Item 19 Staff Report Recommendation on the Formation of an Economic Vitality RoundtableCOUNCIL AGENDA REPORT
DATE: AUGUST 12, 2003
TO: MAYOR AND TOWN COUNCIL
FROM: DEBRA J. FIGONE, TOWN MANAGER
SUBJECT:
MEETING DATE: 8/18/03
ITEM NO.
RECOMMENDATION ON THE FORMATION OF AN ECONOMIC
VITALITY ROUNDTABLE
RECOMMENDATION:
That the Council consider a recommendation that the Los Gatos Chamber of Commerce Business
Forums serve the purpose of the Economic Vitality Roundtable
BACKGROUND:
At its meeting of January 21, 2003, the Council directed staff to further develop the concept of an
Economic Vitality Roundtable and report back with recommendations. Subsequently, staff evaluated
the formation of a Roundtable and reported back to Council on April 21, 2003 with
recommendations. A copy of that Council Agenda Report is attached (Attachment 1) for Council's
review.
DISCUSSION:
Following the April 21, 2003 Council meeting, staff began the process to obtain applicants to serve
on the Roundtable. An application was developed, articles written in the local newspapers,
information posted on the Town's web site, information distributed by the Chamber of Commerce
to its members and targeted mailings made to certain individuals and organizations. We received
seven well qualified applicants as indicated in Attachment 2. However, in reviewing the April 21,
2003 Council Agenda Report we determined that did not have representation from many of the
business sectors that were desirable. Staff was prepared to conduct further outreach in order to
include the broad cross-section of the business community needed for the success of the Roundtable.
PREPARED BY: Marty Woodworth
Redevelopment and Economic Vitality Director
Reviewed by: Q Assistant Town Manager C-Town Attorney Clerk Finance
' J (Community Development Revised: 8/12/03 10:37 am
Reformatted: 5/30/02
PAGE 2
MAYOR AND TOWN COUNCIL
SUBJECT: ECONOMIC VITALITY ROUNDTABLE
August 12, 2003
Since the concept of the Roundtable was first discussed in January, 2003 the Chamber of Commerce
has begun a program to outreach to the business community by hosting forums on specific topics of
interest. In July, 2003, the Chamber hosted its first forum which focused on commercial rent issues.
Landlords, tenants and other interested business persons attended and had a good discussion about
issues and concerns.
Given the success of the first forum, the Chamber is planning on initiating a program to host regular
forums on various topics of interest to the business community. Some of the forums may focus on
issues of concern to businesses in Los Gatos, while others will provide information and training to
businesses on such topics as marketing, advertising, and other business needs of small businesses.
Staff has discussed these forums with the Chamber and we both believe that the forums will meet
the objectives that we were hoping to achieve with the Economic Vitality Roundtable. Most
importantly, they will provide candid feedback to the Town from the business community regarding
economic vitality issues and actions the Town may wish to consider. The forums have the benefit
of being hosted by the Chamber, and not the Town, thereby potentially providing more candid
feedback to the Town regarding its role in economic vitality issues. The Town staff will attend the
forums, and in some cases may be the keynote presentation, however, meetings will be held at a
location other than Town Hall in order to help foster an open discussion environment.
It should be noted that in addition to the Roundtable/Business Forums, the Town Council has
initiated significant efforts to reach out to and assist the business community in the past year. Some
of the most significant efforts are as follows:
• Adoption of the Town's first Economic Vitality Program in summer, 2002
• Business outreach meetings scheduled for five business districts of the Town with Los Gatos
Blvd., Northside, and Belgatos areas now complete
Assisted in the formation of the Hotel Association
Extensive outreach to the Los Gatos Auto Dealers
Meeting with office/R&D owners and brokers
Marketing and promotion for the Downtown during construction
Downtown liaison during construction
Implementation of a new banner program for Downtown and Los Gatos Blvd.
• Business visitation program and business surveys
• Speaker requests and presentation requests honored
• Recruitment of businesses on a case by case basis
• Business liaison and support through the permitting process
PAGE 3
MAYOR AND TOWN COUNCIL
SUBJECT: ECONOMIC VITALITY ROUNDTABLE
August 12, 2003
CONCLUSION:
It is recommended that the Council utilize the Chamber of Commerce's Business Forums in order
to obtain feedback from the business community on economic vitality issues. Staff will notify those
that have applied for the Roundtable to inform them of the forums as a way to participate and thank
them for their interest. This recommendation in no way precludes the Town from hosting ad hoc
meetings on economic vitality issues or re -initiating the Roundtable concept or similar forums as
may be warranted.
ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT:
Is not a project defined under CEQA, and no further action is required.
FISCAL IMPACT:
No direct fiscal impact.
Attachments:
1. Council Agenda Report of April 21, 2003
2. List of applicants for Economic Vitality Roundtable
Distribution:
Ronee Nassi, Executive Director
Los Gatos Chamber of Commerce
N:\DEV\MartylEconomic Vitality Programlroundtablereportaug03.wpd
COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT
DATE: APRIL 15, 2003
TO: MAYOR AND TOWN COUNCIL
FROM: DEBRA J. FIGONE, TOWN MANAGER
SUBJECT:
MEETING DATE: 4/21/03
ITEM NO.
2,(
COUNCIL DIRECTION ON THE FORMATION OF THE ECONOMIC
VITALITY ROUNDTABLE
RECOMMENDATION:
That the Council provide staff direction on the formation of the Economic Vitality Roundtable
including the following:
1. Roundtable purpose/mission
2. Format/structure/composition
3. Selection process
BACKGROUND:
At its meeting of January 21, 2003 the Council directed staff to further develop the concept of an
Economic Vitality Roundtable and report back with recommendations. Staff has since studied the
formation of the Roundtable and the following are concepts for the Council to consider and discuss
in order to proceed:
DISCUSSION:
Purpose and Mission
Based on Council input and further analysis, staff recommends the following framework for
Council's consideration:
Mission Statement: To advise the Town Council on economic vitalitypolicies and programs needed
to support and enhance the business community's contribution to the quality of life in Los Gatos
during the economic downtown.
PREPARED BY: Marty Woodworth/"
C!�
Redevelopment Manager
Reviewed by: YS3 Assistant Town Manager Town Attomey Clerk Finance
Community Development Revised: 4/17/03 1:05 pm
Reformatted: 5/30/02
ATTACHMENT 1
PAGE 2
MAYOR AND TOWN COUNCIL
SUBJECT: COUNCIL DIRECTION ON THE FORMATION OF THE ECONOMIC
VITALITY ROUNDTABLE
April 15, 2003
Goals and Objectives:
• To promote a healthy local economic environment
• To promote the provision of local goods and services to Los Gatos residents
• To promote local business and generate tax revenues for the Town that can be used to
provide high quality municipal services to Los Gatos residents
• To represent the interests of all segments of the local business community including retail,
service, business to business, R&D and office
Desired Outcomes: Council should consider the desired outcomes it would like from the Roundtable.
One suggestion is that the work of the Roundtable result in a report to the Town Council including,
but not limited to, the following topics:
• A review of the role of the business community in Town finances and the inter -relationship
between business and residential segments of Los Gatos
• The key indicators that will help Town staff and the Council monitor the economic vitality
of Los Gatos while pointing out the "red flags" that the Town should monitor
The challenges in building and maintaining a strong, healthy business community in Los
Gatos. What obstacles keep businesses from locating and growing here and what can the
Town do?
• The opportunities for strengthening the Town's economic base. What goods and services
are missing from the mix? What business/industry segments would find Los Gatos desirable
for a unique set of reasons?
• Is there value in creating a permanent Economic Vitality Roundtable?
Duration of Roundtable: It is recommended that the Roundtable meet for a period of one year or
less and forward recommendations to the Council per the "Desired Outcomes" outlined above. At
the end of the year period, the Council may wish to discuss formation of a permanent business
advisory committee.
The Roundtable can function as an "ad hoc" committee (not subject to the Brown Act) which should
stimulate a candid, internal and hopefully creative "think tank" environment. All recommendations
of the Roundtable would ultimately be considered by Council in an open public session.
Format and Composition
The composition of the roundtable is envisioned to reflecra cross representation of key business
sectors in the community and representation from different commercial areas of Town. However,
it is important to balance this interest with the interest of having a manageable number of members
on the Roundtable with the realities of the number of business persons that might be interested in
serving. The following is a recommended composition to achieve this objective. Further
refinements can be made based on direction from the Council. Further refinement might also occur
"naturally" as the application process determines the level of interest by the business community.
