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Session 1514, Minutes Page 5 March 12, 1990 eral meetings. She noted that special business districts have been used very successfully in the University City Loop, Kirkwood, Maplewood, Webster Groves, Clayton, and at least six areas in St. Louis City. Mrs. Thcapson said she was a strong advocate of improving Olive, and asked if some of the taxes collected would be used for Olive street lighting. She also asked about the new shopping center across frau Jeffery Plaza. Ms. Fahey said that state laws decree that regular city services cannot be decreased nor dis- trict tax money used for normal city services in the district. District funds may not be used for street lights but could augment building lighting, for ex- ample. She said Jeffery Plaza was a strong shopping center that was helped 10 years ago with Community Development funds by improving the facade and sign- age. She said the steering committee looked toward making the entire neigh- borhood better so each individual business would benefit. She noted that the budget included proposed activities that would be done only if the Commission (elected by its peers) decides that is the best way to spend the money. She said the steering committee worked very hard to make the decisions involved in the proposed establishment of the district. Mr. Price pointed out that only the businesses and property owners in the dis- trict will vote on whether or not the special business district should be es- tablished. Mr. Price noted earlier comments regarding the desire of business F operators to have stronger code enforcement, and he wanted the record to re- flect that those comments were made, and the City should follow up on them. He emphasized that it was up to the businesses themselves to approve or disap- prove the district, and if approved, the ccatmission representing the business- es will decide haw the tax money is allocated and spent. Mayor Majerus closed the public hearing at 8:19 p.m. Mr. Schoamer said a special business district is a marvelous tool that demon- strates democracy in action, a chance for a business district to elect its own board of directors who determine how the special taxes collected are to be spent. The City Council's only input is to approve the annual budget to make sure it's within the legal guidelines that have been set up. He asked that legislation be drafted in order to allow a vote on this matter. Mayor Majerus pointed out that the proposed legislation is not a commitment of any kind but calls an election, among other things, to allow those in the area to vote on whether to proceed with establishing a special business district. Mr. 011endorff said the vote would not take place for at least two months. Mr. Joe Hahn said an earlier question about the shopping center across from Jeffery Plaza was not answered. Ms. Fahey said the proposed budget does not include anything for that shopping center since it has been renovated within the last 10 years, but if something was needed for which district funds could legally be used, the center would be eligible. Mr. Price asked if additional meetings could be held for those who did not at- tend earlier meetings to help clarify what was involved in establishing a spe- cial business district. Ms. Fahey said there would be time for additional meetings, and one or as many as seem necessary to clarify all the issues would