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7/9/08
Directors present:
Chairman Jason Collis, Secretary Jerry Breiner and directors
Mark Hartley, Vice Chair Dave Armstrong, treasurer Greg Smith,
Zoe Taylor, Lori Moll, Jack Carter, Christy Weir, Cheryl
Heitmann, Ed Warren, Doug Wood, Glenda Lewis, Seana Weaver.
Directors absent:
Jim Luttjohann, Maria Fiore, Clarey Rudd, Sandra Walker.
Other attendees:
DVO
Executive Director Rob Edwards, Sid White (City of Vta),
Debora Schreiber (Kalorama Coalition), Maria Torres (Montecito
Bank and Trust), Cathy Patterson and Cindy Ferguson (C & C
Gift Baskets).
The meeting
was called to order at 8:40 a.m.
Introductions
Approval of
previous board Minutes
- Moved/seconded/passed with one abstention (Dave Armstrong).
Old Business –
ˇ
Permanent
Funding Source/Rob yearly review -
Vice Chair
Dave Armstrong began discussion on DVO funding and Rob’s
year-end review. Our RDA monies expire/run-out approximately
one year from today. Our need for permanent funding is now the
primary goal, now that Rob has set up DVO to function in the
manner it needs to as a Main Street organization. Rob’s focus
will be on funding primarily from this point, and every
committee and board member will be required to step up to fill
gaps in the service Rob has given us so far: nothing should
compromise his ability to focus on the funding mechanism. With
input culled from the board and committees, the executive
committee met with Rob and graded him on performance to date.
It was agreed that his work has been exemplary, with the only
caveat that he spend additional time with the merchants face
to face if possible in his schedule. His new work plan was
presented to him for comment, and he will submit an edited
version to the exec committee within two weeks.
Committee Reports
ˇ
Economic Restructuring Committee Report: Dave Armstrong –
Dave reported that the second Restaurant Association meeting
took place with about 25 people attending, a terrific turnout
said Mark. Jason noted that the organization is seeking to
work hand in hand with each other and the VPD in self-policing
on many issues and communication. The meeting covered a number
of topics, including bouncers/security and the proper use of
them. Dave also noted that the committee met last week and
visited a number of potential sites to relocate the Farmers
Market. The best choice seems to be the parking lot behind the
current Senior Center at the corner of Santa Clara and Oak.
Discussion. The Elks Lodge will have its first performances
starting tonight (7/9/08) and we are proud to be a part of
this revitalization effort for downtowns cultural tourism
climate. There will be press coming out 7/10 regarding the
initial shows. nvited.
o
NEXT Restaurant Owners Association meeting:
7/22, 3:00pm
o
NEXT ER committee meeting:
7/15/08, 8:30am HQ
ˇ
Design Committee Report: Glenda Lewis Greason
– Glenda said the committee had chosen the light fixtures for
the street lights, now Rob has to finish up the discussions
with City personnel regarding power. Discussion.
o
Rob is still working with the City in regards the
Refuse-and-Recycling Bins with the license agreement going to
council this month hopefully.
o
Benches have arrived for installation: the committee will work
on a map for new placement before the next board meeting
o
Local artists will be asked for input in creating custom-made
local holiday décor, for the first time. Mark asked if it
might be possible to put music on the streets. Jerry suggested
the possibility of using the WiFi network to beam holiday
music wirelessly, though to what speakers remains a question.
Discussion.
o
NEXT Design committee meeting:
7/16, 2:00 HQ
ˇ
Downtown Operations Team (DOT) Report: Jerry Breiner
– Jerry noted that the committee will be meeting sometime in
the next two weeks, based on information gathering with Ken
Corney, VPD. Ken is putting together a task force of City
department heads, DVO rep Jerry Breiner, and VPD to go over
the myriad changes we deem necessary to bring back downtowns
health and safety. Dave Wilson said the cameras are almost
ready to go, waiting on updated software and some information
regarding the trestle. It may be possible to put a camera on
the top of the Crowne Plaza, being able to cover a very wide
swath of that part of the downtown. Discussion. The Patrol
Task Force, spearheaded by Tom Higgins, will be coming to a
future DVO board meeting to introduce themselves and fill us
in on their immediate projects. We also discussed:
o
Sewer/water main mitigation
–
Mitigation funding came up. This was something that Rob, Dave
and Jerry had discussed, as a possible way to offset
neighborhood business losses during times when things like
this are taking place. Rob noted that in Phoenix the
neighborhood received quite a bit of funding to help partially
mitigate the loss of revenue. Apparently, there is the
perception there is a prohibition on using Water funds for
this purpose, said Sid. Consensus is that it doesn’t make
sense for the City to not get involved, in that it is the
Citys tax dollars that are impacted by overtime work.
