CC Min 1992-06-08 - Laserfiche WebLink

Browse Search

to form the BID. After five meetings, the committee reached consensus on the new boundaries and assessment formula. In January 1991, the 290 businesses in the new area were notified and 25 businesses were represented at the meeting. In February the Council passed a Resolution of Intention to hold a Public Hearing in March to establish the BID. On March 11, 1991, the boundaries were established, the earlier BID was disestablished, and the new Business Improvement Area was established. Director Church described the new boundaries, the new assessment formula and the budget. Director Church explained the legal procedure for the annual report and request for a grant from the City, and advised that if written protests from businesses totaling 50% of the assessed amounts were received, the Council could not levy the assessments for the 1992/93 fiscal year. If sufficient protests were received, the Council could leave the structure of the BID in place, or cause it to be disestablished. Petitions were received by the City Clerk before the meeting tonight, and it will take time to verify the businesses and assessments. Director Church stated the BID provides a unified vehicle for the City to offer assistance to the merchants, but it was up to the merchants to decide how they wished to use these resources to their benefit. In response to Council questions, Director Church advised that if fewer protests than the 50% of assessed amounts required by law were submitted Council had every option available, including levying assessments, not levying assessments, disestablishing the Business Improvement Area, etc. Also, Council chose the existing Downtown Association to be the advisory group to the new Business Improvement Area. MAYOR LA BERGE OPENED THE PUBLIC HEARING AT 8:11 P.M. AND INVITED EVERYONE WHO WISHED TO SPEAK TO PLEASE DO SO. Joseph Steinfeld, 850 Main Street, owner of Antiques Alliance, advised the Council he had submitted petitions from 141 owners with an assessment total of $23,676 representing just over 50% of the total assessments in the Business Improvement Area No.2. based on the earlier figures he had been provided, and advised he would challenge the new figures provided today. Mr. Steinfeld referred to his position paper dated June 6, 1992, he had earlier submitted to the Council and advised he spoke only for himself; however, Mr. Steinfeld stated that he had found intense dissatisfaction and anger among the merchants concerning the assessment and the way it was enforced, the lack of notification of meetings, and the undue weight given to merchants on Broadway. Mr. Steinfeld described the precarious economic conditions that exist and how difficult it is for businesses to survive. Mr. Steinfeld stated the BID operated in violation of its own bylaws by amending the bylaws of the Downtown Association and electing the Board of Directors without the required 14 days notification, and the required election for new directors had not been held this year. Mr. Steinfeld stated a legal Board did not exist at this time, and he was prepared to go to court to make the Board of Directors obey their own bylaws. Mr. Steinfeld advised the merchants wanted to have input into this association and an opportunity to vote for the Board of Directors. Regular Meeting Minutes June 8, 1992 MINUTE BOOK NO. 51 Page 4 Page No. 99 .~-" ..-