Business Retention and Development Committee Minutes 2009 02 02

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City Council Business Retention & Development Committee Meeting Minutes February 2, 2009 Page 2 of 4 DISCUSSION/DIRECTION/ACTION – FUNDING REQUEST FOR DBA MARKETING PIECE Mark Zaremba, 927 Main Street, presented a direct mail marketing piece that the Downtown Business Association (DBA) is finishing work on. The piece includes a $5 gift card that can be redeemed at most downtown businesses. He noted that the DBA can fund the mailing to $14,000 addresses, but would like BRaD to consider funding an additional $5000 to allow the mailing to reach additional households. Menaker stated that $5000 seemed reasonable given the DBAs initial contribution. Pritchard added his support saying it will help build momentum for shopping downtown. Hogan asked if it could also be distributed to the major employers. Zaremba stated that was not possible in this mailing, but they would consider it for the future. Menaker made a motion to approve the $5000 grant. Dalton seconded the motion. All is favor. DISCUSSION/DIRECTION – DOWNTOWN PATIO SEATING Ronda Grassi, 916 Main Street, showed renderings of possible patio seating for the right of way on the 800 block of Main Street. It would be temporary seating placed in the parking areas that would be usable from Memorial Day – September. She noted that the DBA has a donor for the materials and labor but still needs City approval to move forward. Dalton stated he supported the idea and thanked the DBA for their initiative. Fleming noted that he liked the idea, but the City will have to be able to justify the use of public space for such a use. Wood noted that a number of issues would need to be addressed, including liability. Hogan suggested considering of keeping the seating on the sidewalk and detouring the pedestrians to the right-of-way. Menaker noted the support of BRaD for the idea and asked that the City to move forward with implementation.