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HomeMy WebLinkAbout05-17-2012 Special * ct�r oF_�� * CITY COUNCIL ,� SUMMARY OF RETREAT � � WASHINGTON May 17 and 18, 2012 The Aubum City Council met in a special session on May 17 and 18, 2012 in oriier to conduct its annual retreat to discuss City projects and other topics related to Council vision and goals, and particularly economic development. The session was conducted at the Fort Worden State Park and Conference Center, Seminar Building, located at 200 Battery Way in Port Townsend, Washington. Mayor Lewis called the meeting to order at 10:30 a.m. and welcomed the following Councilmembers: Deputy Mayor Nancy Backus, Rich Wagner, Bill Peloza, John Partridge, Largo Wales, Vllayne Osborne, and John Holman. Staff members present included: Planning and Community Development Director Kevin Snyder; Public Works Director Dennis Dowdy; Finance Director Shelley Coleman; Innovation and Technology Director Lorrie Rempher, Parks, Arts and Recreation Director Daryl Faber; Economic Development Manager Doug Lein; Communications Manager Dana Hinman; Executive Assistant Tamie Bothell; Human Services Manager Michael Hursh, Council 8ecretary Antoinette Manthey, and Ciry Clerk Danielle Daskam. Guest present was Scot Pondelick. Session 1 — Retreat Introduction Mayor Lewis welcomed the Council and spoke ab.out Council vis.ioning for 2048 with anticipated populafion of 120,000, and decisions on where population density should be located, transportation corridors, and business centers. The goal of the retreat is to set a framework to guide the City into the future. Deputy Mayor Backus provided opening remarks and encouraged the Councilmemb.ers to check out the "buckets" of fun to help Council be creative. Deputy Mayor Backus encouraged Councilmembers to be enthusiastic, have fun, don't be hampered by adult concerns, thinK long-te�m, think big and broad, have no fear, tangents are okay, challenge themselves and others, and ask questions. Page 1 CiN of Aubum Councll Retreat Summarv Mav 17&18.2012 Planning and Gommunity DeveloPment Di�ector Kevin Snyder served as facilitator of the retreat session. He welcomed Council and, using a PowerRoint, reviewed the retreat theme, desired outcomes, fhe retreat process and the agenda. Finance Director Coleman presented the benefits of visioning (Session 2 of the agenda): o Breaks you out of boundary thinking . Identifes direction and purpose . Promotes interest and commitment • Encourages openness and unique and creative solutions . Builds loyaity through involvement • Results in efficiency and productivity Council reviewed Auburn's current vision for the future: As a City of regional signifrcance, proud of its small town heritage as well as the diversity of its peop/e and neighborhoods, Aubum offers an opportunity for people of all ages to enjoy life. Session 2— Primer on Key Efforts to Date for Economic Development Director Snyder led a discussion on economic development by reviewing the formal definitions of economic development. Councilmember Wagner noted that all have the quality of life component. Director Snyder asked Councilmemb:ers what economic development means to them as elected leaders and citizens of Auburn. Some responses included` . People . Profit • Sustainability . Foundation • Equitable . Attractive e Enrichment quality of life . Ability to attract e Fun . Transparency • Choose to live as a community—to live better • Everything is economic development Page 2 Citd of Auburn Council Retreat Summarv. _ Mav 17& 18.2012 . Benefits everyone • Public investment for long-term gain Councilmember Wales stated the City should have a catch phrase that ties people%ommunity into economic development. Other comments included: • It works to make sure the community is the best it can be. • Community is the reason for doing everything else. • Economic development circle — if's more about the journey. Director Snyder reviewed the components of economic development: innovation, planning, success, strategy. Reasons for doing economic development include: . Sustainability • Quality of life e If you're not at the table, you're on the menu • Managing change . Personal motivation . Selective . Think globally, act locally • Innovation, fresh vital • Build place, green initiatives e Sense of self, own identity e Sense of place e Openness to change • Sense of