Downtown Benicia Alliance

Special Board Meeting

Downtown Benicia Alliance (DBA)
Special Board Meeting: Friday, February 26, 2016 6:30pm
Sailor Jack’s, 123 First Street, Benicia, CA 94510

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 24 hours prior to a special 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 2016:
1. Leah Shelhorn, Chair, Studio 41, Gifts4 Every1, Capitol District
2. Renee Marie Jordan, Vice Chair & Treasurer, Jordan Real Estate Group-Re/MAX Gold & Gallerie Renee Marie, Park District
3. Eileen Stern, Secretary, Re Max Gold Real Estate, Waterfront District
4. James Morgan, Sailor Jacks, Waterfront District
5. James Long, Pups and Purrs, Waterfront District
6. Carl Lucca, Lucca Restaurant, Waterfront District
7. Jeanne Steinman, Benicia Magazine/Urban Notions, Waterfront District
8. Thomas Hamilton, The Rellik Bar, Capitol District
9. Tom Gavin, Gavin and Schreiner, Capitol District, 2nd Floor
Mario Giuliani, Economic Development Manager, City of Benicia
Special 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 January 21, 2016 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. Benicia Film Festival: Labor Day Weekend, a Friday, Saturday and Sunday Event being held on First Street. This event will bring people from all over the Bay Area and it is at the Majestic Theatre, in the heart of First Street. Last year’s event was a huge success. Bringing it all to First Street is a great bonus for our stores, restaurants, and strollers while there are intermissions during Saturday and Sunday. Friday after the Opening Ceremony, people will walk First Street and window shop, eat, and enjoy. There are lunch breaks of 1/12 hours, so, that is a great amount of time for people to “Love Benicia”.
Proposal: To host/sponsor the event on Saturday. Board Action Required.
6. Review: and Vote: Examples of the new First Street “Street Signs”, provided by City Staff. Discussion and Board Action Required.
7. Update on Lighting Meeting with City Staff: Information only.
8. Agenda items for next meeting.
9. Adjourn.
Minutes from January 21, Special Board Meeting:

January 2016

Downtown Benicia Alliance
Board Meeting, January 12, 2016 – 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, January 12, 2016- 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 December 15, 2015 regular Board minutes. 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.
Elections of Officers for 2016
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:
1.Advocacy committee; 2. Election committee; 3. BID renewal committee.
Comments from each District: Waterfront: Capitol:: Park:
DBA Annual Report
Adjourn
Attachment(s): Minutes-December 15, 2015 regular Board meeting.

Downtown Benicia Alliance
Minutes:  December 14, 2015-9:00 a.m.
The Rellik Tavern, 726 First Street, Benicia, Ca 94510

Board Members Present: Carl Lucca, Chair; Renee Marie Jordan, Vice-Chair &Treasurer; James Long, Secretary; Tom Gavin; Jeanne Steinmann; Leah Shelhorn; Tom Hamilton; James Morgan
Absent: Eileen Stern; Mario Giuliani, Economic Development Director, City of Benicia
•    Call to Order: Carl Lucca, Chair , called the meeting to order at 9am
•    Public Comment: Dennis Cullen,(Cullen’s Tannery Pub) bought up a concern about how lower first street businesses are impacted by events held on Main street.  Since this subject was already on the agenda, Dennis will bring his concerns up then.  Leah Shelhorn stated that Alan Plutchok have her a letter about pedestrian safety in the downtown corridor. Tom Gavin stated that Protection & Prosperity Insurance &Financial Services emailed the board a letter.  Carl Lucca and Renee Marie Jordan will talk to them in person.
•    Approval of Agenda: Tom Gavin moved to approve the agenda; Tom Hamilton seconding, motion approved.
•    Approval of Minutes: Renee Marie Jordan motioned to approve the October 13, 2015 board meeting minutes;  Jeanne Steinmann seconding, motion approved.
•    Report from Mario Giuliani, City of Benicia advisor to DBA: Report moved to next meeting.
•    Treasurer Report: Treasurer Renee Marie Jordan reported that the DBA account had a balance of $17,428.36. Renee Marie said All That Glows (contractor for tree lights) would be sending their final statement for the year after they complete and audit of their work. The estimate for this bill is approximately $8,000 to $9,000 dollars. Renee Marie stated that finances look strong going into 2016.  At this point, a question was asked about the lights at the Vets building. Carl said that All that Glows and the City are working together for a solution for lights in front of the Vet’s Building. Carl has also talked with Mario Giuliani about tree trimming in the future.  In discussion with ATG, Carl said they were looking for a local employee to handle the resetting of the lights to cut their costs. Jeanne Steinmann wanted to know if All That Glows would hire local electrician. Carl stated that All That Glows would be the one to hire.
•    Sub Committee Reports:
A: Advocacy: Leah Shelhorn reported the barriers from Farmers Market were moved to the far end of parking lot on B Street.  Leah also reported that the current parking green zones were repainted and that at the November City council meeting they agreed that First Street is in need of a comprehensive parking plan, and that the City appreciates the work and support of the DBA in addressing this critical issue.  She also said that the Police Department would have a Community Service Officer (CSO) ready in the New Year. Enforcement of downtown parking at peak times would be one of the duties of the CSO.  Several other areas of importance to the DBA were discussed: Outreach: to employees; Park in lots; Benicia Bucks; Grace Period;  30 minute, short term, medium term; long term and ADA zones. The DBA will continue to represent the concerns of the DBA members in working with the City on these important business and safety issues.

