Downtown Benicia Alliance (DBA)
Board Meeting, Tuesday, October 13, 2015- 9:00 a.m
The Rellik Tavern, 726 First Street, Benicia, CA 94510
Notice to the Public:
You are welcomed and encouraged 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 a regular 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 Carl Lucca at 925 231-5736 at least 48 hours prior to the meeting.
Board of Directors: District Term
1. Carl Lucca, Lucca Restaurant and Bar carllucca@sbcglobal.net- Chair Water 12/2016
2. Renee Marie Jordan, Jordan Real Estate, Inc. renee@jordanrealestate.com V.P./Treasurer Park 12/2015
3. James Long, Pups and Purrz, James.long63@me.com Secretary Water 12/2015
4. Tom Gavin, Gavin and Schreiner, tom@gavinschreinerinsurance.com Capitol 12/2015
5. Thomas Hamilton, The Rellik Tavern, thomasbhamilton@yahoo.com Capitol 12/2016
6. Jim Morgan, Sailor Jack’s, Morgan4Law@aol.com Water 12/2015
7. Leah Shelhorn, Studio 41, princessleah@studio41.com Capitol 12/2016
8. Jeanne Steinmann, Benicia Magazine, editor@beniciamagazine.com Capitol 12/2015
9. Eileen Stern, ReMaxGold, Eileen@eileenstern.com Water 12/2016
Advisor: Mario Giuliani, Economic Development Manager, City of Benicia, CA
DBA Districts:
Park District: I Street to Military (no more than 4 members)
Capitol District: F Street to I Street (no more than 4 members)
Waterfront District: F Street to Water Front (no more than 4 members)
2nd Floor (at least 1 member)
The DBA Meets Quarterly on the Second Tuesday of the Month at 9 a.m. @ The Rellik Tavern
January 13, 2015/April 14, 2015/July 14, 2015/October 13, 2015
Annual Meeting and Board of Director Elections: December 8, 2015
Downtown Benicia Alliance
Board Meeting Agenda
Tuesday, October 13, 2015 – 9 a.m.@ Rellik Tavern, 726 First Street
A Non-Profit Organization Dedicated to the Administration of the Benicia Downtown Business Improvement District
Call to order
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.
Approval of the 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.
Approval of the Minutes: The Chair will seek approval of the July 21, 2015 regular Board minutes, and the Special Board meeting minutes of August 4th, 2015 meeting. The minutes should be approved if they adequately and accurately meet the decisions and action made at the previous meeting. If a board member was absent for the meeting, they should abstain from voting unless their vote is necessary to make a quorum, at which point they may vote on the item.
Report from Mario Giuliani, City of Benicia advisor to DBA:
Treasurer’s Report: The DBA Treasurer and City staff will provide a budget update. Board action may be necessary.
Sub Committee Reports:
• Election Committee: Discuss upcoming Board of Directors election at December 8th 2015 Annual meeting.
• Advocacy Committee: Discuss “green zones” on First St.; traffic barriers placement: Board action may be necessary.
• Promotions: Report on 2015 Veterans Day.
• Tourism:
• BID renewal: preparation for 2016.
Comments from each District: Waterfront: Jim Morgan, Eileen Stern, James Long Capitol: Jeanne Steinmann, Leah Shelhorn, Tom Hamilton: Park: Renee Marie Jordan
Agenda items for next meeting
Adjourn
Attachment(s): Minutes-July 21st, 2015 regular Board meeting; August 4, 2015 Special Board meeting
Downtown Benicia Alliance
Board Meeting Minutes, Monday, July 21, 2015 The Rellik Tavern, 726 First Street, Benicia, CA 94510
The meeting was called to order at 9:00am
Board Members Present
Carl Lucca, Chair, Lucca Bar and Grill, carl@luccafamily.org
Renee Marie Jordan, Vice Chair and Treasurer, Jordan Real Estate
Leah Shelhorn, Studio 41, princessleah@studio41.com
Jeanne Steinmann, Benicia Magazine, manager@beniciamagazine.com
Thomas Hamilton, The Rellik Tavern, thomasbhamilton@yahoo.com
Tom Gavin, Gavin & Schreiner, tom@gavinschreinerinsurance.com
Eileen Stern, Remax Gold, eileen@eileenstern.com
Excused Absence: James Morgan; James Long
Advisor: Mario Giuliani, Economic Development Manager, City of Benicia
Public Comment: No public comment during the entire meeting.
Approval of Agenda: The agenda was approved unanimously.
Introduction of New City of Benicia Chief of Police: Leah introduced Chief Eric Upson, who spoke briefly on his background, community policing, a staff shortage and new hires, and a quick and effective approach to stopping crime. Since he spent three years as traffic bureau commander in Berkeley he had good input to addressing downtown Benicia’s parking issues during peak times. He suggested a study to effectively address long term needs.