heritage . Family e Ability to serve all generations Director Snyder reviewed state regulatory context related to economic development, i.e. state cons#itution, the Growth Management Act, and other state law. Director Snyder also reviewed the economic development element of the Comprehensive Plan (planning statemen4). Director Snyder reminded Council that in 2005, the Council estab.lis.hed economic development strategy areas, targets and logistics for five target areas of the city. Page 3 City of Auburn Council Retreat SummarV Mav 17&18.2012 At 11:37, the Council recessed its work session for approximately five minutes. The Council reconvened at 11:43. Economic Development Manager poug Lein reviewed current economic development goals: • Estabiish city-wide target business sectors and development . New business development, relocation and recruitment • Curcent business retention and expansion . Business assistance through education and training . City-wide networking for future partnerships . Develop workforce deqelopment partners . Establish branding and reputation • Complete certification of Innovation Partnership Zone (IPZ) and formation Manager Lien spoke regarding IPZ intended to create a sustainable model for business and product development. The Auburn IPZ is a complex business ptan that brings the cutting-edge ideas and research programs to the manufacturers and businesses in Auburn. Auburn's IPZ is one of 15 in the state that will have access to state grants, external partnerships and other funding mechanisms. Ditector Snyder reviewed current economic development initiatives and programs: e Zoning Code update . Auburn Urban Center for Innovation Partnerships • Environmental Park DistricUGreen Zone -future business plan/marketing strategy • Downtown Urb.an Center . Comprehensive Downtown Parking Management Plan • Healthcare Overlay District . Cluster subdivision . Cottage housing . Auburn Way South Planning —future improvement and redevelopment • Airport Expansion —aerospace job training center At approximately 12:11 p.m;, the Council viewed the Terry Bradshaw video, "Profiles" on YouTube. Session 3 — Setting the Visioning State Page 4 Citv of Au6urn Council Retreat Summarv Mav 77 8 18.2012 Parks; Arts and Recreation Director Daryl Faber presented the history of parks. He stated much work has been done related to the economic value that cities and residents receiVed from their park and recreation sysfems. Director Faber directed the Council's attention to an analysis of the economic value of a city's park system conducted for the City of Wilmington, Delaware, and induded in the Council materials. Ideas presented during this discussion included: bus.inesses in the park, a retail village next to the Interurban Trail, and commercial connections to pefs in parks. Dire.ctor Snyder directed the Council through the Council "homeworlc" on 4he Four Pillars of Economic Development and the application to Aubum. Auburn's Built Capital inciudes: fhe promena.de, the A/B Street corridor, the airport, the golf course, Aubum justice center; Emerald Downs, Auburh School District, the "Y", Auburn Environmental Park, boardwalk, parks are centers for loc.al cherished Iocations, cemetery, heai4hcare overlay district, linking neighborhoods with sidewalks and trails, usable open public spaces, decisions on sidewalk in Auburn, housing in clo.se proximity to work. Auburn's Human Capital includes: community identity, Green River Co.mmunity College, Auburn School District, the Arts Commission, parks, manufacturing and skilled workforce, medical and dental, volunteers, fraternal and civic service groups, diversity, and the Aubu.rn International Farmers Market. Auburn's Natural Capital includes: wetlands, Green and White Rivers, Howard Hansen Dam, inexpensive electricity, clean water and air, solid waste system, Lake Tapps, parks, loca4ion, gateway to the mountains, Tree City, Auburn Environmental Park, agricultural area, photography, and aquifers and spnngs. Auburn's Social Capital includes: City Council, faith-based communities, the YMCA, municipal court, Performing Arts Center, civic and fraternal organizations, the museum, 1,000 nights of entertainment, diVersity, human services, symphony, agricultural history, Agricultural history, regional connections/partnerships, and theater. Deputy Mayor Backus reviewed Auburn values now and into the future: