November 6, 2009 – Daily Brief

Written by Jeff on November 6th, 2009

LA County releases statement of ballots casts and precinct totals. Download the 3,000 page PDF here. Also hat tip to SCVTalk reader Mike for creating a rough map of the Measure A vote in some Castaic Precincts- surprisingly they seem to be happy with the County by and large MAPS
City Council agenda kind of a snoozer unless you’re interested in who’s going to be appointed the Arts Commission. Or, if you want to channel Michele Bachmann, you could go and protest the City’s decision to cooperate in the 2010 US Census. Or maybe you want be there as the City adopts various regulations ahead of next year’s City Council Election. Or maybe the $50,000 being appropriated to the new Economic Development Corporation, run by the usual suspects. COUNCIL AGENDA
Also, one last from the Tuesday elections: Castaic resident John Zaring, who ran for CUSD board but lost, says he hopes his work with the District will help integrate Castaic with the rest of Santa Clarita. Oh this is a fun topic to talk about! SIGNAL
Yesterday I tagged the Signal for not covering McKeon’s offensive against health care reform but today I’m happy to take it back: they have a decent article reporting on his efforts this week, the town hall conference call last night and a statement from McKeon making him sound like a dime-a-dozen coservative blasting the ‘lib-ruhl media’ SIGNAL
If you’re one of those people who gets upset about signs being left around after the election, then this is the article for you SIGNAL
Employers shedded 190,000 jobs in October and the nation’s unemployment rate has risen above 10.2% for the first time since 1982 LA TIMES
That former instructional aide at the Hart District who got busted for solicitation on the internet has been arrested again, but I’m not sure why local media is reporting it. The woman, after leaving her job at the Hart District, went to NY SIGNAL
Every 15 Minutes DUI-education program includes mock trial scene, makes kids break down and cry SIGNAL
Think Santa Clarita Valley program now has its own holiday where business & civic leaders and the ever-present “dignitaries” will drive around town in a ThinkSCV bus and visit businesses. I wish our dignitaries had white sashes designating them as such SIGNAL
Good news for real estate pros and first time buyers: President Obama is expected to sign an extension of that $8,000 tax credit SCV Real Estate Blog
Captain Sully, the heroic pilot who landed the plane in the Hudson, will be the Grand Marshall of the Rose Parade LAIST
Cycling advocates in LA want the city to close down certain roads once a week in an effort to create more public space and to get people out of their cars. Great idea but it’d probably never work here. LA TIMES

Posted in Daily Brief |

17 Comments so far ↓

cash says:

November 6, 2009 at 9:40 am

Taxpayers business give a way.

Agenda Item: ______________

CITY OF SANTA CLARITA
AGENDA REPORT

NEW BUSINESS
City Manager Approval:
__________________________

Item to be presented by:
Ken Pulskamp

DATE:

November 10, 2009

SUBJECT:
SUPPORT FOR SANTA CLARITA VALLEY ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION (SCVEDC)

DEPARTMENT:
City Manager’s Office

_________________________________________________________________________

RECOMMENDED ACTION

1. City Council authorize the City Manager or his designee to negotiate and execute an agreement with the Santa Clarita Valley Economic Development Corporation (SCVEDC), subject to City Attorney approval.

2. Authorize expenditure of $50,000 from salary savings (11301-5001.001) upon execution of the agreement between the City of Santa Clarita and the SCVEDC.

3. Authorize expenditure of up to $50,000 from the Council Contingency Fund (19300-5401.001), subject to the terms of the agreement.

4. Authorize the City Manager to accept a position on the SCVEDC Board of Directors.

BACKGROUND

On April 28, 2009, the City Council unanimously approved the 21-Point Business Plan for Progress, a broad-reaching economic development stimulus program designed to strengthen the local economy for both the short- and long-term. The 21-Point Business Plan for Progress included goals to enhance local business partnerships, encourage quality job creation in the area through business retention, expansion and attraction, bolster retail spending, and attract external dollars to the community. As part of this plan, City Council directed staff to research the possibility of forming the Santa Clarita Valley Economic Development Corporation (SCVEDC) along with key stakeholders, including the Santa Clarita Valley Chamber of Commerce, Valley Industrial Association, College of the Canyons, and other key agencies.

