September 26, 2017

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