Discussion. Christy noted the paving contract has already gone
out to bid, but Zoe suggested that it makes sense to include
in that bid some type of business loss mitigation funding
source. It was agreed that the Design committee, with Jerry’s
help, would come up with a list to present to the Board and
then Council in regards.
o
NEXT DOT
committee meeting:
TBA, but probably within two weeks
ˇ
Organization Committee Report: Rob for Sandra Walker –
Rob reminded us about August fundraiser, set for the 10th.
Board members are encouraged to invite 5 people if at all
possible. All focus for the time being is on this fundraiser
and the committee handling the event will be meeting every
Thursday at 4:00 @ Affinity Bank.
o
NEXT Organization committee meeting:
7/10, 4:00
ˇ
Promotions Committee Report: Rob Edwards –
No news at this point, the committee has not met since last
time, and currently there is no chair. The new Ventana ad was
shown along with the spread in Hemispheres. Mark noted that
there is a 2-page spread in Coastal Living with Savory Café in
it.
o
NEXT Promotion committee meeting:
7/28, 4:00pm HQ
ˇ
Executive Directors Report: Rob Edwards –
Rob noted that the invitations for the August fundraiser will
be coming out next week in hard copy and digital. He
encouraged everyone to send them out to everyone we know. We
want 250 people there.
o
Costner event:
He has met with Elena Brokaw on the concept of allowing
merchants to show their products outside during the event and
will be confirming with her in the next week. Mark noted that
there was mention on TMZ and Entertainment Tonite about the
event in the last week. The Star will be doing a feature on it
as well. Discussion on camera feeds? Traffic issues: Jerry
noted that his conversation with Ken Corney of VPD was that
the police were going to be using barricades and signs but no
active personnel. It was later corrected to be that VPD has a
contingency plan in place and will be using cadets and other
uniformed officers as available. Updated information will be
distributed to all downtown business and property owners and
we will have the same notice on the DVO website and emailed to
our list as soon as it is available.
o
Tree lighting –
There are still a lot of issues, mostly dealing with
power to the lights.
o
PBID consultants meetings –
Rob is meeting this week with the consultants as well as
property owners and city council members to lobby for
inclusion in the district. On July 15, the most recent data
dump from the county will give us the current property owners
names and mailing addresses.
o
Year-End
Review – Rob
thanked the exec committee for their report, much appreciated.
He reiterated that we will have a shortfall if we don’t
collectively raise funds for the organization. The goal of
$90,000 is in our budget, and that’s what we need to work for.
To that end Rob suggested we consider the idea of adding new
board members to fill vacant spots and increase our capacity
for getting other things done. He suggested publisher David
Comden and restaurateur Jim Rice as potential new directors.
Discussion followed on possible conflict of interest with both
– it was the consensus that both would need to exclude
themselves, as per our bylaws, from decisions that would
personally affect their individual finances. It was suggested
that the nominating committee (last made up of the exec
committee members) decide who should be on the ballot, if
anyone but Dave and Jim, and send out the list to the board
for consideration and vote at the next meeting.
New Business
-
Christy mentioned that the City had cut funding from the Grant
Park Master Plan and to that end the Grant Park Conservancy
will be looking to raise funds to maintain the cross and
surrounding area. They will be having a Salsa Dancing contest,
in which Christy has agreed to participate in. Discussion.
Jason noted that Js will be starting Salsa dancing and classes
mid July starting 10pm on Fridays.
Public Comments – none
Meeting adjourned at 10:10 a.m.
