Board Meeting Tuesday, November 14, 2017, at 9:00 am,
at The Rellik Tavern, 726 First Street, Benicia, CA
The Downtown Benicia Alliance is a partnership of our Businesses that, together we will promote the common interests of and improve advocacy for our downtown.
Celebrating Local Merchants Every Day.
Notice to the Public:
You are welcomed and encourage to participate in this meeting. Public comment is taken (3 minutes maximum per person) on items listed on the agenda when they are called. Public Comment on items not listed on the agenda will be heard at the meeting as noted on the agenda. Comments on controversial items may be limited and large groups are encouraged to select one or two speakers to represent the opinion of the group. The order of Agenda items is listed for reference and may be taken in any order deemed appropriate by the Board of Directors. The Agenda provides a general description; however, the Board of Directors may take action other than what is recommended.
Brown Act Notice:
Government Code Section 54950 (The Brown Act) requires that a brief description of each item to be transacted or discussed be posted at least 72 hours prior to Board Meeting. Action may not be taken on items not posted on the agenda. Meeting facilities are accessible to persons with disabilities. If you require special assistance to participate in the meeting, notify:
Leah Shelhorn at 707-745-0254 at least 24 hours prior to this special meeting.
Board of Directors for 2017:
1. Leah Shelhorn, Studio 41, Gifts4 Every1
2. Thomas Hamilton, The Rellik Tavern
3. Eileen Stern, Re Max Gold Real Estate
4. James Morgan, Sailor Jacks
5. Carl Lucca, Lucca Restaurant
6. Jeanne Steinman, Benicia Magazine
7. Tom Gavin, Gavin and Schreiner
8. Suzanne JonCoaltz, Heritage Pantry and Spice
Mario Giuliani, Economic Development Manager, City of Benicia
Board Meeting Agenda:
1. Call to Order:
2. Public Comment: Members of the Public are invited to comment on any item related to the affairs of the Downtown Benicia Alliance. Each member has up to three minutes to address the Board. The Board is not allowed to discuss matters brought up during public comment.
3. Approval of Agenda: The Chair will seek approval of the Agenda. Only items already on the agenda may be discussed. Approval of the Agenda allows for adjustment of the order in which items are discussed.
4. Approval of Minutes: The Chair will seek approval of the September 26, 2017 minutes. The minutes should be approved if they meet the adequately and accurately the decisions and action made at the previous meeting. If a Board Member was absent for a meeting, they should abstain from voting, unless their vote is necessary to make a quorum, at which point they may vote on the item.
5. First Reading of the Proposed Changes to Article V of the Bylaws: The Board to review and discuss proposed changes to Article V of the Bylaws; reducing the number of directors from 9 to 7. As we have changed number of meetings per year and removed districts, we will discuss changes to number of directors. Board Action and Vote. See below for Article V, Directors.
5. Treasurer’s Report: Tom Hamilton, Treasurer will give this report. Discussion, Possible Board Action and Vote.
6. Donations to DBA: Many people have asked. So, Discussion, Board Action and Vote Needed.
7. Upcoming Board Meetings: Second reading of the Bylaw change will be Tuesday, December 5, and final meeting of the year, Tuesday, December 12, 2017.
10. Adjourn:
Bylaws of the Downtown Benicia Alliance
Board Meeting
September 26, 2017
Rellik Tavern, 726 First Street
Present: Leah Shelhorn, (Chairperson), Eileen Stern (Secretary), Carl Lucca, Tom Hamilton (Vice Chair/Treasurer), Susan Joncoalitz, Jeanne Steinmann and Mario Giuliani, Advisor.
Others present: Dennis Cullen, Steve Young, David Bachelor, Nancy Martinez, Dave, Christina Strawbridge, Gordon Grey, Jack MacCoun, Don Glidewell
Absent: James Morgan, Tom Gavin.
Call to Order: Meeting was called to order by Leah Shelhorn at 9:01 AM.
Public Comment: Dennis Cullen said that the Economic Development Board is conducting a survey among merchants. They are concentrating on the downtown, but may do the whole city. The survey will narrow down to problems, concerns, and role of city to help.
Christina Strawbridge promoted the Benicia Fashion runway weekend.
Approval of Agenda: Tom Hamilton moved to approve agenda, Eileen Stern seconded. Motion carried.
Approval of minutes: Carl Lucca moved to approve minutes, Tom Hamilton seconded. Motion carried.
BID Renewal Update: BID was approved for a 10-year bid. After 3 years City Council and DBA will review continuation. BID has brought commerce to the downtown. The BID is not just about lights, but about advocacy.
Update on tree trimming and lighting: City issued request for proposal for tree pruning. City was in process of giving to A Plus Tree Service, but the city got a bid protest. Therefore, at this point, the city has refused all bids and re-released the request for proposal. Optimistically, the tree pruning should be done by mid-October. The goal is to have lights installed by Halloween.
Treasurers report: Downtown Business Alliance has purchased new lights for $7,100. The new lights have brown cords which should blend with the tree trunks. Current balance is $17,347. DBA has paid $8,000 to remove the lights, and owe $7,000.
Outline for new board members: Most of the terms for board members are up in 2017. The nomination letters should be out by November 1. Every board member should talk with someone in their business who may be interested in serving. Mario clarified that the bylaws state that board members need to be a merchant on First Street. The board may consider a 7 or 5-member board and change the bylaws. However, a change in the by-laws would require 2 meetings.
Donation to DBA: People have asked if they can donate to DBA. Any donation would have to be a check, not credit card. The DBA can have donations or sponsorships.
Cannabis on First St This subject brought out much discussion, but no vote. This was an informational session. The question raised was…is this a part of advocacy? City council has a draft ordinance out, and this subject will be discussed at the Economic Development Board as well as other boards and commissions.
Meeting adjourned:at 10:23 AM
Respectfully submitted,
Eileen Stern
Eileen Stern
RE/MAX Gold Secretary