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· : 287 Consider Ordinance Establishing the "Downtown Pleasanton Business Improvement Dis- trict", and Providing for Levy of Charges Mr. MacDonald presented his report (SR 83:520) dated November 17, 1983, regarding this matter. Mayor Butler declared the public hearing open. Ms. Judy Mayhew, President of the Pleasanton Downtown Business Association, and a downtown business merchant, presented a map showing the proposed districts. She reviewed the background of the downtown association and their voluntary efforts in trying to upgrade and beautify the downtown area. She stated that the establishment of a downto~ Pleasanton business improvement district as provided for in AB 1693, would accomplish what the downtown association or a single business could not do, and it will greatly benefit all the merchants. She stated that Pleasanton has a unique downtown area that makes it different from most other cities, and this should be preserved. Ms. Mayhew advised that not all businesses are in favor of the forma- tion of the improvement district. She stated she had met with most of the retailers and that all have been invited to meetings regarding this matter. She added that most of the response has been positive. Mr. Larry Annis, 99 West Neal Street, stated he favors AB 1693, which would allow the formation of the Pleasanton Downtown Improvement District. He stated that as a downtown businessman he sees a need to look to the future. He advised that some re- tailers are going out of business and that people are not shopping downtown. He urged that the improvements to downtown be a coordinated effort, not done piecemeal. He requested approval of the ordinance to initiate steps to form the Pleasanton Downtown Improvement District. Mr. David Martin, Community First National Bank, 729 Main Street, stated that some businesses have already contributed to this project in the way of providing meeting rooms, distribution of newsletters, etc., and thus showing their support of the formation of this improvement district. Ms. Lori Scott Venter, 210 Rose Avenue, stated she has always been a proponent of establishing a heritage value for the downtown area. She stated it is extremely important that the downtown uniqueness be preserved, She stated that downtown mer- chants must create an attractive place to encourage shopping in this area. She strongly urged approval of this item. Mr. Martin Inderbitzen, 4102 Fairlands Drive, with a business at 62 W. Neal Street, stated that the Chamber of Commerce Board voted unanimously in support of the Downtown Pleasanton Business Improvement District. He stated this will provide greater oppor- tunity for creativity of downtown improvements. Mr. Roger Shanks, 690 Main Street, stated he had started his business on Main Street four months ago. He advised he decided to locate in Pleasanton because of the characteristic of downtown and its future potential to prosper. He stated he felt that without this assessment district the downtown will not grow as quickly or in the way that it should. Ms. Janet Schuren, partner, Hobbitt In, 724 Main Street, presented a petition, with 31 signatures, which read as follows: ~ "We, the businesses, of downtown Pleasanton would like to counter the proposal now before you. "We feel the intent of the "Downtown Pleasanton Business Improvement District" is acceptable. However, we feel that the pro osed method of assessment is unfair. It is more equitable, reasonable, an~ feasible to assess each and every business, regardless of the classification, a flat fee. 5. 11/22/83