GO TO TOP
6/25/08
Directors present:
Chairman Jason Collis, Secretary Jerry Breiner and directors
Jim Luttjohann, Mark Hartley, Ed Warren, Maria Fiore, Clarey
Rudd, Doug Wood, Glenda Lewis, Seana Weaver.
Directors absent:
Vice Chair Dave Armstrong, treasurer Greg Smith, Zoe Taylor,
Lori Moll, Jack Carter, Christy Weir, Cheryl Heitmann and
Sandra Walker.
Other attendees:
Brad Starr &
Mark Quady (City of Ventura),
DVO Executive Director Rob Edwards, Annie Campbell, Tag
Gilbert (Ventura Realty), Sid White (City of Vta), Debora
Schreiber (Kalorama Coalition), Marni Brook (Montecito Bank
and Trust), David Comden (Ventana / V.C.Reporter), Angela
Carroll (KL Equities), and Kic Holland (the Pollux Group).
The meeting
was called to order at 8:40 a.m.
Introductions
Update on sewer/water main work on Main Street - (Brad Starr/Mark Quady)
Questions
started from Jason and the board on the current state of the
repair work, due to continue at least for another two weeks.
Brad said there was planned to be a water shut off tonite at
certain areas for tie-ins, but that is being postponed and the
City and MGE will let the individual store and/or property
owners personally. The work will not be complete by end of the
contract period (6/26/08), and the contractor will then be
subject to liquidated damages of $2500/day, in part due to
DVO’s suggestions at the time we were approached about the
work last year. They will be completing the aesthetic work
around the meter boxes as well as removing the metal grates
this week. The crosswalks will be temporarily remarked until
the fall when the paving work takes place. There is a
re-placed hydrant now in front of Weaver Wines. Dave Comden
will place an update in the Reporter for us (thanks, Dave!).
Brad and Mark will return for the July 23 board meeting with
final update.
Approval of
previous board Minutes –
Moved/seconded/passed with changes.
Old Business
- none
Committee Reports
ˇ
Economic Restructuring Committee Report: Rob Edwards for Dave
Armstrong –
The Elks cleanup went very well with 25 volunteers cleaning,
removing debris and nails and generally sprucing up the place.
Many thanks to Lori Moll and Savory Café for their donation of
food and drinks, and thanks once again to Kiley Olivier from
Gold Coast and Marni Brook from Montecito Bank and Trust for
helping with funding and assorted other peripherals! The
second cleanup, smaller group, is scheduled for this Saturday,
mainly demoing the front garden in preparation for planting in
two weeks. Rehearsals have begun with the Rubicon already.
Next week’s meeting will address possible alternate sites for
the future possible relocation of the Farmer’s market. Tom
Mericle will be attending and ER will tour the downtown to see
the sites. The first Restaurant Association meeting took place
with about 25 people attending, a terrific turnout said Mark.
Jason noted that is mainly a brainstorming event to help set
the agenda for the next meeting. It was suggested that wine
bars be included in the invitation list, and Rob noted that
the committee was going to have some help in setting up the
initial database to make sure every restaurant is invited.
o
NEXT Restaurant Owners Association meeting:
within two weeks
o
NEXT ER committee meeting:
7/1/08
ˇ
Design Committee Report: Glenda Lewis Greason
– Lighting suggestions were brought forth for the board to
see, in consideration of a motion to approve the concept and
the funding of them. The price is $20,000 to light Main from
Fir to Figueroa with European festival lighting. Ed asked what
it might take to also light California all the way to the
freeway, and the answer was “approximately another $20,000.”
We talked about linking it to the August fundraiser, as a way
to offset the costs. Question was asked if it needed DRC
approval. Rob said he sent in the request for an answer by
Friday. Jerry suggested holding off on the purchase if we
don’t get an answer, in that typically it takes a lot longer
than a week to get an answer on anything up at City Hall, much
less something that will require more than one department
weighing in on the answer. Rob will inquire from the vendor
how much power may be needed, as a way to offset any negative
questions we may get regarding same from the City. Motion was
made to accept the chosen product and to approve the purchase
of the proposed festival lighting, subject to the approval of
installation by the City. Passed.
o
Glenda also noted that some of the storefronts on Oak will be
redone the week of 7/2.
