The Economic Matters Committee convened for its final meeting of the term on October 15, 2025, to address agenda amendments, board appointments, lease negotiations for Market Plaza, and housing development legislation. The committee also discussed the city's economic development update, focusing on new data regarding business permits, maritime industry growth, and childcare accessibility. Aldermen Savage and Jackson presided over the discussion of complex financial relationships with the Medco concessionaire, expressing strong support for local businesses while demanding clearer terms for city-owned property usage.
Welcome everyone to the Wednesday, October 15th meeting of Economic Matters. Joining here in the chambers today are Alderman Savage and myself. We are going to make one adjustment to the agenda today, and that is we are going to add uh 03725 to the agenda. Do I have a motion to approve the agenda as amended? So move. I will second. All in favor. Aye. Ms. Jackson, I do not have the uh agenda in front of me. Can you please tell me what's the first step? Uh up first next is the minutes uh for our September 17th meeting of economic matters. Uh yes. Uh up next is the uh approval of the minutes for our September 17th meeting of economic matters. Can I get a motion to approve? So move. I will second. All in favor. Aye. Aye. Up next, appointments and reappointments. First, the appointment of Mr. Stuart Cohen to the Alcohol Beverage Control Board. Mr. Cohen, come up to the table, sir. Welcome, sir. Thank you so much for joining us today. Oh, it is usually are, and I apologize for the late start. I got stuck on a bus. So, Mr. Cohen, um, thank you so much for joining us today. Thank you so much for your interest in this position. Uh, the question that I always like to ask everyone who expresses interest in our boards and commissions is uh what made you want to join our current uh joint want to join the alcoholic beverage control board. I uh I was interested in participating in uh more participating further in city government, and I uh perused the list of vacancies on boards. This one seemed the most interesting, so I submitted my request to be appointed to this board. Um I've been uh resident of the city for I guess a dozen years and in the county and then in the city for oh almost 50 years now. So I am uh have uh uh visited many of the establishments that would be uh under the purview of the uh committee, and uh I just thought it would be a very interesting thing. I have time on my hands, I'm retired. Uh and I guess that's the best answer I can give you. I like the visited many of the establishments. Familiarize yourself with the products. Um Alderman Savage, do you have any questions for Mr. Cohen? Yes, Mr. Chair. So yeah, just looking at the so first of all, thank you for your interest, serve. I know we have a number of vacancies, so really appreciate your time. Um and just looking at the code requirements. It does say members must have a demonstrated reputation for honesty, integrity, and character. So I certainly think we both attest to that.