Following approval of the 21-Point Business Plan for Progress, staff began researching successful Economic Development Corporations throughout California, including contacting more than 15 different cities, counties, and EDCs to garner details about their structure, funding, and best practices. Staff has been working closely with the SCVEDC to share the research and findings. Additionally, the Santa Clarita Valley Chamber of Commerce commissioned their Economic Development Committee to compile and submit the EDC formation documentation, obtain 501c3 status, and gain financial support for the SCVEDC. The 501c3 documentation has been filed with the Internal Revenue Service and the corporation can begin accepting funds. Formal approval from the IRS is anticipated in the next 6 to 8 weeks. The SCVEDC office will be located within the offices of Poole and Shaffery, LLP. A copy of the SCVEDC bylaws are attached.

Of those cities contacted by staff, a total of ten were identified as benchmark cities or cities that are most similar to Santa Clarita. As a result of those discussions, staff learned that the median level of support was $25,000 a year and the average annual contribution was $44,500. The table below shows the financial contribution provided by other jurisdictions. Their annual contribution amount is for FY 09/10 and includes membership dues and contractual services.

Benchmark

City
Economic Development Corporation
Annual Contribution

Burbank
Economic Alliance of San Fernando Valley

Los Angeles Economic Development Corporation
$25,000

$5,000

Glendale
Economic Alliance of San Fernando Valley

Los Angeles Economic Development Corporation
$25,000

$5,000

Irvine
n/a
n/a

Lancaster
Greater Antelope Valley Economic Alliance

Los Angeles Economic Development Corporation
$50,000

$5,000

Oxnard
Economic Development Corporation of Oxnard
$250,000

Palmdale
Greater Antelope Valley Economic Alliance
$50,000

Pasadena
San Gabriel Economic Development Partnership
$10,000

Simi Valley
Economic Development Collaborative of Ventura County
$25,000

Thousand Oaks
Economic Development Collaborative of Ventura County
$7,000

Ventura
Economic Development Collaborative of Ventura County
$77,000

At the October 13, 2009, City Council meeting, Bill Kennedy, a member of the SCVEDC Board of Directors, spoke and requested the City consider becoming a founding member of the Santa Clarita Valley Economic Development Corporation. Specifically Mr. Kennedy asked the City Council to provide financial support to the newly established organization at an amount not specified. At that time, Council directed staff to agendize the SCVEDC discussion.

The SCVEDC Board of Directors currently consists of the following members:

Bill Kennedy, current Chairman of the Santa Clarita Valley Chamber of Commerce;

John Shaffery, future Chairman of the Santa Clarita Valley Chamber of Commerce;

Dianne Van Hook, Chancellor of College of the Canyons Community College;

Larry Rasmussen, owner of Spirit Holding, Inc; and

Don Fleming, President of the Santa Clarita Valley Auto Dealers Association.

City Manager Ken Pulskamp was invited to and attended the Board of Directors meeting on November 4, 2009.

After the City Council meeting on October 13, two meetings between Ken Pulskamp and Mr. Kennedy occurred to discuss the mutual goals and expectations of the SCVEDC and the City of Santa Clarita’s role. As a result of those discussions, staff is proposing to provide $100,000 as an initial cash investment. These funds are proposed to be provided as follows:

Cash support of $50,000 upon execution of a contract outlining the the City’s expectations and deliverables of the SCVEDC.

Up to an additional $50,000 in a dollar for dollar match based on the level of other investment the SCVEDC is able to secure. The total cash provided to the SCVEDC will not exceed $100,000.

In exchange for this one-time financial support for the start up of the SCVEDC, staff is proposing to execute an agreement with the SCVEDC requiring the SCVEDC to complete the following in FY 09/10:

Commission a labor market study to help direct business attraction and retention.

