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7.1.A. - Page 15 <br /> Sean Brooks, Economic Development Manager, presented the report explaining how <br /> the history of the downtown development, the various steps staff took to do community <br /> outreach, and the benefits of such approach (presentation on file). He also covered <br /> current construction sites and projects which will bring in additional residents to <br /> downtown and foot traffic. Mr. Brooks then covered next steps related to this <br /> Community Improvement Business District. He also said there was special committee <br /> that met four times on this topic and he introduced the consultant in the audience. Mr. <br /> Brooks added that a survey has been sent out and meetings with businesses like Kaiser <br /> have taken place. Mr. Brooks also stated that the Economic Development committee of <br /> the Council has provided direction on this as well. He provided details about the next <br /> steps related to the implementation of the Community Benefit Improvement Districts. <br /> Public comment <br /> Tanya Gulesserian, representing the owner of 702 Marshall Street, said the City could <br /> not take this action before Council andprovided details as to why she is challenging this <br /> action. She opined that the proposed Community Business Improvement Districts is <br /> going above and beyond what the City is allowed to do. She said that Section 5 of the <br /> Ordinance, relating to CEQA, is misleading and she believes was a lapse since it does <br /> not address the CEQA compliance. <br /> Jeff Bastubner with Sequoia Realty said that he has received positive feedback on this <br /> matter and believes this is a continuation of prior investments made in the downtown <br /> area. Furthermore, he believes this is a proactive approach and additional services are <br /> required. Mr. Bastubner said, that as a local business owner and a representative of <br /> businesses downtown, he supports this action. <br /> Eric Lochtefeld said that approximately 30 property owners have gotten together over <br /> the last six months and have worked together to see if this is something they could <br /> support. He added that with a booming city and all the development this is a good <br /> initiative and hopes that many property owners will be part of this. He supports a <br /> collaborative approach and he feels good about the prospects of this initiative. <br /> City Attorney Thompson thanked the attorney who made the comments and said that <br /> she was surprised that she had not heard from this attorney in advance of the meeting <br /> since the item has been out since last Thursday. She provided additional wording for <br /> the CEQA portion of the ordinance. <br /> Vice Mayor Foust asked if what is before Council is enabling legislation to allow the City <br /> to do it and should the Council decide to do it. The City Attorney confirmed that the <br /> additional steps would come later if Council so decides to take these steps. The Vice <br /> Mayor commented that she encouraged the attorney to engage staff sand have a less <br /> adversarial approavh. She appealed to the owner of this building to come on board and <br /> be part of the solution and the great ideas that are going on. Another Council Member <br /> inquired about the outreach to others who are not on board and another Council <br /> Member made comments about the meaning of this tax and how it will help business <br /> owners. <br /> CITY COUNCIL March 10, 2014 <br /> MEETING MINUTES PAGE 8 <br />