o
Rob is still working with the City in regards the
Refuse-and-Recycling Bins.
o
Benches have arrived for installation, and those who have
purchased will be sent notices.
o
The committee did a general walk-around downtown on June 24 to
look at potential future furniture locations, including trash
cans, bike racks, seats, etc. At the same time, Tom agreed
that the concept of widening the sidewalks at certain places
might be a great idea for restaurants specifically, citing the
reason for the concrete paving was done for just that purpose.
o
NEXT Design committee meeting:
7/2
ˇ
Downtown Operations Team (DOT) Report: Jerry Breiner
– Jerry discussed last week’s meeting at VPD with Ken Corney,
Rob Edwards and Chris Norman of the City Attorney’s office.
They discussed a strategic plan, tentatively entitled the DVO
ONE-YEAR STRATEGY TO CLEAN UP HEALTH AND SAFETY ISSUES
DOWNTOWN. Issues will include the following:
o
Teamwork between VPD, DVO, City and County
o
County
judges need to get info from our end of things, specifically
regarding enforcement and turning people back on to the
streets.
o
Building and
Safety code issues (Andrew Stuffler, City)
o
Annual
inspections and who has authority
o
Anonymous
hotline
o
Panhandling:
what is aggressive?
o
ATM- and
Restaurant- distances for panhandling alteration
o
Sit-lie
regulations and enforcement of same
o
ABC and
single-bottle/can sales
o
The camera
grid
o
NEXT DOT
committee meeting:
TBA, but probably within two weeks
ˇ
Organization Committee Report: Rob for Sandra Walker –
Rob reminded us about August fundraiser, set for the 10th.
It will be a 2 ˝ hour event with volunteer recognition,
accomplishments update from committee chairs, a silent and a
live auction and an after party. Proceeds to go to DVO, entry
fee is $45/person. Board members are encouraged to invite 5
people if at all possible. Jim agreed to print the tickets at
VVCB, and Todd Binkley will be the live auctioneer. Rob also
reported that the business finance meeting was packed and went
very well, very encouraging. Clarey updated us on his promo,
continuing through the end of the month, with a discount, part
of whose proceeds go to DVO.
o
NEXT Organization committee meeting:
7/10, 4:00
ˇ
Promotions Committee Report: Seana Weaver –
Jason began by publicly thanking Seana for all of her hard
work and dedication to the committee, and her resignation as
committee chair is now final. We are looking for someone who
would like to chair the committee, and interested parties
should contact Rob or any board member. No committee news to
speak of at this point, said Rob, although he has been working
on the new Ventana ad, the new Time Out ad in the VCStar and
the Zodiac Pub Crawl for this month. Jim showed us, at long
last, the issue of Hemispheres magazine with a huge spread on
Ventura in it. Amazing publicity, to be in every flight of
American Airlines over the summer months.
o
NEXT Promotion committee meeting:
6/30
ˇ
Executive Directors Report: Rob Edwards –
Rob noted that our request to the City to help in the parking
management of the Kevin Costner was denied. Discussion. Mark
has met with a property owner who is objecting to the event
for noise purposes, and discussions continue. Janet Fukomoto
from Time Warner did an interview with Rob which will run on
CNN Local Edition July 7-8.
ˇ
Executive Committee:
Jason Collis – Jason noted that our next meeting is Friday
morning June 27, 9am, at Jonathan’s Restaurant to go over
Rob’s work plan and assessment, permanent funding. Mid July
will see our next PBID Steering committee meeting, Rob waiting
on a full list of property owners from the City. Sid suggested
Rob go directly to the City instead of the consultant. Shorter
route, and more direct.
New Business - none
Public Comments – none
Meeting adjourned at 10:30 a.m.
GO TO TOP
6/10/08
Directors
Present:
Chairman Jason Collis, Vice Chair Dave Armstrong, Secretary
Jerry Breiner, treasurer Greg Smith and directors Jim
Luttjohann, Lori Moll, Jack Carter, Mark Hartley, Ed Warren,
Maria Fiore,
Sandra Walker, Clarey Rudd, Zoe Taylor, the Honorable Cheryl
Heitmann, Honorable Christy Weir and Seana Weaver.