PAGE 3
MAYOR AND TOWN COUNCIL
SUBJECT: COUNCIL DIRECTION ON THE FORMATION OF THE ECONOMIC
VITALITY ROUNDTABLE
April 15, 2003
The Chamber of Commerce has submitted a memorandum (Attachment 1) that discusses the
composition and format of the Roundtable that they would like the Council to consider.
The question of whether or not Councilmembers should serve on the Roundtable has been raised.
Council direction is needed on this issue including the number and method of selection.
Frequency of Meetings: Quarterly or more often as may be needed
Composition of the Roundtable: Two options are presented for consideration:
Option # 1: Business Sector Method: Under this approach the ten to fifteen largest business
sectors or types would be identified. This might include banking, auto dealers, retail, personal
service, restaurant, hotel, etc. We would then undertake targeted outreach to these sectors and ask
them to submit applications for persons interested in serving on the Roundtable.
Option # 2: Specific Business Types and Broad Based Outreach: Under this approach the
following categories are identified as those generally desired to be represented on the Roundtable.
Outreach would be broad -based as indicated below.
• Chamber of Commerce including the Executive Director and the Chamber President or
Board Member
• Los Gatos Community Hospital administrator
• Downtown property owner
• Downtown business owner
Los Gatos Blvd. property owner
• Los Gatos Blvd. business owner
• Auto Dealer
• Hotel/motel General Manager or owner
• Office/R&D owner, manager or broker
• Commercial realtor
• Residential realtor
Banking community representative
Residential builder
• High tech company representative
• RetaiI: a representative from each the Northside Downtown, Vasona/Rinconada, and
Union/Harding areas
• Personal service
• Town staff including the Town Manager, Community Development Director, and
Redevelopment Manager
PAGE 4
MAYOR AND TOWN COUNCIL
SUBJECT: COUNCIL DIRECTION ON THE FORMATION OF THE ECONOMIC
VITALITY ROUNDTABLE
April 15, 2003
Under this approach outreach is intended to reach a broad cross section of the business community
in order to fill seats on the Roundtable. An outreach process that is similar to that currently being
used for fill the Gateways Design Working Group could be used. The outreach effort would include
articles in the Daily, Weekly, and Mercury News; information and applications on the Town's web
site; working through the Chamber of Commerce and contacting their membership to inform them
of the opportunity and targeted outreach to specific groups and individuals that may have an interest
in serving. Council may provide staff the names of groups and individuals to contact as well. By
having this broad outreach program, staff would hope to have a pool of qualified applicants from
which to choose.
Options for selecting individuals to serve on the Roundtable. The following are two options for
Council to consider in selecting the membership of the Roundtable:
Option #1: The Town Manager would review all the applications and possibly conduct
interviews to recommend a list of individuals to serve. The Council would review the
recommendations at a Council meeting and make the final determination.
Option #2: The Mayor would appoint a Council sub -committee to review applications and
possibly conduct interviews and forward a recommendation to the full Council for
approval.
Facilitation of Meeting: Staff recommends that a skilled facilitator be employed to assist the group
at least for the initial meeting. The facilitator should have economic development experience that
can help the group focus on specific issues of importance to the economic vitality of the community.
Staff will need to undertake research prior to recommending a specific person for this task.
CONCLUSION:
The formation of the Economic Vitality Roundtable comprised of a broad cross-section of the
business community should provide the Council with a mechanism to receive valuable information
from the business community about maintaining and enhancing a strong and healthy business
community in the Town. This Council Agenda Report is intended to provide a framework for
Council discussion regarding a number of important aspects of the Roundtable.
ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT:
Is not a project defined under CEQA, and no further action is required.
PAGE 5
MAYOR AND TOWN COUNCIL
SUBJECT; COUNCIL DIRECTION ON THE FORMATION OF THE ECONOMIC
VITALITY ROUNDTABLE
April 15, 2003
FISCAL IMPACT:
The formation and administration ofthe Roundtable will be undertaken with existing staff resources,
with the exception of a paid facilitator to be paid for with RDA funds. It is anticipated that the
recommendations of the Roundtable will have a positive impact on the Los Gatos business
community and result in the retention of established businesses and attraction of new businesses to
Town. It is anticipated that the recommendations of the Roundtable could result in increased locally
generated revenues for the Town that can be used to support Town provided services to its residents
and businesses.
