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Item 4H CITY OF SOUTHLAKE MEMORANDUM December 6, 2016 TO: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council FROM: Shana K. Yelverton, City Manager SUBJECT: Confirm the City Manager's Appointment of Alison Ortowski as Director of Economic Development and Tourism, in addition to her role as Assistant City Manager Action Requested: City Council confirmation of the City Manager's appointment of Alison Ortowski as Director of Economic Development and Tourism, in addition to her role as Assistant City Manager. Background Information: Chapter 4 of the Southlake Charter requires that "The head of each department shall be a chief, director, or superintendent who shall be appointed by the City Manager subject to the approval of the Council and such chief, director or superintendent shall have supervisory authority and financial control over his/her department." Alison Ortowski has served the City of Southlake since 2007, and was appointed Assistant City Manager effective February 1 , 2013. Since beginning work in Southlake, Ms. Ortowski has used her considerable intellect and energy to achieve strategic goals, including those associated with quality development. As one of two Assistant City Managers, Ms. Ortowski has had oversight responsibility for the Economic Development and Tourism Department since 2013. She has served as the Interim Director of Economic Development and Tourism twice, first following the resignation of Greg Last from the position in 2013. She managed EDT once again when Shannon Hamons, the most recent department director, left his position in 2016. In this role, she managed the day-to-day operations of the department and its programs. Highlights of her EDT work include: • Development and implementation of the City's economic development and tourism master plans (elements of Southlake 2030); • Management of business recruitment initiatives, including the City's most recent work with T.D. Ameritrade; • Analysis of incentive requests, including coordination of return on investment calculations and presentation to City Council; • Coordination of developer and incentive agreements to ensure proper implementation; • Oversight of the Hotel Occupancy Tax budget and marketing programs through the City's tourism program. Before beginning her work in Southlake, Ms. Ortowski's economic development experience included Director of the Main Street program for the City of Gatesville, Texas; Main Street Program Assistant for the City of Denton, Texas and Downtown Project Coordinator for the City of Denton. She obtained her Masters of Public Administration from the University of North Texas (4.0 GPA) and was recognized as the 2006-07 Outstanding MPA student. She has a Bachelor of Arts in English from the University of Texas, and is a graduate of the International City/County Management intensive Leadership ICMA program. As the Director of Economic Development and Tourism, Ms. Ortowski will assume full responsibility for the department, managing and supervising all activities related to the administration of the Economic Development and Tourism master plans. She will perform these duties with the assistance of Daniel Cortez who has recently been promoted to serve as the Deputy Director of Economic Development, and in coordination with the newly-formed Office of Marketing and Communication (tourism). Ms. Ortowski will continue to function as one of two Assistant City Managers. Financial Considerations: No salary adjustment will be required for Ms. Ortowski. The funds allocated for the department director position will be used to cover the costs of the deputy director position. Strategic Link: Attract & keep top-tier businesses to drive a dynamic & sustainable economic environment; Enhance resident quality of life & business vitality through tourism Citizen Input/ Board Review: The Community Enhancement and Development Corporation (CEDC) has been informed of my appointment, subject to Council confirmation. Legal Review: N/A Alternatives: Several were considered, including hiring another Director. Supporting Documents: Summary of Ms. Ortowski's economic development experience. Staff Recommendation: City Council confirmation of the City Manager's appointment of Alison Ortowski as the Director of Economic Development and Tourism, in addition to her role as the Assistant City Manager. Alison Ortowski Summary of Economic Development Experience: City of Gatesville,Texas—Main Street Director,2000-2003 • Coordinated downtown organization, historic preservation and economic development activities. • Assisted individual tenants and property owners with physical improvement projects through consultation and by obtaining and coordinating technical assistance from the Texas Historical Commission • Worked with volunteer advisory board and committee members who were tasked with implementing initiatives designed to promote and develop downtown. • Designed and conducted public awareness and education programs created to enhance community understanding of the Main Street Program's goals; appeared in speaking engagements, media interviews and represented the community at local, state and national levels. • Managed program marketing efforts including creation of marketing strategies and associated content; coordinated public relations, media relations, and publicity for special events and marketing activities. • Wrote grants, securing $120,000 for downtown streetscape project. City of Denton,Texas—Downtown Project Coordinator,2003-2007 • Created programs and manage activities designed to implement the economic development goals outlined in the downtown master plan, including working with a consultant to identify sites and funding structures for potential catalyst projects as well as the strategy and plan for establishing the City's first tax-increment financing district. • Organized business recruitment and retention activities in accordance with economic development goals and retail strategies. • Formulated and implemented policies such as the incentive reimbursement grant policy created for underfunded projects located in the downtown district. • Wrote and submitted grants to non-profit, state and federal agencies as appropriate to finance programs and meet departmental goals. • Coordinated departmental activities with downtown community leaders' plans and desires to ensure departmental objectives were aligned with community needs; maintained media relations by developing press releases, responding to interviews over the phone about events, and conducting follow-up calls with the media. • Created and managed comprehensive marketing and public relations program for historic downtown Denton, which included designing marketing pieces such as brochures, newsletters, etc. • Managed volunteer activities and provided leadership to the downtown community by serving as a liaison between citizen committees and the City. • Drafted and managed departmental budget. City of Southlake,Texas—Interim Director of Economic Development and Tourism, May 2013—June 2014;July 2016 to Current • Provided oversight for economic development and tourism activities that strengthened the Southlake business climate in alignment with master plan goals. • Facilitated successful recruitment of TD Ameritrade, resulting in the addition of approximately 1200 jobs and a 350,000 sf facility representing over$100 million dollars of investment in Southlake • Supported investment in our community that meets the goals outlined in the master plan by managing preparation and facilitation of discussions /adoption of numerous incentive requests • Oversaw development and implementation of the City's tourism brand message and design standards • In cooperation with the Planning and Development Services Department (PDS), facilitated completion of retail saturation and target industry studies. Also worked with PDS on successful adoption of the Southlake 2035 Economic Development Master Plan in which the studies were used to guide the content and recommendations.