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Council tables decision on historic-district committee while exploring PBID and consultant options
Summary
Council discussed forming an ad hoc historic-district committee versus pursuing a Property Business Improvement District (PBID). After public comment urging action, council moved to table the item to allow staff to engage stakeholders and gather more input, with a potential return at the next or March meeting.
The council considered whether to reconstitute a historic-district committee or pursue a public/business improvement district (PBID) to advance downtown revitalization. City Manager Reif and council members said staffing constraints and vacant planning-commission seats complicate establishing new committees; staff described renewed interest from a property owner and recommended stakeholder outreach and possible consultant engagement.
Public commenters pushed the council to take action rather than delay. "We don't need another committee. Months of delay? For what?" Allison Lachevsky said, urging milestones and accountability. Council members debated consultant-led feasibility studies, RFPs, and whether an ad hoc committee should be formed; several members favored an RFP for professional assistance to conduct formation and outreach work. Mayor Clarnoff moved to table the item to either the next meeting or the March 1 meeting to allow staff and council to gather more information; the motion passed by voice vote.
Council asked staff to explore options for a consultant or RFP, identify stakeholder meeting timing, and return with details on staffing needs and budget implications. No formal committee was formed at the meeting.