Family o Strong sense of family and personal relationships . Legacy to future generations Safety o Strong sense of security and well-being Page 5 Citv of Auburn Council Retreat Summarv Mav 17&18.2012 . Safe neighborhoods and public places . Responsive and proactive approach to public safety and emergency preparednes.s Faith • Individual religious beliefs . Freedom to worship • Connection between spiritual and physical well-being Community . Informed and engaged in community issues e Faith, respect and service to each other and our community e Sense of place . Embrace our history e Individual responsibility . Volunteerism . Diversity Environment . Healthy and inviting • Walkable neighborhoods and downtown • Parks are clean and friendly Business and Economic Vitaliry • Diverse opportunities for employment . Respected role in regional development . Entrepreneurial spirit . Commitment to ethical business Health Care o Responsive o Preventive philosophy o Focus on fitness e Mental well-being Education . Educated and culturally experienced citizens a Commitment to life-long leaming e Relationships with higher education institutions o Access to good libraries a Strong appreciation and respect for the arts Page 6 Citv of Auburn Council Retreat Summar4 Mav 17& 18.2012 Government . Responsible • Transparent and proactive • Commitment to accountability . Effectiveness . Engaged citizens Director Snyder led Counc.il discussion of Aubum's strengths and assets. Director Snyder reviewed the properties of a needs based economic development program versus an asset based economic development program.. A needs based economic development program focuses on issues, problems, and needs of a community; concentrates on the problems and needs or their causes; and devotes institutional energy, capaciry and resources to fixing the problems or their causes. An asset b.ased economic development program focuses on a community's strengths and assets; concenfrates on a community's c.apaci.ty not its deficits, builds an intemal and externai positive perception of the community; and leverages sfrengths and assets for enhanced economic development outcomes. Economic Development Manager Lein reviewed key themes from a recent survey of Auburn businesses: . Auburn's location is key business factor o Ciient base for current clients is primarily local . Tra�c is key business challenge . Transportation network is important— needs to be maintained and improved e City is viewed as business supportive The Council recessed at 2:00 p.m. for a fifteen minute break and reconvened at 2:21 p,m. Director Snyder reviewed other communities' examples of economic development prioritization and focus. Examples included the City of Beaverton, Oregon, who also initiated an incubator where the City confributed $1:3 million per year for three years. Other examples presented included 4he City of Rou.nd Rock, Texas; the City of Evanston, Illinois, the City of Medford, Oregon; the City of Mesa, Arizona, the City of Puyallup, Washington, the City of Fort Collins, Colorado; the City of Page 7 Citv of Auburb Council Retreat Summarv Mav 17& 18.2072 Portland, Oregon, the City of San Luis Obispo, California; the City of Gresham, Oregon, the City of Seattie; the City of Gilbert, Arizona; the City of Salem, Oregon; the City of Raleigh, North Carolina; and the City of Hillsboro, Oregon. Session 4 —Visioning Exercise —City of Auburn Key Business Sectors Council was asked to brainstorm and identify the City's key business sectors that will form the Ciry's long-term economic development priorities and direct business recruitment and retention, community marketing, policy deyeiopment and implementation, and capital investment. Healthcare Preventative, provision, research Higher Education/4 year 4 year internet university GRCC Manufacturing Drug manufacturing Medical device manufacturing, tie in to nearby research Advance manufacturing Recreation/Enter4a inment Tourism River tourism Biomedics manufacturing Aeronautical/airport Retail — Kevin cautioned that retail follows jobs Bio-Engineering Heavy manufacturing Transportation sales/senrices Value added warehousing Export/import, part of logistics Page 8 Cit4 of Auburn Council Retreat Summarv Mav 17 8 78.2012 Corporate headquarters IPZ: Ecosystem rainwater management, green energy manufacturing or research — reliabie energy services, logistics, product