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2020-04-16 Growth Committee Agenda Packet - Open SessionCity of Saint John Growth Committee - Open Session AGENDA Thursday, April 16, 2020 12:30 pm Meeting Conducted by Electronic Participation 1. Call to Order Pages 1.1 Approval of Minutes - February 4, 2020 2 - 4 1.2 COVID-19 Update 5-10 City of Saint John Growth Committee Meeting Thursday, April 16th, 2020 12:30 pm Meeting Conducted by Electronic Participation Notice: This meeting will be held Electronically with remote participation by Council members and Senior staff. The public may view a live stream of the meeting on the City's website https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWOdmpd x2m-YiZluYABzow/live Growth Committee Meeting Open Session February 4, 2020 MINUTES - OPEN SESSION GROWTH COMMITTEE MEETING FEBRUARY 4, 2020 AT 12:30 P.M. 8T" FLOOR COMMON COUNCIL CHAMBER (Ludlow Room), CITY HALL Present: Mayor D. Darling Deputy Mayor McAlary Councillor J. MacKenzie Councillor D. Hickey Councillor R. Strowbridge Absent: Councillor B. Armstrong Also Present: City Manager J. Collin Commissioner Growth and Community Development J. Hamilton Deputy Commissioner Building and Inspection Services A. Poffenroth Deputy Commissioner Growth and Community Development P. Ouellette Director of Strategic Affairs I. Fogan Population Growth Manager D. Dobbelsteyn Administrative Assistant K. Tibbits 1. Meeting Called To Order Mayor Darling called the Growth Committee open session meeting to order. 1.1 Approval of Minutes — December 17, 2019 Moved by Councillor Hickey, seconded by Deputy Mayor McAlary: RESOLVED that the minutes of December 17, 2019 be approved. MOTION CARRIED. 1.2 Growing in Saint John Presentation — Aquila Tours The Growing in Saint John series shares success stories in the City and provides an opportunity to profile local businesses, leaders, newcomers, investors, and entrepreneurs. Mr. Ouellette introduced Danielle Timmons and Melanie Colpitts of Aquila Tours. Aquila Tours is highly recognized in the cruise industry and the principal tour operator of shore excursions for most cruise ships that come to Saint John. The business has partnered with the Florida Caribbean Cruise Association and provides training to tour guides, operators and cruise destinations in over 65 countries, providing an opportunity to showcase Saint John. The economic impact of the cruise industry to the Saint John region is approximately $30M annually and that number will increase as the number of cruise ships to Saint John continues to increase. The City of Saint John can help the tourism industry by continuing its investment in tourism, supporting the work of Port Saint John and Discover Saint John, and investing in assets such as the City Market, Fort LaTour and Fallsview Park. Moved by Deputy Mayor McAlary, seconded by Councillor Hickey: K Growth Committee Meeting Open Session February 4, 2020 RESOLVED that the presentation from Aquila Tours be received for information. MOTION CARRIED. 1.3 2019 Year End Overview: Economic Development Greater Saint John Mr. Oland commented on the four focus areas of Economic Development Greater Saint John "EDGSJ" - workforce development, business investment and innovation, entrepreneur development and marketing Greater Saint John. Monthly, quarterly and annual reporting is available. In 2018, the population of the greater Saint John area exceeded 130,000 with a migration of people from other parts of New Brunswick. Saint John's image as an industrial city is evolving due to tourism and positive changes in the uptown area. It is being seen as a City with opportunity, with approximately 1500 job opportunities available in the greater Saint John area. Although there is momentum, there are still many challenges and work to be done, including telling the Saint John story to change perceptions. EDGSJ is devoting extra resources towards the Innovation District which has the potential for substantial growth. Re -deploying the MBA program uptown was a critical foundational piece in the development of this Innovation District. The additional money will come from outside funders such as provincial / federal entities or the private sector. Mr. Gaudet reviewed the submitted report and commented on the 2019 results and 2020 objectives. Last year, EDGSJ presented a three-year economic development strategy for the region. Many challenges remain related to work -force development and EDGSJ is working closely with industry, government and post -secondary education to address this on-going issue. EDGSJ's role is to promote the attributes of the City of Saint John and the greater region. 2020 will build on the traction from 2019, with the priorities outlined in the three-year plan remaining as focus areas. EDGSJ is working with the City and the other municipalities to realize a new vision around economic development for the region. Moved by Deputy Mayor McAlary, seconded by Councillor Hickey: RESOLVED that the 2019 Year End Overview: Economic Development Greater Saint John be received for information. MOTION CARRIED. 1.4 Strategically Communicating Growth (Verbal) Ms. Moar, Manager of Internal Communications & Special Projects, provided an update on the platforms in place to showcase growth including awards, infographics and social media such as email, twitter and Facebook. Short-term focus areas include sharing optimistic growth news including year-end infographics, quarterly reporting, creation of a committee to identify areas in the community to highlight, and developing an inventory of promotional material. Longer- term initiatives include updating the Smart Growth report, leveraging heritage assets, integration of efforts with the Economic Development agencies, promoting development opportunities, developing site signage, and identifying community champions. Mr. Collin added that the 2020 work plan includes the development of an overarching Strategic Communications Framework for the entire City of Saint John. Moved by Councillor Strowbridge, seconded by Deputy Mayor McAlary: RESOLVED that the verbal update "Strategically Communicating Growth" be received for information. MOTION CARRIED. K3 Growth Committee Meeting Open Session February 4, 2020 1.5 Affordable Housing (Verbal) In response to a comment, Ms. Hamilton agreed that it would be appropriate to invite Non- profit Housing to the next meeting to discuss their role related to affordable housing. Moved by Deputy Mayor McAlary, seconded by Councillor MacKenzie: RESOLVED that the verbal update on Affordable Housing be tabled to the next Growth Committee meeting as the first item for discussion. MOTION CARRIED. Adjournment Moved by Councillor MacKenzie, seconded by Councillor Hickey: RESOLVED that the open session meeting of the Growth Committee be adjourned. LTA [411047►[4L1:k]k]11191 The open session meeting of the Growth Committee held on February 4, 2020 was adjourned at 2:00 p.m. Recording Secretary CI April 16, 2020 Growth Committee SAINT JOH 61 Growth Service Delivery Priorities Reduced Construction activity Suspension of non -life safety enforcement 10% Reduction of heritage & beautification grants Delayed implementation of Neighbourhood Plan Reduced funding to civic events DiscoverSJ 50% Reduction of heritage & beautification grants Elimination of civic event funding SAINT JOHN Growth Service Restoration Plans &Activities Economic Response Overview 10 SAINT JOHN