South Park Business Group (SPBG)

South Park Business Group

Meeting from 8:30 to 9:50 a.m. on 4/25/12 chaired by Donna Walker

Mission Statement - The South Park Business Group Inc. is a group of businesspeople who work together to promote visibility, awareness, traffic and a healthy business climate for the small businesses that operate in South Park.

1. Introductions. Application process: anyone wishing to join SPBG must complete an application, the board will then vote. Must be a SP business. Guests must email in advance to be included on the agenda.

2. Police and Safety: Balboa Park - zoo lot - caught a few people that were connected to 15 cases of car break-ins. To report graffiti: szamora@pd.sandiego.gov or call 619-531-2847 (detectives hotline).

3. PR/ Special Events
OLD HOUSE FAIR - please promote, pass out postcards - Maureen has them available. June 16, 2012 - sponsorships are available. Approx. 2,000 people attend. Still seeking more vendors: $165 for a booth. Deadline for advertising is May 16.

Walkabouts: (July 14, Oct. 6, Dec. 1) - Get all of your info to Marsha so she can publicize. DEADLINES are June 5 for advance publicity, and July 6 to be listed in the walkabout guide. Send to SPBG@lucyslist.net.

(Use it for ‘60s style costumes, décor, tie-dye, etc.). Paid ads on KPBS, included on South Park pages in WHERE magazine and SD Arts Guide, lots of other exposure via PR, advance publicity. Oliver's is going to have a Reggae band, and feature a new artist. SPBG is going to promote the Beech Street BBQ again.

4. Community Affairs:
a. MAD - Trash containers: Samantha Keenan, Connie McDonough and Matt Thomas have been meeting, and working with Courtney Thomson of Councilmember Todd Gloria’s office to identify the procedures and potential solutions regarding the trash cans, benches, and bike racks in South Park business areas since the MAD was ruled to dissolve.

Following is a summary of the situation, written by Matt Thomas:

City Plans for Trash Cans as of 4/25/12
All trash cans, benches, and planters purchased from the MAD fund will be picked up from the city and liquidated to repay property owners past property tax charges from MAD.
Trash cans and benches that were purchased from the South Park Action Council will also be picked up from the City and stored temporarily at a City location (warehouse). These are still the property of the South Park Action Council, however, they will still need to be permitted, and a “Maintenance Agreement” (Maintenance Agreement from the City attached) must be signed by the property owner. All property owners who have a trash can adjacent to their property have been notified by the city and given the “Maintenance Agreement” letter.
The South Park Action Council trash cans were purchased from community members and business owners and installed in 2002. At this time, trash cans did not need a permit to be installed on the sidewalk. In 2005, the city then made it necessary to have a permit to install trash cans on the sidewalk. It was brought up to the city (I believe through Todd Gloria’s office) that these cans where placed before a permit was necessary, and if they could be “grandfathered” in without a permit. The City denied the request and now they consider these trash cans and benches illegally placed without permits.

City’s original proposed Option for Keeping Trash Cans and Benches
Contact property owners and have them sign “Maintenance Agreement” with the City. This will start the process of permitting the trash cans and benches. All liability and maintenance of the trash cans and benches would fall on the property owners, as well as the cost of obtaining a permit. (One property owner has contacted the city and said the permit would cost about $600 dollars and this would be a yearly fee.) The property owner’s insurance policy must also cover the permitted cans and benches.

Other Option on the Table
Todd Gloria’s representative Courtney Thompson is working with Luis Ojeda from San Diego City Economic Development Division to reduce or waive the permitting fees for the trash cans and benches. The property owners would still be responsible for getting the permit, maintaining the trash cans and benches, and taking liability for them in case of an accident.

The South Park Business Group has recently become a 501c6, a not-for-profit , this is not the same as a non-profit, but it does entail having liability insurance and a board. This is also not a BID, however, if the City could look at South Park Business Group as a micro-BID, it might be willing to give the responsibility of maintenance and liability of the trash cans and benches to the SPBG. The South Park Business Group is already maintaining the trash cans in its area and would like to keep them if the city would be willing to let them act as a micro-BID. This is only an option, and if the city was willing to give responsibility over to the SPBG, it would still need to be voted on by the group to accept maintenance and liability of these items.

