The URL can be used to link to this page

Home My WebLink About04/24(2)/2001, LIAISON REPORT - iaison Report SLO Downtown Association Board of Directors Annual Retreat 30 March 2001 679 Monterey St. Minutes Present Tom Swem Ken Hampian Correne Weaver Jan Marx Bob Seeley Wendy George Landy Fike Betsy deJamette Vince Burke Shelly Stanwyck Bill Walter Doug Shaw Bob Schinkel Dave Kastner Brett Weaver Deborah Holley Christine Bragg RECEIVED Call to order by Swem 9:30. APR 0 9 2001 No public comment at this time. SLO CITY COUNCIL Introductions were held. Outgoing President Weaver said he has had a good year with the Association and also with starting a corporate fitness program which he is marketing worldwide; this came out of his need to market creatively during the Higuera St. Bridge project. Incoming President Swem thanked everyone for being on the Board; asked that each person bring at least one new person onto a committee; find out what people think about issues Downtown, this is how to best know what the membership wants when making policy decisions. Swem says hope Association can strive to create a good business environment. Mission Statement Motion by C. Weaver to adopt current mission statement; 2"a by Fike, Pass on a vote, Walter oppose. CLI-1 �� Com' t . _ _. r . . � �� Goals Final goals as follows: Aggressively obtainer aable and convenient parking in the Downtonw Assist in promoting awareness of and participation in alternative access to and within Downtown Clean and beautify the Downtown Foster public safety and awareness within the Downtown district Seek active participation in committees through personal contact Initiate a program of ambassadorship for Board and staff to welcome new members and meet with existing members on a monthly basis Initiate a program of ex-officio Board memberships to include participants from the district who ar otherwise not eligible to hold a Board position On a motion by Schinkel, 2nd by Swem, appoint three ex-officio Board member from Downtown organizations otherwise not eligible to serve on the Board whose voluntary membership fees have been-paid. 2nd by Swem; discussion, Shaw said should be a one year test project to see how it goes City Council/staff Hampian: a year of change for the City, new Council and staff members; goal setting process; huge workload since first of year. Perceptions of divisions;some things in motion: 3 RFPs: Garden Street makeover to involve stakeholders, Broad St. dogleg—permanent closure of street; cultural corridor—Mission to Nipomo St., have collection of museums, Little Theatre; Morro St. Bike blvd. -closing Morro St. where it joins SB. March 13, Council took steps on transit center for NARF. County Administration building going ahead; Monterey St. Plaza as shown in Downtown plan; designed so it can be closed periodically for public gatherings. Chinatown/Court St. in M.O.U. negotiations; mid Higuera plan was adopted. Mardi Gras—will have to confront this issue; Mystik Krewe will be meeting with their membership in about two weeks; Marsh St. garage; hope to work more together to find some compromises, hoping Strategic Plan provides direction for types of businesses that should be recruited, work with property owners, commercial real estate brokers. George described liaison to Association's role; introduced deJamette. Stanwyck said she is looking forward to having Strategic Plan adopted and having direction about how city and Association can work together focus primarily on business CL1-2 retention and expansion; help businesses do better in SLO, distributed maps and points of interest walking tours brochure. Marx said she has enjoyed being Council liaison; while she feels role is limited is open to doing more, enjoys group, as a Downtown business person shares concern; this is an incredibly busy year because so many want to do things in SLO, a lot of appeals; historical lighting program; new street signs coming; is glad Association is interested in Main Street and national programs. Do everything we can now to position for future. Wants to congratulate us on Strategic Plan process; proud that this group supports Prado Day Center; preservation of historic buildings will be coming up. Regarding parking, dedicated to trying to get the north area parking secured; will make a big difference to Downtown. Consider bus routes for customers and employees getting to work; any suggestions we may have are welcome, how to serve Downtown better; consider bus for parking solutions; could Downtown Association do what Cal Poly has done to make it possible for employees to have bus pass. Asked Association to help Downtown businesses provide bus passes for employees. Fears that parking crunch will be so massive that Copeland's will just walk away; if Association could throw weight behind PDRs then can make the situation better; hope to find common grround. Hampian; major goal to form a new committee to address city wide parking and access issues; haven't defined that, April 11 Council will look at a work plan, Downtown representation on this committee; Marx- transportation, parking and access committee— Look at whole city and Downtown in relation to the rest of city. Lunch Break Discussion of previous comments: Swem said the idea of providing bus passes to the membership was quite a major departure from our traditional roles; Shaw said the expense would put the rest of our budget out of operation. Holley suggested contacting Main Street communities to see if any other had tried this plan; polling the membership to see if they