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downtown plan and discussed at the Council's priority setting session. At that time, it was the <br /> Council's intention that any discussion about creating guidelines or hospitality district be led by the <br /> City with the PDA's active participation, and the process before the Council is being <br /> recommended. <br /> Staff recommends forming an 11-member task force; 2 members from the City Council, 2 <br /> members from the Planning Commission, 2 members appointed by the PDA Board of Directors; <br /> however they do not need to be Board members; and 5 at-large resident positions. The City <br /> hopes to achieve some standardization of ideas and issues as projects are reviewed in the <br /> Downtown District. <br /> Coordination of the task force will be shared by staff in both the Economic Development and <br /> Community Development Departments. Meetings are anticipated to be held monthly, starting in <br /> late October through March, and thereafter, draft guidelines would be brought to the PDA Board <br /> of Directors, the Planning Commission and then to the Council for consideration. Given Council <br /> concurrence, staff plans to begin immediately with soliciting interest for task force members with a <br /> deadline of September 23, 2011. She clarified that staff will return on October 18, 2011 for <br /> ratification of all participants on the task force and the two Councilmembers could be appointed at <br /> that time. The process would be similar to the process undertaken for the Hacienda Design <br /> Guidelines and the Housing Element Update Task Force, which worked well. <br /> Councilmember McGovern said in looking at the focus of the task force and consistency of <br /> operation for evening venues, allowance for indoor and outdoor music, and acceptable noise <br /> levels, it looks as though the model is for the businesses downtown. The RHI framed model also <br /> had a component that was for the neighborhood, which talked about public safety and quality of <br /> life. She suggested the process take into account both businesses and neighborhoods, as she <br /> continues to receive complaints about public drunkenness and other nuisances. <br /> Ms. Ott noted that all six items from the RHI model are all included in the PDA's Downtown <br /> Hospitality Plan. The PDA is not suggesting this is the only thing they want to do and know there <br /> are other initiatives and efforts needing to be undertaken by both the PDA, individual merchants, <br /> and the City to make the entire downtown a strong hospitality district. Councilmember McGovern <br /> said she did not think the 3 topics should be separated out as identified in bullet points on page 2 <br /> of 5 under 'Background', and said both the downtown and neighborhoods should be included <br /> under 'Task Force Focus' on page 3. <br /> Vice Mayor Cook-Kallio added that on page 4 of 5, there are rules and responsibilities that she <br /> thought would include downtown issues which she read to mean people who lived downtown and <br /> she did not think that meant being exclusive. Anybody who has a downtown issue, whether a <br /> resident or business person or an active participant, would include issues that are covered on <br /> page 4 of 5. Councilmember McGovern noted the second bullet point states "actively engage the <br /> community in a constructive dialogue around downtown issues" and she would like to ensure that <br /> neighborhood concerns are also addressed. <br /> Councilmember Sullivan said he agreed with Councilmember McGovern and did not believe the <br /> focus should be narrowed. He believes all issues need to go into the discussion. Mr. Fialho <br /> suggested the Council make this part of its motion. <br /> Councilmember Sullivan noted his interest that this should be a City-driven process with all <br /> stakeholders involved, and he voiced appreciation to staff for putting the process together. He <br /> asked that part of the motion include broadening of the 3 goals to ensure all issues are covered <br /> as noted on page 2 and that there is a balanced committee, which he felt was instrumental in the <br /> success of the other task forces. <br /> City Council Minutes Page 15 of 16 September 6, 2011 <br />