HomeMy WebLinkAbout12-12-2006 Council Economic Development Committee
AGENDA
City of Iowa City
City Council Economic Development Committee
Tuesday, December 12,2006
9:00 a.m.
City Hall
Lobby Conference Room
410 East Washington Street
1. Call to Order
2. Approval of Minutes of November 13, 2006 Economic Development Committee
meeting
3. Activity Report
4. Request for Proposal document for Downtown Market Analysis
5. Community Development Fund Application (State funds) for BIOWA
6. Committee Time
7. Adjournment
NEXT REGULAR MEETING DATE: January 23,2006 (to be confirmed)
MINUTES
CITY COUNCIL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE
NOVEMBER 13, 2006
LOBBY CONFERENCE ROOM
PRELIMINARY
Members Present:
Regenia Bailey, Connie Champion, Bob Elliot (arrived late)
Members Absent:
NONE
Staff Present:
Karin Franklin, Wendy Ford, Tracy Hightshoe
Others Present:
NONE
RECOMMENDATIONS TO CITY COUNCIL:
NONE
CALL MEETING TO ORDER
Chairperson Bailey called the meeting to order at 8:06 AM.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES - OCT. 31,2006 ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE MEETING
MOTION: Champion moved to approve the October 31, 2006 minutes as submitted. Bailey
seconded the motion. The motion passed 2:0.
CDBG APPLICATION MATERIALS AND POLICIES - TRACY HIGHTSHOE
Hightshoe distributed a spreadsheet showing the online and downloadable CDBG economic development
fund materials. Citing privacy concerns, she noted that social security numbers, tax payer identification,
consumer credit score, and the employer's contribution and payroll report are considered proprietary.
Hightshoe will be able to separate all protected information in applications before providing the Economic
Development Committee access to documents it needs to make funding decisions.
Champion and Bailey thought the application was much clearer. Bailey noted under the process portion,
numbers 3 and 4, should be changed to say "3) City Council Economic Development Committee for
review and recommendation" and then moves to the Council for action. Bailey thought there should be
clarification that there is the opportunity for the application to stop at either of the levels.
Bailey also wondered if the City asks for a startup profit and loss pro forma. She said that Oasis Falafel
had submitted a pro forma that showed exactly how they planned to make their numbers and that they
included details such as the exact number of items that they were planning to sell. Hightshoe clarified that
the applicants are required to submit a pro forma balance sheet. The pro forma balance sheets do not
give projected profits and loss. The group agreed to require a profit/loss statement 3 year historical if it is
an existing business and 3 year projected if it is a new business. Franklin mentioned that this is more an
exercise is viewing their thought process.
Hightshoe said that the next step is to determine the best way to market the program to commercial
lenders. She will be sending applications and the applicant guide to commercial lenders. She said that the
complete application will be downloadable on the internet. Ford had an idea to create a pamphlet
brochure to market the program and to show guidelines. Hightshoe was not sure about creating a
brochure because there are so many federal regulations that go with .the grant money and she was not
sure what is allowed. Franklin said that the group needs to think about more ways to market the program.
Bailey wondered if the program could be pitched in the Fast Track Class at the University's
Entrepreneurial Center and Hightshoe said she would look into it and ask Paul Heath, Director. Bailey
suggested marketing to nonprofit organizations that have contact with low- to moderate-income people on
a regular basis. Franklin suggested Hightshoe talk to ISED in Des Moines to get some ideas about how
they market their training programs. Ford said that Joannie Thorton might be a good contact as she is
Economic Development Committee Minutes
November 13, 2006
Page 2
working with entrepreneurial women in Cedar Rapids. Franklin mentioned the Bell Center and Bailey
mentioned SEED at the Chamber of Commerce and possibly creating an informational advertisement for
public access television.
DISCUSSION OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT STRATEGIES. POLICIES
Ford described the purpose for a simple memorandum cover for the final strategic planing document,
SWOT analysis, and the strategies and policies that are designed to achieve measurable results in each
area of focus.
Objective 1
Bailey thought that having '0 business losses' in the goal section is too ambitious because sometimes
business loss can be out of the Committee and City's control. Ford said that if the committee is going to
have a goal to "foster the retention and expansion of existing businesses," they should have a
measurable goal for it. Elliot mentioned the idea of exit interviews to determine the reason for loss of
businesses. Elliot thinks that it is important to keep retention as a measurable. Bailey said that the group
needs a better snapshot of the economy in Iowa City.
