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HomeMy WebLinkAboutED BID Update 2014Aff Department: Economic Development Agenda Item No: 3.f Meeting Date: September 2,2014 Prepared by: Thomas Adams, ED Specialist City Manager Approvah/ // 1L., Econ. Dev, Manager Approval: SUBJECT: Update on the San Rafael Downtown Business Improvement District RECOMMENDATION: Receive Update on the Business Improvement District, BACKGROUND: The: San Rafael Downtown Business Improvement District ("BID") was formed in 1982. At its May 20, 2013 meeting, City Council voted to expand the BID to encompass a larger section of downtown and include new members. The new BID organization is a separate and distinct entity from the old BID organization. The new BID area covers approximately 710 businesses along Fourth Street in an expanded area from Hetherton to the West End (see Attachment I for BID map), The new BID also includes new assessment rate formulas and other changes. Given the transition from the original BID to the expanded BID, staff has worked with the BID Board to provide additional transparency to City Council, BID membership, and the public during the transition process from the previous BID to the new BID. Over the past year, the BID has been active on numerous fronts. The BID has been recruiting new Board members and encouraging members to serve on committees and participate in projects to improve the downtown. The BID has created four committees to provide recommendations on downtown improvements - Design/Streetscape Committee, Parking Committee, Social Issues/Safety Committee, and the Marketing/Events Committee. These committees help manage BID operations and provide recommendations to City staff on various downtown issues (see Attachment 2 for BID Accomplishments and the current BID Work Plan). ANALYSIS: The BID Board serves to oversee all BID operations and provide direction for the organization. The BID Board has been active in reaching out to its new members to participate in the new organization whether as a Board member, a committee member, or to volunteer for projects or events. The BID Board was elected in March of 2014 per the bylaws of the organization (see Attachment 3 for the current roster of BID Board members). Andre Sisneros, the owner of Gamescape North, is the current BID Board President. As part of the disbanding of the old BID organization and the formation of the new BID organization, the BID transferred the remaining fund balance of $,60,000 to the new BID organization (see Attachment 4 for the BID Budget), FOR CITY CLERK ONLY Council Meeting: L.2 o j Disposition: SAN RAFAEL CITY COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT / Page: 2 Per California state law, the City Council must annually review and approve the operations of the BID, including the BID Board and annual budget. Staff anticipates that the 20I5 BID Budget will be submitted to City Council at its October 6, 2014 meeting as part of the annual BID renewal process. The BID renewal this year will be a time sensitive item - as part of the administration of the annual BID assessment, the City of San Rafael Finance Department staff sends out notification of the BID assessment in December along with the business license renewal packet (and thus, the BID renewal must be completed by the beginning of December). The City collects the BID assessments from the businesses within the district and then forwards these funds to the BID. Lastly, at the request of City Council, the BID has established an `Assessment Committee' to review the equity and effectiveness of the current BID assessment formulas. The Assessment Committee will analyze the current formulas and make recommendations to the City Council at the October 6, 2014 City Council meeting as part of the annual renewal process. Per California state law, any proposed changes to the assessment formula must be reviewed by City Council and approved by City Council as part of the annual renewal process. FISCAL IMPACT: There is no direct fiscal impact to the City. The BID assessment is a funding mechanism to generate funds for downtown programs that benefit BID members. Administration of BID related activities, such as the BID billing administration and oversight of the annual renewal process, require some ongoing staff time from the