Events and activities on First Street and their impact on merchants and businesses: Dennis Cullen said he represents 10 merchants at the Tannery Building who have concerns during such events as the Farmer’s market.  He said the participants in these events often do not follow the Benicia Main Street rules by such things as arriving early, parking on the sidewalks, etc.  Dennis asked if the DBA and Main Street would work together to make it better for all. Leah Shelhorn stated that a sub-committee might be a possible solution to work with Benicia Main Street and other event organizers to help all parties.

B: Election Committee: Tom Gavin stated that no applications for new officers to join the board came in. He asked what happens now with the 5 seats whose terms are up. Carl brought up the point that this happened last year when only one position was filled, and that the current members stayed on the Board month to month until candidates came in. Tom Gavin moved to accept this method; James Morgan seconding, motion approved. Renee Marie asked that Mario discuss this at the January meeting.

C. BID Committee: The BID committee asked for clarification of what steps need to be taken this coming year towards the BID renewal process. Carl said that Mario would be asked to discuss this at the January meeting or meet with the committee to discuss.
•    Comments from each District: No comment from Waterfront District; Capitol District: Dianna’s Bakery opened on Thanksgiving morning.  No comment from Park District.
•    Adjourn: at the conclusion of business, Carl Lucca called the meeting adjourned at 10:08am.

 

December 2015

Downtown Benicia Alliance (DBA)
Board Meeting, Tuesday, December 15th, 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                                          Waterfront        12/2016
2. Renee Marie Jordan, Jordan Real Estate, Inc. reneemarie@jordanrealestate.com V.P./Treasurer    Park          12/2015
3. James Long, Pups and Purrz, James.long63@me.com  Secretary                         Waterfront       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                                 Waterfront     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                             Waterfront     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, December 15th, 2015 – 9 a.m.@ Rellik Tavern, 726 First Street

A Non-Profit Organization Dedicated to the Administration of the Benicia Downtown Business Improvement District
1. 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.
2. 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.
3. Approval of the Minutes: The Chair will seek approval of the October 13, 2015 regular Board minutes. 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.
4. Report from Mario Giuliani, City of Benicia advisor to DBA:
5. Treasurer’s Report: The DBA Treasurer and City staff will provide a budget update. Board action may be necessary.
6. Sub Committee Reports:
•    Advocacy committee: 1. Report on Farmer’s Market Barriers; green zones and next steps..  2.Events, and activities on First Street feedback on events impacting DBA businesses.  Board action may be necessary.
•    Election Committee: Board of Directors election of Board Members for 2016.  Board action may be necessary.
•    BID renewal: preparation for 2016.
7. Comments from each District: Waterfront: Capitol:: Park:
8. Adjourn
Attachment(s): Minutes-October 13, 2105 regular Board meeting.

