Business Development Commission

Business Development Commission (BDC) MEETING MINUTES APPROVED MEETING DATE: Thursday, March 24, 2022 LOCATION: City Hall/Teleconference CALLED TO ORDER: 8:05 AM MEETING ADJOURNED: 8:38 AM NEXT REGULAR MEETING: Thursday, April 28, 2022 Name Present Absent Mike Pincus, Chair (Citizen at Large) X Pam Neihaus, Vice Chair (Citizen at Large) X Kara Bowlin (Citizen at Large) X Andrew Scavotto (Citizen at Large) X Ceci Bartels (Home-Based Business Owner) X Bud Bellomo (Chamber of Commerce) X Tim Delanty (Old Webster Rep) X Tammy Behm, (Commercial Business Owner) X Erbab Majeede (Commercial Business Owner) X Laura Arnold, Council Liaison X Eric Peterson, Staff Liaison X Also in Attendance Officer Ahmar Rasool – Webster Groves Police Department; Traffic Unit Fran Sudekum – Administrative Support Approval of Minutes – A motion to approve the February minutes was made by Andrew Scavotto, seconded by Tammy Behm, and unanimously approved. Business Survey Update – The business survey will be available until April 5th. A reminder email message will go out today and then weekly while the survey is open. The link is available on the City’s Roundtable page; it has been shared on social media and in the Friday Page. Webster Groves Website Update – Work continues on revamping the City’s website. The new main landing page should be up on April 26. BDC Working Group Sub-Committee – The re-started sub-committee has put together a recommendation to the BDC for a City “Communication” Business Liaison (see Appendix A). Funding the position could be seeded with ARP funds initially and then a surcharge fee could be added to the business license fee going forward to sustain it. The proposal was well received by Commission Members. Members wanted time to review, comment, revise, and then finalize the proposal before submitting it to the City Council for consideration. As a result, it was determined to hold a special meeting of the BDC prior to the next regular monthly meeting in order to submit the proposal quickly so it can be included in the upcoming City Council budget discussions. Business District Updates • The Old Orchard Gazebo Music Series is set to take place starting in mid-August. • St. Louis County has taken ownership of the proposed streetscape in the Crossroads Business District and has submitted a grant application for federal funding. • Digital Strike in Crossroads will be hosting a Pickleball Tournament in late August. The section of Gore next to Digital Strike will be closed to vehicle traffic during the event. Proceeds of the event will be going to charity. 1 of 2 City Update • Business license renewals are due in the beginning of April. • The Sustainability Commission presented their community-wide sustainability plan to City Council. • Work on the tree ordinance continues (mainly applies to new buildings) it will be voted on at an April City Council meeting. Next Regular Monthly Meeting – April 28, 8:00 AM APPENDIX A 2022 BDC Working Group Sub-Committee Recommendation to BDC Date: March 2022 Proposal: Addition of City Business Liaison Purpose: Facilitate the city-related processes for individual commercial businesses and business districts/neighborhoods and enhance business-to-business interactions within the Webster Groves commercial business community. Objectives: • Facilitate online/mobile messaging communications via mobile messaging app, email, and or newsletter. • Communicate business changes (e.g. transfer of business ownership, new business, closing of business) within the Webster Groves business community • Perform outreach to navigate the establishment and maintenance of commercial businesses (licensing, ordinances, regulations) in the City of Webster Groves • Assist in coordinating city-wide events (e.g., Jazz festival, Fourth of July Parade) and how they will impact commercial businesses (parking and traffic, business district point of contacts, etc.) • Communicate city updates on public works, Business Development Commission meetings, ballot issues • Maintain a city-wide business calendar Proposed funding: If these tasks do not fall within the scope of an existing city staff member, past commissions have established the need for a point of contact to serve in the aforementioned functions. Funding for a new resource to fill this position is being requested to be provided through an allocation of the American Rescue Plan funds. Additionally, raising commercial business license fees by $35 can help to sustain this position through the coming years. 2 of 2