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Regina Kipp, 840 Middlefield Road, spoke in favor of the Association, stating the Association is good for business, a mediator is needed, name calling is out of place, and the main issue is not the $180 assessment, but what the Association can do forlusJas an organized group. Paul Sanfilipo, 138 Woodsworth Avenue, stated the BID was established to promote the downtown area, and the Farmers Market is the best promotion the area has, but it is in the wrong place, and the Chamber needs to refocus efforts downtown. Mr. Sanfilipo stated not enough promotion is happening and the merchants can mediate the problems themselves. Liza Bizarro, Bizarro Antiques, stated she sat on the Board to hire the Association Director and each candidate understood it to be a part time position, a mediator is mandatory, and suggested it was not clear why the members were upset, and rather than throw the Association out, try to fix it. Michael Spozeto, 901-903 Main Street, stated he would hate to see the Association be dismantled, as growth was taking place. Mr. Spozeto stated it would be best if both sides would unify their talents and build on the energy that is happening. Bob Bryant, 2227 Broadway, stated no one is against the BID, but upset with the lack of communication between the Association and merchants. Mr. Bryant advised there were not enough notices nor meetings, and advised more promotion was needed. Diane Blakely, 2223 Broadway, Secret Stairway Book Store, advised that without Mr. Britschgi and the Association she would not have located in downtown Redwood City, suggested each business be responsible for the sidewalks in front of their store, and received notice of every meeting since they had opened. Frank Bizarro, 847 and 863 Main Street, stated communication is the problem, and advised that everyone is in this together. Mr. Bizarro stated the $15 per month is not the problem and that everyone must help each other or everyone will lose. Josephine Pritchard from Star 9, a new business, stated if it wasn't for Mr. Britschgi and the Association they would not be in the downtown area also. Guy Bennett, 420 Hillcrest Drive, spoke in favor of the BID and the positive energy that has been created. City Attorney Schricker described the consequences of closing or continuing the Public Hearing as follows: If the Hearing is closed, and if a majority of written protests has been filed, that cannot be undone, and as a consequence of that, the Council could not levy assessments for the ensuing fiscal year. If the Council wishes to proceed with a potential process to allow assessments, the only way that could occur legally, assuming that a majority of written protests has been filed, is to leave the Public Hearing open to provide an opportunity for protests to be withdrawn. If the Regular Meeting Minutes June 8, 1992 MINUTE BOOK NO. 51 Page 8 Page No. 103 - - -