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2004-03-02 Special CIC MinutesMINUTES OF THE SPECIAL COMMUNITY IMPROVEMENT COMMISSION MEETING TUESDAY- -MARCH 2, 2004- -7:25 P.M. Chair Johnson convened the special meeting at 7:57 p.m. Commissioner Daysog led the Pledge of Allegiance. Roll Call - Present: Commissioners Daysog, Gilmore, Kerr, Matarrese and Chair Johnson - 5. Absent: None. enda Item (04 -012) Recommendation to send letters in support of FY 2005 Department of Defense Appropriation Bill for a $1.5 million line item for the development of Advancing California's Emerging Technologies' (ACET's) 35,000 square foot Bio- technology Incubator to be located at the Fleet Industrial Supply Center site. Commissioner Kerr stated that if the grant is not received, ACET would need an additional $1� million in funding; inquired who would provide the additional subsidy to ACET. Dr. Sam Doctors, ACET, responded the Economic Development Administration (EDA) regional office would provide funding in its next budget. Commissioner Daysog inquired whether the City should be aware of key actions that might be necessary other than sending the requested letters. Dr. Doctors responded if the City could allow use of its lobbying firm, ACET would be willing to pay the incremental costs; follow up in Washington D.C. is helpful; thanked City staff for placing the matter on the agenda quickly to meet a Washington D.C. timeline; submitted ACET's design drawings. Commissioner Kerr stated the letter quotes statistics on graduate companies; that she does not have personal knowledge or documentation on the statistics; therefore, she would request that her name be removed from the letters. Chair Johnson inquired whether she should sign the letter as the Chair, rather than all CIC members. The Executive Director inquired whether Dr. Doctors would prefer to have the Chair sign the letter. Special Meeting Community Improvement Commission 1 March 2, 2004 Dr. Doctors responded additional members signing would strengthen the letter; further stated the statistics are a result of careful evaluations. Chair Johnson requested that staff be provided with the backup information for the statistics; suggested that the vote authorize sending the letter and Dr. Doctors determining who should sign the letters. Commissioner Matarrese suggested the letter be signed pending backup documentation for the statistics. Commissioner Kerr stated that she has requested backup documentation for seven years and has not received it. Chair Johnson stated if the staff recommendation is passed by three votes, she could sign the letter indicating that the City supports the funding. Dr. Doctors stated ACET would be willing to provide backup documentation. Commissioner Daysog stated Alameda is fortunate to have biotech companies and is a leader in the biotech industry; ACET is important for the economic development of not only Alameda, but the region; ACET has graduated companies, like Guava Technologies, that have become successful; noted that the City of Oakland tried to lure ACET to relocate to Oakland. Commissioner Daysog moved approval of the staff recommendation. Commissioner Matarrese seconded the motion, which carried by the following voice vote: Ayes: Commissioners Daysog, Gilmore, Matarrese and Chair Johnson - 4. Noes: Commissioner Kerr - 1. Chair Johnson stated the motion was to approve sending a letter; Dr. Doctors would decide whether to have only her or all CIC members in favor sign the letter. Dr. Doctors stated that he would communicate with the Executive Director regarding signatures; noted groundbreaking is set for June 4, just preceding a biotech expo in San Francisco. Commissioner Daysog stated the City's lobbyist is very busy; however, suggested the lobbyist be mindful of issues pertinent to ACET. The Executive Director stated if the Commission supports said Special Meeting Community Improvement Commission 2 March 2, 2004 suggestion, staff would follow up. Adjournment There being no further business, Chair Johnson adjourned the special meeting at 8:10 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Lara Weisiger Secretary, Community Improvement Commission The agenda for this meeting was posted in accordance with the Brown Act. Special Meeting Community Improvement Commission 3 March 2, 2004