In discussion about tracking the number of employees in small businesses, Ford said that ICAD may has
the most up-to-date listing of the businesses and their number of employees. The listed results in the
community profile are those that have over 125 employees.
Franklin said that the group needed to pull the information from the Community Profile, ICAD, and the
Chamber and see what they have to work with. Ford said that ICAD may well be tracking all of the
businesses, not just those that are reported on in the Community Profile.
Elliot reiterated that retention should not be taken out of the strategic plan. A discussion about how much
the City can control retention and expansion ensued. Champion said that as far as the strategic plan
goes, she likes the objectives as a whole. It is the measurables that need to be discussed. Ford said that
other measurables such as numbers of business inquiries to the City. Bailey thought that the Economic
Development Committee should also do something to welcome new businesses.
Bailey mentioned that she is interested in discussing the possibility of helping the Airport Commission
develop a business plan for the land. She wondered if the idea is feasible. Earth-tech is doing a study that
will come back to the council. Franklin said that if the study calls for hangars and aviation uses, they will
need the Airport Commission to give guidance. She clarified that the Earth-tech study will look at future
aviation needs, such as runways. The study will look at how many based aircrafts there are currently and
how many are projected to be needed. David Hughes will take the projections to FAA, and then determine
whether the land is needed for aviation needs. Franklin said it is likely that the land will not be needed.
Objective 2
Wendy discussed objective 2. Champion wanted to remove the word 'recapture' because it was negative.
Bailey wondered if they are waiting until the next budget year to facilitate a market niche analysis for
downtown. Ford said that the Chamber would like to take the lead in the project. Franklin said that it will
go into this year's budget. This will go on the December meeting agenda. Ford said that these studies
average between $20,000 and $40,000. She mentioned that the University of Wisconsin Extension
Service said that they would be very interested in working with the City of Iowa City, having spoken with
them at a downtown conference in October. Ford also has three other consultants from whom to submit
requests for proposal including PUMA and two that the Chamber recommended. Franklin mentioned that
if the cost is less than $20,000 it does not need to be approved by the Council.
Bailey said that strategy b. (the formation of a SSMID) will be a very political item and maybe should
come from someone else outside of the Economic Development Committee. There was group agreement
that b. should be removed from the strategies.
Economic Development Committee Minutes
November 13, 2006
Page 3
Ford explained the idea of strategy d. to develop a business incubator. The group had talked about a
business incubator at previous meetings. Bailey mentioned that an artist incubator could fall under the
City's CDBG funds.
Objective 3
Bailey said that she would be surprised if the City could get 10 qualifying businesses with CDBG funds.
Franklin said that the City has $300,000 to devote to micro enterprise startups, so they better start
working to get 10 qualifying businesses.
Ford said that b. is a typo and should be removed.
Objective 4
Ford said she struggled with this objective. Champion mentioned that the committee forgot to include
Kirkwood College, which provides workforce development. Bailey said that the group needs to get an idea
of what the environmentfor workforce development is currently like. Franklin mentioned that the Iowa
Workforce Development would have a lot of data on this topic. She said that their role is finding holes in
employment and encouraging the development of workers to fill the needed jobs.
Elliot mentioned that he thinks it is unfortunate that the present discussion is taking place without
Kirkwood and the Chamber of Commerce. Bailey said that Wendy will meet with them to discuss the plan.
Bailey recommended that the SWOT analysis at the beginning should be a narrative instead of a chart.
The Economic Development Committee will review the strategic plan again before sending it to the City
Council.
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting adjourned at 9:00 AM.
NEXT MEETING DATE: December 12, 2006 at 9:00 AM.
Minutes submitted by Abby Attoun.
s/pcd/minutes/ecdev/2006/11-13-06.doc'
Q)
Q)
t:
.-
E
E
o
o
....
C
Q)"C
E 0
Q.(,)
o (I,)
_0::
Q)(I,)CD
>(,)0
Q)CO
CCUN
U"g
.- (I,)
E=:
0<(
c
o
(.)
w
-
.-
u
c
::s
o
o
f"'l
~ X X X
.......
~
~
~
~ X X X
=
~
0\
~ X X X
.......
