HomeMy WebLinkAboutminutes.cclc.022124
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REGULAR MEETING COMMERCIAL CORE & LODGING COMMISSION FEBRUARY 21, 2024
Chairperson Cunniffe called the meeting to order at 8:40 a.m.
Commissioners present: Kiki Raj, Jeb Ball via Teams, Angi Wang, Noemi Kiss-Baldwin, Stephanie Davis,
Charles Cunniffe, and Amanda Tanaka. Absent were Terry Butler and Bill Dinsmoor
Staff present:
Nicole Henning, City Clerk
Emmy Oliver, Downtown Services
Ms. Kiss-Baldwin motioned to approve the minutes; Ms. Tanaka seconded. All in favor, motion carried.
Mr. Ball began his presentation on the scoring of applicants.
Ms. Wang entered the meeting at 8:45 a.m.
Mr. Ball recapped the scoring process and said there were 51 returning applicants. All applicants should
be notified by the end of February.
He went over some of his personal observations and asked the board if all returning applicants should
receive an automatic approval for 2024 or preferential treatment.
Ms. Tanaka said they should all be considered at once instead of divided into returning and new.
The board agreed that there should be consideration for being a returner and their past behavior,
however.
Mr. Ball said he feels that people should approach the application process as new each time. He asked if
there should be consistency in application criteria for all and said he doesn’t feel the criteria is applied
consistently. Mr. Cunniffe asked for examples.
Mr. Ball said there were two applicants with similar products, but it was odd to him how inconsistent
the scoring was. He also brought up “localness”. He said there were two applicants outside the RFV, and
one reviewer provided scores of 0 and 5 for the local artisan criteria despite the mileage difference from
Aspen between the two of only 30 miles. The criteria should be gone over before we get started next
year and determine what should constitute a “local business”.
He also brought up reviewers keeping opinions to themselves to not influence others. He also brought
up the handling of late applications. He also pointed out sales history should be a determining factor.
Potentially we need a reexamination of what qualifies as a street level retail applicant. He is questioning
Jus because they are located inside on not on the street. Mr. Cunniffe said to consider street fronting
and have a position on the sidewalk to qualify.
Mr. Cunniffe said maybe we should add that to the application next time so it’s very clear.
Mr. Ball brought up Wind River and Jus. They didn’t even try with their applications and said it’s
entitlement for the space. Mr. Cunniffe said we need to clarify with Kathy for her side convos, etc.
Mr. Ball asked if the board feels we need more time for review of the applications. The board said it is
rushed. They need more time to read and consider each one. The board discussed booking off the room
and people coming in individually to give time and attention to each application. What we are doing
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REGULAR MEETING COMMERCIAL CORE & LODGING COMMISSION FEBRUARY 21, 2024
now with all of the commentary, etc. is rushed and not working the best. They said the individual
process during COVID may have actually worked the best.
Mr. Ball agreed and said paying more attention to details is important.
Mr. Ball went over each page of the scoring which showed who was rated highest to lowest and
mentioned some new vendors who were accepted.
Ms. Tanaka said she took the sales into consideration for people who had very similar products.
Whoever brought in more money she gave a higher score to.
Louis Swiss, on the score sheet, is the cutoff line so we need to consider giving people partial time to fit
everyone in.
Ms. Raj entered the meeting at 9:21 a.m.
Mr. Ball finished up the scoring review.
Ms. Tanaka said she met with Aspen Youth Center, and she is excited for them to be in this year.
Mr. Cunniffe said they should consider corners for filling additional space this year. Maybe we can add
more nonprofits to these spaces. Just a thought.
Ms. Henning said she will explain the score sheets to Kathy and report back to the group.
Ms. Davis brought up the block captain idea because she was approached by a member of council asking
if the board is worthwhile.
Mr. Cunniffe said we should put the block captain discussion on the next agenda.
Ms. Henning said it’s important that we start engaging and doing as council is evaluating all of the
boards. She said it was Councilor Guth who suggested getting rid of CCLC at one of the council meetings.
She asked Ms. Davis which council member was asking her questions and she said it was Councilor Guth.
Ms. Oliver said we need to get more organized to present data to council.
Mr. Cunniffe said he would like to see the layout of the map next time as well if possible.
The board spoke about another alley cleanup.
Ms. Oliver said we can put the alleys and pedestrian safety on an agenda.
Ms. Kiss-Baldwin left the meeting at 9:51 a.m.
Ms. Tanaka motioned to adjourn; Ms. Raj seconded at 10:02 a.m.
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City Clerk, Nicole Henning