12-1-16 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

b. Fiscal Year 2018 Application Process and Calendar Ms. Lloyd reported that the FY 18 application process would be the same as FY 17. Mr. O’Brien inquired about if the Board could hold a joint meeting with City Council to discuss FY 18 projects and prioritization. He wants City Council to understand the board process and reasons for selecting projects, as it is not based on politics. Board discussed timing of when to meet with Council, before or after a recommendation on the EDRST budget. Board agreed to condense th the FY 18 budget process. The Board will review applications on Feb 16, hold a public hearing ndth on March 2, recommend a budget on March 16, and then requested a study session with City th Council on March 27. Board then voted on new calendar and application process. Board members expressed interest in discussing EDRST process, criteria, and funding guidelines with City Council. Board spends many hours reviewing projects and determining best use of EDRST funds and City Council should understand the process prior to voting on the EDRST budget. c. Create Space Update and status Per the Board’s request at the August meeting, Create Space came to the Board meeting to provide a status update on the Create Space Generator program. Ms. Li and Mr. Vaughn provided the Board with an over view of the program at the retail location on Delmar Blvd. 20 artists are currently in the incubator program. They sell artisan goods at the Delmar retail store while taking classes on Tuesday evenings to learn about financing, marketing, small batch production, etc. Ms. Li showed the Board a video made by a national production company on the maker movement in which Create Space was featured. Ms. Li told the Board that the Kitchen and Make Space are still on hold. There is currently no funding for the project to move forward. The Create Space Board continues to expand and they are applying for additional grants and foundation support for the Generator program. After the presentation, the Board requested that staff provide City Council with a report on the Maker Movement. City Council may not understand the economic impact of makers and artists in a community. Ms. Lloyd agreed to prepare the report for City Council. Mr. Lenard stated he heard concerns in the community about using the EDRST funds for a private building. Mr. Kulhman stated that the EDRST funds are already used for private business including the façade program and forgivable loan program. Also, if the program fails, the City could have an agreement in place to recoup funds if the building is sold. Ms. Lloys also told the Board that the City of Hazelwood uses about one million a year in EDRST funds and provides them to private businesses. Mr. Lenard indicated that the program needs to be viewed as an investment. He also stated that the public still doesn’t understand the use of the EDRST funds and guidelines. The purpose of the funds is to help spur economic development and a public-private partnership is a great way to accomplish Economic Development programs. Board agreed that City Council should reconsider funding Create Space in FY17 and requested staff to prepare a budget amendment for City Council. Board voted unanimously for a budget amendment of $150,000 to be sent City Council for Create Space.