by Kirby Lindsay, posted 2 May 2012
The most recent Fremont Chamber of Commerce Board Meeting, on April 25th, gave further attention to the multitudinous events that Fremont attracts. Sure, Seattle City Council President Sally Clark attended the meeting, and shared news of the outside world (a.k.a. Seattle) but after that, it seems events still loom large as a topic.
A Report From Downtown
Councilmember Clark explained her new assignments within the Council. Every year Councilmembers reevaluate their committee assignments, with most keeping them for two years. This year, Clark agreed to accept the post of Council President, and head the committees of Regional Relations (which is usually held by the President) and Economic Resilience.
Under Economic Resilience, Clark has three focus areas for this year:
- Families – and specifically a campaign around the use of payday loans and the benefits of having a bank account (A study has shown that those unbanked will spend $40,000 more out-of-pocket over their lifetimes than those with an account.)
- Small Business – a process map is in the works, to help those who want to start a business learn which City agencies they must contact, and in what order. Also, with the Neighborhoods Chamber Alliance, they plan a survey of small businesses on the need/desire for City assistance in finding deferred compensation and/or retirement plans, and health care pools
- Business & Occupation Tax – Clark wants to address the Square Footage Tax, and figure out how B&O Taxes should be paid
Clark also mentioned a Ballard Safe Parking pilot program that allows churches to let car campers park on their lots during the week, with access to indoor sanitary facilities. The City would provide case management services.
From there, Clark entertained questions. Phil Megenhardt, of Bold Hat Productions, asked Clark about the Special Events Committee (SEC,) and what oversight and power it holds. Clark explained the transition taking place in the SEC as it moved from the department of Seattle Parks & Recreation to Economic Development.
Megenhardt explained the sudden decision by the SEC to designate the Fremont Oktoberfest a gated event, and the problems that could cause. After some discussion, Clark admitted that, “I don’t get e-mails after Fremont events,” from small businesses complaining about impeded access, or customer interference, like she does in other areas of Seattle. She then explained the efforts by the SEC to figure out how the city can continue to attract successful events, and yet cover the costs (security, clean up, traffic, etc.) that they demand.
Clark also heard concerns about the Shoreline Master Plan, and that it currently would make most of Fremont’s shoreline structures non-conforming. She heard several comments on the need for support of the 34Stone development, a structure that would fulfill the City’s efforts to build more green, and Fremont’s dreams of more vital, active spaces – and this one built beside the city dump (Clark diplomatically insisted it be correctly identified as the North Seattle Transfer Station.)
Ducks, Forms, the Fair & A Fundraiser
When the Board moved to its business, they heard that Adrian Hollingsworth has organized the Chamber party for the Captains of Ride The Ducks – as stated in the list of Chamber Board goals for 2012. On May 18th, The Fremont Tour, and Mark Ukelson, will give the Captains a humorous walk ‘round the ‘hood – then a meet & mingle reception at the Red Door.
A draft ‘Fremont Event Form’ was distributed to the Board by Chamber Executive Director Jessica Vets. It asks questions of organizers/producers about any upcoming event they might wish to produce here, such as the dates, location, street closures, beer gardens, insurance, clean-up plans, and meetings with the City Special Events Committee.
Megenhardt described the form as a “filter,” for inexperienced or disorganized event planners to solidify the details necessary for creating an event beneficial to them, the community and the public. However, some organizers at the Chamber meeting (including this author) remarked on how the added paperwork may be perceived as officious rather than helpful. Vets agreed to use the form in-house, as an aid in identifying those organizers that need help with their process, and that this form is focused on the larger festivals.
Speaking of, Megenhardt gave a report on the upcoming 2012 Fremont Street Fair. The final list of musical entertainment scheduled can be seen on-line now. Additions to this year include a wrap-up party on Sunday, June 17th, at High Dive, and “experimental to this year,” Megenhardt explained, they’ve scheduled Friday night at the Fair, with a beer garden and entertainment on the Main Stage.
The Board also discussed plans for the upcoming Solid Ground Fundraising Luncheon. The Board wants to see a strong showing of Fremonsters at the luncheon on May 11th, at the Seattle-King County Visitors & Convention Center. It is free to attend, and table captains still need attendees. Contact Vets at 206/632-1500 or director@fremont.com if you can participate.
Of course, the Chamber Board discussed far more than can be captured here. To see it in action, attend the next Board meeting on May 30th at 8a at History House. Everyone is welcome! Also, find out about the Chamber on its new, improved website, at www.fremont.com!
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©2012 Kirby Lindsay. This column is protected by intellectual property laws, including U.S. copyright laws. Reproduction, adaptation or distribution without permission is prohibited.