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to: |
Roger L. Stancil, Town Manager |
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from: |
Dwight Bassett, Economic Development Officer |
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subject: |
Response to a Council Petition on communication with downtown businesses |
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date: |
February 23, 2009 |
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reissued: |
March 9, 2009 |
The purpose of this memorandum is to respond to a petition from a Council Member made on November 24, 2008 regarding Council communication with downtown businesses.
Council Member Laurin Easthom petitioned for the Downtown Partnership to host a conversation about how Council might better communicate with downtown businesses.
On Friday, January 23, 2009 a meeting was held to discuss communication between the Council and downtown businesses, as requested at the November 24, 2008 Council meeting. In attendance: George Draper, Chris Jones, Linda Convissor, Matt Czajkowski, Laurin Easthom and Dwight Bassett.
Discussion centered on the how Council communicates with downtown businesses. Partnership members discussed the draft Memorandum of Understanding between the Town and Partnership as a way of resolving issues related to downtown. It was suggested by Partnership members that a Partnership Board member present a report to Council on a quarterly basis. The presentation would include a continuing update on previously identified issues by businesses including core issues: panhandling, parking and general cleanliness of downtown. It was discussed that there could be an additional listing of items to be followed and reported on by the Partnership and Town but the most common issues should remain as a constant.
It was agreed that this was the best way for the Council to communicate with Downtown businesses and that we should move toward this as soon as time allows.
The Downtown Partnership agreed to begin these quarterly reports in April of 2009.