Directors
Absent:
Glenda Lewis and Doug Wood.
Other
attendees:
DVO Executive Director Rob Edwards, Annie Campbell, Tag
Gilbert (Ventura Realty), Sid White (City of Vta), Debora
Schreiber (Kalorama Coalition), Marni Brook (Montecito Bank
and Trust), Dan Frederickson and David Wilson (VPD).
The meeting
was called to order at 8:37 a.m.
Introductions
Approval of
previous board Minutes –
Moved/seconded/passed with changes.
Old
Business - none
Committee Reports
ˇ
Economic Restructuring Committee Report: Dave Armstrong –
The ER/Organization seminar on business improvement is
scheduled for 6/17 from 8-10am. A PowerPoint-based
presentation, there will be reps from American Valumetrics,
Affinity Bank, Small Business Development Center and the City
of Ventura there to answer questions. Dave reminded us that
the Elks cleanup is set for this coming Saturday morning from
9 – noon. The Children’s Theatre rehearsals start Monday, so
we need to nearly finish all we are going to be doing that
day, including replanting part of the courtyard in front. Rob
and Jim Rice have edited the initial introduction letter for
the Restaurant Association and their first meeting is this
week. Dave also noted that preliminary discussions have begun
in regards to relocating the Farmer’s Market; there are a
number of options, each being addresses in committee. The
question of “what’s wrong with where it is?” was answered by
“it may not be able to stay there with development plans.” We
hear complaints from merchants in the 200-300-400 blocks who
say parking is taken up all day by some of the users of the
market, and parking plans for the corner may facilitate a move
sooner than later. Discussion.
ˇ
Promotions Committee Report: Seana Weaver –
Seana noted they met last week and went over the current list
of promo targets. The Zodiac Pub Crawl continues on, and the
committee is looking at adding additional internet marketing
to aid in the cause. The TimeOut section in the Star will be
utilized on a consistent basis with an ad campaign of 1/8
page. DVO will get 4 editorials/year for our contract in
TimeOut. Rob is also working on the next Ventana ad, subject
being “What’s to Do Downtown in Summer?” or something along
those lines. Discussion. The Women in the City event went very
well, from all indications, with returning visitors giving
positive feedback. Seana suggested that anyone with positive
viewpoints of the weekend event add them to the blog on the
VCStar website. Zoe reported phenomenal buzz from the Chamber
about the event as well. Mark reported that the Kevin Costner
event permitting is almost done. Jim and Rob will be meeting
with the business owners in the 400-500 blocks to what we can
do to help them that day.
ˇ
Organization Committee Report: Sandra Walker –
Sandra reported that the newsletter is now out, larger than
the last. Jerry noted it is also on the site. Thanks to Marie
Lakin and Affinity Bank for their participation in the
production! She said there are currently two fundraisers set
for the summer, and currently there is a fund-raising effort
with Bank of Books. Next meeting is tomorrow, 6/12, at 4:00.
ˇ
Downtown Operations Team (DOT) Report: Jerry Breiner
– Jerry brought forth DOT’s recommendations to Council
regarding the City Housing Element. Brief discussion. It was
moved and seconded to endorse the letter and have Jerry send
it on the Council and others. Motion passed. Since their last
meeting, the City has had to extend the sewer and watermain
work till June 19th. Discussion on lack of
acceptable levels of communication with merchants. It was
agreed that Jason, as point person, would contact Mark or Brad
and ask where OUR signs are, the ones we created per the City
and the Contractor’s specs, to let customers know when its
alright to park. We need a contingency plan set aside when
things like this occur. DOT should create a report card on
this phase One of the work project for the City Facilities
services to review, in anticipation of the work to happen in
the fall. Jerry asked the board to send him their own notes on
the subject so he can include them in the letter. Zoe
suggested an alternate sign be created, much bigger,
well-written and permanent, perhaps with our logo/branding,
telling people that downtown is open. Discussion. Dan
suggested that Rob get much more face-time with the merchants,
as constant contact with our constituency is key to our
survival. Long discussion.
ˇ
Design Committee Report: Rob Edwards for Glenda Lewis Greason
– see E.D.
