Finance Commission

4/9/2024 - Minutes I. Call to Order Members Present: Ashley Lucht, Cait Hoffmann, Parker Silver, James Messeder City Staff Present: Mayor Kristine Lott, Angela Aldieri, Finance Director, Elaine Wang, City Manager Guests Present: Michelle – member of the public Call to Order by: Ashley Lucht Meeting Start Time: 6:01 PM Minutes Recorded by: Cait Hoffmann II. Public Comment There was no public comment. III. Approve Previous Meeting Minutes Decision: Approved Motion by: Parker Silver Second: Cait Hoffmann No discussion on previous minutes. IV. City Council Liaison Update Mayor Lott gave a few updates. Municipal Infrastructure Commission reviewed recommendations on funding on two traffic safety studies. Planning & Housing Commission joint meeting occurred to discuss strategies to increase priority housing (affordable, available for ownership, and/or 3-bedroom or larger). They will continue work on their own and then reconvene next month to continue discussion. City Council has been working with the State to finalize financial agreement with the Vermont Agency of Transportation (VTrans) to support bridge project. Looking to add a cap to the agreement so that Winooski’s proportional share does not increase, should pricing continue increasing. Staff has contracted a consultant around the equity audit. The consultant (Creative Discourse) has previously worked with the city. Ashely asked for an update on the Bond votes and whether they all passed. Angela confirmed that they did. V. Inclusion & Belonging Commission Update The next meeting with occur this Thursday, April 18 th . One item for discussion is that they are partnering with Winooski Schools to collaborate on a cultural event (date of event to be determined). The new Chief of Police wants to meet with different commissioners and has requested to meet with the Inclusion & Belonging Commission. Parker will be the first interface for this meeting to protect the emotional well-being of the Inclusion & Belonging Commission. VI. Discussion: Review Economic Development Strategic Plan  The next meeting with occur this Thursday, April 18 . One item for discussion is that they are partnering with Winooski Schools to collaborate on a cultural event (date of event to be determined). The new Chief of Police wants to meet with different commissioners and has requested to meet with the Inclusion & Belonging Commission. Parker will be the first interface for this meeting to protect the emotional well-being of the Inclusion & Belonging Commission. VI. Discussion: Review Economic Development Strategic Plan The Finance Commission was asked to review pages 12-18 of the Economic Development Strategic Plan to ensure that we are on track for meeting these goals and that we have the resources to do so. The document is a strategic one created by City Council, but the work laid out in it does fall to City Staff to implement. Mayor Lott and Angela discussed whether or not Goal 1 fell more to the jurisdiction of Downtown Winooski work as opposed to the City. Ashley commented that much of the goals she reviewed in the pages did not seem so relevant to the Finance Commission. There was discussion on how often we update the Strategic Plan and Mayor Lott explained that one of the objectives of this Commission is to revisit the plan and raise relevant concerns. Cait commented that the amount of goals almost seems unachievable, especially without a designated staff member to manage implementation. City Manager Elaine Wang explained that this is more of a living document and not necessarily one that we’re looking to improve but just “take the temperature” on. There was discussion on Goal 1 – the small business loan program – and the infrequency with which it is utilized. It was discussed whether it made sense to allocate the funds to something that is not utilized to which City staff responded that there hasn’t been much marketing on this program. Ashley recommended we table the discussion until Downtown Winooski representation can be present since they are so involved with Winooski businesses. Parker brought up the Language Access Plan that Winooski is working on and the need to ensure there is access to all communities in Winooski. Elaine updated us on the Language Access Plan which is currently in the works. James asked if there are other towns with similar programs and how they work but no one had specifics to share. Parker asked for more specifics on the microgrants mentioned in the pages and City Staff shared that there is not currently a process for individuals/organizations to apply for them. James asked if we have data on how many Winooski businesses are aware that this program exists. We do not. Ashley brought up the impact that the Main Street construction may have on businesses and whether or not these funds could be used to help support affected businesses. There was a discussion on the possibility of the creation of a bridge loan for affected businesses during the construction, but the City pays for the management of the loan so this may not be the most feasible option. Ashley suggested we revisit Goal 1 and the Small Business Loan program with Downtown Winooski. The Finance Commission was going to lose quorum due to a time restraint of a commissioner, so Mayor Lott recommended Commissioners email with any further concerns on the Goals we were unable to discuss in length. The next meeting will include a conversation with Downtown Winooski to continue the discussion on the Small Business Loan program from Goal 1. VII. Adjourn Motion by: Parker Silver Second: James Messeder Meeting End Time: 6:44 PM