would be responsive to the idea including subsidizing; as it stands now there is no "extra" money in the budget, in fact, because we did not ask for PCC money this year, will be looking at closing a gap of approximately$5,000. Also would need tools for administering this program, extra staff and ways to evaulate success; this is out of purview of Association, would need assistance from City or other transporation agency. Fike said the parking and access committee should be where this starts and cautioned against spending any money CL1-3 before a "tried and true" program could be offered; doesn't know of anyone at her business who could take advantage of this program. Holley said.she will begin information gathering and keep Marx apprised of developments. Strategic Plan Kastner said he would like to know where extra money is going to come from for new activities such as additional staff. Kastner said regarding contact with smaller groups. Swem asked about downtown housing component. Schinkel asked to find out what Campbell Research is; how reliable is that study. Motion by Shaw to adopt S.P. 2°'by Swem,PAIF. Committee Work Programs Promotions Schinkel said the Casino Night is a good opportunity for businesses to socialize. Also, looking for large money sponsor for Concerts. Car show is growing; Seeley asked about bring in old boats. Weaver asked about increasing length to Santa Rosa St. past Osos. Holiday parade this year plan to have a coordinator; Bragg said will probably charge a fee to everyone; Festival of Trees and Wreaths, try to get businesses to donate a certain percentage of sales for some time period;promotional calendar would like to make more interesting—Men of Downtown. Design Fike and Holley reviewed Design program;revolving art program needs to be included in final draft. Parking Swem.said low hanging fruit shouldn't be implemented until PDAP is adopted and Marsh St. garage expansion begins. Perhaps should update current Parking management Plan. Asked that everyone be at meeting on Tuesday night. CL1-4 TNA fee increase B. Weaver suggested raising all categories. Motioon by Weaver to increase each category equally across the board the amount needed to achieve equity this year; prepare a report on expenses for TNA committee, 2"d by Fike; Shaw amended to add an annual CPI increase; Swem said motion as presented with amendment needs to go back to committee for comment; invite them to Board meeting if need further discussion; on a vote, PAIR Budget Holley reviewed 2 year budget and current financials; Swem asked if a line item could be addedforreserve; Holley said this has not been traditional, rather, any year's excess is ` a put in standing reserve. Swem said the Board needs to consider setting aside a set amount; Shaw said we have reserve of over$20,000 should be satisfactory, are a non- profit, hard to ask TNA for more money if putting away; Swem said it's always good to save for rainy day. Holley suggested waiting for final approval of TNA figures before approving final budget at Board meeting on April 10; Holley reviewed staff and office operations; will be expanding this summer to an additional office. Bob Seeley toasted to a wonderful two years! Weaver adjourned the meeting 4:15 PM. Prepared by D.Holley 3-30-01 CL1-5 MAIN STREET ' WhCPC. 0 B NATIONAL TRUST f-,HISTORIC PRESERVATION- For Immediate Release Contact: Bill McLeod (202) 588-6140 William— c1 eod @nthp.org Twenty-Three Graduate from the Main Street Certification Institute. (Indianapolis, Ind., April 2, 2001) ... Twenty-three individuals from around the U.S. were recognized at the 15th annual National Town Meeting on Main StreetTM for completing the Main Street Certification Institute in Professional Downtown Management"N. Sponsored by the National Trust for Historic Preservation's Main Street Center&, the Certification Institute aims to elevate the level of professionalism for downtown revitalization professionals. "The Certification Institute is the highest form of training we offer for Main Street managers," said Kennedy Smith, director of the National Trust's Main Street Center. "This year's class was the most enthusiastic group of students we've ever had. It is fantastic to see so many professional managers certified in downtown revitalization." Graduates had to pass rigorous entrance exams, attend four intense educational segments, and pass exams focusing on the Main Street Four-Point ApproachTA1 to downtown revitalization: organization, design, promotion, and economic restructuring. Diplomas were presented to the graduates by Richard Moe,president of the National Trust for Historic Preservation, and Kennedy Smith, director of the National Main Street Center, at the opening session of National Town Meeting in the Hilbert.Circle Theater. The graduates were Ms. Patti Augustine, Vice President, Oskaloosa Area Chamber & Development Group, Oskaloosa, Iowa; Ms. Charlene Beckett, Program Manager, Abbeville Main Street, Abbeville, La.; Ms. Jane Braud, Main Street Program Manager, City of New Iberia, New Iberia, La; Ms. Debra Charbonneau, Main Street Manager, City of Georgetown, Georgetown, Texas; Ms. Fay Culver, Executive Director, Miami Main Street, Inc.,Miami, Okla.; Ms. Charlene Daniels, Main Street Manager,Main Street Program, City of Ponchaloula, Ponchatoula, La.; Ms. Danielle Gadow, Executive Director, Columbia Dowtown Business Protecting the Irreplaceable 1785 MASSACHUSETTS AVENUE, W • WASHINGTON, DC 20036CL1_6 202.588.62.19 • FAX: 202.588.6050 • WWW.MAINSTREET.ORG Assoc., Columbia, S.C.; Ms. Marsha