Executive Meeting - December

Executive Committee Meeting
Chattanooga BID
Wednesday, December 11, 2019

Time: 2:00-3:40 p.m.
Location: River City Company (Large Conference Room)
850 Market Street, Suite 200, Chattanooga, TN 37402

1. Call to Order

Steve Hunt, President of the Chattanooga BID, called the meeting to order. Executive Committee members attending were Kelly Fitzgerald, Charles Perry, and Gordon Stalans. 

Also present were Julia Bursch and Amy Donahue of River City Company.

2. Housekeeping

It was pointed out the corrected minutes of the 11/13/19 had been approved.

3. Outreach/Communications Committee

A discussion took place on the importance of issues of diversity and inclusion and how the Vendor should address these same issues.

 Also discussed was how the BID should address issues of communication with the public, including how to actively solicit input on items which require attention, such as deferred maintenance, and how to act on that same input.

The discussion broadened into a consideration as to how the activities of the BID might be publicized through email and other means. 

4. Finance Committee Update

The Treasurer reported that an initial account would be opened at First Volunteer Bank and that a RFP as to where the BID account would be established on a long-term basis would be drawn up. 

Other items discussed included the process for obtaining information from other BIDS as to their budgets and the fact that Miller and Martin has begun the process of applying for 501(c) (3) status. 

5. Application Process for Eligible Property Owners Seeking Reduction or Abatement

It was pointed out that the BID must follow the guidelines set out by the statute which established the BID. In effect this means that applications for reduction or abatement can only come from institutions with 501(c) (3), Pilot or TIF status. Such applications must demonstrate hardship and will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.

Amy Donahue was tasked with drawing up a list of materials which should be included in an application. The deadline for applications is January 15, 2020.  The Finance Committee will review applications and make a recommendation of acceptance or rejection to the full BID board for a final decision. This matter will be addressed at the February 5, 2020 board meeting. 

6. District Walking Tours

The executive committee reviewed plans and urged that the tours go forward.

7. Survey Project

Amy Donahue circulated a draft of a form seeking input on beautification projects, deferred maintenance issues, and trouble spots from property owners, tenants, and residents. This matter will be revisited next month,

The meeting adjourned at 3:40.