City Council Study Session Summary 2013 10 22

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City Council Study Session Summary October 22,2013 Page 3 of 4 Update/Discussion —Contract for Franchise, Sales and Use Tax Audits of Comcast and Public Service Councilmember Keany said due to irregularities in the remittance of franchise, sales and use tax from the City's franchisees, the Finance Committee authorized the Finance Department to issue a Request for Proposals (RFP)for audit services for Comcast and Public Service. Staff has received proposals on a flat fee basis and a contingency fee basis. There was discussion of the pros and cons of each fee structure. Finance Director Kevin Watson said the industry standard seems to be contingency based fees. Director Watson will consider Council's comments and complete negotiations on a final contract to bring to Council. Update/Discussion —2014 Patio Program Economic Director Aaron DeJong said that the patio program, started by the Downtown Business Association (DBA), was taken over by the City in 2013. DeJong thanked the DBA for their effort in getting the program off the ground. The City spent$240,000 to manufacture patios. DeJong read the purpose statement (found in the packet) and said staff is attempting to create a set of rules and guidelines. The rules center around: • Placement • Availability • Duration • Financing DeJong read comments from participants at a Business Revitalization and Development meeting and a meeting that was held with the local restaurateurs. The consensus was that the patio program is a benefit to the City, the businesses and the public, and that fees need to be modest. Jacques Blanchard, owner of The Rex stated that $500 is a very modest fee, "a gift"from the City. He stated the patios have been fabulous and the benefit is undeniable. He mentioned that a legal opinion may be needed to extend the sale of alcohol beyond his frontage into the frontage of his neighbor's business. Councilmember Keany asked if this program extends to businesses beyond Main Street. DeJong answered yes. Councilmember Jasiak asked if retail establishments could request a patio. DeJong replied that at this time, only food and beverage establishments are able to participate. Mayor Muckle appreciates the effort on the program.