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Committee Updates

Organizational Issues/Committee snapshots - March 2010

Police/Downtown Entertainment Committee

Chairperson:  John Conway

Met with SJPD and the City Manager's Office to discuss Mardi Gras media messaging and deployment on February 3. Successfully coordinated media messaging with SJPD, encouraging patrons to come downtown on Mardi Gras (February 16) and reminding the public to conduct themselves in a responsible and safe manner. SJPD incorporated more flexibility than ever into their deployment operation, opting not to close pre-selected garages or set-up pedestrian diversions after assessing actual crowd size. Mardi Gras 2010 occurred without any major incidents and media coverage was minimal.

Marketing Arts & Dining

Chairperson:  John Price

The committee did not meet in February. A "Save the Date" e-blast was sent to downtown restaurants letting them to start thinking about how their restaurant can participate in the second annual restaurant week, Dine Downtown San Jose from June 2-12. A mailing with detailed information will be sent to restaurants in early March.

San Pedro Square Committee

Chairperson:  Margaret Handyside

The committee did not meet in February. At the last committee meeting in January an updated presentation on the San Pedro Square Public Market project was given. The Public Market is currently scheduled to open in Summer/Fall 2010. Other agenda items included an update and call for content and pictures for the redesign of the neighborhood website - www.sanpedrosquare.com

Historic District

Chairperson:  Todd Trekell

The committee met Feb. 17 and learned about small business assistance and counseling from SCORE. Also, Starlight Cinemas and potential pre-show entertainment was discussed for Post Street, such as an event with the Downtown Residents Association and local high school bands. Walgreen's is currently working to obtain an off-sale liquor license; Historic District business owners discussed their position on this with D3 staff as well as Walgreen's District Manager. The next meeting will discuss holiday events in the district and other 2010-11 marketing efforts.

Finance Committee 

Chairperson:  Sean Cottle

Met February 24 to review January financial statements, 2nd Quarter BID comparison and charts, ice rink FY 09-10 preliminary actuals, FY 2010-11 draft budget, status of line of credit, Board of Directors/staff short-term revenue goals and city financial scan. Next meeting is March 24.

SOFA (South First Area) Committee

Co-chairs: Richard Berg and Ben Soriano

SoFAC met Feb. 24. Members continued to discuss strategies to fill empty storefronts along South First Street, including the idea of utilizing co-op retail. Members also provided feedback on a new series of activation ideas for South First Street sponsored by 1stACT Silicon Valley. Some details and ideas regarding Left Coast Live were shared by event organizers. Members are beginning to think of on-going maintenance solutions for some aspects of the street improvements, such as an "adopt-a-planter" program.  Next meeting is March 31, 4 p.m.

Downtown Parking Board/Parking Committee

Co-chairs:  Diana Beechie and Troy Tibbils

The parking board met Feb. 3. City staff presented a package of economic and business incentives, including some parking incentives. Council members also proposed incentives. The plan is to combine these two proposals and return to City Council in March. Police discussed their parking and traffic plan for Mardi Gras and Cinco de Mayo. The RDA proposal to borrow $8.4 million from the Parking Fund to balance their budget was approved by City Council Feb. 23. The next Parking Board meeting is March. 3.

PBID Board of Directors

President:  Chuck Hammers

The BOD decided to move forward with the next beautification Project (Phase 3) in FY 2009-10. The beautification subcommittee met Feb. 17 to identify the Phase 3 location and improvements for Phase 1. The committee will convene again on March 10 to finalize its recommendations before the March 16 BOD meeting. The BOD will continue its discussion on tree trimming obligations downtown and the 2010 Highway 87 cleanup project. The PBID BOD meets March 16.

Marketing, Events, and Promotion

Chairperson:  Chris Cabrera

The committee met January 26 to review the Downtown Ice final projected numbers, sponsorship and promotions recaps - as well as the need for resolution with Christmas in the Park regarding next year's dates. Staff presented new proposals for increasing revenue for the Music in the Park Series by $50K, which include an upgraded VIP tent option, a change to the concert lounge area, and programming adjustments with the bands and radio stations. Staff will summarize the options and Chairperson CabrerA will present these recommendations to the Board in March.

Advocacy

Chairperson:  Henry Cord

The Advocacy Committee met Feb. 23 and had a discussion with Working Partnership's Sarah Muller and representatives from the Santa Clara Family Health Plan and Valley Medical Foundation to discuss a health insurance plan targeted to small businesses. The Redevelopment Agency budget was also discussed, as well as response to the baseball stadium EIR. Next meeting is March 30.

Downtown Foundation

Co-chairs:  Diana Beechie

At the February 23 meeting, an update regarding the budget, door site sponsors and grants was given. Follow-up will continue with the goal of finalizing all funds for the 2009-10 program year by the end of March. Proposed new doors sites were reviewed, focusing mainly on the SoFA area, and new door sites selected. The trustees began to plan a half day retreat, to take place in late May or June.

For updates, please view: www.sjdowntown.com/Downtown_Doors.html

Board Organizational Committee

Chairperson: Tore Saso

The committee met February 18 to discuss the results of the board survey distributed earlier in the month. The survey questioned board members on what benefits they'd like to receive in exchange for a mandatory financial contribution. 11 out of 34 members completed the survey. The largest number of respondents (6) stated they would be interested in contributing at the $1,500 level. Committee members will meet again on March 3 to finalize their recommendations for the March 12 board retreat.

(Last update March 8, 2010)