CLOSED SESSION: PUBLIC EMPLOYEE PERFORMANCE EVALUATION. City Manager. This Closed Session is authorized by Government Code '54957. (Continued from 4/11/00)

Mayor Rocha called the meeting to order at 7:05 P.M.

1. REVIEW OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM, POLICIES AND PRACTICES AND PRESENTATION BY INVITED REPRESENTATIVES OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ORGANIZATIONS

City Manager Ramsey introduced the subject with a historical overview with the aid of a slide presentation. He identified those policies he felt were the most helpful in promoting Economic Development in Antioch. Mr. Ramsey then went through the Retail Base Expansion Implementation Policies, explaining the need for a broad diversification of retail businesses. He stated economic development building required a hierarchy of community services: a) public safety; b) quality of life services; and c) community investment. He introduced the invited guests, Nancy McCaffery, Director of the Antioch Chamber of Commerce, Jim Jackel, Executive Director of the Contra Costa Council, and Linda Best, Director of the Contra Costa Economic Alliance.

Nancy McCaffery, Director of the Antioch Chamber of Commerce, gave an overview of the goals and direction of the Chamber. In a recent survey sent to members of the Chamber, the items stated as being of the most concern to businesses were community image, lack of local jobs, and traffic. A meeting with the Sacramento Chamber, who had demonstrated progressive and aggressive strategy with positive results, had been set.

In response to questions from Council Member Soliz, Ms. McCaffery stated as an elected body, the most valuable accomplishment the Council could achieve to ensure both business retention and attraction, would be to focus on Antioch's image.

Jim Jackel, Executive Director of the Contra Costa Council, stated his Economic Development 101 basics included support of the existing economic base by providing assistance with business expansion, ensure success in the community, and finally, target attractions that emphasize the community's primary interests.

Linda Best, Director of the Contra Costa Economic Partnership, stated the partnership had been in existence for less than five years. Ms. Best stated the primary function of the partnership was the research of economic development. She stated her Economic Development 101 basics were: transportation, workforce availability, and land availability.

City Manager Ramsey asked the Council to share their thoughts on the type of a plan they would like to have for Job Retention and Economic Development.

Council Member Freitas stated the community had adopted the "perception" that Antioch is a community of houses, not jobs, and those existing jobs provided salaries high enough to afford local homes. He also felt the public and community had not known that the ideas heard during this presentation were the cornerstones of building business. He stressed the importance of the City's ability to purchase and develop large parcels of land, put in the infrastructure, and have those parcel "business ready" when companies come to town looking for a place to relocate an existing business or start a new business. He also asked Council to consider dedicating a portion of the income anticipated from CALPINE to promote economic development. Furthermore, he asked Council to consider the formation of an Economic Development Committee comprised of two (2) Council Members, two (2) Planning Commission Members, one (1) Chamber Member, and several members from the community-at-large to create a new economic development strategy. He urged Council to adopt some very focused goals for the Economic Development Committee.

Council Member Soliz stated he certainly supported the suggestions of Council Member Freitas and requested those suggestions return to Council to be solidified and put into action. He felt an important issue brought to the forefront during this meeting was the factor of image, and its importance in attracting businesses. Another key issue was the City's ability to choose whether or not to use some of its discretionary dollars for key services, safety, animal services, etc., and felt using a portion of the income from the power plants would be beneficial.

Mayor Rocha questioned whether or not businesses, large or small, were aware of the many components of a successful business community. Mr. Ramsey interjected most businesses were not fully aware of the components necessary for success. Mayor Rocha requested the issue of money from the power plants being set aside for economic development be agendized for discussion and action.

Jean Kuberra felt the importance of affordable housing had not been mentioned during the evening's report, and it was important to realize affordable housing was needed for those whose jobs paid $12.00 an hour or less. She stated the ".COM"ers could set up shop anywhere and work from their homes, but it was those who worked out in the community who found adequate housing hard to find.

Barbara Sobalvarro stated she was impressed with the suggestions. She also stated it was for the good of the community to speak favorably about our area, as it helped make it more attractive to others.

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ADJOURNMENT

With no further business, Mayor Rocha adjourned the meeting at 9:07 P.M. The next regularly scheduled meeting will be on Tuesday, April 25, 2000.

L. JOLENE MARTIN, City Clerk