Town Business Liaison Committee

Town of Vienna 127 Center Street S Vienna, VA. 22180 p. 703-255-6300 TTY 8111 Meeting Minutes Town Business Liaison Committee Thursday, December 9, 2021 7:00 PM Charles A. Robinson, Jr. Town Hall, 127 Center Street, South 1. Resolution A. TBLC-21143 Resolution for Continuity of Government Chairman Leggett read into the record the Continuity of Government and called for a motion to accept. Motion, Committee member Jennifer Kiefhaber; second, Committee member Deepa Chapkrapani. Motion carried unanimously. 2. Roll Call Natalie Monkou, Manager, Economic Development called roll. Members present: Chairman Robert Leggett, Deepa Chakrapani (via ZOOM), Robert Holland, Peggy James (via ZOOM); Jennifer Kiefhaber (via ZOOM); Mark Lander (via ZOOM). Staff Present: Natalie Monkou, Economic Development Manager. 3. Approval of the Minutes: The minutes of October 14, 2021 and November 10, 2021 were approved as presented. Motion, Deepa Chakrapani; second, Mark Lander. Motion carried unanimously. A. TBLC-21144 Acceptance of October 14 and November 10 Minutes 4. Regular Business A. TBLC-21145 TBLC Membership Update Chairman Robert Leggett called on Deepa Chakrapani to provide an update. She indicated that, while contact has been made with various individuals, none have panned out. It was suggested that the Holiday season is a difficult time. Peggy James has also reached out to potential candidates. She plans to write an article for next week’s BBA newsletter. Natalie Monkou, Manager, Economic Development, requested a joint marketing effort with Ms. James to cover the Town Business Matters edition next week. Chairman Leggett tasked Deepa Chakrapani to provide a list of questions for use by Town Council when interviewing prospective Committee members. It was also suggested that candidates sign a “stewardship” agreement that entails the commitment B. TBLC-21147 Town of Vienna Page 1 Printed on 7/15/2022 Town Business Liaison Committee Meeting Minutes December 9, 2021 Update on Window Dressing Contest Chairman Leggett thanked Lily Widman, Recreation Program Coordinator, Parks and Recreation for her work on the project. The Contest has closed with 17 business and 34 household entries. Available photographs are encouraged to be shared on Facebook. Judging will be completed on December 15, 2021 and announced via Social Media on December 17, 2021. C. TBLC-21148 Update on Welcoming New Businesses Chairman Leggett recognized Robert Holland to provide the business contact assignments to Committee members. Additional discussion: • Home Based businesses should be included in effort; Robert Holland will send an email to members with a suggested process for contacting Home Based businesses; • Should reach out to businesses without business license for assistance; TBLC members serve as ambassadors and should assist the business in any way possible; these businesses are also served by the offices of Economic Development and Planning/Zoning; Peggy James will provide list of organizations available to assist new businesses. 5. New Business A. TBLC-21153 Meeting with Madison High School Counselors Chairman Leggett reported on a request from Madison High School Vice Principle to coordinate an internship program (WINGS) through TBLC. He is currently setting a meeting with the representatives from Madison High School, TBLC members and Mayor Colbert to discuss involvement. Peggy James noted that VBA would be very interested in participating in the program, suggesting that a presentation to the VBA by Madison representatives would be encouraged. Discussion suggested that VBA/TBLC could potentially seek out interested businesses for the benefit of the students. In addition, a list of activities/subjects to be addressed during the internship could be compiled by the two organizations. TBLC members expressed enthusiasm for involvement. B. TBLC-21154 Discussion of TBLC Rankings and Priorities from Market Study and Economic Development Strategy Chairman Leggett opened the floor for discussion of TBLC involvement. He suggested that one purpose of the Committee is to weigh in on these types of issues. Natalie Monkou, Manager, Economic Development, indicated that she is currently compiling a ranking of two year priorities submitted by Council Members. A discussion of the final ranked priorities will be held at the Town Council Conference Town of Vienna Page 2 Printed on 7/15/2022 Town Business Liaison Committee Meeting Minutes December 9, 2021 Session on February 14, 2022. The Committee requested submission of Economic Development priorities, noting that these may differ from those identified by the Council. Chairman Leggett suggested a meeting prior to Christmas where Manager Monkou will present her priorities to the Committee. 6. Economic Development Manager Updates A. TBLC-21146 Update on Outdoor Dining Legislation Manager Monkou indicated that Council approved and re-adopted an extension of the temporary outdoor activity ordinance for expanded use of outdoor business operations for outdoor dining and other commercial activities to June 2022, subject to conditions related to hours of operation, distance from residential properties, number of tables allowed and compliance with existing noise ordinance. B. TBLC-21149 Nominating Businesses for 2022 SBA Awards Manager Monkou requested that TBLC take the lead on this effort. The nomination process will close on January 11, 2022; awards are presented during National Small Business month in May. A subcommittee of Deepa Chakrapani, Peggy James and Jenny Kiefhaber will compile a list of potential nominees in two categories; Small Business Person of the Year and Outstanding Contributions to Disaster Recovery. C. TBLC-21150 Restaurant Week Support Manager Monkou noted that Restaurant Week will take place in February. Peggy James volunteered to assist with this effort. She also suggested including Lydia Russo, Vienna VA Foodies. D. TBLC-21151 Updates on Future Council Meetings The next Town Council meeting is a Conference Session scheduled for December 13, 2021. Items for discussion include ARPA funding. E. TBLC-21152 January 2022 Meeting Manager Monkou reported that she will not be present at the January 22, 2022 meeting. She requested agenda items in advance. Chairman Leggett noted that as he has not received any response for agenda items, he has compiled the agenda. Summary Chairman Leggett reviewed the actions items of the meeting: Chairman Leggett will contact Manager Monkou to set a date for priorities presentation; Full Committee will continue to contact new businesses; Full Committee will send prospective members contact information to Chairman Town of Vienna Page 3 Printed on 7/15/2022 Town Business Liaison Committee Meeting Minutes December 9, 2021 Leggett; Deepa Chakrapani will send Town Council interview questions to Chairman Leggett; Chairman Leggett will set meeting date for discussion of Madison Internship; Manager Monkou will send open dates for meeting re: Restaurants week and Small Business Awards; Peggy James will schedule date for presentation to VBA (TBLC/Economic Development). 7. Meeting Adjournment Chairman Leggett called for a motion to adjourn. Motion, Mark Lander; second, Jenny Kiefhaber. Motion carried unanimously. Meeting adjourned at 8:32 PM. THE TOWN OF VIENNA IS COMMITTED TO FULL COMPLIANCE WITH THE AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT STANDARDS. TRANSLATION SERVICES, ASSISTANCE OR ACCOMMODATION REQUESTS FROM PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES ARE TO BE REQUESTED NOT LESS THAN 3 WORKING DAYS BEFORE THE DAY OF THE EVENT. PLEASE CALL (703) 255-6304, OR 711 VIRGINIA RELAY SERVICE FOR THE HEARING IMPAIRED. Town of Vienna Page 4 Printed on 7/15/2022