HomeMy WebLinkAboutED Downtown BID Annual Assessment____________________________________________________________________________________
FOR CITY CLERK ONLY
File No.: 224 x 183
Council Meeting: 12/18/2017
Disposition: Resolution 14444
Agenda Item No: 8.a
Meeting Date: December 18, 2017
SAN RAFAEL CITY COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT
Department: Economic Development
Prepared by: Danielle O’Leary
Economic Development Director
City Manager Approval: ______________
TOPIC: ANNUAL ASSESSMENT FOR THE DOWNTOWN SAN RAFAEL BUSINESS
IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT FOR 2018
SUBJECT: RESOLUTION OF THE SAN RAFAEL CITY COUNCIL APPROVING THE
DOWNTOWN SAN RAFAEL BUSINESS IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT “ANNUAL
REPORT FOR 2017 CALENDAR YEAR BID ASSESSMENT,” AND LEVYING AN
ASSESSMENT FOR CALENDAR YEAR 2018
RECOMMENDATION:
Hold Public Hearing. Adopt Resolution.
BACKGROUND:
Section 36500 of the California Streets and Highways Code allows for the creation of a business
improvement district (BID) within a municipality whereby businesses within the district self-assess
themselves an annual fee in order to pay for improvements and activities which benefit the overall
business district. The intent of the state law is to provide a funding mechanism for business districts to
promote economic vitality.
Businesses within the San Rafael downtown set up a business district in 1979 – this original district
included approximately 125 businesses along Fourth Street between Lincoln and E Street. In 2013, the
City Council voted to replace it with a larger district of approximately 700 businesses along Fourth
Street – the expanded district includes the West End and some side streets, as well as non-ground
floor tenants, and other tenants not included in the original BID (see Attachment 2, Exhibit A for BID
Map).
The new BID, established in 2013, has been active in numerous programs to improve the downtown
business climate. In its first three years, the BID focused on the following areas: building the BID
organization and working with its membership on developing priorities, increasing the effectiveness of
marketing and events, promoting economic development, and working with the City to address various
issues related to parking, safety, cleanliness, and social issues (see Attachment 2 for BID Annual
Report).
SAN RAFAEL CITY COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT / Page: 2
ANALYSIS
BID Renewal Process
Per State law, to renew the annual assessment, the City Council must first adopt a ‘Resolution of
Intention to Levy an Annual Assessment’ and set a public hearing for a future date. In accordance with
State law, the annual renewal process for the BID assessment breaks down as followed:
Meeting #1 – December 4, 2017
Resolution of Intention to Levy an Annual Assessment: is intended to notify the public of the process.
The only action required is to accept the BID annual report, which reviews past BID Board
accomplishments and adopt the resolution of intention to levy an annual assessment. These actions do
not commit the City Council to any ultimate decision other than initiating the annual renewal process.
Meeting #2 – December 18, 2017
Conduct a public hearing for the annual assessment: to receive additional input from the public on the
annual assessment, confirm the levy of an assessment and board appointments for the upcoming year.
The new BID board member appointments include:
• LeAnn White, Incavo Wine Tasting & Collective
• Bonnie Ayers-Namkung, Marketing Communications
• Jed Greene, Five Corners Group
• Adam Dawson, Mike’s Bikes
Continuing BID board member appointments:
• Jaime Ortiz, Bank of Marin
• Jeff Brusati, T&B Sports
• Melissa Prandi, Prandi Property Management
COMMUNITY OUTREACH:
The BID will notify its members of the annual renewal process through its member communications
including the BID e-newsletter, notifications on the BID website, and through agenda items at the
monthly BID Board meeting.
FISCAL IMPACT:
Adoption of the resolution does not have a direct fiscal impact on the City other than ongoing staff time
related to assessment billing and processing and administration of the annual renewal. To the extent
that the BID activities enhance the business climate within the district, this will generate increased sales
tax revenue for the City.
OPTIONS:
The City Council has the following options to consider on this matter:
1) Determine that less than a 50% protest has been filed and adopt the Resolution as presented
approving the Annual Report and levying the assessment for 2018.
2) Determine less than 50% protest has been filed and adopt resolution and modifying the Annual
Report and 2018 calendar year work plan, and the adoption of the resolution shall constitute the
levy of an assessment for 2018.
3) Continue the public hearing and do not adopt the Resolution. In this option, assessments will be
delayed until the New Year.
SAN RAFAEL CITY COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT / Page: 3
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
Hold Public Hearing, accept public comment, and if no majority protest has been received, adopt the
attached resolution.
