Agenda - Council - 01/24/2017 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Mayor Strommen stated that the"low hanging fruit" should be identified from the point of the City and the point of the stakeholders. She stated that perhaps number one should not be included from the first discussion. Councilmember Williams asked the goal of the City as that should be identified prior to reaching out to the stakeholders, whether that is to improve the aesthetics or raise property values. She stated that a goal should be defined and then discussions can occur between staff and the businesses to gain their input. Councilmember Johns stated that she would like to see the aesthetics improved. Mayor Strommen stated that perhaps a statement of goal for the gateways and corridors should be identified and then the question should be posed as to how the City and stakeholders can work together to reach that goal. She confirmed that the goal should come from the Council. Councilmember LeTourneau stated strategic tactic 28 referenced the development of a goal and believed that staff would have the capacity to develop that goal with the stakeholders. He noted that if the Council develops the goal the item would no longer be the responsibility of the public engagement process. Community Development Director Gladhill reviewed the process that could be followed to complete a draft and then bounce the conversation between the stakeholders and Council. Councilmember Kuzma stated that the City should be careful in regard to the language used as some business owners are struggling to keep their business open and it could be seen as government trying to impose additional costs. He noted that perhaps some of the Commissions and EDA could be brought into the discussion as well. Councilmember Riley stated that it has been one year and still nothing has happened. He asked if the "low hanging fruit" could be gone after while this analysis continues. City Administrator Ulrich confirmed that there are some items that could be done, such as brush clearing where the property owner is in agreement or addressing some of the most egregious violations. He noted that these actions will push the policy question and therefore that will also need to be completed. Councilmember Williams stated that in her opinion if a business is leasing property from the City it is their responsibility to meet all elements of the City Code and enforcement should occur when necessary. Community Development Director Gladhill reviewed the next steps that staff will follow. Mayor Strommen stated that the citizen engagement process could be one or two meetings and would not need to be months long.