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~ '\"f LD W CD <( "359 attempt to modify the district structure. She stated she felt the solution to the problem is up to the City Council; they should set guidelines and form a committee to work with the Board in an attempt to resolve the issue. She favord modification of the district rather than disestablishment of it. Mr. Barry Mobley reiterated his statements of how the business merchants have tried to meet with the Downtown Association with suggested proposals and each time they were turned down. Ms. Despotakis stated the merchants did come to the first Board meeting in January but the new Board did not feel they had sufficient information at that time to act on the proposal. Councilmember Butler stated the City needs a healty downtown and he felt it is important for the City to encourage the assessment district, however, he did not think the Council should be in the position of trying to pull together all of the businesses and Association Board. He stated the felt downtown needs a good association. He advised he would like to see one more chance for the people to come to an agreeable position, and to reach some conclusion that could be supported by the majority of the business people and the Board. If this could not be done, then he would be in favor of disestablishing the district. Councilmember Brandes stated he concurs with Councilmember Butler; he felt there should be one more attempt made to solve the problems associated with this issue. He stated he felt some type of downtown organization that every- one can benefit from is important. He stated that obviously there needs to be a majority viewpoint to retain the district. Councilmember Mohr stated she has always been a strong supporter of the downtown. She agreed that it is important to look at restructure of the as- sessment district. She stated she felt the City is in a position to act as facilitator to insure both sides get a fair hearing. Mayor Mercer stated there seems to be a communicaton barrier between the pros and cons of this issue. He stated he tends to think the City could act as facilitator and for both sides to try one more time to resolve the prob- lems. He stated he felt to dissolve the district without one more try would be unfair. He suggested Councilmember Mohr be appointed as the facilitator, to meet with the downtown business people, Association Board, and City staff in an attempt to work out a solution agreeable to all concerned; this to be accomplished within 45 days with a 15 day extension if necessary, and to re- port back to Council on the results of the meetings. After further discussion, it was moved by Councilmember Butler, and seconded by Councilmember Brandes, not to disestablish the assessment district at this time; to appoint Councilmember Mohr to meet with the downtown mer- chants and Downtown Association Board as well as City staff, in an attempt to modify the assessment district to be agreeable to a majority of those con- cerned; and instructing staff not to bill the assessment district fee due on July 1, 1985, until this matter is settled and to so notify the downtown busi- ness merchants. The roll call vote was as follows: AYES: Councilmembers Brandes, Butler, Mohr, and Mayor Mercer NOES: None ABSENT: Councilmember Wood - 17 - 5-7-85