ˇ
Finance Committee/Treasurer’s report: Greg Smith
– Greg brought forth the current balance sheets and
accounting. Discussion.
ˇ
Executive Directors Report: Rob Edwards - see below
+ Parking Management and Fundraising:
Applying for a permit to manage several city-controlled parking lots
on July 26th. DVO must represent our stakeholders
by securing adequate parking for business owners that day;
Both City corps and DVO could be rewarded for managing parking
as well. (Discussion
followed on special event parking and how to go about helping
the merchants, the city and the promoter in a win-win-win at
the Kevin Costner event. The first goal should be to secure
parking for our businesses, perhaps with a one-day permit
pass. The City has no plan to manage the parking for this
event, and since the Costner people are not required to do so,
it is incumbent on DVO to help manage this situation. Tim
Hoctor, Kevin’s friend, has asked us to get involved.
Shuttling from the fairgrounds COULD be a possible scenario,
but there is an event there that day and the fairgrounds would
charge us. 3 City lots are not being used, but Christy noted
we will need LOTS of BIG signs, maps, arrows and human beings
helping to sort out the problem if the turnout will be as
expected. She said the City has to take charge of the
management of their lots, and would be a cooperative deal if
DVO could somehow get involved. Sandra made a motion, and Ed
seconded, that the board direct Rob to pursue and engage in
this proposal with the City and the Costner people.
Discussion. Passed. Zoe said she would be willing to help
facilitate some sort of agreement with the Fairgrounds if it
comes to that. DOT will handle logistics, if it comes to
needing interfacing with the City. It was suggested that
the Costner parking management discussion take place early in
next meeting’s agenda.)
+ Communications:
Newsletter was completed early in the month and mailed this
week; two more e-newsletters were mailed since last board
meeting. E.D. continues to remind the committee chairs that
all aspects of our stakeholder surveys should be included on
their agendas each month; Website overhaul will begin by early
July.(Discussion on State-of-Downtown public meeting in August.
Rob suggested each board member sell 10 tickets to raise
funds. Dan Frederickson purchased all of Rob’s tickets at that
point. Thank you Dan! Jerry noted that, in his opinion as well
as some others he has spoken with, that Rob needs to get out
more in front of the merchants and they need to know him and
who he is. Ramping up digital communication, both on the web
and via email is terrific, but it is no substitute for in-the
face connection. Discussion.
+ Visibility:
Sat for an interview with Bella of CNN Local Edition, an
opportunity delivered to DVO by volunteer Janet Fukumoto of
Time Warner. The ten minute segment will air in Ventura over
the next two weeks, five minutes before CNN Headline News.
+ Partnerships:
Met with the organizers of the Ojai Film Festival to collaborate and
bring business opportunities to our downtown merchants; Met
with Robin Elander to discuss future participation by DVO in
ArtWalks.
+ Grant Won:
A $1,500
Keep America Beautiful grant was awarded to City Corps and DVO.
The International Downtown Association encouraged DVO to apply
and City Corps actually filled out the paperwork so it was
they who were awarded the check. Cigarette urns for downtown
businesses will be purchased with the funds and an educational
campaign will be developed.
+ Staff and Finances: Adding Annie Campbell to our
payroll as a P/T employee [rather than continuing as an
independent contractor]; we are under budget for May, but will
likely be spending all allocations in June on major purchases
like tree lighting and landscaping; Kick-off meeting with our
special financing district coaches was held Monday June 9 with
good attendance from property owners.
+ DVO Fundraiser:
Org Cmte will choose a date soon. Tickets prices should be set and
board members committed to selling ten each
New Business - none
Discussion on ordinance enforcement regarding cigarette butts:
ABC requires the user to sweep parking and the sidewalk end of
workday, Jason reported.
Dave Wilson noted that it would be possible to utilize the
City’s emergency phone system in the event of another downtown
sewer/watermain screw up.
Deborah Schreiber reminded us all about the Kalorama Coalition
street fair/block party the afternoon following the Elks
Cleanup this Saturday. She urged DVO representation.
Public Comments – none
Meeting adjourned at 10:40 a.m.