0\
~
~ X X X
.......
0\
It'l X X X
.......
0\
M
~ X X X
QCl
QCl
~ X X X
.......
t'--
t'--
~ X X X
\C
::!: X X X
~
=
~ X X X
f"'l
It'l
~ X X X
.......
f"'l
=
~ X X X
.......
f"'l
\C X
~ X X
.......
M
QCl i:.LI
~ X X .......
....... 0
~
Vl 00 00 00
S .~ 0 0 0
....... ....... .......
N N N
V 0.. 0 0 0
f-< ><: ....... ....... .......
i:.LI ..... ..... .....
0 0 0
CI
~
....
t> Q.
- S
.... ~
~ t:
= .CI
~ U
~ :.::l
.... - ~
V CI ~ ....
~ ~ CI
bJ) ,.Q CI
~ ~ ~
Z ~ = U
"'0
v
Vl
;::l
(,)
><:
~-~
v Q Q
Vl v V
V fIl fIl
o:~~
II II II
~ ~
~XOO
Economic Development Coordinator
Activities
October 10- December 6
Outreach & Contacts
Meetings & Events
Local Govt Affairs (Chamber) 10/12, 11/9
Obermann Center, meeting to brainstorm grad student involvement in community, 11/1
January event 1/9/07
Nancy Quellhorst re: downtown market niche analysis, 11/1
Get to know the IDED program, Des Moines, 11/29/06
Annual CVB luncheon, 11/9
DT A meeting, 11/9
Chamber's "Toast" event, 11/9
Housing Summit, 11/14
Lead off with Leadership Breakfast, ACT with Dick Ferguson, 11/17
Everyone's an Entrepreneur lunch, CR, 11/17
Creative Economy work session, 12/1
Public Relations
Iowa City Roundtable, Carlos O'Kelly's 10/17, 11/21, 12/5
Gave TIF presentation at Iowa City Roundtable meeting on 12/5
MDA fundraiser
Inquiries from media: DI re current ED issues, Corridor Business Journal, KGAN News
Contacts
Tim Ghoulson, Wells Fargo re: downtown and DT A
Joe Raso, 10/25, 12/4
Susan Weinshenk, DTA president
Denny Lindell, contact of New Market Tax credits and other private financial assistance programs
In House'
TIF Debt Certification process, completed Nov.30 (for 12/1 deadline)
Letter to all TIF project developers requesting documentation
Monitored compliance with developer agreements
Respond to questions from developers re: required materials
Met with County Auditor, Mark Kistler twice
Met with Tracy H. re past year's certifications
Attended TIF Debt Certification seminar, 11/14
Met with Kevin O'Malley twice to reconcile TIF account budget figures
Updated TIF project status sheets
Updated TIF slide presentation
Met with City Attorney to determine privacy limitations for financial applications
Continued gathering information for Community Profile
Attended Department Budget presentation meeting
Strategic Planning Document in process, final draft to be presented to committee in January
Economic Development inquiries
various inquiries, including high tech/internet business, how to start in the restaurant business,
kitchen store or deli, anonymous big box retailer site location questions, TIF for Hwy 6 pole
building improvements, courier delivery service financial assistance inquiry, ethanol and
biodeisel by-products non-profit, etc..
,~ 1
-~= -4..,
~~Wj!:""
~ ~IIII"
--~
CITY OF IOWA CITY
MEMORANDUM
Date: December 6, 2006
To: Economic Development Committee
From: Wendy Ford
Re: Downtown Market Analysis RFP
The following 7 -page document is the draft of a Request for Proposals to be submitted on behalf
of a partnership made up of the City, the Iowa City Area Chamber of Commerce and the
Downtown Association.
A cover letter inviting submission of proposals will go out on Chamber letterhead signed by
Chamber, DTA and City staff.
Consultants on the list to receive the proposals:
. University of Wisconsin Extension Service
. Progressive Urban Management Associates
. Hyett Palma
. ROMA Design Group
* * * I) II i\ .' 'I' * * *
DATE:
December 12, 2006
REQUST FOR PROPOSAL:
Consultant Services for a Downtown Market Niche Analysis
Downtown Iowa City, Iowa
PLEASE TAKE NOTE: THIS DOCUMENT CONSTITUTES A REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS, AND IS THUS
A SOLICITATION FOR RESPONSES. CONVERSELY, THIS REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL IS NOT A BID
AND IS NOT BOVERNED BY STATE OR FEDERAL BIDDING REQUREMENTS.