ATTACHMENTS:
1. Resolution
2. 2017 BID Annual Report
Exhibit A: BID Map
Exhibit B: BID 2018 Assessment Formula
1
RESOLUTION NO. 14444
RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SAN
RAFAEL APPROVING, WITH MODIFICATIONS, THE
DOWNTOWN SAN RAFAEL BUSINESS IMPROVEMENT
DISTRICT “ANNUAL REPORT FOR 2017 CALENDAR YEAR BID
ASSESSMENT,” AND LEVYING AN ASSESSMENT FOR
CALENDAR YEAR 2018
WHEREAS, California Streets and Highways Code Sections 36500 et seq, authorize
cities to establish parking and business improvement districts for the purpose of promoting
economic revitalization and physical maintenance of business areas, in order to create jobs,
attract new business and prevent erosion of the new business district; and
WHEREAS, the Downtown San Rafael Business Improvement District (“BID”) was
established in 2013 by Ordinance No. 1912, now codified in San Rafael Municipal Code
(“SRMC”) Chapter 10.09; and
WHEREAS, pursuant to SRMC Chapter 10.09 the Advisory Board submitted to the City
an “Annual Report for 2017 Calendar Year BID Assessment” (hereafter, the “2017 Annual
Report”), which is on file with the City Clerk; on December 4, 2017, the City Council by
resolution approved the 2017 Annual Report, indicating the Council’s intention to levy
assessments, and setting a public hearing thereon for December 18, 2017; and
WHEREAS, pursuant to Streets and Highways Code Section 36535, following the
public hearing, the City Council may adopt a resolution confirming the report as originally filed
or as modified by the Council, and the adoption of the resolution shall constitute the levy of an
assessment for the year referred to in the report; and
WHEREAS, the City Council held the required public hearing on December 18, 2017 to
receive testimony and protests concerning the 2017 Annual Report and the proposed levy of
assessments for calendar year 2018 described therein; and
WHEREAS, a majority protest of the proposed assessments was not received; and
WHEREAS, the City Council finds that it will be in the best interests of the Downtown
San Rafael Business Improvement District for the Council to appoint Advisory Board members
to administer the District’s funds in 2018; and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of San
Rafael that the BID Advisory Board appointments for 2018 calendar year are as follows:
1. The new BID Advisory Board members appointed include:
a. LeAnn White, Incavo Wine Tasting & Collective
b. Bonnie Ayers-Namkung, Marketing Communications
c. Jed Greene, Five Corners Group
d. Adam Dawson, Mike’s Bikes
2
2. The continuing BID Advisory Board members reappointed include:
a. Jaime Ortiz, Bank of Marin
b. Jeff Brusati, T&B Sports
c. Melissa Prandi, Prandi Property Management
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that City Council hereby approves and adopts the 2017
Annual Report, and approves and confirms the levy of assessments as described in the Annual
Report, for the 2018 calendar year.
I, ESTHER BEIRNE, Clerk of the City of San Rafael, hereby certify that the foregoing
resolution was duly and regularly introduced and adopted at a meeting of the City Council of
said City held on Monday, the 18th of December, 2017, by the following vote, to wit:
AYES: COUNCILMEMBERS: Bushey, Colin, Gamblin, McCullough & Mayor Phillips
NOES: COUNCILMEMBERS: None
ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: None
______________________________
ESTHER BEIRNE, City Clerk
Re-Energizing the Vision and Mission for a Thriving
San Rafael Downtown in the 21 st Century.
What will downtown become as our economy
evolves and brick and mortar retailing becomes
more about the experience rather than access
to product? Will we be a destination for art and
entertainment? How will we retain our role as a
central public gathering place for our community?
How do we ensure that downtown is relevant
to the next generation of residents? How do we
effectively communicate our strengths, our history,
and our values to our residents and visitors?
In essence, these are the questions the Downtown
Business Improvement District wrestles with in our
effort to promote a vibrant downtown. Our
mission – to promote the common interest of our
business owners – can be distilled to one singular
goal: bring more visitors downtown. To achieve
this goal, we need to focus on what resonates
authentically with our community. Distill this idea
further and one lands on the heart of our efforts:
make downtown attractive, easily accessible, and a
desirable place to spend time, while doing our best
to promote our assets.
As we move into 2018, it is clear that our success
in addressing the most pertinent issues will be
achieved by leveraging our limited resources to
further our ongoing marketing, streetscape, and
placemaking efforts, working with the City, and
collaborating with partner organizations.
We encourage our members to be active participants
of this effort, whether through just a little bit of
involvement or all the way up to joining the board.
What truly matters is our members’ voices guiding us
in how best to direct our efforts.
2017 Annual Report
Jaime Ortiz,
President
BID Accomplishments 2017
Development, Organization, and Design
• The all-new BID convened fully in May and continues
to collaborate with downtown stakeholders and community
partners. Participating in mixers with the San Rafael Chamber
of Commerce, attending City meetings and events, and
assisting in City-wide outreach and marketing efforts.
