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HomeMy WebLinkAboutEDC 2020-09-10 minutes.pdf City of Maple Ridge ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE REGULAR MEETING The Minutes of the Regular Meeting of the Economic Development Committee, held on-line via ZOOM Thursday, September 10, 2020 at 5 pm ____________________________________________________________________________________ COMMITTEE MEMBERS PRESENT Dominic Kotarski, Chair Community at Large Camilla Brown Community at Large Chrislana Gregory Community at Large Al Hogarth Community at Large Tom Meier Community at Large Councillor Yousef City of Maple Ridge STAFF MEMBERS PRESENT Wendy Dupley Staff Liaison / Director, Economic Development Karen Hansen Administrative Assistant, Economic Development REGRETS/ABSENTS James Zelinski Community at Large Bruce Livingstone Business Retention and Expansion Officer, Economic Development 1. CALL TO ORDER There being a quorum present the Chair called the meeting to order at 5:00 pm 2. AGENDA ADOPTION R20-10 It was moved and seconded That the Agenda of September 10, 2020 be adopted. CARRIED 3. MINUTE ADOPTION R20-11 It was moved and seconded That the Minutes of July 15, 2020 be adopted. CARRIED EDC Minutes September 10, 2020 Page 2 of 3 4. NEW AND UNFINISHED BUSINESS 4.1 Intelligent Communities Forum: Ms. Dupley referred to the press release (attached to agenda package) for the Intelligent Communities Forum that will be taking place in February of 2021 in partnership with ICF and the Township of Langley. The EDC members could help to spread the word about the event and provide assistance with seeking sponsorship. 4.2 Site Selector Tool: Ms. Dupley reported that the City’s IT department has agreed on a GIS product and will support the recommendation of leasing the product for the use of the Economic Development Department. 5. STAFF LIAISON UPDATE 5.1 Other Departments/Status of the OCP, Property rezoning list, Streamlining business licencing with file managers In response to the query from the committee regarding the status of the OCP, whether there is a list of potential properties up for rezoning and the possibility of putting into place a system whereby a file manager would be assigned to each incoming business license, Ms. Dupley researched the answers from the appropriate City departments and reported back to the committee. 5.2 Tourism: Kathryn Baird shared a PowerPoint presentation highlighting some of the activities undertaken by the Tourism Department this year. 5.3 Community Leaders Event: Ms. Dupley reported on the upcoming Community Leaders event that is scheduled to take place on October 14. This will be done in virtual format this year in order to provide a safe venue for everyone. The plan is to include the local MLAs, the MP and Mayor Morden. 5.4 Business Walk: The Economic Development Department along with members of Mayor and Council, the DMRBIA and the Chamber of Commerce and other individuals will be reaching out to local businesses “virtually” with a questionnaire. Last year, this exercise was completed in the downtown core only but this year will be expanded to include businesses in other areas of Maple Ridge. 5.5 Economic Development Strategy: Ms. Dupley explained that she is hopeful the work on the Economic Development Strategy will be included in the 2021 work plan. EDC Minutes September 10, 2020 Page 3 of 3 6. DISCUSSION RE FUTURE ENDEAVOURS FOR EDC R20-12 It was moved and seconded That a task force be created that will make recommendations on business friendliness and economic development to improve communication and expediency within City Hall while working within Council’s Strategic Plan. CARRIED R20-13 It was moved and seconded That a recommendation is made to Maple Ridge Council to extend the expanded patio program indefinitely, and further direct staff to authorize the winterization of patios on city property through the use of tents, louvered roofs, and heaters. CARRIED 7. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at 7:02 pm. Chair, Dominic Kotarski /kh