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Mr. Winer stated that a staff recommendation had been prepared for EDRSTB consideration based on statutory criteria and EDRSTB policy. Ms. Riganti reminded the EDRSTB of on the use of the sales tax per the City’s Ordinance. The staff recommendation was weighted from the Board’s criteria and ranked the applications on a three-point system. Ms. Riganti indicated that the EDRSTB would be making recommendations based on anticipated available revenues of $550,000, which meant that some requests will need to be reduced or eliminated. Other Business, Public Comments: Mr. Edwards, representing Loop Special Business District, 6504 Delmar, President of Loop Special Business District, endorsed the recommendation for Loop brochures and Directory, and Loop Ice Carnival being funded. He would like the tree grate improvements to occur, perhaps funded by general revenues. . He strongly encouraged the EDRSTB to recommend funding the “Welcome to the Loop” sign. Ms. Deborah Henderson, 6124 Victoria Avenue, spoke on behalf of the Midtown Farmer’s Market. She spoke of the benefits of farmer’s markets and her experience in the City of Clayton. and the need the farmer’s market to be supported. Ms. Henderson stated that her if her request was not fully funded, she would like the EDRSTB to maintain the $21,000 they received last year. Mr. Kevin Taylor, 7022 Canton Avenue asked for clarification on fund reserves, when used, and by what criteria. He asked the Board to have a dialogue in public, to have an understanding of their knowledge about the particular process. Mr. Kuhlman then responded to Mr. Taylor and stated, the Board met several years ago to put a lot of structure into this process, so it is not a subjective exercise, it is a scientific exercise. The Board considers whether or not the project has an impact on the long-term economic impact of the city; we recommend funds. Nobody meets outside this meeting. The staff takes time to take data from projects, and track existing projects. He stated that the Board is trying to allocate money across the whole city. That is why they maintained a reserve for Olive; they are ready to give money for someone who wants to develop Olive. Mr. O’Brien stated it makes sense to him that the city keeps a reserve; as things progress it should be noted the amount in the fund; it is important not to flush the account in case something comes along. The process, although not perfect, seems to be working. Mayor Welsch stated this was a volunteer board; she was impressed that as Mr. Kuhlman said, the process has been professionalized; the rating system has been very much improved. Regarding the reserves, in the past they had an opportunity to use all the reserves for property acquisition, but the City’s efforts were not successful due to another favorable contract. b. Fiscal Year 2017 Budget Mr. Winer stated that the Board should review staff recommendations line by line and vote for each request. The Board voted to approve the majority of staff’s recommendation with the following changes:  Move Chamber’s Olive Link funds ($8,000) to Olive Reserves  Reduce Delmar Pedestrian Lighting Project by $3k to $59,097. Add $3,000 to reserves to fund rest of the lights.  Increase Midtown Farmers Market funding to $21,000  Olive Reserves to be increased to $118,000. Use $3,000 in general reserves for Delmar Lighting Project. Total reserves - $121,000 The Board members discussed the Welcome to the Loop sign. The Board members stated that they were open to funding the Loop sign and suggested that Mr. Edwards come back in November with the request, with community input, a survey of people in the Loop, and more firm numbers. Mayor Welsch requested that the