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Legal Notice published in the Orange County Register on June 21, 2013; <br />Notices mailed on June 20, 2013 (certified mail) and June 24, 2013 (first <br />class mail) by the Community Development Agency. <br />Sandy Gottlieb, Acting Executive Director of Community Development <br />presented staff report. <br />Mayor Pulido opened the Hearing. The following business owners <br />addressed the City Council: <br />• Ebrahim Duel, MD, opined that need for BID when originally formed in <br />1984 different than now; spoke in opposition of BID assessment. <br />• Walter Friedman, spoke in opposition to BID and noted that many <br />businesses do not benefit, which is a requirement of State Code. <br />• Manuel Pena, does not support BID; area continues to be divided. <br />• Ryan Chase, spoke in support of BID; opined that area has been <br />revitalized. <br />• Sara Escalante, Executive Director of newly formed Santa Ana <br />Business Council, organization will emphasize on small, day-time <br />business and family events; 10% will be administrative costs and the <br />balance to advertise and promote events; create family energy. <br />• Raul Yanez, spoke in support of BID; advertising/promotions needed to <br />attract buyers - need to have free public facilities such as parking and <br />restrooms. <br />• Adolfo Lopez, spoke in support of BID, founding member of BID that <br />opined program works; need directory of businesses. <br />• Gustavo Barcenas, spoke in opposition of BID; proposed that vending <br />trucks also be included in assessment <br />Clerk of the Council Huizar reported that a total of 58 protests had been <br />received, 53 validated and represent 6.21% of the total BID assessment <br />value. <br />City Council discussion ensued. City Manager O'Rourke reported that <br />boundaries same as 1984 boundaries and applies to business owners. <br />Extensive outreach provided by staff. <br />Councilmember Benavides questioned the billing cycle. City Attorney <br />Carvalho noted that the 2014 assessment year will be brought to City <br />Council for consideration in the Fall; staff will revisit the district's <br />boundaries and formula for assessments and recommend any changes <br />needed to make the levies more fair in the future. <br />Councilmember Sarmiento noted the importance of the downtown's retail <br />and family-oriented businesses to the city through the years. <br />Councilmember Amezcua concerned that only protest forms considered; <br />asked what percentage businesses having taxes doubled. Finance <br />CITY COUNCIL MINUTES 15 JULY 1, 2013 <br />1 0A-15