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'175 problems solved. He presented a copy of letter from the City sent to the downtown business people relative to remittance of their pa.v~nent for the assessment district. He requested that nothing.be done regarding this matter until such time as the pro- blem regarding participation in the improvement district be resolved. Councilmember Butler stated it was his understanding that the matter had been resolved; that the Downtown Association had discussed this issue with the business people and that they had agreed to the improvement district. Councilmember Brandes stated it was his recollection that the majority of the business people were in favor of the improvement district. He asked if a delay of the penalties was legal. The City Attorney advised that after levying an assessment by ordinance it must be paid, however, it is conceivable that the assessment could be paid from the general fund. Mr. Walker advised that Council had already approved the Downtown Improvement District budget, that the assessment notices were mailed to the business people with their business license notice~ and that money has been spent, before some of the objections were voiced by some of the business people. Mrs. Montez Thalman, representing Express Liquors, expressed opposition to the improvement assessment district. She stated that those opposed to the assessment district met with the Downtown Association to try to solve the problems but that they were unable to reach a successful conclusion. She advised that she had circul- lated a petition throughout the do~mtown area, which revealed that 63% of the business people are opposed to the assessment district, some did not care either way, and that very few were in favor of it. She stated she did not feel the assessment district is fair and that it is run undemocratically; she felt it should be looked at from all sides, not just the Downtown Association's view. Mr. Thalman, Express Liquors, stated the opponents have tried for over a year to work with the Downtown Association without any success. He stated the bylaws of the assessment district are by the Downtown Association Board, and for the Board. After considerable discussion, Mayor Mercer instructed staff to meet with repre- sentatives of the opponents of the assessment district and the Downtown Association Board in an attempt to determine a solution regarding the improvement district, and that letters be sent to all downtown business people who received a recent letter regarding payment of their improvement district share that small claims court filing will be held in abeyance until this issue is resolved. Councilmen~ber Wood asked that ~o parkin~ signs be placed on the streets where the street sweeper will be operating. He advised the contractor would do this. Council requested a staff report regarding this matter. Mayor Mercer instructed staff to transmit a letter to the residents whose pro- perty backs up to Valley Avenue to ascertain if they had incurred any property damage during installation of the soundwall on Valley Avenue. Mayor Mercer stated that the driveway to the entrance of the Hungry Hunter Res- taurant is in need of repair, and he requested staff to investigate this problem. Mayor Mercer advised he has received telephone calls regarding maintenance of the adult soccer fields, and stated that citizens have volunteered to do the repairs. He asked staff to look into this matter. 4. 2/12/85