12/09/1986 - Minutes ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE
MINUTES – DECEMBER 9, 1986
Present: John Savory, Kathy Budny, Amo De Bernardis, Jim Corliss,
Juanita Caday
Others: Stefano Zigretti, Dana Fadely, Mrs. Geraldine Ball, Liz Newton,
Duane Roberts, Bill Monahan, Valerie Johnson
Minutes of November 18 were reviewed and approved.
Amo reported on the workshop with the City Council. After a presentation at
the workshop, the idea of a task force was suggested by Councillor Johnson.
The membership of the task force has not been determined yet. Presently the
Council is considering an 18 month project which has a 7-9 person committee,
which has consistent participation. The Economic Development Committee should
act as a resource to the Task Force in a project which would take from 6-18
months.
The Council is :considering membership viith perhaps 2 members of the Economic
Development Committee plus a member from the Transportation Committee and
Utility and Franchise Committee. Other possibilities — architect, engineer,
others with a personal interest to serve.
Task Force would be advisory directly to Council.
Amo asked – What is Council commitment to the project – will they be prepared
to carry out the plan? Valerie Johnson stated, the Council needs to be
realistic to the political realities. An open process should create
enthusiasm, a model developed to stimulate interest and guide redevelopment of
the area. Valerie Johnson stated that if the Committee wants to take on the
responsibility of acting as the task force, that is a viable possibility. She
stated, however, that the commitment is much greater than normally expected of
a city standing committee. She also noted the City needs the Committee to
work on other projects within the work plan which are extremely important.
She noted that there are other important areas like the Tigard Triangle and
Pacific Highway which demand attention. .
Jim agreed with the concept, however, the committee wants to concentrate on
one project -and get done. John agreed and noted that the PSU involvement
should allow us to do that. He noted the Committee's responsibility is to
deal with city wide issues related to Economic Development, however the
committee, if it is interested, could take an active role and lead the project.
John commented that there may be a middle ground where the Committee could
take the lead but react to other concerns as needed. Jim supported the
concept of the task force with committee involvement. Amo-noted that the PSU
involvement is-a key.
Stefano suggests a technical advisory committee. Valerie encouraged 2-4
committee members who are willing to and can make the committee to get
{ involved in the task force.
John noted that the Committee chose the downtown because of the condition of
it.
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE MINUTES
PAGE 2
Task Force makeup - Stefano reiterated that committee people with experience
in a variety of areas are needed to react to staff input. Business people who
can react to plans realistically would be helpful, perhaps someone from
real estate who can react to market demands of the area to make sure the plan
is marketable. Also, a person who can identify the constraints that will
arise would be helpful. Plus, a person who can tell the group the reaction
that the business community will have - i.e. , what the first generator in the
area can be to get things moving. Main Street could be this generator or the
potential -widening of a portion of Pacific Highway. An early sounding board
to react to ideas will be an important role of the group.
Duane distributed an updated reference material list, traffic counts for the
area, and inventory data generated. There is a strong demand for moderate
income housing in the area. There is also a potential loss of 13% loss of .
jobs - related to the Albertson's move and Tektronix potential closure.
Approximately 1,240 jobs are in the area now.
Stefano noted the first task is to identify what Tigard is. Then, address the
traffic concerns to improve access to the area from Pacific Highway. Juanita
identified the problem that businesses use "Portland" as their mailing address.
Making Tigard visible should be a goal, Stefano stated. Stefano raised the
concern that people cannot visualize what the ideas and end products will be.
They need assistance by the development of a vocabulary which can be
understood including graphics to show the idea promoted.
Amo suggested that there needs to be a committee which reacts to ideas
developed by PSU and staff. Also, he anticipates that in the future grants
for urban renewal should be available as the cycle at the national level
shifts.
A special meeting is scheduled for 7:30 AM, Monday, December 15, 1986 at
Pioneer Pies.
The next regular meeting will be held on Tuesday, January 20, 1987 at 7:30 AM
at Pioneer Pies.
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