Finance and Economic Development departments. OPTIONS: 1. Receive Update 2.. Direct Staff to Provide Additional Informat"ton ACTION REQUIRED: None ATTACHMENTS: 1. BID Boundary Map 2. Business Improvement District Accomplishments and Work Plan 3. Business Improvement District Board of Directors 4. Business Improvement District 2014 Mid -Year Budget 93C (I c, , "I I' ROM 5670 a a ME N San Rafael" - Isabel Hayes Rrst Puce -Banner Art Cornpeddon Wowl It's been a whirlwind of a first year as president and It is my hope that In these pages you will see how much we have done with very few resources. If there Is any one message to share It is that the BID can be whatever we want it to be. But it takes effort and involvement. That can be just a little bit of involvement all the way up to Joining the board, but what matters Is hearing from as many members as possible about how At our best, the BID Is a collective voice speaking i for the. welfare of downtown businesses. Our focus In this, first year Is on building community, with our membership and pushing forward projects and events with the city that help us all. Only by your Involvement will we know what you want" Only then can we adequately represent your Interests and identify how you can be a part of our efforts, El Getting information to you Is our greatest challenge. Many problems or concerns change when you know more about the situation. I've learned much in the past six months about parking, our police resources, city government, events, and frustrations shared by fellow business owners. I've used the BID as a resource to find out more about what is happening In my city. And I've learned that sometimes, through my involvement In the BID, I can make a difference. Nth a new president, new director and new board. members, the BID Is quickly changing„ adapting to a new era. Be a part of that change. I whole-heartedly believe the Ilvellhood of our downtown Is a worthy Investment of my time and effort beyond the walls of my own business. It Js my hope that you share this point of view. If so, I look forward to working with you In the days ahead as we give substance to our vision for a thriving downtown. Andre 5isneros President BID Accomplishments July 2013 - June 2014 Organization Established monthly committee meetings for Parking, Social Issues (safety), Design (streetscape) and Events. Initiated website overhaul, contracting with LocalOn for new website. Anticipated launch date: July Introduced Townsquared , a closed forum for BID members through which to build community. Utilized electronic newsletters for enhanced member communications. Sent out post cards to all new members requesting email contact to increase ability to communicate. Advocated for City to invest in downtown by removing old news racks, replacing leaky trash -cans, and replanting corner tree wells (where possible) to improve street appearance. BID continues to work with City on downtown hard-scape investment. Worked with Downtown Streets Team to establish routes that cover entire BID area on weekly basis for sidewalk sweeping. Conducted first—ever Downtown Street Banner Art Competition to foster community engagement In downtown. 33 designs were selected from 17 artists that will be printed and hung on Fourth Street in July 2014. Secured city commitment to support a pilot parklet project on Fourth Street to enhance pedestrian experience and increase on -street bike parking. Project is in progress. Partnering with Marin County Bicycle Coalition and the City's Pedestrian Advisory Committee on project. Piloted Second Friday's cultural events to supplement Art Works Downtown's 2nd Friday's Art Walk. Produced successful 'Latin Flavors on Fourth, "Feast on the Piazza' " Almost Midnight In Paris" (including an attention - grabbing poodle parade); "Fall Harvest Evening and Flash Sal' Closed out year with "Holiday Cheer"in December. Plans for 2014 are pending. Supported return of the West End Fun Festival with Target Funds grant and committed to greater administrative support in 2014,. Secured a $10,000 grant from Target Funds to fund a part- time BID Event Coordinator to increase our ability to produce BID events, Conducted second Sweetheart Scavenger Hunt resulting in positive press coverage in Marin IJ. Produced 2014 May Madness, moving the event off Mother's Day weekend and introducing elements to connect with younger demographic. Event was most successful in several years and netted a small profit. Marketing & Promotions Marinscope News Pointer -- Article on Banner Competition May Madness Marin IJ- Positive press on Poodle Parader Sweetheart Scavenger Hunt and May Madness, Subsidized one month of holiday comp -.ads generating four full pages of downtown promotions in six editions of Marin IJ during December, se6ing significant savings for merchants. Subsidized holiday co -,op ads In Pacific Sun, generating significant savings for merchants. 