The local Chamber of Commerce will receive $15,000 after the Bonney Lake City Council passed a resolution Feb. 24 at their regular meeting.
Councilman Dan Decker did not vote as the council gave its 5-0 approval.
The city and Bonney Lake Chamber of Commerce will enter into a partnership for the purpose of planning and implementing economic development, marketing and business development activities within the city.
The agreement is a one-year trial and was budgeted in 2007, but has not been implemented until this year. The chamber can terminate the agreement at any time by giving a 30-day written notice.
If the agreement is renewed next year, the city proposes the chamber move its offices to the downtown area, provided space can be obtained.
Under the agreement, the chamber will:
• Staff and maintain a vistor center to be open at least 20 hours a week.
• Promote current business and businesses within the city.
• Proactively market the city to potential businesses and industries that will add a tax base to the city.
• Work with existing businesses on expansion and retention issues.
• Give quarterly and annual reports on economic development activities.
• Work on special projects like a marketing brochure and business directory.
One resident voiced his opinion against the city giving the local chamber money.
Pat Miller said the chamber lobbies against healthcare incentives, minimum wage laws and is not labor-friendly.
“They’re looking for one thing and one thing only, that is putting money is the business person’s pocket,” Miller said.
Miller added if the city funds the chamber, he wants to see how the city prospers from it and how the money is coming back to the city. He said if the city needs economic development, it’s the city’s responsibility.
“The Chamber of Commerce just cares about business,” Miller said.
In other action, the council:
• Awarded the Ceder View and 188th Avenue East water main replacement project to Les Russell Construction for $678,000.
• Approved an ordinance to update the city’s code for enforcement of dangerous weapons violations and violation of orders for protection.
• Authorized Court Administrator Katy Seymour to attend court management training in Williamsburg, Va. on March 17-19.
• Reappointed Robert Dalton as civic service commissioner.
Reach Dannie Oliveaux at doliveaux@courierherald.com or 360-820-8209.
