12-01-2009 CITY OF EDGEWATER
EDGEWATER COMPRHENSIVE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY
COMMITTEE (CEDS)
Minutes
December 1, 2009
8:30 a.m.
CALL TO ORDER:
Mr. McIntosh called to order the regular meeting of the Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy
Committee (CEDS) at 8:30 a.m., Tuesday, December 1, 2009, in the Council Chambers.
ROLL CALL: (by sign in sheet)
City Manager Tracey Barlow Absent
Development Services Director Darren Lear Present
Jerry Anderson Present
Marcia Barnett Present
Councilman Ted Cooper Present
Douglas Feindt Present
Bill Glaser Present
Butch McCracken Present
Robert McIntosh Jr. Present
Jon Proffitt Present
Matthew Thurmaier Present
Bill Wetherell Present
Ken Creveling Present
Chris Walsh Present
Also present was committee coordinator Pat Drosten.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
MOTION by Ms. Barnett, SECOND by Mr. Wetherell to approve the Regular Meeting of December 1, 2009
minutes as amended:
City Manager Tracey Barlow Mr. McIntosh called to order the regular meeting of the Comprehensive
Economic Development Strategy Committee (CEDS) at 8:30 a.m., Tuesday, November 10, 2009, in the
Council Chambers.
Motion Passed unanimously
DISCUSSION OF THE COMPETITIVE ECONOMIC STRENGTHS AND WEAKNESSES OF THE
CITY OF EDGEWATER FOR ATTRACTING, GROWING, AND SUSTAINING JOB -
GENERATING AND TAX REVENUE- PRODUCING BUSINESS AND INDUSTRY:
Strengths. Mr. Creveling gave a recap of the Strengths that were discussed at the November 10, 2009
meeting. He also summarized the committee's general observations from that meeting. Handouts were
distributed.
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Weaknesses. The committee discussed the City's weaknesses in attracting new and retaining and expanding
current business. There was much discussion and among the issues discussed were the following:
• Lack of awareness of what the City has to offer;
• Lack of a significant telecommunications infrastructure;
• Work ethic problems;
• Perceived attitude of the City toward business;
• Lack of gathering places for social activities and events (including premium/franchise sit -down
restaurants), medical facilities and continuing care facilities, and recreational activities such as bike
and walking trails; and
• The city's tax rate.
PROJECT SCHEDULE: Review of Schedule, Milestones, and Next Steps.
The next meeting will be held on December 15 at 8:30. The discussion regarding weaknesses will be
continued. Additionally, members were asked to be prepared to discuss specific businesses they would
like to see in Edgewater and what types of incentives might be offered to them.
ADJOURNMENT:
The meeting adjourned at 10:08 a.m.
Minutes respectfully submitted by:
Pat Drosten
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URBANOMI 1
Urban and Real Estate Economics
City of Edgewater, Florida
Economic Development Committee
Meeting Summary, 12 /1/09
Summary of Discussion of Economic Weaknesses
Committee members were asked to comment on what they thought are the competitive
weaknesses of Edgewater in being able to attract and support business and industry. Committee
comments are summarized below and are not necessarily listed in order of importance.
Low work ethic; this is not distinctive to Edgewater; but is a key issue that may relate to
the City's reliance on an intermittent construction industry.
Many local workers have a blue collar "manufacturing" orientation and are not
technology oriented and computer literate; labor force poorly qualified for jobs in a
technology -based economy.
Unplanned growth pattern; no well defined "downtown."
No civic /social center; limited assisted living and service facilities for seniors.
Limited non fast food chain restaurants in City (e.g., Outback, Carrabbas).
Limited sidewalks and bike paths for pedestrians and cyclists.
Perception that Edgewater is a good place to live, but has limited job opportunities.
Limited Internet service; some areas don't have high speed/broadband Internet service
(e.g., no AT &T DSL service); there is little or no wireless Internet service in City.
City welcomes new business and industry and revenues and jobs they generate, but may
overlook or be disinterested in the interests /needs of existing business and industries.
Parktowne owners association has more restrictive zoning restrictions that City; need to
update association rules to be less restrictive; difficult to revise association rules because
all members must approve.
Higher local property tax millage rate than other Volusia County municipalities.
12/07/09
Nitre