Belltown Business Association
Minutes – 12/20/11/11
Page 2
BELLTOWN BUSINESS ASSOCIATION
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
MEETING OF December 20, 2011
DATE/TIME: Tuesday, December 20, 2011, 8:00 – 9:30 AM
PLACE: Palace Ballroom, 5th and Lenora
ATTENDANCE: Tim Gaydos, Greg Schuler, Jim Miller, Pamela Hinckley, Jessica Norton, Jane M. Savard, Tula Waldron, Barbara Hartley, Brian Zaugg, Mary Bingham, Tom Graff, Robert Eickhof, David Meinert
EXCUSED ABSENCE: Ben Borgman, Tom English
ABSENCE: Lee Kindell, Michael Lee, Natasha Oilar, Pam Anderson
GUESTS: Laine Ross, WPAC; Cory Chigbrow, Pintxo/The Upstairs; Lt. Eric Sano, SPD
1. President Tim Gaydos called the meeting to order at 8:05 AM.
2. Jane Savard moved and Jessica Norton seconded approval of the minutes of November 15, 2011; passed by voice vote.
3. Laine Ross addressed the board concerning the proposed extended hours measure for nightclubs and bars. She indicated there was a possibility that Belltown might be selected as a pilot community for the measure and said that there could be concerns over increases of inebriates in the neighborhoods and, especially, over funding of the measure. She said the Downtown District Council is “generally not in support” of the measure because of unanswered issues, particularly concerning enforcement. Board Member David Meinert spoke in support of the measure and said that there is some evidence that conditions improve with such ordinances and pointed out that there will be more money for enforcement. He said that police officials are generally in support of the plan.
David asked if there was a possibility of having a nightclub representative sit on the WPAC board. The WPAC bylaws limit the number of citizen representatives. Lt. Sano indicated that Captain Kessler determines who is appointed to the board. David reiterated his recommendation and suggested that Marcus Charles (Crocodile, Local 360, and Juju) be appointed.
The comment period for the extended hours proposal has been extended. The City Council wants “to explore this further” and is thinking “in pilot terms.” If they move forward, the community chosen would be the only pilot program in the State.
4. Review and Preview: This being his last meeting, President Tim Gaydos did a quick review of accomplishments over the past year including significant member events, new strategic partnerships with City and County leaders and increased marketing. Also, the goal of hiring a part-time staff person is close to realization. Jim Miller gave a brief preview of the coming year including continuing “to move forward at a good pace.” There will be continued pressure on public safety. Additionally, with the possible receipt of the OED grant, BBA may be retaining a consultant to address the BIA/MID issues. Jim will be working with the Human Services Department on continued coordination with Belltown’s non-profit organizations.
5. Neighborhood and NATS: Christa Dumpys could not attend today, but she provided Tim with the report. Tim said there were positive changes coming down the pike and cited an improved “outcome driven” Human Resources Department in the City that could bring more accountability to neighborhood non-profits. In other NATS related items, Tim reported that SDOT had pruned 150 trees in Belltown and that City Light has installed 60 LED fixtures with 118 remaining to be installed.
The Police Department’s early morning emphasis was discussed. Lt. Sano reported that this started in September, focusing on the 6 AM – 10:00 AM time period and seems to be having positive results. He this emphasis is programmed to continue to the end of the year and is “funded by overtime.”
Tim reported that the SDOT permit for the Bell Street Park is now scheduled for February with construction to commence in April or May. Also the City Council has approved the lease for the Belltown Community Center and construction is scheduled to start in February.
Some of the board members highlighted the difficulties in dealing with and obtaining permits from SDOT, and there was a suggestion that we bring SDOT to one of the board meetings.
6. Mailing List: Greg Schuler spoke about the necessity to conduct an overall review and updating of the BBA mailing list. His proposal is to hire a temporary staffer to focus on this over the next few weeks. His hope is that this work will dovetail with the eventual hiring of a part time administrative assistant who will be responsible for keeping the list up to date. Greg moved that a not-to-exceed budget of $2,600 be provided for the updating work; seconded by David Meinert. This was approved by voice vote.
7. WPAC Report: Barbara Hartley reported on a survey conducted by the Downtown Seattle Association on “Why do people not come to Downtown? The results, in order, were:
a. Parking
b. Pan-Handling
c. Weather
Barbara also reported that SPD has arrested an alleged car prowl burglar responsible for 60% of recent car prowls.
8. Board Development: Greg Schuler introduced Mary Bingham from Clise Properties to the board. Mary has expressed interest in joining the BBA Board; her senior management are also supportive of this. Moved by Greg Schuler and seconded by Jane Savard that Mary Bingham be elected to the Board of Directors; passed by voice vote.
9. Marketing: David Meinert did not have a report for this meeting.
10. Treasurer’s Report: Treasurer Pam Anderson was absent from the meeting but had e-mailed the current Treasurer’s report. Greg Schuler provided a brief summation. There were no significant expenditures over the past month. The balance on hand is $20,300.70.
11. Membership: Barbara Hartley reported that membership statements have been sent out.
12. Belltown Sparkles: Pamela Hinckley reported on the success of this year’s event and noted the benefits of having a personal presence on the streets and visiting the various businesses. Jessica Norton encouraged more board member participation in this event. There was discussion about having another event of this nature in spring. Also, there was discussion about organizing a more concerted effort to have holiday season street lighting – perhaps over an 8 block area on 1st and 2nd Avenues.
13. Belltown Holiday Party; The Belltown Community Council is organizing a holiday party on Thursday, December 22 at the Rendezvous Café and has requested support from the BBA to help cover expenses. It was moved by Greg Schuler and seconded by Jessica Norton that $100 be provided to the BCC for this purpose. Motion passed by voice vote.
There being no further business, it was moved by David Meinert and seconded by Greg Schuler that the meeting be adjourned. Passed by voice vote, and the meeting adjourned at 9:10 AM.
Next board meeting will be Tuesday, January 17, 2011, 8 AM – 9:30 AM at the Palace Ballroom.
Respectfully submitted,
Greg Schuler
Secretary