Geyer, Assistant State Coordinator, West Virginia Main Street Program, Charlestown, W.V.; Ms. Julie Glover, Main Street Manager, Denton Main Street Program, Denton, Texas; Ms. Jean Guillot, Executive Director, Central Core Restoration Corp., Vallejo, Calif.; Ms. Deborah Holley, Administrator, San Luis Obispo Downtown Association, San Luis Obispo, Calif.; Ms. Kay LaFrance, Main Street Manager, Main Street Columbia, Inc., Columbia, La.; Ms. Kim Musolff, Executive Director, Sturgis Downtown Development Authority, Sturgis, Mich.; Ms. Jan Nelson, Executive Director, Commerce Downtown Development Authority, Commerce, Ga.; Mr. Daryl Niles, Coordinator, City of St. Petersburg, Business Development Center, St. Petersburg, Fla.; Mr. John Osborne, Chief Executive Officer, Guthrie Chamber of Commerce, Guthrie, Okla. Ms. Tracy Reich, Executive Director, Vacouver's Downtown.Association, Vancouver, Wash.; Ms. Barbara Rosene, Director, Coldwater Downtown Development Authority, Coldwater, Mich.; Mr. Charles Rudd, Program Manager, Eustis Main Street, Inc., Eustis, Fla.; Ms. Sharon Silva, Executive Director, Turlock Downtown Association, Turlock, Calif.; Mr. John Simmons, Program Manager, Sedalia Downtown Development, Inc., Sedalia, Mo.; Ms. Marguerite Walter, Hammond, La.; and Mr. Jim Watters, Urban Coordinator, Oklahoma.Main Street Program, Oklahoma City, Okla. ti The National Main Street Center is a program of the National Trust for Historic Preservation. Created by a Congressional Charter in 1949, the National Trust is the leading advocate of historic preservation in the United States. The National Main Street Center was established by the National Trust in 1980 and has worked in more than 1,514 communities in 43 states and Puerto Rico to revitalize traditional downtowns and neighborhood commercial districts. The Main Street Center offers consulting services and sponsors the National Main Street NetworkTD1, a professional membership program for organizations interested in commercial district revitalization. It also produces books, audiovisual presentations, and a monthly periodical,Main Street News, and serves as a clearinghouse for information on community revitalization issues. For more information about the National Main Street Center, visit ww%x.mainst.orr Assoc., Columbia, S.C.; Ms. Marsha Geyer, Assistant State Coordinator, West Virginia Main Street Program, Charlestown, W.V.; Ms. Julie Glover, Main Street Manager,Denton Main Street Program, Denton, Texas; Ms. Jean Guillot, Executive Director, Central Core Restoration Corp., Vallejo, Calif.; Ms. Deborah Holley, Administrator, San Luis Obispo Downtown Association, San Luis Obispo, Calif.; Ms. Kay LaFrance,Main Street Manager, Main Street Columbia, Inc., Columbia, La.; Ms. Kim Musolff, Executive Director, Sturgis Downtown Development Authority, Sturgis, Mich.; Ms. Jan Nelson, Executive Director, Commerce Downtown Development Authority, Commerce, Ga.; Mr. Daryl Niles, Coordinator, City of St. Petersburg, Business Development Center, St. Petersburg, Fla.; Mr. John Osborne, Chief Executive Officer, Guthrie Chamber of Commerce, Guthrie, Okla,; Ms. Tracy Reich, Executive Director, Vacouver's Downtown Association, Vancouver, Wash.; Ms. Barbara Rosene, Director; Coldwater Downtown Development Authority, Coldwater, Mich.; Mr. Charles Rudd, Program Manager, Eustis Main Street, Inc., Eustis, Fla.; Ms. Sharon Silva, Executive Director, Turlock Downtown Association, Turlock, Calif; Mr. John Simmons, Program Manager, Sedalia Downtown Development, Inc., Sedalia, Mo.; Ms. Marguerite Walter,Hammond, La.; and Mr. Jim Watters, Urban Coordinator, Oklahoma Main Street.Program, Oklahoma City, Okla. y The National Main Street Center is a program of the National Trust for Historic Preservation. Created by a Congressional Charter in 1949, the National Trust is the leading . advocate of historic preservation in the United States. The National Main Street Center was. established by the National Trust in 1980 and has worked in more than 1,514 communities in 43 states and Puerto Rico to revitalize traditional downtowns and neighborhood commercial districts. The Main Street Center offers consulting services and sponsors the National Main Street NetworkT111, a professional membership program for organizations interested in commercial district revitalization. It also produces books, audiovisual presentations, and a monthly periodical,Mair: Street News, and serves as a clearinghouse for information on community revitalization issues. For more information about the National Main Street Center, visit wvttv.mainst.or . CL1-7 Project.Concepting Bus Passes/Subsidizes for Downtown business employees ➢ Research what other Main Street communities have done ➢ Meet with transit representatives: Austin O'Dell; discuss costs, programs available, administrative functions, subsidies (state or federal, ISTEA?) Meet with City/City Council to discuss pros/cons, subsidies 9 Poll membership: business owners—would use, subsidize? ➢ Business employees—would use? Most likely schedules, areas ➢ Determine how many employees in Downtown—we know the number of businesses; status of employees—part time, temporary, seasonal, students who already have bus passes ➢ Evaluation methods: develop reliable methods to evaluate if program is effective; Ride On or RideShare may be able to provide evaluation techniques ➢ Formulate program; budget analysis—fund raiser? Current budget allocated for 2001 — 2003 ➢ Present final program to membership for approval ➢ Implement program; test period ➢ Evaluates 40 �u � g