management, aerospace, construction technologies The Council recessed at 3:46 p.m. for a brief intermission and reconvened at 3:54 p:m. Auburn's key businesses were scored by Council and the results were: Healthcare Research, provision and prevention 3.9 Ecosystems Management— Green Engineering 3.9 Higher Education 3.75 Bio Research 3.75 AirportlAerospace 3.5 — airport expansion Construction Technology 2.8 Manufacturing 2.8 Tourism 2.5 Entertainment 2.2 Transportation Sales and Services 2.0 Logistics 2.0 River Tou�ism 1.8 The mee4ing adjourned at 4:30 p,m. to meet again on May 18, 2012 at 8:30 a.m. The Gity Council reconvened their meeting on May 18, 2012. Mayor Lewis called fhe meeting to order at 8:36 a.m. and spoke about old perceptions about Auburn and the need to look forward. Director Snyder led Council in discussion of the scored business sectors from yesterday's activities. Councilmember Wagner suggested veterans services be added to list of sectors. Councilmember Osborne questioned whether the results of scoring was 2012 thinking versus 2050 thinking. Council reviewed the list of business sectors withouYscores for possible adjustment of ranking. DirectorSnyder recommended no more than five key business focuses. Page 9 Citv of Auburn Council RetreatSummarv- Mav 17 8 18.2012 As an additional exercise, Director Snyder requested each Councilmember list their top five sectors. The overall result was: Manufacfuring, aerospace, entertainment, green engineering, healthcare The me.eting recessed at 9:36 a.m. and reconvened at 9:40 a.m. There was brief discussion regarding economic development strategy areas. A brief intermission took place at 9:48 a.m. The meeting reconvened at 9:53 a.m. There was discussion regarding mixed use zoning. Director Snyder directed the Council's focus to the City's economic deve.lopment strategy areas and opportunities for aligning identified Ciry key business sectors with the Economic Development Strategy Areas. The AEP is good for all business sectors and anything goes for zoning/uses. The North Auburn Strategy Area -Auburn Way N.orth from 152h to 277�' This a�ea is currently heavily used for the auto industry. Director Snyder suggested that by 2050 all car lots will be gone. Councilmembers agreed the area will include entertainment and high density housing. The Golden Triangle: will include entertainment, healthcare, restaurants, serVices, veterans and human services. The A Street Corridor (from Highway 18 down to Ellingson Road: will include the IPZ and high density housing. The Urban CenteNDowntown will include: healthcare, entertainment, high density housing, green engineering. M StreeUHarvey Road will include: services, mixed use corridor, and retail. The 312�h SU124�" area will include services and retail. The 15ih St SW and C St strategy area (mall) will include mixed use. The Council recessed at 10:42 a.m. for a brief break. The meeting reconyened at 10:57 a.m. Session 6 — Scale of Investrnent and Return on Investment Page 10 Citv of Aubum Council Retreat Summarv. .. Mav 17 8 18.2072 Director Snyder prqvided the Council virith several examples and of scale of investment and return on investment. Qirector Snyder stated return on investment is not only money but ofher gains; 10 to 1 is a normal investment ratio. There was discussion regarding focus of'strategy areas. Council agreed to focus first on Gold Triangle, AEP and Auburn Way South corridor areas. Director Snyder estimated a $50 to $70 million invesfinent is needed in 4he AEP district to draw priva#e inyestment; this is a significant investment for a small district. Manager Lein advised the area is within 4he IPZ, and there is a small amount of public money available. There was further discussion regarding the infrastrucfure needed for the AEP and a concept for a manufacturing village. Councilmembers offered the following long term projects that they would like to see worked on' divers'ity, community center, airport, attracting major corporate headquarters, Green River Community College, liigher education/fouryear, entrepreneurial district, green issues, research, development, bowling alley, aftracting mid-sized shows and concerts, driving range, non-vehicle transportation, intercity trolley, ice rink, multi-cultural events/parades, Youth Council. There being no further discussion, the meeting adjourned at 1:23 p.m. Page 11