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Smiley began by recognizing the council support of the partnership
as a means "to move the community forward." He summarized his view
of economic development as "not only to recruit business, but create
an atmosphere that businesses rely on." It includes looking at
infrastructure and key aspects in the community that will create
wealth and employment, he said.
It is also important to measure success. He said that this would
be done with statistical variances on job creation, wealth creation
and employment rate in one year and in five years, compared with
where we are today.
He said that the board would be finishing a one-year perspective
and would probably adopt the "2008 Work Plan" at their next meeting,
on March 24.
Areas of the plan include:
-
Business retention
and expansion.
-
Work force
development.
-
Business attraction.
-
Startup recruitment.
-
Planning and site
development, using the geographic information system.
-
Residential
development.
-
Incentives.
-
Business information
and resources.
Smiley said he would be introducing a new concept called an
incubator. A business incubator is a subsidized location for housing
startup businesses. As the businesses mature, they are graduated out
into the community. The incubator is intended to create quality
jobs. Targeted income from these positions would be $12-$15 per
hour.
He commented that the county is nearing completion on GIS. GIS
would be crucial in understanding our inventory and become important
as we get national recruiters and national consultants. That tool
would be especially helpful to those not from this region.
A database of available properties has already been created, and
Smiley said that he would be updating that monthly. He is looking
forward to some discussions about incentives and partnership
opportunities.
"When we finish the one-year plan, I want us to look at a
five-year plan," he said. "Economic development is not something we
can do overnight." He plans to return to the council at the
beginning of April for further discussion of a strategic five-year
plan. This would be a regional plan that would have input from
everyone. It would take about a month to compete. He said he would
then ask the council to adopt a resolution to work toward it.
*
[to top of second column] |
While the racetrack owners were not present for the evening, the
council heard a few updates on the Lincoln Speedway's interest in
getting a liquor license.
Some information from the last meeting was corrected. The Knights
of Columbus holds first rights to sell alcohol at the fairgrounds
only during the fair week, not year-round.
It was found that a racetrack at Jacksonville is covered by a
fairgrounds license.
The state has agreed to provide the business with a liquor
license. However, they still must have a local license first, and
Lincoln does not have a classification that fits that business.
City attorney Bill Bates said that he had considered a recurring
event license, but he would wait for how the council would like to
proceed.
Alderman Wanda Lee Rohlfs said that she has heard from a few
individuals with concerns. She suggested that the general public, if
they have any input in the matter, should plan to come to next
week's council meeting.
*
Mayor Beth Davis-Kavelman announced that Alderman Verl Prather
would be unable to continue at this time as finance chairman. He
needs to reduce his obligations for the moment. He has not been in
attendance at council meetings the last few weeks. Alderman Buzz
Busby agreed to take the chairman position. Prather will remain on
the committee at least until May 1, the start of the fiscal year.
*
There will be a combined meeting of the
ordinance committee and the public grounds and building committee to
discuss a proposed historic preservation ordinance at 6 p.m. Tuesday
in City Hall chambers. The regular business meeting of the council
will follow at 7 p.m.
[By JAN YOUNGQUIST] |
