HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - May 29, 2001 SMLODI CITY COUNCIL
SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL MEETING
THE MERLOT, 23 W. ELM STREET, LODI
TUESDAY, MAY 29, 2001
A. CALL TO ORDER / ROLL CALL
The Special City Council meeting of May 29, 2001 was called to order by Mayor Nakanishi at
5:35 p.m.
Present: Council Members — Hitchcock (arrived at 5:37 p.m.), Howard, Land, and Mayor
Nakanishi
Absent: Council Members — Pennino
Present from the City: City Manager Flynn, Deputy City Manager Keeter, Management Analyst
Hamilton, Economic Development Coordinator Goehring, Community Promotions
Coordinator Haynes, City Attorney Hays, and City Clerk Blackston
Also Present: Mary Bagnell, Mitchell Brown, Alan Goldberg, Chuck Higgs, Judy James, Mike
Locke, Barbara McWilliams, Dorean Rice, Tim Vallem, and Lew Van Buskirk
B. TOPIC(S)
B-1 "Review of Downtown Lodi Business Partnership's Significant Expenditure Request"
Lew Van Buskirk, Executive Director of the Downtown Lodi Business Partnership (DLBP),
provided background information to the Council (filed) and briefly reviewed the history of
the DLBP. He summarized what he has learned about downtown business partnerships
since taking over his position on the DLBP: 1) Revitalization of any downtown area is a
lengthy process; 2) Ninety-five percent of downtown associations are funded by cities or
counties; and 3) there is a necessity for ongoing education. DLBP fund raising events
include the Farmers Market, Beerfest, See's Candy sales, Parade of Lights, Collectibles
Summer show, and Kiddies Parade. He submitted a report entitled "Budget Assumptions
and Special Notes — Ending June 30, 2002" (filed) on which City funding of $60,000 was
requested.
City Manager Flynn reminded the Council that on September 20, 2000 the DLBP
requested and received approval from the Council for general budget and special projects
funding of $61,000 for fiscal year 2000-01, which included $35,000 in City funding, $8,500
for a special marketing program to be used during the construction phase of the new
theater and parking structure, and $17,500 for banners and lights for the downtown area.
In addition, the City provides patrol officers, parking enforcement, a parking citations
clerk, a street cleaner, and assistance from Economic Development Coordinator Tony
Goehring and Community Promotions Coordinator Cynthia Haynes for a total cost of
$370,000 per year. Mr. Flynn initially recommended that the Council fund the DLBP
$30,000 for two years and encouraged them to raise revenue through membership dues,
fund raising events, and/or revision of the assessment formula.
Community Promotions Coordinator Haynes pointed out that the downtown area is still in
the construction phase and spoke in support of continued funding of the DLBP. She
stated that downtown Lodi completes the "triangle" by supporting tourism, and
cultural/leisure activities in the community.
Economic Development Coordinator Goehring reported that all other cities he has
communicated with fund a large portion of the operating costs for their downtown areas.
Generally there is a minimum five-year commitment and often times these evolving
projects can take up to ten years. The condition of downtown areas are an integral part of
business attraction.
In response to questions by Council Member Howard, Mr. Van Buskirk reported that there
are 220 businesses in the DLBP, with membership fees of $200-500 for core retail
Area A, $50-150 for Area B, and $500 for financial institutions.
Continued May 29, 2001
Council Member Howard suggested a tiered financial structure over a three- to four-year
period, such as $60,000, $30,000, and $15,000.
Mr. Van Buskirk indicated support of the concept and noted that it would save time in
budgeting if funding for a longer period of time were known in advance.
Council Member Land made the following suggestions: 1) that the City take over dues
collection for the DLBP; 2) advertising be sought for funding the "Downtown Lodi
Merchant & Parking Map'; and 3) associate membership dues be considered. He
thanked the DLBP for their tremendous efforts and accomplishments.
Mr. Van Buskirk commented that collection responsibilities account for 20% of his time.
Council Member Hitchcock stated that the core area is broadening and suggested that the
DLBP reevaluate equity in contributions. She spoke in support of the DLBPs funding
request and thanked them for their good work, noting that attendance at downtown events
has increased considerably.
In reference to the downtown parking issue, Mr. Van Buskirk stated that it would be
disastrous for the public and the merchants to discontinue parking enforcement,
particularly with the new theater estimating an increase of 250 cars per day in the area.
He acknowledged that employees of downtown businesses cause a significant part of the
parking problem. Currently, the DLBP sells 400 parking permits annually. Mr. Van
Buskirk commented that parking enforcement might not be necessary once the parking
garage is completed.
Mayor Nakanishi supported the City Manager's funding recommendation and expressed
the need for the DLBP to become self-sustaining.
City Manager Flynn recommended funding the DLBP $36,000 toward operations in year
one and year two of the 2001-03 budget, $8,500 (one time cost) for the marketing
brochure, and have the City assume the responsibility for DLBP collections and
accounting.
Mr. Goehring described a salary and incentive option where the City would commit to a
$35,000 annual funding match to the DLBP along with a percentage of City sales tax,
which would help to promote retail in the community.
Mayor Nakanishi and Council Member Land noted that Mr. Goehring's option was
beneficial, particularly from a motivational standpoint, and warranted further study.
C. COMMENTS BY THE PUBLIC
• Mike Locke, owner of Christensen's Fashions, Inc., stated that he did not believe that the
DLBP could ever become completely self-supporting, and that parking enforcement in the
downtown area is more important today than ever before. He commented that the downtown
area has changed dramatically over the years and the "mom and pop" businesses are a dying
breed.
In response to Council Member Land, Mr. Van Buskirk reported that the food establishments
in the downtown area plan to extend their hours to 8:00 or 9:00 p.m. once the theater opens.
A meeting on this subject between the restaurant owners, the DLBP, and the Conference and
Visitors Bureau has been planned.
D. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 6:50 p.m.
ATTEST:
Susan J. Blackston
City Clerk
2