Develop a new, annual business conference in coordination with key businesses in Santa Clarita’s targeted industry sectors.

Reserve at least one position on the SCVEDC Board of Directors for the City of Santa Clarita.

Hire an executive director.

Other deliverables may include, but are not limited to:

Administration of a community lending program;

Sports tourism outreach, marketing, and administration;

Marketing of the THiNK SCV program;

Marketing of the Santa Clarita Enterprise Zone; and

Relocation outreach and assistance for industrial and commercial businesses.

This is not a complete list of potential projects for the SCVEDC, but gives a general idea of the types of projects the SCVEDC may engage in. As this organization is still in the formation process, much of the focus is still to be decided. The City’s seat on the Board of Directors will allow the City the opportunity to prioritize these projects and be involved in goal setting and decision making.

With a variety of organizations engaged in economic development activities, including the Chamber of Commerce, Valley Industrial Association, College of the Canyons, Los Angeles Economic Development Corporation, the SCVEDC, and commercial real estate developers and brokers, it is of utmost importance that all activities are complementary of each other and not duplicative. At the meetings with Mr. Kennedy, the importance of working collaboratively with Santa Clarita’s existing business organizations to ensure we are filling needs and not duplicating efforts was expressed. Also expressed was the critical nature of defining the SCVEDC’s scope of work, specific and measurable goals, and timeline for success in order to create a blueprint for the budget and fundraising as this has proven to be a successful way of garnering financial support.

One additional benefit of the SCVEDC is that College of the Canyons will see better success in securing grants that benefit the community as many funding agencies provide bonus points for communities that have an EDC.

The City of Santa Clarita currently spends approximately $1.6 million per fiscal year on economic development activities, though in FY 09/10 that amount has increased as a result of the 21-Point Business Plan for Progress.

Any future investment beyond FY 09/10 will be contingent upon all terms and conditions of the initial investment being met, future City priorities, the measurable successes of the SCVEDC, and the amount of public and private capital raised to support the organization, and may include other deliverables such as a business registry and other items yet to be determined.

ALTERNATIVE ACTIONS

Other actions as determined by City Council.

FISCAL IMPACT

Upon City Council approval of the recommended action, transfer $50,000 from Economic Development Division salary savings (11301-5001.001) to account 11301-5161.002.

Upon City Council approval of the recommended action, transfer $50,000 from the Council Contingency Fund (19300-5401.001), to account 11301-5161.002. Monies to only be paid to SCVEDC per terms of agreement as detailed above.

ATTACHMENTS

SCVEDC Bylaws

——————————————————————————–
The official agenda is posted at City Hall in accordance with state law.
This copy is for general information only.
In the event of a conflict between this copy and the posted agenda, the posted agenda shall prevail. Questions regarding this agenda should be directed to the City Agenda Coordinator at (661) 255-4391.
cash says:

November 6, 2009 at 9:49 am

Enterprise zones not enough, now the City creates another way to give taxpayer dollars to business. $50,000.00 in labor saving that should have been used to provide service to the taxpayers of this city will be the first installment, %50K more will come from other city coffers (taxpayer money). If you read the post above, you will note that labor dollars saved by the city will be handed over to SCVEDC. This thing stinks. Bill Kennedy is on the planning commission and he is also President of the Chamber of Commerce. Our city is corrupt. David will not get my vote if he continues his relationship with SCVEDC and would like to be able to vote for him. Timben will get my vote..
Annette says:

November 6, 2009 at 10:30 am

Shame on Pulskamp and Kennedy for even putting this creative/ deceiving financing up for a council vote.

City Council can you smell the stench?

Oh, I forgot…most items are now on the Concent calendar, so the council will need to come out of hibernation to smell the stench.

Voters beware of a sheep in wolf’s clothing!
Timothy Myers says:

November 6, 2009 at 11:11 am

Mike

Thanks much for that map. That is REALLY fantastic, meaningful, and I know took a lot of work.
Mike says:

November 6, 2009 at 12:14 pm

Thanks TIm. There are a few ways to look at this.