GO TO TOP
5/28/08
Directors
Present:
Chairman Jason Collis, Vice Chair Dave
Armstrong, Secretary Jerry Breiner, treasurer Greg Smith and
directors Jim Luttjohann, Lori Moll, Jack Carter, Mark
Hartley, Ed Warren, Maria Fiore,
Doug Wood, Zoe Taylor, the Honorable Cheryl
Heitmann, Honorable Christy Weir and Seana Weaver.
Directors
Absent:
Clarey Rudd, Glenda Lewis, Sandra Walker.
Other attendees:
DVO Executive Director Rob Edwards, Sid White
(City of Vta), Debora Schreiber (Kalorama Coalition), Mary
Anne Rooney (Women’s Economic Ventures), Barbara Asbell (Anastasi
Development), Marni Brook (Montecito Bank and Trust), and
Kevin Johnston (Johnston Ad Group).
The meeting was called to order at 8:37 a.m.
Introductions
Jason introduced Mary Ann Rooney of Women’s Economic Ventures
who introduced her company’s concept. They provide business
training for small businesses, focusing on local businesses.
Zoe noted that in her opinion it is one of the best training
systems around, with lots of great success stories that have
come from it. Seana noted that it would be a great partnership
with the ER committee to have Mary Ann attend meetings, as
their main focus is in educating growing business owners,
either women or men. They can provide small business loans as
well through the City of Ventura ED department, Oxnard’s ECO
or EDCVC.
Approval of previous board Minutes – moved/seconded/passed
unanimously.
Old Business - none
Committee Reports
ˇ
Economic Restructuring Committee Report: Dave
Armstrong –
The upcoming seminar on June 17th, 8-10am, on doing business
downtown is getting a lot of coverage. Sandra is organizing
the event as a joint ER/Organization committees’ fundraiser
for DVO, with admission at $10. The outside consultants are
donating their time for this, a huge value to the
participants, and Sandra is coordinating with Sid’s office on
this. The key goal is to support the existing businesses
whilst bringing new ones in to the mix.
o
Jim Rice will be meeting the week of 6/9 with
the new Restaurant Association, coordination/self-policing and
networking being the main objectives.
o
Dave noted that the Elks Lodge received great
press from the article in the VCStar. The cleanup will be
taking place Sat 6/14 from 9-12 or so. New landscaping, paint,
electrical/plumbing upgrades are needed, and volunteers to
help and/or donate are welcomed.
ˇ
Promotions Committee Report: Seana Weaver –
Next meeting is June 3, 4:00 at Weaver Wines.
The ad campaigns have started for the summer, including the
new ad (Rob showed it all around) in Ventana. She said some
publishers believe DVO payes for these ads, but just to
clarify with the board, these ads are paid for by the
advertisers with DVO acting as the intermediary/coordinator
for them. She mentioned that the coming weekend’s “Sex in the
City” promo is getting much-needed promo, including some
national interest in what is scheduled. The Hemispheres
Magazine editorial is now about 20 pages and growing, said
Jim, who is rushing to get the new VCB website in place for
the publication of same. Discussion.
ˇ
Organization Committee Report: Rob Edwards for
Sandra Walker –
Rob reported that the newsletter will be mailed
next week, looking great. This will be the biggest newsletter
so far. He will be planning the first “State of the Downtown”
meeting for sometime in August. Discussion.
ˇ
Downtown Operations Team (DOT) Report: Jerry
Breiner
– Jerry gave a brief report on his two committees. He
introduced Michael Kodama, the City’s consultant on the
Parking Management Study, to give a brief synopsis on what we
would be voting on. Mike explained that the Traffic
Department, in keeping with the Downtown Specific Plan
Recommendations, will be going to Council tomorrow (5/29) for
direction, on items discussed at the last board meeting.
A few questions came up:
Q: Multiple districts or just one downtown?
A: Staff is recommending only 2, one commercial
and one residential.
Q: Is it time to talk about widening sidewalks?
A: No, not at this point. That would be part of
a bigger discussion once the management district exists and
the board has begun to work with revenue.
Q: Is signage to the off-street lots part of
the plan?
A: Yes, it would be necessary to help direct
people around downtown. Discussion.
