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c. FY 15 Olive Reserves – Public/Private Partnership for a Culinary Kitchen City staff summarized a proposal to use EDRST reserves to enter into a public/private partnership to help support a culinary kitchen on Olive Boulevard. The City would provide $100,000 in funds for the incubator program. Through the City’s Better Block events on Olive Boulevard and research into the entrepreneurial ecosystem, staff determined there is a need for an additional culinary kitchen in the St. Louis region to house small batch production, specialty goods, and food trucks. The concept, Kitchen Space, would be co- located with Make Space, the City supported artisan co-working space. The City would enter into an agreement with Kitchen Space outlining the City’s benefits before funding was released. Board members asked a series of questions to the property owner, Mr. Li. The Board was interested in knowing about the private funds being invested in the kitchen and the program elements that would benefit University City. Mr. Li explained that build-out costs for the kitchen are very expensive and the funds obtain from University City would be used for some kitchen equipment costs. The total build-out for the kitchen is $580,658. Mr. Li indicated that University City residents would get a rent reduction for Kitchen use and free monthly programming on food preparation and nutrition. Mr. Leonard commented that it would be a worthwhile investment. Businesses can graduate from the Kitchen incubator to open restaurants or food production facilities in University City. By being in University City, they are exposed to the great resources and the incentive programs being offered. The Board approved the use of EDRST reserve funds for the program, 3-0 vote. Other Business a. Public Comments Gail Snider – Ms. Snider is the Executive Director of the University City Chamber of Commerce. She provided a statement regarding Kitchen Space. The Chamber fully supports the concept of incubating businesses in University City. She indicated that younger people, millennials, are working in these environments and want more opportunities to incubate before opening a brick and mortar. University City and the Chamber can’t provide these opportunities, so partnering with a private entity that can is a wise use of the funds. Deb Henderson – Ms. Henderson is the Executive Director of the Midtown Farmers Market. Ms. Henderson updated the Board on the Farmers Market season. She indicated that the market did really well at the beginning of the trolley construction and then dipped by 50% in the middle of the summer. The Market went from 1000 people a day down to 450 people. The Market will include a Winter Market in December. Farmers from the Market received international press. Kevin Taylor, 7022 Canton Ave. – Mr. Taylor inquired to the Board how the Kitchen Space fit into the City’s overall Comprehensive Plan? Was it included in the Economic Development recommendations? He asked the Board to consider the long-term economic development impact of decisions. He also inquired about data for use of the funds. How are funds distributed to Delmar versus Olive Blvd. He stated that there appears to be a lack of data. Reports a. Council Liaison Report – Mayor Welch had to leave the meeting a little early and did not provide an update. 2