1979-04-02 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Appropriation re: $37,500 - Downtown Mall Lighting Mrs. O'Brien stated that originally she had hoped that the tourist bureau would operate like it does in Lancaster County and there would be no local money in it, but she has come to the conclusion that if there is no local money in it that probably nothing will happen. She stated she thinks the~e is value in investing tax money in tourism effort. She stated she had hoped there might be other groups who were interested in providing such a function and hopes proposals would be solicited from any and all organizations who were interested. She stated she didn't particularly care for the executive committee as proposed and would like to investigate the possibility of locating the bureau at the Bicentennial Center. She also stated she was not convinced that the use of the lodging tax as a criteria for who puts the most money into the program, but have the group who benefits most put the most money in. She thinks that changing the formula from half city, one-fourth county, one-fourth chamber to half chamber, one- fourth city and one-fourth county would be something to consider. She stated that if the staff would like to investigate these concerns and report that would be fine and if the chamber would like to take them into consideration and come back with their reaction that would be welcomed. She stated she would like to see the tourist effort get started, She hoped some agreement can be reached to get moving. Mr. Buck stated that ~when a consultant was considered several months ago he did not favor that effort because he thought the consultant would tell us what we already know. He stated that if it is necessary to get the program moving he would go along with hiring a consultant, but he doesn't think it should be done. Mr. Ludgate stated that the structure proposed is~ strictly a proposal and the Council has the responsibility of accepting or rejecting it. He stated that the location at the Bicentennial Center was the ultimate goal, but if an arrangement can be worked oun that would be fine. He also stated if some one could suggest a better ratio for funding, the committee would certainly consider it. A motion by Mr. Gatewood, seconded by Mrs. O'Brien that the proposal be accepted in concept leaving out the specifics such as the ratio of funding and the specific committee structure and recommend that the County do likewise, was unanimously adopted. The resolution appropriating $37,500 for the Downtown Mall lighting improvements, which was offered at the meeting of the Council on March 19, 1979, was adopted by the following recorded vote. Ayes: Mr. Brunton, Mr. Buck and Mr. Gatewood. Noes: Mr. Albro and Mrs. O'Brien. Mr. Albro stated that he could not s,.upport this appropriation and he wonders if it is viewed as aolution which is not in fact a solution to the problems. He stated he does not feel there is a crime problem and he wonders if there is a perceived crime problem, but he does not feel that changing the lights will change that perception. He stated he feels it is an enormous amount of money to invest for what he feels is a very little prospect of a positive return for the city or the merchants. He stated that he feels that if there is anything that needs improvement it is the side street lighting. He stated he thinks the Mall as it now exist is very attractive in the evening and he does