Leah discussed the green zones and time elements for parking in the downtown business district. The signage needs to have better readability and ADA requirements need to be checked. She shared a map of all current green zones on First St. and discussed placements of such zones to best facilitate access to businesses. A discussion ensued about how to optimize the green zone areas. Chief Upson said that currently there is no staff at the Benicia PD to enforce parking limits. He recommended a comprehensive approach would be key so that all criteria were taken into consideration. Jeanne brought up utilizing the dirt/gravel parking lot between E and F streets for employees on First St. to free up parking for visitors and customers on First St.
The Board thanked Chief Upson for attending today and wished him well as Benicia’s new Chief of Police.
Approval of Minutes: The minutes were approved unanimously.
BID Assessments: Mario reported that there were only a handful nonpaying business, and that city staff will get collections letters out and then share who had not paid. New software is being put into place in the finance department and the BID and business license fees will be contracted out to a third party going forward. He said there should be about $30,000 in BID fees for 2015.
Treasurer’s report: Renee Marie reported that for the past four years that only $26,000 annually was coming in. She emphasized that the board is not deficit spending, just overshooting projections. There was a discussion regarding the Veteran’s event this fall. The DBA has about $1,500 extra to spend each year. Tom Gavin asked why there was a difference in the projections if there are only a few non-paying businesses. The projections have been based on the estimates from the beginning of the DBA; but due to coming and going of businesses the original estimates need to be modified.
Committee reports: Leah discussed tourism. Tom Gavin said he would move forward with the nominations committee. Renee brought up the nonworking lights at the top of First Street.
Comments from each District: None
Future Agenda items: downtown parking and Veteran’s event.
The meeting was adjourned at 10:05am.
Downtown Benicia Alliance
Special Board Meeting Minutes, August 4, 7pm
Sailor Jacks, 123 First Street, Benicia, CA 94510
The meeting was called to order at 7pm
Board Members Present
Carl Lucca, Chair, Lucca Bar and Grill, carl@luccafamily.org
Jim Morgan, Sailor Jacks, Morgan4law@aol.com
Renee Marie Jordan, Vice Chair and Treasurer, Jordan Real Estate
Leah Shelhorn, Studio 41, princessleah@studio41.com
Jeanne Steinmann, Benicia Magazine, manager@beniciamagazine.com
Thomas Hamilton, The Rellik Tavern, thomasbhamilton@yahoo.com
Tom Gavin, Gavin & Schreiner, tom@gavinschreinerinsurance.com
Eileen Stern, Remax Gold, eileen@eileenstern.com
Public Comment: Jason Diavates spoke about people not picking up after their dogs on First Street and the lack of enforcement.
Approval of Agenda: The agenda was approved unanimously.
Approval of Minutes: The minutes were approved unanimously.
Downtown Parking: Leah Shelhorn discussed the placement, installation and enforcement of green, courtesy parking zones and that Mario and Police Chief Erik had approved the concept. Leah wants them to be ready to go by the time Benicia PD has additional staff. Speed, bikes and skateboarders, and illegal U-turns on First Street were problematic and more enforcement is needed for these in addition to parking and traffic calming. Jim Morgan commented that certain businesses could be hurt by the lack of green zones and that the city may have legal issues to overcome. He was concerned about the police issuing tickets to parking offenders and that warnings should be considered first. There was a discussion regarding the extra spaces coned off during the Farmers Market and striking a balance between residential and commercial parking. Renee clarified that only two new green zones were being added. Comment was made that some businesses may not want a green zone placed in front of their business.
Public Comment: Jason Diavates voiced his concern about the possibility of parking meters. He was reassured those were not happening. Dennis Cullen asked if the costs for green zones would be through the public works department, and was answered that yes, they would.
It was agreed that the green zones should be expedited. Jim Morgan moved to write a letter for the DBA outlining the creation of the green zones in a manner that stimulates commerce to expedite creation of the green zones inclusive of appropriate signage, and respecting ADA compliance. Tom seconded the motion. Renee wanted to amend the motion but the motion carried. Renee opposed the motion. It was agreed that the Advocacy committee would prepare the letter and it would be reviewed by the Chair and sent to the City.
Veteran’s Day 2015: A discussion was held regarding repeating the Veteran’s Day 2015 event. Jeanne opposed having the event given that there’s a fiduciary responsibility to the DBA members and didn’t see the direct benefit to DBA members. Jim agreed that it might not be within the DBA’s purview. Renee said that the DBA could not front any money up front for the event. Tom felt it brought awareness to downtown merchants.
Public Comment: Dennis Cullen voiced his opinion that the DBA should be looking out for members instead of promotional activities like the Veteran’s event. He asked who paid for the event and ReneeMarie answered that the board members and businesses had donated product, money, items for the gift baskets and more, and money was earned from beer sales. It was agreed that this was a great event that did not make money but the goal was to stimulate commerce downtown and recognize the service of Benicia’s Veterans. This item would be discussed more at the next regular DBA board meeting in October.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:15pm