Attachments:
1. Memorandum from the Los Gatos Chamber of Commerce
Distribution:
Los Gatos Chamber of Commerce
N;10EV\MartylEconomic Vitality Programlroundtabletcreportapril2103.wpd
Town of Los Gatos
Chamber of Commerce
Economic Roundtable Chamber Recommendations
1. The roundtable should be co-chaired by a council member and the Chamber
President,
2. The mission of the roundtable should be: Identify economic issues and
concerns and make recommendations to the Town Council and Administration to
consider how to improve the Los Gatos economy.
3. The composition of the group: 10-12 representatives of business and
industry in Los Gatos. The group should represent various sectors of
business (retail, services, hospitality, automotive, technology, real
estate, etc.) and also represent the geographic areas of Town (downtown, the
boulevard, Blossom Hill, Vasona Station, Winchester, University Ave, etc.),
4. Objectives:
a. To define the elements of economic vitality that the Town can influence;
b. To develop a statement of issues and concerns that are perceived as
impediments to economic vitality;
c. To propose a list of things the Town can do to help local businesses be
more successful and improve the Town's economic vitality.
5. The economic vitality roundtable should focus specifically on hearing
from the business community. Other groups in Town will have the opportunity
to review and comment on the roundtable's recommendations through the Town
Council's public process.
6. Participation by Town staff will be essential to assist the roundtable in
organizing, conducting its meetings and preparing its advisory reports to
the Town Council.
Attachment #1
ECONOMIC VITALITY ROUNDTABLE
REQUEST FOR APPLICANTS
Local businesses play a vital role in the community by providing goods and services to Los Gatos
residents, providing employment opportunities, and generating tax revenues that are used to pay for
important Town services such as police and fire protection, street repairs, and parks. The Town
values businesses' contributions and is taking proactive steps to support the success of the business
community. This is particularly important during this time of economic uncertainty.
To obtain feedback and recommendations from businesses about how the Town can better serve
businesses, the Town Council has established the Economic Vitality Roundtable (the "Roundtable").
The Roundtable will be comprised of representatives from a broad range of business sectors and
geographic areas within Los Gatos to reflect broad views and interests. It is anticipated that the
Roundtable will be made up of approximately 15 representatives from the business community as
well as Town staff and representatives from the Chamber of Commerce and will meet monthly for
a period not to exceed one year. The Roundtable will make recommendations to the Town Council
on issues such as how the Town can work to strengthen the economic base, the challenges facing
businesses in Los Gatos, key economic indicators to monitor and others as decided by the
Roundtable. The attached pages provide more details on the role and responsibilities of the
Roundtable.
At this time the Town is accepting applications from individuals wishing to serve on the
Roundtable. Please fill out and return the attached application or visit the Town's web -site at:
www.town.los-gatos.ca.us (click on "What's New and go to Economic Vitality Roundtable) to
obtain an application. Please fill out the application indicating your interest and skills. The Town
will review the qualifications and representations of the applicants in order to select those to serve
on the Roundtable. The Economic Vitality Roundtable is an outstanding opportunity to serve the
Los Gatos community and help direct its economic future.
Applications should be sent via U.S. Mail, fax or e-mail no later than June 15, 2003 to:
Marty Woodworth, Redevelopment Manager
Town of Los Gatos
P.O. Box 949
Los Gatos, CA 95031
e-mail: niwoodworth@town.los-gatos.ca.us
fax: (408) 354-7593
Questions regarding the Working Group can be directed to Marty Woodworth at (408) 354-6812.
ECONOMIC VITALITY ROUNDTABLE
APPLICATION
PLEASE FILL OUT THE APPLICATION COMPLETELY AND RETURN BY
JUNE 15, 2003 TO:
Marty Woodworth
Redevelopment Manager
Town of Los Gatos
P.O. Box 949
Los Gatos, CA 95031
e-mail: mwoodworth@town.los-gatos.ca.us
fax: (408) 354-7593
Questions regarding the Roundtable can be directed to Marty Woodworth at (408) 354-6812.
