Minutes 1996 0903 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Minutes - City of San Leandro City Council and Page - 6 - Redevelopment Agency Meeting - September 3, 1996 Council Member Loeffler requested information on the impact to the downtown during last year, such as volume of business. He asked staff to look into a long -term promotion of the downtown, and whether the budgeted funds could be used for a permanent activity. Ms. Klein mentioned that a long -term promotion plan would be outlined in the forthcoming Economic Development Strategy. Council Member Glaze said the rink does not belong downtown; promotions and decorations would help. He stated that economic development is not just for the downtown, but for all of San Leandro -- all centers should benefit during the holiday season. He commended the Council for trying the rink last year. He suggested a holiday shuttle, pageants, and youth activities that will bring in parents and families. Council Member Galvan said he supported the rink last year and was willing to take a risk; however, it was not financially where it needed to be. He is not willing to commit financing for three to five years, but he is willing to work with groups, such as the Downtown Business Association (DBA), to secure financing for the project. He said he had not received hard data on the impact of sales due to the rink. Therefore, at this time, he is not willing to support the project. He asked staff to research alternative ideas, which may include an on -going attraction each year. Vice Mayor Polvorosa suggested that the schools get involved, perhaps with an interest survey. He suggested the Council ask the community if they want the rink and to look into sponsorship possibilities before canceling. Mayor Corbett stated that the rink added spark to the downtown and noted the importance of the parking and cost issues. She suggested that they proceed with seeking support for the rink and asked staff to clarify the contract deadline. Staff noted the issue of ensuring the availability of skates. Council Member Young asked about resident vs. non - resident use patterns and the impact to businesses. She noted her concerns with the financial aspect and said she would like to see a higher level of corporate sponsorship. She suggested Council Member teams might try asking businesses for support. She said the improvements being made to the Pelton- Scribner property may make them a possible future location for holiday activities. She said the size of the rink would dictate the location, such as the old Costco site. Council Member Loeffler said there were problems with the location last year. He noted the cost factor between one year and a three- to five -year commitment. He would like to see a long -term plan and said more data needs to be made available. He suggested the Chamber of Commerce might look into sponsorships, rather than the Council.