pages: CityCouncil/2009-10-06.pdf, 11
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CityCouncil | 2009-10-06 | 11 | The Economic Development Director responded start up and build out permit fees are expensive in addition to the time involved; stated some fees are out of the City's control, such as the Health Department, ABC Licenses, and School District. Councilmember Tam stated people think that parking costs are an issue; the City's parking costs are only fifty cents per hour. Mr. Harrison stated that people think costs businesses pay as fees for providing clientele parking are high. Mayor Johnson inquired Mr. Harrison is referring to an in-lieu fee, to which Mr. Harrison responded in the affirmative. Councilmember Tam stated most of the positive survey responses seem to be around 22% to 24% : inquired at what threshold does the EDC consider a matter to be worth addressing. Mr. Harrison responded the survey revealed that a lot of people do not know about certain programs. Councilmember Tam stated the public loves the Police Department that she is puzzled to find that over sixty percent do not want to be contacted by a City representative or EDC member. Mr. Harrison stated a lot of people participated in the anonymous survey; a lot of people just wanted to provide input. Vice Mayor deHaan stated past EDC surveys indicated a strong desire for an ombudsman; inquired whether there is better interface with retailers now. The Economic Development Director responded assistance is provided; stated the idea of having one person take an individual through the whole process for a fee still is mentioned; working with the same person and having consistency are importanti hopefully, merging Economic Development with the Community Development Department will improve customer service. Councilmember Gilmore stated for years the Community Development Department had a customer service team; the one stop permit center was one of the recommendations; inquired whether the EDC reviewed the matter; stated many areas overlap. The Economic Development Director responded one of the EDC recommendations is to continue customer service review; stated the report provides helpful recommendations, such as updating the City's website. Regular Meeting Alameda City Council October 6, 2009 | CityCouncil/2009-10-06.pdf |