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.