4/1/08
In attendance:
Dave Armstrong, Greg Smith, Barbara Asbell, Jerry Breiner, Christy
Weir, Jim Rice, Sid White
Economic Restructuring Committee Priorities:
The committee determined its priorities for implementing the
Retail/Office Strategy for the coming year. In no particular
order, they are:
1. Tenant Recruiting
fill empty
spaces
provide real estate listings
reach out to
brokers
new office users
2. Merchant Support
Quarterly (minimum) seminars
Business Assistance Team
3. Expanded Farmer’s Market/Antique Cluster
Look at adding additional items to enhance current
market
4. Project Encore
Create an arts cluster at the former Elks Lodge
consistent with the new arts city recommendations in the retail
strategy
These will be filled out/expanded as we move forward.
Christy motioned and Barbara seconded asking for full DVO Board
buy-in for these priorities. Motioned passed.
There was discussion about the new bar going in to the old Bank of
Books building. It was hoped that a retailer could be found for
the spot.
Christy motioned and Greg seconded that we work with the police
department to understand the regulations regarding and methods to
potentially limit the overall number of alcohol and entertainment
conditional use permits issued. Motion passed.
Jerry will research and provide information on other cities
regulations limiting “like” businesses in the same area.
It was determined that the discussion should involve all affected
parties to get multiple perspectives.
Next meeting will be April 15, 8:30 AM at the DVO offices
101 S. California
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3/18/2008
In attendance: Dave Armstrong, Jerry Breiner, Sid White, Marni
Brook, Christy Weir, Barbara Asbell, Jim Rice, Rob Edwards.
Jim motioned and Barbara seconded approval of the March 4 minutes
– unanimously approved.
Street Tree Lighting
The City Council voted to add the lighting to the CIP work plan
but elected not to fund the project until the next fiscal year.
Funding is likely to be debated as part of the budget process.
The earliest that design work could begin is July 1, if funding
is provided. Nothing will be completed prior to the 2008 holiday
season so DVO must do its own lighting.
Economic Restructuring Priorities:
Each committee member was asked to provide 3 priorities for the
committee to address.
Sandra (via e-mail); Buy local campaign, Recruiting businesses
and Tree lighting
Jerry: Business directory & website for antiques/collectables,
Solicitation for local grocer, Viable contact mechanism for real
estate information
Jim: Active tenant recruiting, Improve Figueroa Plaza
Rob: Merchant support (seminars, good website, retention,
clusters), Support PBID efforts w/ owners lists, expand farmers’
market
Barbara: Active tenant recruiting
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3/4/08
Downtown Ventura Organization
Economic Restructuring Committee Meeting March 4, 2008
Start Time 8:40 am. Members present: B. Asbell, S. Weaver, S.
Walker, J. Rice, C. Weir, J. Breiner, Z. Taylor, D. Armstrong, R.
Edwards.
Barbara Asbell motioned and Sandra Walker seconded approval of the
February 19, 2008 Meeting Minutes which were approved unanimously.
Street Tree Lighting:
The City called Rob asking that the DVO pay for the maintenance of
the proposed street tree lighting which they estimated to be
$7,000 per year. It is not clear what that number includes. The
$285,000 in Redevelopment Agency funding is scheduled for approval
as part of the Capital Improvement Project budget of which $80,000
would be allocated this year and the balance in future years
depending on funding availability. There is a line item in the
DVO budget to cover street tree lighting that could be used for
the maintenance.
ACTION: Rob Edwards to write a letter to the City Council in
support of the street-tree lighting and indicating that DVO will
pay for maintenance.
Zoe will write a letter on behalf of the Chamber
in support as well.
Broker Outreach: Paul Capra, a local retail broker who is
starting his own firm has joined the committee.
LIVE: After discussion it was concluded that it is not appropriate
for DVO to continue pursuing the LIVE program at this time as it
may interfere with PBID efforts. The program has been shelved
indefinitely.
ACTION: Each committee member is to review the retail strategy
and prepare their top 3 priorities to be implemented by the
Economic Restructuring Committee over the next year. Dave
Armstrong will send out the draft “Playbook” which is the template
for DVO’s goals and strategies (attached).
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