7--stablished Downtown communityconnection .• Re-established Dominican 'Penguin Pals" Program with business directory listing distributed at Freshman welcome days. Initiated quarterly meeting with downtown arts organizations to Identify opportunities for cross promotions and share calendars. Successfully advocated to City for development of a retail recruitment strategy for downtown. Secured $7,000 from Target Funds for this effort and City Council approved expenditures up to $30,000 to engage MJB Consulting. Project to start mid -summer: Attend monthly Business Issue Committee with Mayor Phillips, Councilmember McCullough, City Manager, keeping focus on downtown business challenges. 2014/15 Board Members Andre Si eros - President Gamescap Kyle Hixon - Vice President Fenix Entertainment Greg Goner -Treasurer First Bank Forrest Manning - Secretary Double Rainbow Joel Els - (Events/Promotions) Rebound Bookstore Tien Hedrick (Design Committee) Weir Andreson Architects John Godsey - Marketing Fourth Street Press Mike Larnorte- (Restaurants/Events) Napmll Pizza & Pasta pion voting, Asi oly Appiegarth (Social' issues); Downtown Resident Vacant Seats. Up to 4 additional board members may be appointed for 2014/15 terms. Parking &Transportation Successfully advocated to keep garage parking rates unchanged, using metered parking to effectively manage space turnovrer. Negotiatedimproved) holiday parking, program extending free 3 -hour parking to all city parking lots. Advocated for Improved employee parking, pay -by -phone options and discounted pre -paid "smart cards. (pending) Facilitated meeting with business owners surrounding Cijos Lot resulting In modified design plans based on merchant requests. Proposed Introduction of bike corrals or parklets on Fourth Street to Increase bike parking and Increase pedestrian friendliness. Design committee Implementing effort second half 2014. Downtown San Rafael BID Work Plan (June - Diec 2014) Purpose., Promote BID to Stakeholders and the community and ensure organiza- tional foundation Is strong and financial management Is prudent General foal 2014: Establish a strong structure and foundation for organization Objective #1- Adhere to Ry -Laws Project #1 -Set Annual General Meeting Project #2 - Appoint Nominating Com- mittee and elect 2014/15 board Project #3 - Update by-laws to reflect changes In BID In 2014 Objective 92 Increase Member & Community Engagement Project #1 - Create comprehensive Organization database Project #2. Overhaul Website Project #2 -- Hold quarterly mixers & happy hours Project #3 - Establish routine communication with members to Increase engagement Including block captain system and one-on-one meetings. Project.. 04- Introduce Townsquared forum to build community among BID members Objective 03 - Stalrwfflzet' Diversify Funding Project #1 - Establish committee to review BID fees, for equlty/parity. Project #2 -- Prepare for BID renewal in September. Project #3 - Identify supplemental funding opportunities for 2015 NOMMINEEIRIMAMEM Parking and Transportation Purpose, Promote effective parking and transportation Into downtown San Rafael General Goal 2014 Ensure that down- town has easy access for cars and bikes, and that downtown has adequate parking for employees and customers. Objective #1 -» Host monthly meeting, to address Issues affecting employee & patron parking. Project #1 Review employee and resident parking options, make recom- mendations and Improve marketing. iSocial Issues Purpose, Advocate on issues of crime, code enforcement and negative social activities that Impact economic vitality of downtown at the direction of our members, Objective #1 - Be a resource for members and advocate on social Issues that