MOREOVER, ANY ACCEPTANCE OF A PROPOSAL SHALL NOT RESULT IN A BINDING CONTRACT
BETWEEN THE CITY AND THE PROPOSER, BUT INSTEAD WILL SIMPLY ENABLE NEGOTIATIONS TO
TAKE PLACE WHICH MAY EVENTUALLY RESULT IN A MORE DETAILED AND REFINED
CONSULTANT AGREEMENT OR CONTRACT BETWEEN THE PROPOSER AND THE CITY.
NOTICE TO PROPOSER:
Sealed proposals will be received at the Office of the City Clerk,
410 E. Washington Street, Iowa City, Iowa until the time and date
specified before for:
Consultant Services for a Market Niche Analysis for downtown Iowa City, Iowa.
Proposals must be made to the City as to how the Proposer intends to provide consultant services more
specifically defined herein. The City retains the right to reject proposals as non-responsive, to ask for
clarification, to enter into negotiation to discuss cost, scope of work, procedures, and final work product, all
prior to the execution of a formal consultant agreement.
PROPOSALS DUE:
5:00 pm, Wednesday, January 31, 2007
ADDRESS PROPOSALS TO: Attention of the Economic Development Coordinator, Office of the City
Clerk, 410 East Washington Street, Iowa City, IA 52240, on or before the time and date specified above,
Proposals shall be sealed and clearly marked on the front with reference to the specific project. FAX and
email proposals will not be accepted.
QUESTIONS:
Questions regarding the Request for Proposal should be directed to:
Wendy Ford
Economic Development Coordinator
Department of Planning and Community Development
410 East Washington Street
Iowa City, IA 52240
PH: 319-356-5248
FAX: 319-356-5217
EMAIL: wendv-ford@iowa-citV.orq
The City is not responsible for any information or clarification given by other representatives.
* * * .t II L\ I,' 'r '" '" *
INDEX
Section I............................................................. Background Information
Section II .. ............... ........................ ......................... .......... .....Objectives
Section 11I..........................................................................Scope of Work
Section IV..................... ...................... ................ ..... .................. Schedule
Section V....................................................."..,....,...... Proposal Contents
Section Vi.."..,............,.........,......,.,.....,.......,....,.. Proposal Requirements
Section Vii..................................................................... Selection Criteria
2
* * *
I) II j\ I,' 'I'
>I< >I< *
Request for Proposal
Consultant Services for a Downtown Market Niche Analysis
Downtown Iowa City
Section I
Background Information
The metropolitan area of Iowa City includes a population of approximately 85,000 people. Iowa City is the
oldest and largest city within the metropolitan area and its downtown was the original center of commerce
for the county, if not east central Iowa for the first 150 years of its existence. It was founded in 1839 and had
a reported population of 63, 207 in the 2000 census. Iowa City has always enjoyed the additional infusion of
a young population, now 30,000 strong, of students who attend University of Iowa.
In the 1960s and 70s, the city underwent an extensive urban renewal process to alleviate deteriorating
buildings and to spur new investment downtown. Among the key outcomes of urban renewal was the
development of a pedestrian mall with a water feature, performance area and children's play area created
by the closing of three blocks to vehicular traffic. New buildings included the enclosed 60-store Old Capitol
Mall that tbok the place of two full blocks of deteriorating buildings, a five-story office building called Plaza
Center One at the heart of the pedestrian mall, and a 236-room hotel (now the Sheraton) also on the
pedestrian mall.
Throughout the 1980s and 90s downtown business prospered and the health of the area existed in a
relatively steady state. In 1998, Coral Ridge Mall opened about 6 miles to the west on Interstate 80,
beginning a change in the face of downtown retail. Over the course of the following six years, the two
anchor department stores, each with anchor locations in Coral Ridge Mall, moved out of Old Capitol Mall.
An entertainment business attempted to fill one of the large retail locations, but failed after less than two
years. Other retail tenants in Old Capitol Mall and in store fronts in downtown buildings followed suit. By
2004, the mall had only a handful of tenants remaining in the original 60 retail locations and there were
beginning to be empty store fronts in older downtown buildings.
