City Council Minutes 1999 12 07 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

Sisk thanked Ruskus for all her work for the Downtown Business Association. He asked how the money would be garnered, and whether or not it is already committed. Grassi explained that the money will accomplish certain things but only with an executive director who can market downtown. She stated that they are hoping that the Business Improvement District will allow the executive director position to become a fulltime position in the near future. Sisk expressed support for the Business Improvement District; however, he questioned whether the $23,500 in support has been committed. Grassi explained that the $23,500 is committed. The office space and other items that are listed as donations are committed and available. Sisk asked how this would work. Grassi replied that, ideally, the Downtown Business Association would like to receive a check for the full amount; however, she agreed that the funding could be distributed quarterly or however the City is comfortable. Sisk replied that if the funds from the City can be dovetailed with Downtown Business Association funds, he would support the grant. Grassi explained that the Downtown Business Association would be collecting their membership dues in January in order to assist with forming the Business Improvement District. Howard stated that the concept of having a Business Improvement District is long overdue. However, he expressed concern that the City would be putting funds into an organization whose purpose is to influence an upcoming election. He stated that there are numerous organizations that would like the City to fund their elections. Secondly, he stated that this is asking the residents to impose taxes to improve downtown. He stated that if this is truly in the interest of the downtown business members, then they have the vested interest to ensure this is accomplished. He expressed support for a Business Improvement District but he did not feel that it should be the City's position to spend citizen money to fund elections, even if it is for a worthy cause. Levihn stated that the City of Louisville has spent over $5.5 million to make downtown improvements over the past few years, which makes the seed money request amount pale in comparison. He stated that a successful downtown benefits all the citizens of Louisville. He stated that there would have been a larger increase in tax revenue over the past few years if downtown Louisville were vibrant. He expressed support for the Business Improvement District.