First, the proposed annexation of southern Castaic, including the industrial park(s) wasn’t as crazy an idea as it looks. Taken as a whole, that area supports annexation. From Hillcrest on up, they certainly want to stay as-is. The concerns about “breaking up” the community are unfounded as well, since those residents are even less interested in starting a city. The rural areas of Hasley Canyon and Val Verde would also like to be left alone, thank you very much.

Tesoro can’t wait to join, which is probably a bellwether for other unincorporated areas adjacent to the city that do not have a distinct identity.

West Ranch really needs a simple up-or-down vote. I don’t think either side leaves with a mandate. These were also the most ill-behaved voters of the bunch, with many voting yes on both A and C.

I didn’t bother with B since it failed in every precinct, unless I missed something.
Timothy Myers says:

November 6, 2009 at 12:44 pm

Mike:

Two Things:

For next Sunday I am going to steal your analysis (I can credit you if you like) and then do an analysis on turnout to see if that tells us anything.

City Hall breathes a big sigh of relief that Val Verde does not want to join the City.
Kevin D. Korenthal says:

November 6, 2009 at 1:53 pm

Jeff, I note that you identify that “employers” shedded the jobs, but what share of the blame does The Obama Administration and Congressional Democrats get? Sounds like an interesting premise for a future opinion piece…
Mike says:

November 6, 2009 at 4:21 pm

Tim,

Have at it. I’d love a shout-out in my favorite column.

To give you a head start, if you break up the Valley by school districts, as the registrar is so kind to do, Castaic had the highest turnout at over 16%. Sulphur Spring, for example, was around 10%.
Mike says:

November 6, 2009 at 4:23 pm

I should point out that there are some precincts that are absentee-only, and that might just be in Castaic. I’m not sure if they are completely accounted for.
spineflower2 says:

November 6, 2009 at 5:44 pm

Mike, can you explain this leap? I don’t see the connection:

“From Hillcrest on up, they certainly want to stay as-is. The concerns about “breaking up” the community are unfounded as well, since those residents are even less interested in starting a city.”
Mike says:

November 6, 2009 at 6:00 pm

The concern, as I recall it, was that if the city annexed part of Castaic, it would take away the option of a separate city off the table. Since the people of Castaic are resolutely and consistently against forming a new city, I think it’s a moot point.

Beyond that, I can’t imagine the harm in having some portion of the community under a different (not to mention more responsive) local authority.
spineflower2 says:

November 8, 2009 at 6:03 pm

You missed the entire point.

Yes, the purpose of the CITY wanting (only) key parts was to sabotage the formation of a new second City.

But the PEOPLE of those areas do not want the 100+ year old town of Castaic split into the “INs” and the “OUTs.” Pitting neighbor against neighbor is bad planning, and the City should be ashamed for advocating that.

That is, if the City had any shame…
mike says:

November 8, 2009 at 6:51 pm

The point, that’s as clear as anything else, is that there is no second city. So stop basing policy based on the possibility of something that nobody wants and will never happen. If the people of southern Castaic want to have a local government, they should be free to be governed by the local government of their choosing.
Saugus Splasher says:

November 9, 2009 at 9:10 pm

The map looks great, but the data used is incorrect (election day ballots only but not the vote by mail ballots) and one election district from Castaic is missing.
mike says:

November 9, 2009 at 10:57 pm

I wasn’t sure where to attribute those. I’m going to figure it out, but on the report I was following, the VBMs were treated as separate precincts. Which precinct is missing?
mike says:

November 9, 2009 at 10:57 pm

thanks for pointing that out, BTW.
mike says:

November 10, 2009 at 2:34 am

fixed: http://bit.ly/27HjuG

SCVTalk.com

blogging Santa Clarita Valley news, culture, politics and food since 2006

November 6, 2009 – Daily Brief

17 Comments so far ↓

Leave a Comment