• Bi-monthly happy hours are held the third Thursday
of every other month, giving BID members direct access to
the BID Board, and building relationships with members in an
informal setting. They have provided a valuable opportunity
for dialogue, and attendance is growing steaadily. In 2018,
these happy hours will be modified to include safety and
parking updates from SRPD and City representatives, and will
be re-examined for continuation or modification in July.
• Beautification initiatives
include ongoing research on the
installation of flower planters as
gateways on test blocks at either
end of 4th St., working with the
City to increase sidewalk cleaning
frequency, and the incorporation
of culture and art installations to
elevate downtown.
• The BID regularly advocates
for member initiatives and
requested changes, and is working
with the City on multiple fronts to
improve cleanliness downtown,
streetscape appeal, and safety.
• BID is a core partner in
the California Cultural District
committee, and in 2017 helped
lead San Rafael to the designation.
Board and staff are participating in
ongoing efforts to incorporate district
branding into downtown marketing, and
to support and promote related events
and businesses.
• A BID Member Toolkit is in
process, with the BId working with
the City to provide up-to-date contact
details for specific scenarios relating to
homelessness and safety, information on
parking for patrons and employees, useful
forms, and an info sheet about the BID
and available resources.
• BID worked with new businesses
and pop-up stores to promote and assist
them in establishing their presence
downtown, through events and advocacy.
Marketing & Promotions
• Members now have the opportunity to send events,
sales, and happenings to facebook@downtownsanrafael.
org, to be added to the BID content calendar and posted
on Facebook with paid boosts to share with the BID’s 3000+
followers - a continuing free service for members.
• Produced targeted marketing for members through
print and online media sources, including through the
Downtown San Rafael website, Facebook page, and local
news sources such as the Marin IJ.
• A website-revamp is in process, with the BID focused
on streamlining content for ease of access, ensuring members
and events are highlighted, and keeping information current
and relevant for visitors.
Events
• On May 6th, the BID
produced May Madness, a legacy
event focused on vintage and sports
cars which has been running in San
Rafael for 29 years, with the help
of event coordinator and host Rick
Lewis of Gold Rush Jewelers. This
year’s event garnered huge crowds
and 200 participating cars for a day
to remember.
• In September, the BID
produced Sip, Savor, Stroll San
Rafael, a fundraising event for the
Downtown Streets Team. In total,
25 merchants participated, and
the BID received positive feedback
from the 150 guests who attended,
with many stating how excited they
were to be introduced to the vibrancy of
downtown’s shops.
• October 28th marked the annual
BID-produced Trick of Treat on Fourth
Street event. This year’s event saw a huge
growth in attendance from 2016, from
400 to 600 participants, and included
a lauded performance by the San
Francisco Boys Chorus, an information
booth hosted by Foster Our Future
Marin County, a pet parade and costume
contest by Woodland’s Pet Food & Treats,
and a puppy adoption event put on by
Soft Paws Rescue Center, with the BID
distributing activity books and candy
bags to costumed children.
2017/18 Board of Directors
President:
Jaime Ortiz
Bank of Marin
Vice President:
LeAnne White
Incavo Wine Tasting &
Collective
Secretary:
Bonnie Ayers-Namkung
Marketing Communications
Treasurer:
Jed Greene
Five Corners Group
Directors:
Jeff Brusati
T&B Sports
Melissa Prandi
PRANDI Property
Management
Adam Dawson
Mike’s Bikes
Marketing, Development, and Operations
• Collaborate with City of San Rafael to implement
Shop Local campaign, including online business
directory, branding, and incorporation into
promotional brochures and advertising.
• Promote downtown and BID member businesses
through social media/online marketing and local
media.
• Produce ad booklet for advertising racks at SMART
train stations as well as regional visitor centers, hotels,
and bed and breakfasts. Booklet will feature topical
sections to create an easy resource for visitors to San
Rafael.
• Update BID website to focus on streamlining
information for visitors, highlighting member
businesses and events, and promoting
Downtown San Rafael as a welcoming
place for the community to shop, dine,
live, and work.
• Complete in-progress initiatives, including
member toolkit, bi-monthly mixers, and
branding and marketing associated with
the California Cultural District designation.
• Events: The BID has committed to
producing and/or supporting the
following events in 2018:
• May Madness, to be held on May 12th.
• A Wine Stroll event along the Fourth
Street corridor, to be held in spring.
• Bi-annual downtown sidewalk sales
throughout downtown, one in spring
and the other in fall.
• Co-pruduction with Adam Violante of
the West End Village Festival.
• Support of Downtown’s 2nd Friday Art
Walk.
