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In response to Council questions, Mr. Steinfeld addressed the unfair assessment issues and provided examples of tiny storefronts on Broadway having to pay the same $180 as large restaurants across the street. Mr. Steinfeld stated the assessment was an issue, but the major problems the merchants had with the BID include: not being notified of meetings, not being allowed to vote in elections, the unreasonable 7:30 a.m. meeting time, and dissatisfaction with Director Britschgi and the leadership of the BID. Council advised it would not allow aD hominem remarks. Mr. Steinfeld stated that he was reporting what the merchants he spoke to told him, and that they were angry and suspicious. In response to Council questions regarding the four points in his position paper relating to new elections being held and unweighted assessments being levied, Mr. Steinfeld stated that even with more input by all the merchants and a new Director, at this time, economic conditions are such that the merchants do not need another burden placed upon them and new leadership would not ask for assessments to be levied. A grant from the City would be accepted but the merchants were prepared to go forward without it. City Attorney Schricker described the program instituted to work out the payment of assessments by the merchants in the BID, including letters, meetings, time tables for payments, modifications of strict requirements of the law, and in most instances, if not all of them, arrangements for payment were accomplished. City Attorney Schricker advised he was not aware of any complaints by the business owners who met with his staff. Joseph Staudt, President of the Downtown Association, owner of the Flower House, 2611 Broadway, advised the Council the Association had operated within the bylaws and had made exceptional accomplishments this past year, including: improved storefronts, improved program for tree trimming and spraying, fewer transients, cooperation with the Chamber, eight new businesses including Director Britschgi's work on locating one in the Fox Theatre, Christmas lighting and decorations, and a more successful Sunflower Festival with for the first time, a national sponsor. In response to Council comments regarding lack of promotion and new activities, Mr. Staudt advised the Association was working on promotion of the downtown area, and there had been some disagreement among the merchants on the type of activities desired, such as block fairs. In response to Council questions regarding the complaints by some members that they have not been included in the operation of the BID, Mr. Staudt advised that the Association had block captains on every block and block captain meetings to gain input and distribute Minutes and notices, but most people had told him they just did not have time to participate. Brent Britschgi, Director of the Downtown Association, described the important and difficult decisions made by Councils over the years, including the utilities tax which has allowed the City to build a new fire station, library and police station, and the necessity for a catalyst to revitalize the downtown area, a unifying force for the downtown merchants. Mr. Britschgi described the accomplishments of the past year and goals for next year (included in the annual report accepted by Council on May 18, Regular Meeting Minutes MINUTE BOOK NO. 51 June 8, 1992 Page 5 Page No. 100 - -