affect downtown Project #1 -Advocate on massage parlor enforcement with goal of closing down- town Illicit businesses. lead letter -writing campaign. Objective #2 - Support the Downtown Streets Team, by promoting their successes and serving on Buslnless Advisory Committee.. Project #1: (Reach out to members to encourage sponsoring of coffee breaks/ refreshments, etc, for team. Purpose: Make sure downtown Is clean, has aesthetic appeal and welcoming quall- ties. Project #1 . Secure funding to supple- ment City's sidewalk cleaning efforts. Project #2 Request City to replace leaky trash cans Project #4 - Create a Downtown Streets team "task" list for spot cleaning & as- sisting businesses to stay clean. Objective #2 -» Enhance the aesthetics of public space Project #1 - Street Banner Competition Project #2 Pilot Parklet. Purpose: Strengthen retail environment and advocate on ordinances & codes that affect downtown businesses. Objective #1 Educate businesses on ordinances, codes & best practices. Objective #1- Promote downtown through strategic marketing Project #1 - Re-establish Dominican University Incentive/discount Program Project #2 -Create advertising campaign for remainder of 2014 Project #3 - Collaborate with Arts Organizations & Cross promote Project #4 - Present Co-op advertising opportunities for merchants, Project 05 - Introduce new website business directory to members to enhance their individual online presence. (Events Purpose: Promote the downtown through production of special events designed to attract community and promote existing assets, such as merchants, dining, entertainment and other businesses. Objective #1- Produce Special Events to expose locals and visitors to downtown San Rafael Project #1 - May Madness Project # 2 - West End Culture Crawl Project # 3 - New Taste of Downtown/ Stroll &;Savor - September Project # 4- UI/Poetry Crawl - -Fall Project #5 - Halloween - Enhance Prasjiect #5 - Support Art. Works Down- town's Second Fridays Art Walk Project #7 - West End Fun Festival. Project #8 - Small (Business Saturday V Objective #2 -- Capitalize on other special events In downtown and Identify cross promotlonai opportunities. Weekly Farmers Market Twilight Criterium Italian Street Painting Blues, Brews BBO Mill Valley Film Festival Parade of Lights Project #2 - Co -present ADA Workshop with City, Chamber of Commerce & Martin Center for Independent Living Objective #2 Support Strong Retail Mix UA a M MT %"I W] The 2014 Board of Directors , effective June 1, 2014 — March '31,, 2016 are* 1 -Year Term Greg Gener — First Bank, Joel Eis — Rebound Bookstore John Godsey — Fourth Street Press Kyle Hixon — Fenix Supper Club Mike Lamorte — Napoli Pizza & Pasta 2 -Year Term Andre Sisneros - Gamescape Ashley Applegarth — WestAmerica Bank Forrest Manning — Double Rainbow Tim Hedrick — Weir/Andrewson Associates, FZI 1=4 a, President., Andre Sisneros Vice President: Kyle Hixon Treasurer: Greg Gener Secretary: Forrest Manning Downtown San Rafael - 817 Mission Avenue - PO Box 151050, San Rafael 94915 - (415) 720-5591 2014 BID Budget Projection Attachment 4 !2013 Year, BID Fund :. / .1 111 1 4 Revenues, 4 Assessments Undaro Parking Lot1'. ..p advertisin 9 111 �Othe Event Income i !Target Grant- Event ,. 1, ii1 Target Grant - Retail Recruit lil Total Operating r. r$165,019 4Expenses 'Events 'May Madness Trick orTreat • _ .11 Event Coordinatorlil subtotal1 PromotionsMarketing & :1 Directories/marketing 111' Member PromotionsMarketing & . & Safety Banner program Streetscape & Safety Subtotal ($3,500) 'Retail Recruit ($10,000) OperatingStreetscape renses Undarc, Lot Expenses Ili rent lil tele/sutele/supplies/office Operating . . ($75,646) Total Expenses ($165,647) Net Profit/loss i EndingProjected ■Balance/Carryover In. -m-101 111111 mqv -Ago] var-aml aim DATE: —9/2/14 TITLE OF DOCUMENT - UPDATE ON THE SAN RAFAEL, DOWNTOWN BUSINESS IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT - DAepa#r/ nA— (signature) (LOWER HALF OF FORM FOR APPROVALS ONLY) APPROVED AS COUNCIL / AGENCY APPROVED AS TO FORMi: AGENDA ITEM: N/A ,City Wna'g r (signature) City Attorney (signature) The staff report is currently missing Attachment 4 (current Budget) which 1 am working with the BID to (inalize today and it will be added, Since no resolution, this was not sent to the city attorney.