 

Downtown Benicia Alliance
Minutes: October 13, 2015- 9:00 a.m.
The Rellik Tavern, 726 First Street, Benicia, CA 94510

Board Members Present: Carl Lucca, Chair; Renee Marie Jordan, Vice-Chair & Treasurer;  James Long, Secretary; Eileen Stern; Tom Gavin; Jeanne Steinmann; Leah Shelhorn, and Mario Giuliani, Economic Development Director, City of Benicia.
Excused Absence: James Morgan

1.    Call to Order: Carl Lucca, Chair, called the meeting to order at 9:06 a.m.

2.    Public Comment: No public comment.

3.     Approval of Agenda: Jeanne Steinmann moved to approve the agenda, Tom Hamilton    seconding, motion approved

4.     Approval of Minutes: Tom Hamilton moved to accept the minutes of July 21, 2015 meeting and the August 4th 2015 special meeting. James Long seconded the motion. Motion approved with one correction to the minutes of August 4th meeting attendance: Tom Gavin not present at that meeting.
5.     Report from Mario Giuliani, City of Benicia advisor to DBA:
Mario reported that the City is outsourcing the billing and collection of BID assessments to a firm that the City has contracted to do other City billings. He reported that only 9 businesses still have outstanding bills for 2015. Businesses that are no longer in business may not be pursued. He also discussed the difficulties with the tree lighting at the Veterans Memorial building as it could cost approximately $20.000 dollars to do the electrical connections. The City was working on solutions for this and the lights across the street and would report back to the DBA.  Also, the City is working to rectify the electrical problems at the foot of First Street so that the lights there would work better. He indicated that the lighting contractor would be to checking all the lights this month and also, the City has contracted to have sidewalk washing done starting this month on the entire first street.

6.   Treasurer’s Report: Treasurer Renee Marie Jordan reported that the DBA account had a            balance of $18,915.47.

7.   Sub Committee Reports:
Advocacy: Leah Shelhorn brought up two outstanding issues: First the barriers used at the Farmers market which are stored on the side street after the market. Several businesses have complained that they are unsightly and should be moved. The other issue concerned the DBA request to have the curb markings for green zones redone brought before the City Council for approval. After discussion, it was agreed that Leah would meet with the City PublicWorks Manager to discuss action. Motion make by Tom Hamilton, seconded by Tom Gavin, motion approved.

Election Committee: Tom Gavin reported that 5 Board members terms would be done at the end of 2015 and handed out sample nomination applications and that they would be sent on 11/1/2015 to be returned by 12/1/2015 and action taken at the 12/4/2015 Board meeting.

Veterans Event: Carl Lucca gave a report that the DBA would not be involved with the Veteran’s Day event as was done last year, but that the Veterans would accept any private help with the event.

BID renewal: Discussion held regarding the BID renewal process and Leah proposed changing 2016 meetings from quarterly to monthly due to the importance of renewal. Discussion held, it was determined since most work on the BID renewal would be done in committee that the current schedule for meetings would remain.

8.    What’s New in Each District
Waterfront: Eileen Stern reported that a new pet business, Koda, had opened next to Java Point.
Capitol: Leah Shelhorn reported that a new Bakery would be opening in the vacated Capitol Café location.
Jeanne Steinmann said Urban Notions was closing in December and would be relocating sometime in the New Year.
Park: No report
9.    Agenda Items: DBA Board Elections.

10.     Adjourn: At the conclusion of business Carl Lucca called the meeting adjourned at
10:25am.

 

October 2015

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

 

 

Special Meeting August 4th 2015

Special Board Meeting Tuesday, August 4th, 2015.  (Revised)
Place: Sailor Jack’s,  123  1st. Benicia, California
Time: 7:10 pm

Special 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.Downtown parking:
The Advocacy committee will present report on downtown parking. Board action and     vote may be necessary.

2. Veteran’s Day 2015 :.
Veteran’s Day committee will update Board on Veteran’s Day, 2015 participation.
Board action and vote may be necessary.

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 54956 (the Brown Act) requires that a brief description of each item to be transacted or discussed be posted at least 24 hours prior to a Special 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 prior to the meeting.

Board of Directors:
Carl Lucca, Lucca Restaurant and bar:  carllucca@sbcglobal.net    Chair
Renee Marie Jordan, Jordan Real Estate,inc. renee@jordanrealestate.com  VP/Treasurer
James Long, Pups & Purrz, James.long63@me.com    Secretary
Tom Gavin, Gavin & Schreiner, tom@gavinschreinerinsurance.com
Jim Morgan, Sailor Jack’s, Morgan4Law@aol.com
Leah Shelhorn, Studio 41, princessleah@studio41.com
Jeanne Steinmann, Benicia Magazine, editor@beniciamagazine.com
Eileen Stern, ReMaxGold, Eileen@eileenstern.com

Advisor: Mario Giuliani, Economic Development Manager, City of Benicia, Ca

DOWNTOWN NEWS

 

Thanks to all who attended. Many thanks to all who made this day possible

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