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.