In early 2000s, a new wave downtown development began. Vogel House, an ultra modern 9 story
residential building with retail on the first floor replaced an old brick residence which had fallen into disrepair.
The Whiteway Building, several floors of apartments over a first floor restaurant was built to replace a
century-old building that had burned and Plaza Towers, a multi-story residential, hotel, and retail building
was erected on the last remaining parcel of downtown urban renewal land. Interestingly, each of these
projects was spearheaded by the same individual, Marc Moen, and each has made a significant impact on
the aesthetics of and residential mix of the downtown. In 2006, Iowa City committed to another private
project with a significant commitment of public investment in a $40 million, 12 story building known as
Hieronymus Square with commercial, hotel and residential space. This project will be significant because it
is the first large scale development to go forward south of Burlington Street, the former southern edge of the
Central Business District.
Given the significant retail and residential changes of the past decade, the iowa City Area Chamber of
Commerce and the Downtown Association in partnership with the City, desire to examine the changes
affecting the downtown in order to affect strategy and policy decisions for its future. Each organization
recognizes that the health of downtown plays a significant role in the community's ability to foster a good
environment in which to do business, to work, live and play.
3
*'
*'
*'
.t II .\
14" "'1"" *
*
*
Section II
Objective
To undertake a market analysis to determine a feasible mix of retail, office, and entertainment uses in
downtown Iowa City that supports the vision of Downtown Iowa City as a "unique and lively mix of
commerce, culture, education, entertainment, government and recreation for residents and visitors."
To accomplish this, we desire:
. A greater understanding the trade area's customers and competition
. A thorough examination of downtown's most pressing issues (business mix, vacancies, etc.)
. Data to demonstrate the economic importance of downtown to community at large
. The identification of niche markets for retail
. The identification of optimal mixed uses for downtown
. The identification of potential design improvements
Section III
Scope of Work
The consultant shall work with the Chamber and its partners to develop a concise, useable Downtown
Analysis that will benefit the metropolitan area in developing strategies, policies and practices to be used by
the Chamber of Commerce, the City of Iowa City and the Downtown Association in decision-making
regarding the expenditure of funds for economic development and marketing. Tasks for the consultant will
include the following:
Understanding Market Conditions
. Creating a Building and Business Inventory (some information exists)
. Survey Business Operators (hours, issues)
. Analyze Existing Business Mix
. Analyze Trade Area
. Analyze Local Economics
. Analyze Customer Demographics and Lifestyles
. Conduct Focus Groups
. Conduct Consumer Surveys
Identifying Market Opportunities by Sector
. Evaluate Retail Opportunities
. Evaluate Service Business Opportunities
. Evaluate Restaurant Opportunities
. Evaluate Theater Opportunities
. Evaluate Residential Opportunities
. Evaluate Office Market Opportunities
. Evaluate Lodging Opportunities
Conclusions and Recommendations
. Business Retention and Expansion
. Niche Recommendations
. Space Utilization and design consideration
. Marketing Plan
. Business Recruitment Recommendations
4
* * * It II .\ I,' 'I' * * *
Section IV
Schedule
Completion of the Downtown Market Analysis and submission of the report should be complete within 180
days of execution of a formal Consultant Agreement. After final review of the report by the City, Chamber
and DT A partners, and completion of any necessary revisions, the presentation of the findings in a public
discussion forum would occur within 60 days of submission of the initial report.
The following is an anticipated schedule for consultant selection and conducting the work. The City,
Chamber and DTA partners reserve the right to modify any part of this schedule. Each proposal shall remain
open for a period of 90 days from the date of receipt.
Solicitation issued............................ ........................................ December 18, 2006
Proposals due .............................................................................January 31,2007
Contract awarded ...................................................................... February 12, 2007
Contract period...................................................... February 12 -August 12,2007
Section V
Proposal Contents
General Instructions
· Each firm is requested to submit ten (10) copies of its proposal in typewritten form and sealed in an
envelope addressed to: Economic Development Coordinator, Office of the City Clerk, 410 East
Washington Street, Iowa City, IA 52240.
. Modifications to a firm's proposal shall be enclosed in sealed envelopes and addressed to the
office noted above. Modifications must meet the same deadline as the original proposal.
. FAX or electronic based offers will not be considered in response to this RFP.
. Proposals should be limited to a maximum of 20 pages.
