HomeMy WebLinkAbout1998-09-29 - AGENDA REPORTS - ECONOMIC DEV (2)CITY OF SANTA CLARITA
INTEROFFICE MEMORANDUM
TO Mayor Heidt and City Councilmemb s
FROM George Caravalho, City Manager
DATE September 29,1998
SUBJECT Economic Development Study Session
RECOMMENDED ACTION
City Council receive report regarding staffs efforts in the area of Economic Development and
participate in dialogue to provide staff with direction for the future of the Economic Development
work effort.
BACKGROUND
The purpose of this item is to provide City Council with a comprehensive update of the
accomplishments and current activities taking place in the Economic Development Division. Staff
will present an overview of the state of the economy in Santa Clarita and will then proceed to
outline the Division's work program Further, staff will initiate a question and answer period with
Council in order to evaluate the City's Economic Development program and obtain clear direction
as it heads into the 21' Century.
ALTERNATIVE ACTION
Other action as determined by Council.
FISCAL IMPACTS
None known.
ATTACHMENTS
None
GAC/MKWSAM Agenda
sam:'econdev\ssagnrpt.doc a da Item:
City Council Study Session
September 29, 1998
Call To Order: , 5:30 p.m.
Roll Call: All Councilmembers were present.
Flag Salute: Was led by Mike Haviland.
Item 1 ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
George Caravalho, City Manager, provided an overview of staffs efforts in the
area of Economic Development and outlined the goals of this meeting to try to
develop consensus on how to allocate staff and resources and on long term goals.
Mike Haviland, Economic Development Manager, provided an overview of the
state of the economy in Santa Clarita and outlined the Division's work program
including efforts for job creation, business development, attracting and retaining
businesses and working with the Chamber of Commerce.
Public Participation: There was none.
Council discussion and concerns:
GOALS: give consideration to changing the mix in commercial zones to expand
the uses and increase available industrial area; have the Planning Commission
work with staff on what works when considering changes to the ordinance;
continue working on balance in the community; consider putting libraries and
public facilities in storefronts; considering living spaces above businesses in
appropriate locations; increase safety and clean up Newhall; get acquainted with
shopping center owners and build relationships; be aware of what's going on
when vacancies occur; encourage businesses to consider promotions and
placement of products; get conferences to locate in SCV; pursue annexations;
become destination; promote cultural tourism; expand and cluster industries.
TIME ALLOCATION: 50/50 split. for retention/attraction of businesses;
participate in trade shows to market and showcase SCV; invite business owners
to luncheon to share ideas; utilize train stations and natural corridors for
advertising; spend more money on outreach to complement what we have.
AREAS TO FOCUS ON: Lyons Avenue; medians; on/off ramps; Bouquet & Seco
Canyons; accessible parking; create sense of community across from theaters in
Canyon Country.
THINGS TO DO/NOT TO DO: not spend more money at mall but be aware of
what's happening there; do promote shopping in the City: shop SCV rather than
shop local; develop campaign and use TV ads; have businesses consider using the
Seasons Magazine for coupons for residents to use; meet with the Chamber of
Commerce to get their feedback and have Chamber do presentation for Council.
Mayor Heidt called for general Public Participation. Cheryl Adams, representing the Chamber
of Commerce, thanked the Council for the discussion tonight. John Steffen and Effie Bird
discussed water connection fees associated with Central Park, Allan Cameron commented on
reclaimed water, annexations, retail and gas prices.
George Caravalho, City Manager, requested feedback from Council about scheduling a closed
session as a followup to his evaluation earlier in the year. Council concurred that this session
should be scheduled.
Motion by Darcy, second by Weste, to adjourn the meeting at 7:26 p.m. Motion carried.
Sharon L. Dawson, CMC, City Clerk
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