• Small Business Saturday, to promote
holiday shoppping.
• A Plein Air Paint Out, inviting artists to
spend a Saturday downtown painting
in public spaces.
• The annual Trick or Treat on Fourth
Street Halloween event.
• Restaurant Week, in collaboration with
Il Davide.
• Legal compliance: Review by-laws and
proceed with needed revisions, hold
annual election, and annual member
meeting.
Downtown San Rafael BID 2018 Work Plan
San Rafael Downtown BID Budget Exhibit C
2016 Year End Fund Balance $40,808 2017 Year End Fund Balance $54,939
Revenues 2017 Programs
Year 2017
Estimated Year End 2018 Programs
Year 2018
Proposed Budget
BID Assessments $85,105 BID Assessments $87,000
Event Income - May Madness $20,026 Event Income $25,000
Event Income - Wine Stroll $12,000 Target Grant $10,000
Total Operating Income $117,131 $122,000
Expenses
Events May Madness ($15,000)May Madness ($15,000)
Trick or Treat ($1,000)Trick or Treat ($600)
Food & Wine Event ($11,000)Sip Savor and Stroll ($12,000)
West End Celebration ($3,000)Plein Air Painting ($500)
Restaurant Week ($1,000)Small Business Saturday ($1,000)
Restaurant Week ($1,000)
Second Fridays/Arts District ($2,500)
West End Celebration ($2,000)
Sidewalk Sales ($1,000)
Mixers ($500)
Events subtotal ($31,000)($36,100)
Initiatives Beautification ($5,000)
Business Workshops ($1,000)
Target Grant Expenses ($10,000)
Initiatives subtotal $0 ($16,000)
Marketing & Promotions Advertising ($14,000)Advertising/Marketing ($11,000)
Website Maintenance ($3,000)Website Maintenance ($3,000)
BID Member Communication ($2,000)BID Member Communication ($1,000)
Directories/marketing ($2,000)Member Assistance ($2,000)
Social Media ($1,000)Social Media ($1,500)
Marketing & Promotions Subtotal ($22,000)($18,500)
Operating Expenses Staffing ($30,000)Staffing ($37,900)
office rent ($3,000)office rent ($6,000)
Insurance ($4,000)Insurance ($4,000)
tele/supplies/office ($2,000)tele/supplies/office ($2,200)
profess/accounting/banking ($6,500)profess/accounting/banking ($1,500)
meeting/travel exp ($1,500)meeting/travel exp ($1,000)
other ($3,000)
Operating Expenses Subtotal ($50,000)($52,600)
Total Expenses ($103,000)($123,200)
Net Profit/loss $14,131 ($1,200)
Projected 2017 Ending Fund Balance/Carryover to 2018 $54,939 2018 Ending Fund Balance $53,739
*Target grant revenues along with matching expenses are contingent upon being awarded a $10,000 Target grant.
www.downtownsanrafael.org Phone: 415-261-7560 Email: info@srbid.org
2018 Budget
Amended
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STAFF REPORT APPROVAL
ROUTING SLIP
Staff Report Author: Danielle O’Leary Date of Meeting: 12/18/2017
Department: Economic Development
Topic: Downtown Business Improvement District
Subject: 2017 Annual Report and 2018 BID Renewal Assessment Levy
Type: (check all that apply) ☐ Consent Calendar ☒ Public Hearing
☐ Discussion Item ☐ Resolution ☐ Ordinance
☐ Professional Services Agreement ☐ Informational Report
*If PSA, City Attorney approval is required prior to start of staff report approval process
Was agenda item publicly noticed? ☒ Yes ☐No Date noticed: ☐Mailed ☐Site posted ☐Marin IJ
Due Date Responsibility Description Completed
Date Initial / Comment
DEPARTMENT REVIEW
FRIDAY
noon
12/1
Director Director approves staff
report is ready for ACM,
City Attorney & Finance
review.
12/1/2017
☒
CONTENT REVIEW
MONDAY
morning
12/4
Assistant City Manager
City Attorney
Finance
ACM, City Attorney &
Finance will review items,
make edits using track
changes and ask questions
using comments. Items will
be returned to the author
by end of day Wednesday.
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12/12/2017
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DEPARTMENT REVISIONS
FRIDAY
noon
12/8
Author Author revises the report
based on comments
receives and produces a
final version (all track
changes and comments
removed) by Friday at
noon.
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ACM, CITY ATTORNEY, FINANCE FINAL APPROVAL
MONDAY
morning
12/11
Assistant City Manager
City Attorney
Finance
ACM, City Attorney &
Finance will check to see
their comments were
adequately addressed and
sign-off for the City
Manager to conduct the
final review.
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TUES
noon
12/12
City Manager Final review and approval 12/13/2017 ☒
JS