The proposal package shall contain, at a minimum, the items listed below. Proposers are urged to be as
thorough and complete as possible, while not exceeding the 20-page maximum for proposals.
1. Identification of Proposer. Identify the Proposer, Proposer's mailing address, telephone number,
fax, email address and contact person who can answer questions concerning the proposal.
2. Previous Firm and Proiect Team Experience. The Project Team for this Project should be
identified. The Proposer should describe in as much detail as possible recent experience in
completing similar Downtown Analyses by the firm and by the individuals whQ would be assigned
to this project. Include a list with the client's name, the name and telephone number of a person
associated with the project who may be contacted for a reference, the year the project was
completed and the individual from the Proposer's team who was responsible for the project.
3. Sub consultants. If your proposal includes the use of sub consultants or is a joint-venture proposal,
please identify all consultants and their responsibility and qualifications as outlined in 1 and 2
above.
4. Work plan. A work plan showing how your firm would complete the Downtown Analysis with task
and timeframes accomplishing the Scope of Work requested in this RFP.
5
* * * .) ., ..:\ .,' rr >}I * *
5. Budget. Provide a detailed estimate of costs and fees for services to complete the work requested
and a proposed payment schedule if other than payment in full upon conclusion of work.
6. Miscellaneous information. Any additional information regarding your firm's experience and
capabilities that you feel would be important to the success of this project.
Section VI
Proposal Requirements
1. Each proposer shall examine the Request for Proposal document and determine the adequacy of
all statements. Any inquiries, suggestions or requests conceming interpretation, clarification, or
need for additional information pertaining to the RFP shall be made through the Economic
Development Coordinator for the City of Iowa City as noted on the cover page of this RFP. The city
shall not be responsible for oral interpretations given by any other City employees, representatives
or others. Prior to acceptance of a Proposal by the City, the issuance of a written addendum is the
only official method whereby interpretation, clarification or additional information may be given. If
addenda are issued to this Request for Proposal, the City will attempt to notify all prospective
proposers who have secured same. However, it shall be the responsibility oreach proposer, prior
to submitting a proposal, to contact the City to determine if addenda were issued.
Once a Proposal is accepted by the City and its partners, the City is free to enter into negotiations
concerning the broad outlines of this Proposal, in order to try and reach an agreement on what
more precisely, the Proposer and the City intend to accomplish by way of the consulting services.
2. Ten (10) copies of the proposal shall be submitted.
3. The proposal shall include a proposed time schedule for the activity.
4. The proposal shall include a cost estimate separated into individual budget elements.
5. All expenses for making proposals are to be borne by the proposer.
6. Any proposal may be withdrawn up until the date and time set for receiving proposals. Any
proposal not so withdrawn shall, upon opening, constitute an irrevocable offer for a periOd of 90
(ninety) calendar cays to provide the City of Iowa City the services set forth.
7. Proposer understands that the City's acceptance of a Proposal only enables the City and the
Proposer to negotiate a formal Consultant Agreement satisfactory to both parties.
Section VII
Selection Criteria
The City and its partners will evaluate each firm in accordance with the following criteria to determine the
firm that it feels is best suited to meet the needs of the project. Response to this RFP should include
information deemed pertinent to each and all of said criteria. During the evaluation process, the City and its
partners reserve the right to request additional written information to assist in the evaluation of proposals.
1. Qualifications.
. The firm's previous work experience with and success in projects of similar scope and
purpose.
. The qualifications of key personnel who will be assigned to the project.
6
* * *
I) II j\ 1<' 'I' * * *
2. Timely completion of the proiect.
. The consultant's current workload and its ability to complete the project in a timely manner
according to the anticipated schedule specified.
3. Proiect overview and work plan.
. The firm's overall approach to how it would complete this project in an efficient and
effective manner.
. The firm's understanding of the project including identification of major issues or problems
which it may perceive at this time concerning the project.
4. Cost of service.
. The reasonableness of the budget proposed by the firm.
5. Quality and thorouohness of proposal.
. Completeness of the submitted proposal.
. Andy additional information formally requested by the City and its partners will be included
in this criterion.
6. Unique services of Qualifications.
. Any special capabilities a firm has which would significantly contribute to the success of
this project.
7
,~ .I
_f"'">= -u:r..,
~.~~!':~
~ ~1IlI.'
