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HomeMy WebLinkAbout02/15/1993 Work Session . . . City of Springfield Joint Dinner Meeting MINUTES OF THE JOINT DINNER MEETING OF THE SPRINGFIELD CITY COUNCIL AND SPRINGFIELD CHAMBER OF COMMERCE HELD MONDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 1993 The City of Springfield Council met at a Joint Dinner Meeting with the Springfield Chamber of Commerce in the Springfield City Hall, Library Meeting Room, Springfield, Oregon, on Monday, February 15, 1993 at 6:00 p.m. with Mayor Morrisette presiding. ATTENDANCE Present for the City of Springfield were Mayor Morrisette, Councilors Schanz, Valters, Berg, Burge and Adams. Councilor Maine was absent. Also present were City Manager Michael Kelly, Assistant City Manager Gino Grimaldi, City Recorder Eileen Stein, and members of staff. Present for the Chamber of Commerce were Board of Directors members Joe Leahy, Phyllis Loobey, Debbie Davis, Carol Fairbourn, TamalynFitch, Rich Hanson and Steve Moe. Also present was Executive Vice President Jean DeYoung. Chamber Board President Joe Leahy began the meeting by highlighting informational materials presented to the Council. He explained the materials would assist the Council in the discussion, and introduced Executive Vice President Jean DeYoung. Ms. DeYoung discussed elements of the city's contract with the Chamber, including promoting tourism, budget issues, and focus redirecting. Mr. Leahy described a First Thursday program which will allow Chamber Board members to interact more informally with their members. Mayor Morrisette asked how the Chamber is doing with regard to memberships. Ms. DeYoung replied membership is up from two years ago and about even with November 1992. She explained there is no increase in dues anticipated, and the membership level is at 500. The Council suggested ideas for promoting tourism by the Chamber, such as, a kiosk at the Gateway Mall, expanding the Springfield familiarization tour, display racks in the Gateway area motels and billboard displays along the 1-5 and 1-105 highways. Mayor Morrisette inquired how the Depot is working as a facility for the Chamber. Ms. DeYoung replied is it working well. There was a general discussion between the Council and Chamber regarding the Depot building. Councilor Walters asked if the Chamber Board will be supporting the Oregon Rivers Museum (ORM) project. Ms. DeYoung stated the ORM will be considered at their next (February 17) Board meeting. Councilor Valters said he hoped the Chamber will support the project, as the majority of the Council favors it. Councilor Burge described his concerns regarding the ORM. . . . - City of Springfield Joint Dinner Meeting Page two Councilor Berg asked members of the Chamber Board what the impression is of the city in the business community. Mr. Leahy replied the Economic Development Summit process showed the community is very satisfied with the city organization. He added that minor changes were suggested in the report with regards to certain city processes. Councilor Burge discussed the importance of the city organization within the business community. Councilor Berg stated he would like the Chamber's assistance on addressing the issue of absentee landlords in the downtown area. Councilor Walters gave a specific example of a local printing business that recently closed due to a roof leak which distroyed a significant amount of the businesses' equipment and inventory. The leak could of been prevented had the out-of-state landlord better maintained the building. Development Services Director Susan Daluddung mentioned some ideas for assisting businesses regarding absentee landlords, as the city has no formal policy in the area. ADJOURNMENT The work session was adjourned at 7:25 p.m. Minutes Recorder - Eileen Stein ~ ~- Mayor ,~ ATTEST: ~~ City Recorde #3475