VOTE: TRASH CAN OPTIONS: SPBG members were asked if SPBG would be willing to maintain the cans, benches and bike racks that were originally installed by the South Park Action Council, as well as the banners on South Park street posts. This would involve coverage by our insurance policy and commitment to handle ongoing maintenance and graffiti removal. (If yes, Courtney would propose this to the City authorities, and see what can be done.) Vote was UNANIMOUS YES. Thanks to Courtney and Councilmember Gloria for hearing our interests and efforts to obtain a solution that works for SPBG.

b. Govt. – Supervisor Ron Roberts office (Gabe Dutierrez – 619-531-5544): encourages us to reach out to him regarding environmental concerns. On May 19th there is an event: Can trade in a working gas powered lawn motor + $99 (I think that was the amount?) for a $450 electric mower. Significant reduction in air pollution. 1600 Pacific Hwy SD.
c. CDC. Meetings are on the third Thursday each month. Melissa of Crow Thief will attend and report back.
d. STRAW VOTE: Are we in favor of a shop local day that would help raise money to maintain our neighborhood and buy the trash cans. NOT UNANIMOUS.Idea will be fleshed out, then discussed at a later meeting.

5. New Business:
Linda Lawrence/Travel Agent: has lived here for three years, has adopted a stretch of road to pick up litter, would love to be a part of the community (home-based business - looking for a store front). She adopted a stretch of road through Cal Trans - took her several 45-60 days. Will submit an application to join SPBG.

Mac The Inspector: works with Real Estate Agents - home office on Ash. Will submit an application to join SPBG.

Announcements:

• Luci Dumas: will photograph your store front for a $25 fee - to place an image on our website’s online Business Directory. Proposed a VOTE: to have business owners represent with a photograph of their storefront instead of their logo, or leave it up to the business owners. MAJORITY votes to have the option open to the business owner. Let her know if you would like your photo taken before May 1st. Email Luci@lucidumas.com.
• Studio Maureen, art opening May 12 – Sharon Novak “Soul Being”
• The Grove: two book signing this weekend. Saturday @ 4:00 local author Ellae Elinwood, lives in Burlingame. Sunday at 3:00 - local author Holly Berkley: will bring chickens with her. Visit the website for more info: www.thegrovesandiego.com
• Alchemy - Every Thursday 9-12: BYOV - bring your own vinyl, they'll play it on a record player that night. A chance to mingle, listen to old records, and enjoy a great meal.
• Tonight - 5:30 - 7:30: Thomas Bikes: this month featured as CDC business of the month. Sponsoring (5th year in a row): Bike to Work day on May 18 with a full gourmet breakfast from 6:30-9:30 a.m.; also on June 6th - sponsoring a bike polo event in Canada, gets promotion for South Park internationally.
• Jeffrey/Junc Boutique -- Gay and Lesbian Film Festival - sponsorship - need ten sponsors. Film Out - full page add for SP businesses. Every time a movie is played, our logos will be displayed. We will also get 50 tickets per business (for the festival) - to give away, and use for promotional events. $500 per business. Can use tickets as your own promotional tool and/or make your money back -- sell or give away the tickets with purchase in your store, etc. Forms available our our website; please contact Jeffrey at 619-283-2611.
• South Bark: German Shepherd Rescue and adoption even May 12, and a Wine and Corgi event. Starting to have breed specific events. Donating the money to the rescue of those breeds. Also having a book signing on May 19 (Pet Psychic - Terri Steuben). Call 232-7387 for more details, or visit their newly revamped website: www.SouthBarkDogWash.com
• Vagabond, Cafe Madeline, and Alchemy are participating in Dine Out for Life this Thursday the 26th.
• Albert Einstein Gala on June 1st - need support from local businesses. Sponsorship available. Sign up by May 15. Need to raise funds for the Science program and PE teacher. Can donate something small for the auction. Forms and donation info available at Golden Hill PM (619-234-9553) or at http://southparkscene.com/wp/ads/
• According to Jeffrey (Junc Boutique), SD City News wants to offer a SP advertising page with business ads, and each week one business will be featured.

Adjourned
Next Meeting: Wed. May 30, 8:30am at Alchemy.