--~
CITY OF IOWA CITY
MEMORANDUM
Date:
To:
From:
Re:
December 6, 2006
Economic Development Committee
Wendy Ford
BIOWA's Community Development Fund Application
BIOWA seeks the committee's recommendation to the council to support this application for
$49,000 in state grant funds. The City would serve as the pass-through organization for the
funds.
Mike Otter, the Executive Director of BIOWA, based in Iowa City, is seeking the city's support in
this application to the state for a $49,000 grant. Similar to an application to the state for CEBA
funds, applicants must seek the support of and apply through a city, county, council of
governments or resource conservation group.
Mike was scheduled to be in Minneapolis during the Dec. 12 Economic Development
Committee meeting and is not able to present or answer questions in person.
The following 5 pages are the overview and pre-application forms for an application to the Iowa
Department of Economic Development for grant funds.
BIOWA, a trade association for bio-based products, based in Iowa, is developing a data base
designed to match up "waste streams" or unwanted by-products with businesses that need
those waste products, adding value for companies that have finished with raw materials and
created by-products from them and for companies that need the by-product as a raw material
for their own business.
An example of the type of use the database could enhance was given by Mike Otter during a
visit to my office. The egg producer Sparbo, cracking billions of eggs for McDonald's restaurants
had no need for their empty egg shells and were carting them off to the landfill by the
truckloads. Empty egg shells are a raw material for the production of collagen and when the
match for end product and raw materials need was made, Sparbo saved money on shipping raw
materials to the dump, the dump was saved tons of egg shells, and another company had an
economical source of raw materials, adding value for both companies and the environment.
Community Development Fund
Community Development in a Regional Economy
Iowa communities must prepare for new economic opportunities in a regional economy. Community
leaders need to identify partners and become involved in regional efforts that build on Iowa's core
strengths.
The Community Development Fund (CDF) provides financial and technical assistance to Iowa
communities developing creative and innovative projects that meet "deliverable" standards. Projects and
activities which relate to the "Iowa 2010 Plan," completed by the Governor's Strategic Planning Council in
2000 (www.iowa2010.com). will be the best "fit" for CDF grants.
Funding Available
Up to $50,000 is available for groups willing to design and implement replicable models. Local cash
match is 25% of grant amount requested. In-kind match of 10% is also required. Higher cash matches
are encouraged.
Application Process
Step One: Contact Cali Beals, Development Specialist, at IDED.
Step Two: Submit pre-application on-line. Pre-application forms may be downloaded from
www.state.ia.us/ided/crd/downloads.html(in Microsoft Word and pdf format)
Step Three: If the pre-application is approved, the project organization will be invited to submit a full
application.
Rating
Projects will be rated on six deliverable standards:
. Goals: Are they attainable within one year?
. Economic Impact. Is it measurable?
. Return on Investment: How will the Community Development Fund dollars be used to leverage
other resources?
. Regional Partners: Is there a larger impact for the region?
. Industry Clusters: Does the project advance industry retention and expansion of Information
Solutions, Advanced Manufacturing, or Life Sciences?
. Models for Success: Can the project be replicated in other parts of the state to address 2010
issues?
Eligible Applicants
Any Iowa county, city, council of government (COG) or Resource Conservation and Development
organization (RC&D) is eligible to apply on behalf of a local development organization. Multi-
community/regional partnerships are strongly encouraged.
Pre-Application Process
The pre-application process for the Community Development Fund is designed to assist communities with
the development of the proposal. The pre-application requires a brief overview of the project,
preparedness/capacity information about the community/region and a general budget.
Eligible projects for the Community Development Fund should address these targeted 2010
issues:
Business Development
. Enhancing target industry clusters: information solutions, advanced manufacturing, and life
sciences
. Entrepreneurship
. International trade
. E-commerce
. Capital development
Technology
. Education and training on enhanced telecommunication services
. Strategic development for access and use of advanced telecommunications
Growth Management
. Promote orderly growth and rational land use
Housing
. Strategies to address specific housing needs, particularly in upper story and in-fill lots
Community Services .
