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HomeMy WebLinkAbout11/04/2002 Work Session . . . '. MINUTES OF THE JOINT WORK SESSION OF THE SPRINGFIELD CITY COUNCIL HELD ON MONDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 2002 The Springfield City Council met in joint work session with the Springfield Chamber of Commerce on Monday, November 4 2002 at Springfield City Hall, 225 Fifth Street, Springfield, Jesse Maine Meeting Room at 6:00 p.m., with Mayor Leiken presiding. ATTENDANCE Present were Mayor Leiken, and Councilors Ballew, Fitch, Lundberg, Ralston and Simmons. Councilor Hatfield was absent (excused). Also present were Assistant City Manager Gino Grimaldi, City Attorney Joe Leahy, Office Assistant Amy Sowa, Police Chief Jerry Smith, and members of staff. 1. Joint Meeting with Chamber of Commerce. Development Services Director Cynthia Pappas was present for the staff report on this issue. She said the purpose of this work session was to meet with members of the Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce Executive Committee and city staff regarding current and upcoming issues important to each organization. Tonight Representatives present from the Chamber are current Chamber Board President, Ed Bergeron, Chamber Executive Committee Treasurer, Dean Huber and Executive Director Dan Egan. Ms. Pappas reviewed briefly the proposed agenda for the meeting. The council reviewed Chamber work plan for 2002-03, goal statements, Springfield initiatives, tourism services, and future plans. l. Introductions - Mayor Leiken introduced Mr. Bergeron, Mr. Huber and Mr. Egan noting that they are all familiar to members of the council. He commended them for their dedication to the community. The council is appreciative of fact that City Council and Springfield Chamber of Commerce have a good relationship and work well together for the common good of our community. 2. Plan of Work for the Chamber in 2002-2003- Draft Two-Year Goal Statements - Mr. Bergeron noted that it was a great honor to serve the community through the Chamber and to be in partnership with City. He referenced handouts showing the work the Chamber has done including a new map of Springfield and the McKenzie Valley. He referred to the Joint Meeting packet, which outlines the Chamber's Two- Year Goal Statements. He mentioned some of the higWights from the past year including the Holiday Parade, the partnership with CV ALCO, ESMP and other community groups, and the growth of the Chamber to 670 members. He also discussed the possibility of a public space facility to be built in Springfield. He noted that in the future the work of the Chamber would be to meet the needs of members and of community. Mr. Bergeron said that discussion had been held with the community about the possibility of merging with the Eugene Chamber of Commerce. The decision was made to remain a separate and individual Chamber. Mr. Bergeron acknowledged that our Chamber and our community win through the partnerships and the relationships we have. . . . Springfield City Council November 4,2002 - Work Session Minutes Page - 2 3. Update on Springfield Initiatives - Mr. Egan pointed out that with the upcoming appointment of Mike Kelly as Chamber President, it will be only the second time in the state of Oregon that a City Manager has served as Chamber President. He feels this is an important piece in the partnership between the City and the Chamber. He discussed the Springfield Summits, the Chamber newsletter, and the soon to be published Springfield the Magazine, which will emphasize the community of Springfield and the people who live here. Another Springfield Summit will occur in the spring of 2003 with past leaders invited to discuss the public space . facility. He said that the public space facility would need to be funded and maintained without impacting taxpayers. It will be a place that will enhance the livability and the economic vitality of this community where the public can assemble. He reported on the lack of and need for such a space in our community. 4. Update on Tourism Services - Visitor Activity - Historic Depot. The Historic Springfield Depot continues to work well as Springfield's Visitor Center. Much of the Chamber/City Contract deals with the visitor and relocation activity around the Historic Depot. Visitors ask about schools, employment, hospitals, neighborhoods, housing and recreational opportunities. It is important to have the brochures and statistics available as we compete for quality families and people. He discussed some of the informational literature available through the Chamber. Mr. Egan explained some ofthe visitor-related highlights for 2002, which are included in the meeting packet. The goal of the Visitor Center is to promote the City of Springfield and the business community. They also work to promote our schools and other organizations and activities. 5. The Future: Part of the Team- Dan Egan spoke on Future Tourism and the fact that we do not have something that is a large draw at this time. He hopes to see that type of an attractor that is uniquely northwest, uniquely Oregon, uniquely Springfield in the community in the future. Ed Bergeron commented that the Chamber is reflective ofthe entire community. Membership includes folks from TEAM Springfield, the School District, UofO, as well as business people. There was discussion about the possibilities for Glenwood and an Interpretive Center. Councilor Ballew asked about the Parade changing hands. Mr. Egan said that after this year, which is the 50th Anniversary, the Chamber would be getting out of the parade business. This is due in part because they no longer have the time and resources to take the parade to the next step. They feel it is important for the parade to continue to grow with the community and it will take a larger group to enhance and build it up. The Chamber will still be involved, most likely in the registration process. Mayor Leiken asked what role the Chamber would be playing regarding the Sports Center and other recreational organizations. Mr. Egan said that the Chamber would look for ways to insure that the 5 acres near the sports center site would be developed as planned. They are supportive of the possibility of a new Kidsports facility being built near that property. Mr. Bergeron added that the soccer facility would represent a regional draw. The Visitor's Center would be there to offer assistance to those attending the sporting events and to encourage visitors to check out other places in town. Springfield City Council November 4,2002 - Work Session Minutes Page - 3 . Councilor Fitch asked where the destination development is on CV ALCO's priority list. Mr. Bergeron said regarding east based projects they are a key partner with the Chamber. Mr. Egan pointed out that the number one priority for CV ALCO is to put people in hotel rooms in Lane County. They would be just as interested in civic space as they would be in bringing in a major attraction. They are into the marketing of such places, not the building of them. Mayor Leiken asked if it is difficult to compete with Portland and Eugene in these areas. Mr. Egan said we can begin this process regardless of our size. It is the quality of the community and if you have people who fall in love with your city, they want to bring their business there. It takes good planning and execution of the planning. Mr. Bergeron felt that we have an opportunity to capture the smaller market. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at 6:53 p.m. Minutes Recorder - Amy Sowa ~ . ATTEST: ~~ .