifestyle information be provided.
The types of facilities should mesh with the types of industries.
3. A suggestion was made to prepare a list of the largest employers, listing the
number of employees located in the City.
■ Chair's Review of Previous EDOC Meetings by Ed Sabin
• Thus far, the Committee has been gathering information. Speakers from various
organizations and the county have attended the meetings and conducted
presentations for the purpose of educating the Economic Development Oversight
Committee so that it may make better informed decisions.
• Today's meeting is the first business meeting of the Committee.
Dolores Key, Economic Development & Marketing Administrator 37
Economic Development Advisory Board
PALM BEACH GARDENS
A Signature City
■ Open Discussion — Targeted Expedited Permitting Program
• Goal to put together a proposal to submit to the City and City Council.
• A "test case" should be followed, i.e. map the permitting process from start to finish.
Keep a detailed log of occurrences, including any hurdles experienced.
• Concern was raised regarding speedy process in dealing with other agencies —
concurrency with the County. Conduct a critical analysis of the flow. It was agreed
that a value added employer can't be expected to be recruited to do business in our
City only to take three years to complete the process.
• Goals and objectives of the City's Growth Management Division and City Attorney
are to have an economic development element in the comprehensive plan
recognizing the importance of economic development in the City.
• Institute written policy for the expedited permitting program. Very few municipalities
have a written policy — most done with a "hand shake ".
• It was suggested that the requirements of the Expedited Permitting Program are too
strict.
1. Should not require 50 employees, nor be expected to supply five years of
financials.
2. Only need the process to prove it is a real company and bringing a certain
amount of jobs to the City.
3. There needs to be some flexibility and general guidelines at discretion of Staff.
4. Need to address non - targeted groups. If changes are made for targeted
groups, then the others should be pulled up along with them.
5. Each situation is different and must adapt as necessary.
6. Some businesses may lose their opportunity to obtain grants if the permitting
• process is delayed.
7. No way of stopping a business from obtaining a permit in a speedy fashion only
to have it go out of business in the near future. No remedy for this.
• Example was given of a business wanting to transfer to Palm Beach Gardens but told
they didn't have zoning approval and it could not be done. Business approached
individuals having more authority and were informed that it could be done but it would
require a zoning text amendment, which takes approximately nine months and two
readings at separate Council meetings. Look at the Code and Comprehensive Plan.
• Look at overall design of the process. With the application process taking anywhere
from six to nine months, 60 -90 days to obtain Council approval, and the construction
process, it still takes at least two years. There is only so much within one's ability to
shorten.
• SUMMARY:
1. Create a vision.
2. Determine what the sticking points are. Update the Code.
3. Empower staff. Develop an attitude. Allow all employees to have a voice. If
something is not working, give them the freedom to acknowledge the problem
and to make suggestions.
4. Form a written policy. Be pro- active, prevents opening up to criticism from
media.
5. Councilman Russo suggested to form a sub - committee of the EDOC consisting
of several members of the Committee, together with the City Manager, City
Attorney, City Engineer, and Growth Management Administrator to review and
resolve permitting problems. It was requested that a meeting of this group be
held next week and weekly meetings thereafter.
Meeting adjourned at 9:35 am.
Note: Next meeting is scheduled for October 23, 2003, at 8:30 am in the City Hall Council
• Chambers. Due to the holidays, there will be no meetings in November or December.
Dolores Key, Economic Development & Marketing Administrator 38