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1992) and the need for all entities to work together to continue the good work started to improve the downtown area. Mr. Britschgi recommended that a mediator sit down with the members of the Association to determine what the members want and how to achieNe,q,it'oH.,Mr. Britschgi announced that in the interest of unity, he and his wife, Barbara, would back out of the Association and allow it to go forward in some other direction. Mr. Britschgi stated that he and Barbara were very proud of their significant accomplishments and contributions to the downtown area, but felt it best to concentrate on other activities at this time. Councilman Claire advised he had read that Mr. Britschgi had become Director due to his friendship with him, and for the record, Councilman Claire stated he did not know Brent Britschgi was even running for this position until he read it in the Times Tribune, and never talked to one person or one merchant in the Association or anyone about it. Councilman Claire described how in this past year he and his wife were pleased to acknowledge the improved environment in the downtown and enjoyed going to dinner in the fine restaurants located in the area. In response to Council questions regarding types of businesses in the downtown area, Mr. Britschgi stated an anchor store was not realistic, and maybe stores such as the new Star 9 and Secret Staircase Book Store are the answer. Mr. Britschgi described the increased participation in the Association meetings lately, from six or seven to thirty attendees. CONSENSUS: It was determined by Mayor La Berge that it was the consensus of the Council to continue the Public Hearing until all people are heard this evening, acknowledging there were other items that would have to be considered later this evening. Councilwoman Buchan expressed hope the Downtown Association would meet with a mediator, come together around a common purpose, and thanked Mr. Britschgi for his graciousness and willingness to act in the best interests of the Association. Bob Oyster, 2000 Broadway, spoke in support of a stronger Association, and advised he bought his building with the knowledge there was an association in place that would promote the downtown area. Mr. Oyster advised it takes more than one year to effect change and encouraged Council to support the Association. Joan Jordan, 831 Jefferson, spoke in support of the Association, described how people did not get involved but stood back and criticized, thanked the Britschgi's for their great job, described the legal actions of the Board, and described how the money raised by the Sunflower Festival which goes back to the Association, and the problem with getting volunteers to do the work. Geri Mayers, 2303 Broadway, expressed her support for redevelopment, but addressed the issues of lack of unity in the Association and inability to determine any benefits from it. Mrs. Mayers stated Association funds were misallocated, the current budget is inappropriate, there has been no new Regular Meeting Minutes June 8, 1992 MINUTE BOOK NO. 51 Page 6 Page No. 101 """ ........,.......-............"..............-,...