Local Business Support Efforts Allowed to Wane by City Council

• Stakeholders Group Assumes New Leading Role

BY BILL KOENEKER

A staff report prepared for this week’s Malibu City Council meeting described as an update on what was once a hot topic—growing and sustaining local community serving business—is being criticized by the resident group that was formed to tackle the commercial development issue.

The update indicates the most recent step implemented by staff was formation of a stakeholders group to provide direction.

“The stakeholders group [consists] of ten participants—five from the Preserve Malibu group and five commercial shopping center property owners/ managers/representatives. Each interest determined its representation; however, the meeting [was] informal and not open to the public,” wrote Joseph Smith, an associate planner for the city, in a staff report.

However, before the council members could discuss the stakeholders meeting the first session was held last week.

Smith stated in the memo the objectives of the meetings will be to attempt to reach a consensus between the varying interests, allow an informal platform to openly share with one another and consider possible outcomes for future consideration by the city council.

He did not name the participants who are the stakeholders.

The reaction in a flurry of emails, sent to Smith from the Preserve Malibu group was less than enthusiastic.

“We really don’t see much point in attending this January city meeting that is simply updating the council—we’re unsure what the planning department will be updating them on as very little has moved forward, unfortunately, since the last city meeting.

“At this pace, Trancas [shopping center] will be finished and leased before any ordinance is created—this pace is simply not acceptable to citizens. We fully understand that the lack of progress is because no clear direction from the city has been given to the planning department to write up an ordinance,” wrote J. Flora-Katz on behalf of the residents group.

The group also questioned why the update was being moved from its schedule on the agenda in February to the meeting in January.

“We see no reason why the city can’t get the info together for a real city meeting in February—where a vote will happen. There’ll be a meeting with developers in the next few weeks. It is highly unlikely in [one month] that they agree to anything—or at least much of anything. Our proposal is ready. You know, we know what the citizens are asking for. It’s very clear. In reality this city effort is not dependent on an agreement with the developers. Would be nice, but not required and should not hold up a vote,” Katz and the group responded.

Smith indicated the update had been moved on the calendar “due to scheduling conflicts with the draft view restoration ordinance.”

At the city council meeting, none of the so-called major stakeholders spoke to the city council or discussed their reactions.

Smith also indicated the staff is recommending to the council, at this time, to not create an independent business alliance and instead use the $1000 allocated toward a community seminar.

“The community seminar would cover a wide range of opportunities to enhance local community serving business in Malibu. If there is any direction to be taken…The city has invited the Malibu Chamber of Commerce to be an integral part of the workshop,” Smith wrote.

The staff is recommending a $1000 be combined with an allocation of $1500 to be allocated to the American Independent Business Alliance in order to host a community seminar titled Strength in Numbers.

AMIBA, which was suggested by Councilmember John Sibert, who is running in the upcoming city council race to retain his seat, would host a one-day community seminar in early 2012, according to Smith.

“Strength in Numbers is designed to bring together the various interests engaged in local community serving business and seeks to build a coalition to stimulate local business and the economy.

The presentation begins with the economic, civic and environmental benefits of independent community based business and some of the hidden costs accompanying reliance on absentee businesses or chain proliferation. Examples are given from successful campaigns in numerous communities to illustrate, ‘Buy Local’ campaigns, programs to nurture local entrepreneurs and polity initiatives,” Smith noted.

The city would provide meeting space for the seminar, advertising and general coordination with AMIBA. The seminar could be offered free-of-charge to participants or by fee, according to Smith.

“It is anticipated that participants will emerge with a solid understanding of keys to successful local business alliances and best practices for a range of activities and campaigns,” Smith explained.

In possibly explaining their own strength in numbers in a campaign year, the group reminded the associate planner that the city was given petitions with nearly 2000 signatures, that are described as “primarily Malibu residents.”

“In a small town the size of Malibu, with approximately 8-9000 full-time residents including their children—nearly 2000 adult signatures is enormously significant and an overwhelming proportion of the adult population. Those voices must be heard and acted upon,” Katz and the rest of the resident group cautioned.

Katz did not speak at the meeting and apparently none of this sentiment was communicated directly to the council. members.

Council members then briefly discussed the matter and unanimously agreed to approve the staff recommendation of a one-day community meeting overseen by AMIBA at a cost of $2500. The council was told the stakeholders group would meet again in February.