EDSTB-M5-15-13(rev draft).docx - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

could be painted and neighborhood signs would help improve Olive Boulevard. Mr. Gregory Pace, 7171 Westmoreland, agreed with the previous speaker that an abundance of the funds were going to Delmar, and suggested that other development besides retails should benefit from the sales tax. He suggested that a business incubator be located in the old library building. He also suggested that an expanded transfer and recycle station be constructed. Ms. Ellen Bern, 7001 Washington and University City Chamber of Commerce Executive Director, indicated that she suggested the 4:00 p.m. meeting time as it was more convenient to Chamber members who may work but not live in University City. She then offered support for the staff proposed database of for sale/lease/available properties for Olive Boulevard. She also suggested that the Board support the Loop Media Hub project, business incentive grants and marketing efforts. Ms. Anne Marie Kiddon, 7348 Wellington Ave was troubled by the number of applications submitted by the Loop Special Business District and felt the business association should finance certain activities that do not benefit the whole city. Likewise, some Department of Public Works and Parks requests should be regular budget items and were not enhancing the whole community. She suggested upgrading the farmers market in the Loop or providing one in another location. There being no further comments by the public, the Public Hearing was closed at 4:34 p.m. New Business Ms. Riganti stated the staff recommendations were actually more favorable to Olive Boulevard than to Delmar Boulevard ($298,875 to $188,400). Staff recommended a budget of $601,775 which slightly exceeds anticipated revenue of $544,000. Mayor Welsch asked if any money would be held in case any further applications come in throughout the year. Ms. Riganti stated that reserve funding could be used for these applications. Mr. Peters requested additional information about the Façade Improvement Program, Olive Website, and Marketing/Promotions/Attraction items, for which applications were submitted to the Board after the May 7 EDRST meeting. Ms. Riganti discussed these projects and indicated that the request for funds for Commercial Property Website was to create and maintain a website specific to Olive Boulevard; marketing and promotions request would be for brochures and other publications; the Façade Improvement Program would be grants or loans to improve the facades on Olive Boulevard in accordance with the Olive Boulevard Design Guidelines and the Board would help define the program. Staff requests were in keeping with the 2005 Comprehensive Plan. Mr. Peters expressed a desire for additional information before voting on the budget. Ms. Wellington asked whether the budget vote could wait until more details emerged. Ms. Riganti replied yes but the preference would be to vote now, so that a recommended budget could be forwarded to City Council for consideration with the entire City Budget. Otherwise, the budget would have to be submitted to City Council as a separate amendment at a later date. Ms. Sydnor asked for a motion. Ms. Wellington made a motion to approve the budget as submitted. Mr. Peters seconded the motion. The motion failed with Ms. Sydnor and Mr. Peters voting nay and Ms. Wellington voting aye. 2