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7.1.F. - Page 8 <br /> applying to them, spoke about the power of money and the rule of law, and questioned <br /> why exclusions are not made for the small guys when all the big players are being <br /> excluded. <br /> Eric Lochtefeld, owner of Fox Theater, spoke in favor of the District saying that he has <br /> served on the Steering Committee, where everyone's participation has been voluntary <br /> and over fifty property owners have been meeting for over nine months. He is supportive, <br /> and he spoke about why he thinks this is needed and opined that the prior speakers had <br /> incorrect information and encouraged them to participate if they have not yet already in <br /> the Town Hall meetings. <br /> Amy Buckmaster, CEO (Chief Executive Officer) of the Redwood City San Mateo <br /> Chamber of Commerce, spoke to say thank you to the City Council for all it does. She <br /> read from a letter she had submitted to the City Council in support of CBID and how they <br /> believe it will lead to increased sales, property values and attract more residents and <br /> retail customers downtown. <br /> Jeff Badestubner said he is speaking as both a tenant and representative for two <br /> separate business owners. He spoke in favor of this Assessment District for himself and <br /> these two owners, opining that it will bring long-term value and help guide growth. <br /> Victor McKeever said he and his wife live in a 113 year old Victorian house downtown and <br /> said this will increase their taxes by 200 percent and he thinks this is unconscionable. He <br /> is not objecting to the Assessment District on the commercial properties, but objects to <br /> residential homes (like his) being assessed. He said he has lived downtown since 1980 <br /> and he believes it is wrong for there to be no distinction. <br /> M/S Seybert/Aguirre to close the Public Hearing. Motion carried by unanimous voice <br /> vote with Council Member Howard recused and abstaining. <br /> Recommendation: <br /> 1 . Hold a public hearing and consider oral and written testimony regarding the <br /> formation of a community benefit improvement district, and tabulate all <br /> assessment ballots returned to the City pursuant to procedures set forth in the <br /> Resolution of Intention; and <br /> City Manager Bell made some clarifications before the Council discussion. He said that <br /> the City is not excluded from paying into the CBID, the City is a voting member, and it will <br /> be included in the assessment. Furthermore, this will not replace any of the current <br /> services being provided by the City and the CBID will not replace the current police with <br /> private security. He also mentioned that there is a process by which the residential <br /> property owner could ask to be excluded from the assessment area. <br /> Mayor Gee noted that the City Council is not voting on this item this evening. <br /> One Council Member asked if the private residence of Mr. McKeever could be excluded. <br /> Mr. Brooks explained that the property could either be reassessed or that there is another <br /> way for reassessment through the Board from commercial to residential use which could <br /> be easy to do. <br /> JOINT CITY COUNCIL/SUCCESSOR AGENCY BOARD July 28, 2014 <br /> MEETING MINUTES PAGE 7 <br />