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petitions are sufficient to foreclose the levy of assessments for the ensuing fiscal year, that does not preclude the Council from leaving the structure of the Business Improvement Area in place. City Attorney Schricker advised the question of the budget for the Association could be enacted within the normal budget process and be effective July 1, 1992. M/S: MURRAY/STANGEL TO CONTINUE THE PUBLIC HEARING OPEN TO JULY 6, 1992 Speaking to the motion: Councilman Greenalch discussed continuing the Public Hearing to July 6, 1992, and whether that action would validate unfounded charges of undemocratic processes of the Association, and allow an attempt to have the petitions withdrawn; the number of people who do not want the assessment for this fiscal year; the benefits provided by the Association having been overwhelmed by the depth of division; and stated it was a mistake to keep the Public Hearing open and impose his will on those who do not want the assessment. Councilman Claire stated he would like to keep the Public Hearing open to find the reasons why people signed the petitions, not to encourage withdrawal of them, but to gather more information from those who signed the petitions. Councilman Murray stated he wanted to keep the Public hearing open because of the highly charged emotional statements made, and within that environment the people involved were not able to assess the situation from both sides. Councilman Murray stated he would like to see a letter sent to the members of the Association asking them to contact the Council Members with their reasons or suggestions on what can be done; that one year is not long enough to turn around the downtown; and that he doesn't want to see it dropped on a kind of technicality. In response to Council questions, City Attorney Schricker advised that if the Public Hearing is continued open, protests can be withdrawn, but new petitions cannot be submitted. Mayor La Berge advised that the BID was a very good idea, a great stride forward, but if there are signed petitions representing more than the 50% assessments, she felt she must honor that decision. Vice Mayor Bury stated the real issue is how to deal with the awkward decision of two opposing factions and the continued Public Hearing. Councilwoman Buchan stated the problem is whether the quarrel is with the concept of the BID or the way it evolved or both, and is still unclear; the communication problem is quite evident and must be worked out; and would support closing the Public Hearing. City Manager Everett advised the Council could close the Public Hearing and freeze the protests, and at the July 6th meeting listen to anyone who wished to speak. Regular Meeting Minutes MINUTE BOOK NO. 51 June 8, 1992 Page 9 Page No. 104