Name:
Home Address:
Business Address:
Your Business Title:
Phone: Home: Work:
E-Mail Address:
Do you live in the Town of Los Gatos and for how long?
Do you work in the Town of Los Gatos and for how long?
Please indicate briefly why you would be interested in serving on the Economic Vitality
Roundtable:
Page 1 of 2
Please indicate briefly what your vision would be for how the Town and the business community
can work together in partnership for the collective good of the community:
Please indicate briefly why you believe your background and experience would make you a
valuable member of the Economic Vitality Roundtable:
Please indicate briefly other Los Gatos community participation or volunteer positions that you
have held that would prepare you to serve on the Roundtable:
Please indicate the best time for you to meeting as follows:
Days of week best for you to meet - please indicate:
Best Time of Day to meet: 8 am to 9:30 am:
5pm to 7 pm:
6pm to 8 pm:
Page 2 of 2
N:\DEV\MartylEconomic Vitality Program\ROUNDTABLEAPPLICATIONMAY03.wpd
ATTACHMENT 2
ECONOMIC VITALITY ROUNDTABLE APPLICANTS - JULY, 2002
• Jim Derryberry, resident and Chamber Board Member
• Phil Johnson, President, Chamber of Commerce
• Ronee Nassi, Executive Director, Chamber of Commerce
• Patti Rice, owner, Spa of Los Gatos and Chamber Board Member
• Margaret Smith, owner Domus and Chamber Board Member
• David Taxin and Marshall Kelly, Meacham Oppenheimer Retail Real Estate Brokers
• David Yick, Management and Financial Services Consultant
ATTACHMENT 2
Town Council Minutes August 18, 2003
Redevelopment Agency Los Gatos, California
OLD TOWN/SPECIAL EVENTS PERMIT CONTINUED
The following people spoke to this item:
Chris Miller spoke highly of the teen event. He asked for expansion of this type of activity at Old
Town.
Ray Davis asked that more information on special events be noted for the public. •
Mr. Padilla enjoyed the teen event with his daughters and is looking forward to doing more at the
ampitheater for the whole community.
Lisa Hauck with the wine cellar restaurant was present to support the planned event calendar.
Motion by Mr. Glickman, seconded by Mr. Wasserman, to approve the issuance of a special event
permit for Old Town series of activities. Carried by a vote of 4 ayes. Ms McNutt abstained.
GATEWAY DESIGN WORKING GROUP FORMATION (18.27)
Marty Woodworth gave an overview of the idea for the formation of this program and explained who
might be asked to serve on this group activity.
Ms McNutt asked that no additional funds be spent on "Welcome to Los Gatos" signs in the downtown
and noted that the Gateway Design Working Group should focus on designing "end caps" (design features)
for the downtown rather than Gateways into Town.
Motion by Ms McNutt, seconded by Mr. Glickman, to move forward on this proposal and approve the
design group of eleven people. Carried unanimously.
ECONOMIC VITALITY ROUNDTABLE FORMATION (19.27)
Marty Woodworth spoke of the formation of the Economic Vitality Roundtable and how the
Chamber's Business Forum is taking on the activities of the roundtable at this time.
Ms McNutt asked that Council not abandon this activity yet. She asked that more be done to get
individuals to participate. Businesses need more time to get involved in the mission that was set out
for this advisory group. The roundtable was envisioned as a group of representative businesses that
would meet and then conference with Council giving insight and ideas on what may be needed to help
and encourage the economic health of our community. She spoke of Council being proactive in locating
and identifying leadership in the business community to serve this advisory roll. She also asked that
the roundtable be held once or twice a year with full community notification on the issues to be
discussed, and that notes be taken and reviewed with Council for further consideration.
Council 1) directed staff to attend and participate in business forums sponsored by the Chamber of
Commerce and to report information back to Council; 2) directed staff to facilitate quarterly Council
Study Sessions at which the Council could receive input on specific economic vitality issues and discuss
issues and actions.
Debra Figone, Town Manager, noted that staff would continue the ongoing partnership with the
Chamber of Commerce and continue planning for workshops and avenues of participation.
Ray Davis spoke against this activity and does not want to see an Economic Vitality Program
implemented in Los Gatos.
[V:\CLK\Council Minutes12003\M 08-18-03.wpd
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