HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda Report - January 21, 1987 (106)TO THE CITY COUNCIL
FROM. THE CITY MANAGER'S OFFICE
U-T;'NCIL C01INIUNIOATI0-.
-January 21, 198:
THE FURNATIONOF Sf ESS IMPR(NENDIT DISTRICT AND THE PREPARATION! SUBmI=AL
QF A MI-IFURNIA MA STREET PROGRAM APPLICATION,
PREPARED BY: i�.ssistant City iIanager
RFC01-I-11IDED ACTION: That the City Council appropriate $5,000 to assist the Lodi
Dcwntown 3usiness 2,sscciation in the submittal of an
application for participation in the California Main S tree t
Program, said appropriation contingent on:
1. The development of a work program mutually acceptable
to both parties.
2. The execution of a contract far technical assistance
between the Lodi Dc--Aslntown Business Association and the
firm of Les -Thanes Associates.
3. The Lodi Downtown Business Association pledge $3,00r;
toward the program.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION: At the Shirtsleeve sessions of December 16, 1986 and
January 13, 1987, the City Council I*axd presentations on
revitalization of the Downtown business District. At the
meeting of January 13, Ms. Kathleen Les of Les-Thanas Associates made a presentation
on the issues a downtown must address to ::grave its image, attract shoppers and
boost retail sales. She pointed out one, means of doing this is through the Main
street Program.
The State of California, Department of Ccmrerce, offers malities opportunities to
improve locr l ec onanies through the Main Street approach. The Main Street approach
builds on existing resources, is incremental and fosters improved ccxmtu -Lity
leadership and support on behalf of the downtown for the long -terns. Me elements
vital to revitalization efforts in building a total downtown image include:
Organization
Prcmtion
Design
Economic restructuring
If a city is chosen to be e. Main Street city - and only five are chosen per year -
the Department of Comrerce provides technical assistance in doing needs assessments,
training of local managers and boards, and specialized assistance in business
development, marketing, traffic management and other skills needed to develop and
maintain the downto�m a vibrant part of the city.
CV -
Council Co m uni cation
J2nuary 21, 1987
Page 2
Whether or not a city is selected to be a Maim Street city, tine issues are the sane
and the need to address these is real. The Lodi DoA%ntoum Business Association has
indicated its ccanitment to follow-up on improvement efforts by now looking at
further mans of revitalization.
Les -Thaws Assxiates has indicated a capability and desire to assist the LDBA
through the initial steps of revitalization.. In their proposal they identify the
following Phase I services.
I. Generalized needs assessment to dete>nine optima revitalization
strategy.
2. Special assistance in prornnting awareness of revitalization.
opportunities.
3. Assist with the establishmit of a Business IWrovement District
including preparation of the implementing ondinanoe
and coordination with City staff, merchants and the LDBA.
4. Preparation of the Main Street application including gathering
and coordination with IDEA to establish goals and objectives ::or
participation in the program if selected.
The contract with Les-Ttxnmas Associates t,.Lll be $5,000. Before a contract is
written, a work program including time lines and scope of work must be done. The
LDBA has requested the City of Lodi to provide the $5,000 for the contract urith IDBA
assuming all other costs of the project, such as publicity, mails, transportation,
etc. LDBA estimates this expenditure at $3,000.
It is important the LDBA be the driving force in this endeavor rather than the
City. If the propeller and rudder are City Staff, the project will run aground.
The direction and effort must be from the direct beneficiaries, the downtown
business conuAmity. It is for this reason we suggest the City of Lodi not be the
contracting agency with Les -Thomas Associates. This is not to say the City per se
has no stake. Quite the contrary. A vigorous, alive downtown is a benefit to all
the citizens of Lodi and must be lent whatever assistance and support is necessary.
JLG:br
TXTA.06C COUNC142
Respectfully Submitted,
`JoEi'rry L. Glenn
Assistant City Manager