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HomeMy WebLinkAbout06/25/1969City Council Minutes June 25, 1969 Page 2 Passed.and adopted on the following roll call vote: AYES: Emmons Blake, Myron Graham, Arthur Spring, Kenneth E. Schwartz NOES: None ABSENT: Donald Q. Miller 59 R. D. Miller, Administrative Officer, introduced to the City Council, Mr. Rufus Billings, who is being considered for appointment as Deputy Director Of Civil Defense.. R. Billings discussed with the City Council his qualifications and interest in•_the job. The Council discussed with him the duties he would be expected to perform as Deputy Director of Civil Defense. for. Billings stated he hoped he could do as good a job as had been done by O. J. Gullickson, retiring .Deputy Director. of Civil Defense. On motion of Councilman Blake, seconded by Councilman Spring, Mr. Rufus Billings was appointed as the new Deputy Director of Civil Defense. Motion carried. On motion of Councilman Blake, seconded by Councilman Spring, the following resolution was introduced. Resolution No. 1967., a resolution thanking Olaf J. Gullickson for his service to the City as Deputy Director of Civil Defense. Passed and adopted on the following roll call vote: AYES: Emmons Blake, Myron Graham, Arthur F. Spring, Kenneth E. Schwartz NOES: None ABSENT: Donald Q. Miller 6. At:this time the City Council continued its discussion.of financial support to the Chamber of Commerce. Mayor Schwartz stated he felt that the existing contract between the City and the Chamber of Commerce was not good for either party as he felt that the City- should not be concerned with the management of the Chamber office. He continued that he felt the City should support a promotional program, to what extent or by whom should be open to discussion. He continued that he felt there is quite a bit of duplication in promotional efforts, by the County Economic Development Association, the Chamber of Commerce, and the Media Advertising Committee. He continued that the City Council must always keep in mind the City's ability to pay and not the request made by.the various agencies and groups. Mayor.Schwartz stated that it was his opinion that the City is not now ready to attempt large industrial development, and further, it was his opinion that the City should promote tourism and the region as a shopping area. He also felt that media advertising should be toned down and concentrated for attract!. ing visitors and tourists to the City. He felt there were many things that were not being done such as placing information in service stations and restaurants catering to tourists to give them information on what is going on in San Luis Obispo, which is not being done at this-time, Councilman Blake stated he felt that the City government should be involved in City commerce, but he felt the Chamber of Commerce is the vehicle to do this. He continued that presently the advertising program is aimed at attracting tourists to the area by listing the historical spots and recreational facilities available in the City and within an hour's drive from the City of San Luis Obispo and encouraging the tourists to use San Luis Obispo as a base to visit other areas of the County. He continued that possibly the City Council should take a certain.percentage of the business license tax it collects and return this to the Chamber of Commerce for their commerce and business activities. City Council Minutes June 25, 1969 Page 3 He continued that he hoped that ultimately the City would not have to pay any money to the Chamber of Commerce for their expenses, but he realized that the Chamber depended on the City's financial support for its existance. Councilman Graham stated he agreed with the idea of granting funds to the three organizations, Chamber of Commerce, Notel -Hotel Association and Downtown Association, so they could get together on a program of promoting the City. He felt that the three groups could work together for a much better promotional program for the City. Councilman Spring stated he would be willing to grant funds to the Chamber of Commerce without strings and without the existing contract. Mayor Schwartz asked the Council if any of them would like to continue the existing contract with the Chamber of Commerce at an annual grant of $15,0000 All the Councilmen stated that they did not wish to continue the existing contract under the existing conditions but-felt the Chamber of Commerce could and should perform some services for the City. Mayor Schwartz stated he felt there were certain things that needed to be done in the community and probably the Chamber of Commerce was the best agency for the jobs. 1. Answer inquiries about the City. 2. Developing an active convention program. 3. maintain an information office in the City. 4.' Initiate a program of training service people. 5. Initiate a program of quality-control in the retail businesses and also following up on industrial contacts. Councilman Graham agreed with Mayor Schwartz's suggestions, but felt that a certain amount of money should be designated.to each function. Councilman Blake stated he felt the City Council should not set the program but give them funds and let the Chamber of Commerce set their own program. R. Neal, President of the Chamber of Commerce, stated that he agreed with the Council feeling that the existing contract between the Chamber and the City is not good for either the City or the Chamber. He also agreed with the comment that there is no: °:coordination between the Chamber of Commerce and the County Economic Development Association as he feels both organizations were promoting tourism and industry. He continued that in order for the Chamber to maintain an executive manager and in order for the Chamber to continue to operate, they need at least $15,000 to pay the basic expenses of operating a chamber office. Lie continued that he felt the City is underestimating its revenues from the bed tax for promotional purposes.' ` Mayor Schwartz stated that the Chamber of Commerce representatives and president should keep in mind that many of the citizens of the community can see no relation in the partnership between the City and the Chamber as a benefit to them. They feel it is more like a gift from the City to the merchants. D. Wheeler, Chamber member, stated he felt the partnership between the City and hams ber was good for the City as a whole including all the citizens of the community. W. Fredman stated that he felt there has been a lack of communication between the Chamber of Commerce and the City Council as he felt the Chamber has been doing many things for which they receive no credit. Further, he felt that every- one in the City benefits from the Chamber of Commerce activities. He felt the City tax payers should help pay for a portion of the Chamber's activities which are not paid for -by the Chamber members. Councilman Blake stated that the City renegotiate a contract with the Chamber of Commerce with $3,800 -ko be paid for a clerk for. the Chamber to handle inquiries, etc., $1,400 for office rent and 20p or the manager's salary. C C City Council Minutes June 25, 1969 Page 4 Councilman Spring stated that the Chamber representatives should realize that the City Council must keep in mind that they must first protect the small property owner and tenants who do not benefit from the Chamber of Commerce and do not receive direct benefit from the Chamber's operation. Mayor Schwartz.suggested that for the 1969 -70 budget, set $20,000 for media advertising, $10.,000 for Chamber expenses and $5,000 for the County Economic Development Association with a request that the County Economic Development Association work on industrial development and the City-Chamber work on tourist and convention activities. Councilman Spring agreed to $10,000 grant to the Chamber of Commerce, ,000 for the County Economic Development Association. He also felt that the media advertising should be reduced in cost and limited to the California area. R. D. Miller, Administrative Officer, reported that to date he had budgeted ,730 for her promotional and advertising expenditures. Mayor Schwartz again suggested.that the City Council should cancel the existing contract and grant a specific sum to the Chamber subject to a future mutually approved program for Chamber -City activities. R. D. Miller suggested that the City Council adopt a general statement as to the Chamber's program and arrive at program details at a later date. On motion of Councilman Spring, seconded by Councilman Blake, that the City of San Luis Obispo would continue to grant $ ,000 to the County Economic Development Association. Motion carried. Councilman Graham voting no. On motion of Councilman Spring, seconded by Mayor Schwartz, that the City of San Leis Obispo contribute $10,000 toward the operation of the Chamber of Commerce, plus $1250 for the month of July 1969 to clear up the existing contract. Motion carried,.Councilman Blake voting no. On motion of Councilman Blake, seconded by Councilman Spring, that the City Council hereby rescind the existing contract between the Chamber of Commerce and the City of San Luis Obispo effective July 31, 1969. Motion carried. The City Council adjourned to executive session to discuss personnel matters. On motion of Councilman Blake, seconded by Councilman Spring, the meeting adjourned to June 27, 1969 at 12:00 Noon. APPROVED: September 2, 1969 1 4K/R- FITZPATRICK, CITY CLERK