. Delivery of multi-community or regional government services
. Workforce development
. Innovative approaches to workforce shortages, skill development, and employee retention
. Diversity of population, capitalizing on immigration to sustain and revitalize communities
Education and Training
. Leadership strategies
. Regional workshops related to any of the targeted 2010 issues
Commercial Development
Communities may apply for up to $5,000 per year on a dollar-for-dollar match. Projects may include:
. One-on-one business assistance
. Market analysis training
. Upper story re-use technical assistance
. Fundraising strategies
. Building design assistance
Submit the pre-application electronically to:
Cali Beals
Development Specialist
Iowa Department of Economic Development
515.242.4723
ca Ii .heals ai>.ided .state. ia. us
Pre-Application - Community Development Fund
IDEO use only
Project Identification:
(Category/Descriptive Title)
Project Information
1. Eligible Applicant (Fiscal Agent): City of Iowa City
(Must be a city, county, Council of Governments or Resource Conservation and Development)
Contact person: Wendy Ford
Mailing address: 410 E. WashinQton 5t.
City, state, zip: Iowa City. IA 52240
Phone: (319)356-5248
Fax: (319) 356-5217
Email: Wendy-ford@iowa-citv.orQ
2. Project Organization: BIOWA
Contact person: Michael Ott
Mailing address:325 E. WashinQton 5t
City, state, zip: Iowa City. IA 52240
Phone: 319621 8580
Fax: 3092790000
Email: otterm@Qmail.com
3. List partners and identify participation in the project (such as, financial, administrative, etc):
Partner Identify participation in project
City of Iowa City Eligible Agent
Davis County Savings Software Provider
Bank
BIOWA Members Data Providers
Pre-Application - Community Development Fund, continued
4. Grant requested (maximum allowed is $50,000):
($5,OOO for Commercial Development Projects)
Local cash (minimum 25%):
(100% match for Commercial Services)
In-kind match (minimum 10%):
TOTAL PROJECT:
$49.000
$49.000
$
$75.000
$173.000
5. Preliminary Budget:
Indicate the sources and estimated amounts of local matching funds.
SOURCES of Funding: Amount
Source A: $49,000 BIOWA Salary
Source B: $55,000 Davis Software
County (Matching)
Savings
Bank
Source C: $20,000 BIOWA Data
Members Collection
(Matching)
Source D: $
Source E: State Funding $49,000
TOTAL: $173,000
6. Population of area involved in the project:
2.926.324 2000 Census
change (+ or -)
2 768 302 1990 Census
5.4% Percentage of
7. Capacity/Readiness: (Check all that apply)
(List all qualifying communities involved in the project)
181 Local Economic Development Organization:_
I8IFull-time paid staff:_
o Volunteer group: _
o Comprehensive Plan(s):_
Date(s) _
Where Available
o Other:
Pre-Application - Community Development Fund, continued
8. List other grants for which you have applied or received for this project.
(past 12 months only)
None
9. What studies or plans have been conducted that support the need for this project?
(do not attach to this pre-application)
BIOWA membership development survey established the need
10. Check the 2010 Issue Categories which best describe your project:
I:8l Business Development
I:8l Technology
I:8l Growth Management
D Housing
I:8l Community Services
I:8l Workforce Development
D Education and Training
. I:8l Commercial Development
D One-on-One Business Assistance
D Market Analysis Training
D Upper Story Re-Use Technical Assistance
D Fundraising Technical Assistance
D Image Campaigns
D Building Design Assistance
11. Provide a brief overview of the project addressing the appropriate deliverable
standards listed in the instructions. (Limit the writing to this space using no less than a
number 10 font.)
This project will create a dynamic input-output database that will match waste streams with
input streams. This database has a level of specificity and manageability which goes far
beyond any other current project. The initial target market is companies focused on
biobased products, with a planned expansion to advanced manufacturing and other
industries.
As a trade association for biobased products, BIOWA has a captive audience with a need
for this product and a drive to see this project succeed. BIOWA members are willing to
share information previously held confidential because of the opportunities which will be
created. Members will donate their time to assist in data gathering. BIOWA's membership
spans both large and small companies, from Penford to West Central Co-op to Century
Farm Harvest Heat.
Data collected will be organized by both quantity and quality and can be updated
instantaneously. This makes a database that becomes exponentially more valuable as the
data pool grows. The database has codified inputs based on internationally recognized
standards. Uniformity of information is critical, and this problem is solved by organizing
information in a manner which leads to successful matching. This forward thinking
approach will make this project successful for BIOWA, its members and the state of Iowa.