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The Committee asked if there has been any outreach to small businesses to reduce commercial/retail closures and turnovers. Mr. Johnson replied that a new Small Business Development Council has been formed and is active. Its objective is to have successful businesses, large or small, to volunteer and provide information to small businesses so they can learn about how to market a small business and what makes small businesses successful -the concept is a support group for small businesses. Discussion ensued about how the City markets itself to attract new businesses. Mr. Johnson and staff mentioned that real estate brokers highlight the City's value in providing a high level of customer and personal service and its transit rich location. Additionally benefits include a Utility User Tax Rebate for businesses that exceed $400,000 per year in utility costs. The City has a low business license tax in the East Bay based on employees as opposed to gross receipts. San Leandro's retention of 90 percent of our industrial land exemplifies the City's commitment to business and industry. 5. Update of Development Projects Manager Battenberg reported that the Downtown Association holiday event `It's a Wonderful Night' at Joaquin Plaza was very successful and well attended. Discussion ensued about how the holiday lights have given Joaquin and Estudillo a very upscale, warm and welcoming ambiance - being on the decorative light poles and the palm trees. Consideration will be given to keeping those lights installed even after the holidays. The temporary parking lots at Davis and Hays Streets and at the former Albertsons site are nearly completed for public use. The City met with the Automall Dealers Association recently to discuss the City's financial situation and possible revenue measures. Although an increase in sales tax would theoretically not affect sales as the tax on cars depends upon the buyer address, the association is concerned that other auto dealers may spin the message to convince customers to not buy in San Leandro. Discussion included the value to both the dealers and the City in a marketing campaign for the Marina Boulevard Automall. Given the State take of redevelopment funds, the City/Redevelopment Agency is unable to commit funding assistance at this time, however, there was agreement that discussions should continue regarding the creation and funding of a marketing campaign Planning Manager Livermore reported that the proposed `Big Box Ordinance' revisions to the General Plan and the Zoning Code were moving forward to the Planning Commission on December 17, 2009 and ultimately the City Council on January 19, 2010. The revision is intended to promote pedestrian-oriented retail and to prohibit big-box or discount superstores (store exceeding 100,000 square feet in floor area and includes at least five percent of floor area for perishables), to enhance the City's economic base and to reduce environmental impacts that are inherent of these large businesses. The Committee asked about the status of the removal of the Palma Plaza shed at the corner of East 14th Street and 136th Avenue. Specialist Penaranda replied that the property owner entered into a Commercial Rehabilitation Program Agreement to remove the shed and replace it with paving and parking; however City Building permits have not yet been issued. The Committee asked staff to contact the property owner and encourage him to move swifter on the project.