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HomeMy WebLinkAboutEDC 2019-11-07 minutes.pdfCity of Maple Ridge ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE REGULAR MEETING The Minutes of the Regular Meeting of the Economic Development Committee, held in the Bridges Boardroom, at Maple Ridge Municipal Hall on Thursday, November 7, 2019 at 5:00 pm. COMMITTEE MEMBERS PRESENT Dominic Kotarski, Chair Camilla Brown Chrislana Gregory Al Hogarth Councillor Yousef STAFF MEMBERS PRESENT Darrell Denton Bruce Livingstone Karen Hansen REGRETS/ABSENTS Josef Hans-Lara Tom Meier Ol iver Perez James Zelinski 1. CALL TO ORDER Community at Large Community at Large Community at Large Community at Large City of Maple Ridge Staff Liaison/ Acting Director Economic Development & Civic Property Business Retention and Expansion Officer Economic Development & Civic Property Administrative Assistant Economic Development & Civic Property Community at Large Community at Large Community at Large Community at Large There being a quorum present the Chair called the meeting to order at 5:04 pm 2. AGENDA ADOPTION R19-018 It was moved and seconded That the Agenda of November 7, 2019 be adopted CARRIED 3. MINUTE ADOPTION R19-019 It was moved and seconded That the Minutes of September 5, 2019 be adopted. CARRIED EDC Minutes November 7, 2019 Page 2 of3 4. NEW AND UNFINISHED BUSINESS R19-020 4.1 UPDATE FROM BUSINESS RETENTON AND EXPANSION (BRE) OFFICER The BRE officer reported that he had attended the Fraser Valley Tech show in Chilliwack and the show had good attendance and was run well. He also reported that, along with the Staff Liaison and Counsellor Yousef, he had attended the BCE DA Minister's dinner. 4.2 Electric Boats for commuting on the Fraser River Counsellor Yousef described the idea of using electric boats to carry foot passengers from Maple Ridge to New Westminster. It was moved and seconded That the EDC request that Council direct Economic Development staff to explore the feasibility of using the river as a transportation corridor for commuters, tourists and goods. CARRIED 5. STAFF LIAISON UPDATE 5.1 Status of Economic Development Committee Membership and council report The staff liaison explained that the final report to Council with regard to the Advisory Committee review will be sometime in the next few weeks. It is expected that the new policy will be in effect before the end of the year. 5.2 Setting date for holiday dinner The meeting date of December 5 is confirmed. 6. SUB-COMMITTEE REPORTS 6.1 Growth -Justice Institute tour a) Report on follow-up with Justice Institute Counsellor Yousef stated that the Justice Institute is ready for the introduction of new classes at their site. The Staff Liaison stated that there is a new sign for the Justice Institute in the works. b) Staff report on Canadian regulations for specialized technical schools for subjects such as synthetic biology. The BRE officer explained the process that the universities take to have programs approved. 6.2 Bylaws and how they affect business a) Locations/zoning reporting on effects on business b) Supports for business, fast tracking start ups, from permits, to licenses, to Tl work, etc. Our take away -define for end goal EDC Minutes November 7, 2019 Page 3 of 3 R19-021 It was moved and seconded That the EDC create a task force to look into possible changes to current policies that will encourage new businesses to start in Maple Ridge. CARRIED 7. ROUNDTABLE Nothing to report. 8. ADJOURNMENT It was moved and seconded That the meeting be adjourned at 7:20 pm. ~·Ktk air, omin1c o ars 1 /kh