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Festival. Mrs. Jordan asked Council to abolish the Business Improvement Area District as it had become a source of negativity in the downtown area, and there were lots of good merchants who liked each other and wanted to work together on their own for the betterment of the downtown area. John Hollister, Treasurer of the Downtown Association, acknowledged the unfortunate situation that existed, but advised that as Treasurer, he had examined the books and they were in perfect order, that he would advise the Board of the Downtown Association that everything was in order, and encourage everyone to move on. Mr. Hollister explained the old Bylaws and old Board's decision to not have a separate account, and the new Board's decision to let the Sunflower Festival Committee to proceed. Mr. Hollister described the upcoming events the Association had planned, the actual cost of a proposed brochure, and apologized to Mrs. Jordan and Mrs. Hoffman for the Board's decision to send a registered letter. Mr. Hollister added that it was not the Board Members, but other members who had engaged in harrassment, that current problems had been resolved and everyone could now move forward. Don Say, Broadway, Redwood City, asked council to dissolve the Business Improvement Area District as it had turned into a negative force that was destroying the downtown. Councilmembers spoke in support of the Sunflower Festival, recognized the hard work of the Committee, acknowledged the quality and growing success of the Festival, and expressed deep concern over the problems and infighting of some members of the Association. Councilman Bury suggested that nothing be done to disrupt this year's Sunflower Festival; advised that discussion of next year's activities be planned as soon as possible with all interested parties; and asked the City Attorney to research how to dissolve the Business Improvement Area District. Councilman Bury advised the BID was established for all the right reasons and the concept had merit, but it was obvious it was not working and it was time to start over. Councilman Murray explained that the Council supported the BID and its enlargement to accomplish something positive for the downtown, and expressed regret that the goals had not been accomplished. Councilman Murray also asked the City Attorney to advise how to terminate the BID, as soon as possible, but advised this action did not mean there was a lack of commitment from the Council to support the downtown area, just that the BID was not the mechanism to do it. CONSENSUS: It was determined by Mayor La Berge that it was the consensus of the Council to direct staff to look into the legal mechanism to dissolve the BID. (203-19) MEMO 9/22/92 ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regular Meeting Minutes MINUTE BOOK NO. 51 September 21, 1992 Page No. 196 Page 2