Dave mentioned that his concern was that the
staff report, as it is, looks only at a block-by-block
analysis, but it seems artificially limiting – we should open
up the concept of development in the WHOLE of downtown,
allowing private enterprise to be allowed to take
opportunities in a much quicker manner than perhaps the City
can. The new office spaces won’t want to walk two blocks to
their parking, we know this from numerous sources. Discussion.
Consensus was that DVO members Smith, Armstrong and Breiner
accompany Rob to Council that night with a modified suggestion
before council votes. Motion was made to accept DOT’s letter
of recommendation to approve the study. Seconded, passed
unanimously.
Jerry brought forth DOT’s letter to council
regarding the City Housing Element. After much discussion on
changes, it was suggested that Jerry reduce the size of the
document for board approval.
Finally, Jerry brought forth his request to
meet with the City Attorney regarding changes to the Municipal
Code for board approval. It was agreed that some preliminary
work be undertaken by DOT prior to a meeting, and perhaps
initiate the meetings with VPD first. Dave suggested that DOT
meet with the appropriate parties and coordinate with Rob in
regards code enforcement. Discussion.
ˇ
Design Committee Report: Rob Edwards for Glenda
Lewis Greason
– Rob said last week the committee met and
walked the downtown, noting items of discussion and potential
future locations for design elements. They also discussed
possible sign ordinance violations. Discussion.
ˇ
Executive Directors Report (see below)
+ Annual Report delivered:
Our first annual report submitted to RDA for review. Included
in the binder were our financials, audit, executive director
reports, performance measures, and work plan with appropriate
demarcation of our accomplishments to date.
+ Requested Police Reports
to complete our annual report as required by the MOU.
Acquiring monthly reports on activity in this district is
necessary to track changes in activity [both calls for service
as well as VPD staffing]. If budget cuts reach the police
department we are going to want to have monthly data to refer
to in the future to best advocate for our stakeholders.
+
Enhanced Communications:
Following the advice of the VCCF stakeholder polls, I’m
engaging in more communication activities: more e-newsletters,
informational letter to businesses re. the Costner premier,
two interviews with Maria Sanchez this month, and interview
tomorrow for Time Warner cable that will run on CNN’s Local
Edition. Our quarterly newsletter will also go out next
week—larger than usual. PCBT has asked me to write a monthly
column on downtown activity—begins in June.
+
Visibility:
Attended the Pacific Coast Business Times’ “101 One Hundred”
reception at the Four Seasons Biltmore in Montecito to network
and identify businesses expanding and generally doing well in
the tri-county area.
+ Bookkeeper Wanted:
Greg’s bookkeeper, Carol Lind, has asked to be relieved of her
duties [on good terms of course]. Carol has given over a year
of her time [on Greg’s dime, of course] as our bookkeeper. We
need to find a new professional to assume this position. We
have several months to do so and carol will certainly help me
interview candidates. Any recommendations? Five hours per
week.
+ Finance Committee Progress:
Met with friends who can assist us with a plan for permanent
funding source; property owners are encourage to attend the
next finance committee meeting on June 9th to
discuss timelines and processes. Probably timeline of
activities:
-
Steering Committee decides upon (June – August) …
-
Ideal boundaries with Plans A and B
-
Assessment formula options
-
Budget scenarios
-
"Zones of Benefit" to differentiate assessments and levels
of service
-
DVO Staff (June – August) …
-
Prepares official map
-
Prepares first draft of District Management Plan
-
Submits draft data base to City Clerk for verification
-
Staff and Steering Committee conduct outreach to property
owners (June - August)
-
Steering Committee adopts Draft Management Plan (August)
-
Board of Directors adopts Steering Committee Recommendations
(August)
-
Finalize District Management Plan and Engineer’s Report
(boundaries, assessment formula, budget) (August –
September)
-
Submit Draft management plan and engineer’s report to City
Clerk (September)
-
Create petitions and collateral materials (September)
-
Mail District Management Plan and petitions to all property
owners (October)
-
Follow up campaign to secure signed petitions equal to 50%
plus $1.00 (October 08 – March 09)
-
Signed Petitions to City Clerk (March 09)
-
City Clerk/Council reviews and approves (March)
-
Petition Sufficiency Finding
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