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business owners would definitely benefit from property owners being held accountable for the care of their property and encouraged to invest more attention in the downtown area. Councilmember Thorne expressed appreciation for staff's creative thinking but cautioned them not to forget businesses outside of the downtown area. He encouraged concern for the health and welfare of all businesses, especially when the competition to attract and retain businesses of all kinds is intensifying. He noted that neighboring cities have already put some of these ideas in place and suggested some benchmarking to find out some of the results of these policies. Councilmember Thorne expressed support for considering afirst-floor retain ordinance but would discourage an absolute rule on the matter and said that Councilmember McGovern's suggestion to develop a strategy around percentage of types of businesses may be more appropriate. He also supported aright-to-do-business ordinance and asked the PDA and merchant group not to forget the benefits of partnering with the museum to share ideas. He encouraged staff push forward quickly with streamlining the permit process, citing the City's reputation for being very slow and cumbersome with this process. Councilmember Sullivan asked if the property owners of the Main Street parking lots had ever discussed retail expansion and shared his own idea for a parking garage wrapped by retail or business generating enterprises. Mr. Fialho explained that staff has encouraged the property owner to consider intensifying her property and building out to the property lines consistent with the Specific Plan Design Guidelines in place, but at this point in time, she is not receptive. Councilmember Sullivan expressed support for Councilmember McGovern's advice on setting specific goals with a cohesive vision, as well as continuing a discussion on a retail-only ordinance. He cautioned that the right-to-do business requires a very careful balance that must meet everyone's needs. He also cautioned against failing to include downtown residents and The Heritage Association in these discussions and suggested adding both a retail member and property owner to the City's EVC. He asked that they work to prioritize the Specific Plan and highlight techniques and programs that will be successful while simultaneously accelerating the process for the Hacienda TOD. Councilmember McGovern asked staff to take these ideas, along with the others that have come forward tonight, and put together a package that can support the business community no matter its location in the city. She noted the repeated concerns over the lack of property owner involvement and asked if other communities have ordinances requiring that business property owners maintain the condition of their buildings. Mr. Fialho explained that most of the City's business park permits contain conditions requiring certain levels of maintenance regardless of the building's occupancy. He offered to have staff look at translating that model to the downtown area since that is where most of the complaints have come from to date. Councilmember McGovern said that it is vital there are city-wide supports in place that prevent blighted business areas. She asked staff to review and address the parking fees if they are of concern. Mr. Fialho shared staff's basic concept of a shop local campaign, adding that the PDA is a logical partner for that. In the meantime, staff will work with the various committees to develop this and other ideas further before returning to the Council in several months. City Council Minutes Page 9 of 11 January 20, 2009