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HomeMy WebLinkAboutTCSP Oversight Committee Minutes (23) OVERSIGHT COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES OF APRIL 11, 2002 Present: Johnson, Olson, Easton, Smith, Williams, Strizich, McCann, and Cumin. Also present: Judy Goldsby, A1 Jones, Ron Webber, and Betty Currie. A motion to approve the minutes of the last meeting were made by Kathleen with second by Ken; motion carried. Cai had suggested that we have some money left in the TCSP Program and he suggested it be put toward "Downtown Sustainability" (in the context of our planning project), i.e., economic development. The idea is that making Laurel sustainable and a nice place to visit, live, and work will attract new economic development more effectively than bigger billboards or public give-aways (land, taxes, fee waivers, etc.). Some of the ideas discussed were hiring a part-time development coordinator, helping develop an incubator for unique retail shops, providing incentive for the RV-traveling public to pull off and stay awhile in Laurel, and supporting a theatre-playhouse. Committee decided to focus on meeting with MRL, looking at development at the Airport, and perhaps expanding the scope of the current swimming pool focus to include a water park. Larry discussed his initial contacts with MRL and the need to get the attention of the decision makers in MRL with the streetscape program we have developed. A1 Jones, Regional Development Officer for the State Department of Commerce suggested many thoughtful ideas such as using Industrial Revenue Bonds to support development at the Airport. He also reminded us that there are quite a few experts in economic development available to us at the state, regional (Beartooth RC&D), and county (Big Sky Economic Development Authority) and that we should utilize them. Next meeting we will flesh out a presentation to MRL and determine who we need to include in our presentation, what we will present, and what we want from MRL. Meeting adjourned.