CCMIN050785 - Laserfiche WebLink

.. :361, ~ '\"f to W CD <( 1985, and 4 businesses disqualified. She stated that Council has three alter- natives available regarding this issue: (1) modify the existing district as to fees and boundaries; (2) disestablish the Downtown Pleasanton Business Im- provement District; and (3) continue the district i~ its current form. Mr. MacDonald stated that time is of the essence - under the existing or- dinance assessment fees will be levied on July 1, 1985 unless specific action is taken before that time. Mr. Barry Mobley, Main Street Exxon, stated the results of the survey show how the majority of the downtown people feel about the assessment district. He advised that the business people had met with the Downtown Board of Direc- tors for six months in an attempt to modify the assessment district on a more equitable basis, but the matter could not be resolved. He stated the mer- chants tried to cooperate but the Board would not listen to them. He stated that speaking for himself he would like to see the district abolished now. Mr. Don Marsh, 201-A Main Street, owner of the Town House Restaurant, stated he felt this is an unconstitutional tax, is unjust and unfair, and he would like to see the district disestablished right now. Mr. Christian, A. Christian Designs, 608 Main Street, stated he became a member of the Committee after the district had been formed. He stated that once the initial sides had started it was hard for members on both committees to come to a decision. He stated he hoped the district could be saved; if it is lost it probably would not be started again. He stated he would like to see the City get more involved to work with the business people and the Board so that the district will not be lost. Mr. Bill Laube, 855 Main Street, owner of Pleasanton Hotel, stated he bought the Hotel two years ago based on the growth of Pleasanton. He advised he objected to the amount of his assessment fees but paid them because he felt the assessment district should remain. He stated to disestablish the district would be shortsighted but he felt the fees are not equitable. He stated the Association needs to work with the merchants to resolve the problems of the district. Mr. Sandy Macterman, 625 Main Street, owner of Hacienda Del Sol, stated he has been at this location for ten years and that the concept of an assessment district for the downtown has been under consideration for some time. He stated that as a business owner he did not have a lot of time for volunteer work on such a committee and he felt such a district should be under the di- rection of a professional. He stated the fee structure was formuated on the best possible information obtainable at the time the district was formed. He stated it his opinion that the district should be saved and restructured with fees more equitable, and that a manager should be retained to manage the dis- trict, and that all business merchants should get involved. Ms. Trish Watts, Manager, Pleasanton Downtown Association, read a letter from Judy Mayhew, President of the Pleasanton Downtown Association, urging Council to give the district a chance, and listing the advantages and services it has afforded the downtown community. Ms. Peggy Despotakis, 201 Main Street, owner of Despotakis Gormet Deli and Catering, stated she has just recently been appointed to the Baord. She ad- vised the Board is more than willing to meet with the business people in an - 16 - 5-7-85