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rr�ir _ . ... I .. . .___. . Before the Mayor opened the Public Hearing, he gave an explanation of the process for proceeding on this item. Public Comment Richard Keyes said he and his wife are residents on Jefferson Avenue and own a commercial property about 1 1/2 blocks away and he does not support this approach because he believes the City is very capable and he does not see any need to bring in outside business people. He says he takes care of his sidewalks. Kevin Frederrick said he and his partners own a historic building on Middlefield for their law firm and they oppose this because the Municipal Code already requires owners to take care of their sidewalks as they already do. He questioned the listed benefits as not applying to them, spoke about the power of money and the rule of law, and questioned why exclusions are not made for the small guys when all the big players are being excluded. Eric Lochtefeld, owner of Fox Theater, spoke in favor of the District saying that he has served on the Steering Committee, where everyone's participation has been voluntary and over fifty property owners have been meeting for over nine months. He is supportive, and he spoke about why he thinks this is needed and opined that the prior speakers had incorrect information and encouraged them to participate if they have not yet already in the Town Hall meetings. Amy Buckmaster, CEO (Chief Executive Officer) of the Redwood City San Mateo Chamber of Commerce, spoke to say thank you to the City Council for all it does. She read from a letter she had submitted to the City Council in support of CBID and how they believe it will lead to increased sales, property values and attract more residents and retail customers downtown. Jeff Badestubner said he is speaking as both a tenant and representative for two separate business owners. He spoke in favor of this Assessment District for himself and these two owners, opining that it will bring long-term value and help guide growth. Victor McKeever said he and his wife live in a 113 year old Victorian house downtown and said this will increase their taxes by 200 percent and he thinks this is unconscionable. He is not objecting to the Assessment District on the commercial properties, but objects to residential homes (like his) being assessed. He said he has lived downtown since 1980 and he believes it is wrong for there to be no distinction. M/S SeybertfAguirre to close the Public Hearing. Motion carried by unanimous voice vote with Council Member Howard recused and abstaining. Recommendation: 1. Hold a public hearing and consider oral and written testimony regarding the formation of a community benefit improvement district, and tabulate all assessment ballots returned to the City pursuant to procedures set forth in the Resolution of Intention; and JOINT CITY COUNCIL/SUCCESSOR AGENCY BOARD July 28, 2014 MEETING MINUTES PAGE 7 MINUTE BOOK NO. 65 Page No. 203