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<br /> promotion, there has been a lack of notices, and questioned the
<br /> qualifications of the leadership of the Association. In response to Council
<br /> questions, Mrs. Mayers stated the downtown area is a financial center not
<br /> retail, and should become a cultural center, building on the Farmers Market,
<br /> the PCA, small stores, and community activities.
<br /> Councilman Greenalch, addressing the audience at large and not Mrs. Mayers,
<br /> spoke about the substantive issues raised that will be addressed later, but
<br /> advised that there are emotionally charged words being used this evening,
<br /> and charges levied without one iota of data given to substantiate the
<br /> allegations or the content of what has been alleged by people.
<br /> Don Saye, 2021 Broadway, spoke in favor of the Association, and asked the
<br /> Council and Association to build on the positiveness that has begun.
<br /> Janet Steinfeld, 850 Main Street, Antiques Alliance, advised the best way to
<br /> build unity is to develop communication. Mrs. Steinfeld stated she offered
<br /> to provide mailing services for notices and bylaws, and to produce a
<br /> directory for the Association but was rebuffed. Mrs. Steinfeld reiterated
<br /> the anger of the merchants over the lack of notices of meetings and their
<br /> feelings of being shut out, and the lack of any new promotion by the
<br /> Association. Mrs. Steinfeld asked Council to consider the petitions and why
<br /> they were signed, and that success in the downtown area should not be
<br /> measured by restaurants and yuppie bars. In response to Council questions,
<br /> Mrs. Steinfeld advised she explained both sides of the issue to all the
<br /> petition signers, using a fact sheet about the Assessment, and two newspaper
<br /> articles. Also, Mrs. Steinfeld answered that she would improve the downtown
<br /> area by improving communications, establishing a directory, letting the
<br /> merchants come up with ideas, use volunteers not paid advertising, street
<br /> fairs with current vendors, simple promotions including one-night a week
<br /> late hours, twice a year sidewalk sale, art and wine festival, cultural
<br /> promotions, negotiate with the Fox Theatre, bank seminars, and open up
<br /> access routes to Main Street.
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<br /> Mayor La Berge declared a recess at 10:12 p.m.
<br /> Meeting reconvened at 10:22 p.m.
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<br /> Janice Douglas, 822 Winslow, brand new retailer, stated she chose to open
<br /> her business here because of the potential in the improved downtown area,
<br /> took the time to attend the Association meetings, and asked Council to
<br /> give the Association the opportunity to continue.
<br /> John Hollister, 2400 Broadway, Great Western Bank, described the amazing
<br /> residual anger that has existed for years, and the need for putting this old
<br /> thinking aside and strive for unity and peace. Mr. Hollister described the
<br /> history of Coach Walsh and how he needed time to build a winning team. Mr.
<br /> Hollister suggested a mediator could help determine what positive things
<br /> could be done, asked Council to give Mr. Britschgi and the Association more
<br /> time, and suggested merchants are not against the Association, but need more
<br /> information about what they can do.
<br /> Regular Meeting Minutes
<br /> MINUTE BOOK NO. 51 June 8, 1992
<br /> Page No. 102 Page 7
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