____________________________________________________________________________________
FOR CITY CLERK ONLY
Council Meeting:
Disposition:
Agenda Item No: 6.a
Meeting Date: December 16, 2024
SAN RAFAEL CITY COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT
Department: Community and Economic Development
Prepared by: Stacey Laumann
Sr. Management Analyst
Micah Hinkle, Director
City Manager Approval: ___________
TOPIC: DOWNTOWN BUSINESS IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT (BID) ASSESSMENT ANNUAL
RENEWAL
SUBJECT: RESOLUTION CONFIRMING THE 2024 ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE DOWNTOWN
SAN RAFAEL BUSINESS IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT AND LEVY OF
ASSESSMENTS FOR CALENDAR YEAR 2025
RECOMMENDATION:
Adopt the resolution confirming the 2024 Annual Report for the Downtown San Rafael Business Improvement District and levy of annual assessments for the calendar year 2025.
BACKGROUND:
Section 36500 of the California Streets and Highways Code allows for the creation of a Business Improvement District (BID) within a municipality, whereby businesses within the district self-assess an annual fee to pay for improvements and activities that benefit the overall business district. The state law intends to provide a funding mechanism for business districts to promote economic vitality. San Rafael Municipal Code Section 10.09.080 requires a report to be prepared annually for upcoming assessments.
In 1979, businesses in Downtown San Rafael first set up a business district. This original district included approximately 125 businesses along Fourth Street between Lincoln Avenue and E Street. In 2013, the City Council voted to replace it with a larger district of approximately 700 businesses along Fourth Street.
The expanded district includes the West End and some side streets, non-ground floor tenants and other tenants not included in the original BID. 2024 marks the first complete year of BID administration by the San Rafael Chamber of Commerce, a transition that started in September 2023.
The BID has achieved many notable accomplishments in 2024 as highlighted in its Annual Report (Attachment 2), including leveraging a cost-sharing agreement with the Downtown San Rafael Arts District (DSRAD) to fund storefront beautification projects; a successful 1st Annual “Dancing Under the Lights” event which brought together music, dancing, art, and local businesses for an evening of celebration; and yet another successful “Annual Clean and Green Day” (held on Earth Day) which brought together more than 40 volunteers to help mulch, remove graffiti, pick up litter, and clean parking meters and poles.
SAN RAFAEL CITY COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT / Page: 2
ANALYSIS:
State law requires the BID to submit to the City Council an annual report for which assessments are to be levied and collected to pay the costs of the improvements and activities described in the report. The report may propose changes, including, but not limited to, the boundaries of the parking and business improvement area or any benefit zones within the area, the basis and method of levying the assessments, and any changes in the classification of businesses if a classification is used.
Staff reviewed the San Rafael Downtown BID’s 2024 Annual Report (Attachment 2 with Exhibits) and the BID 2025 Budget & 2024 Financial Summary (Exhibit C) and found they meet the required elements as follows:
1. There are no proposed changes in the boundaries of the BID.
2. The budget outlines the improvements and activities programmed for the calendar year 2025.
3. The budget outlines the estimated cost of improvement and activities outlined for the calendar year 2025.
4. The budget outlines the surplus or deficit being carried over from the previous calendar year.
5. The budget outlines contributions anticipated from sources other than assessments, including City funds.
As of October 25, 2024, the City of San Rafael collected $63,525 in BID annual assessments for 2024.
For the calendar year 2025, the annual assessment levy on businesses will be the same as in prior years.
See Exhibit B to the Annual Report for the 2025 assessment formula.
BID Renewal Process
Per State law, to renew the annual assessment, the City Council must first adopt a Resolution of Intention to Levy an Annual Assessment and set a public hearing for a future date. The method of calculating the amount of the assessment on each business is established by San Rafael Municipal Code Section
10.09.050 and varies depending upon the type of business and whether the business is located in the Standard BID Zone or the Premium BID Zone. Assessments for 2025 are outlined in Exhibit B of Attachment 2.
On November 18, 2024, the City Council adopted a Resolution of Intention to Levy an Annual Assessment. This resolution was intended to notify the public of the process, approve the BID annual report reviewing past BID Board accomplishments, and set the date for a public hearing.
This item is to hold the required public hearing to receive input from the public on the annual assessment for the BID and to confirm the 2024 annual report and levy of assessments for the upcoming year.
Interested persons may make oral or written protests. If written protests received represent fifty percent (50%) or more of the total assessments in the entire BID, no further proceedings to amend the BID can occur. New proceedings cannot be undertaken for a period of at least a year.
COMMUNITY OUTREACH:
A notice of public hearing on the resolution of intention to levy the annual assessment for calendar year 2025 was published in the Marin Independent Journal on November 25, 2024. A copy is included in Attachment 3. The BID has notified its members of the annual renewal process through its member communications, including the BID e-newsletter, notifications on the BID website, and agenda items at the monthly BID board meeting.
FISCAL IMPACT:
There is no fiscal impact associated with this action.
SAN RAFAEL CITY COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT / Page: 3
OPTIONS:
The City Council has the following options to consider on this matter:
1. Adopt the resolution as presented, confirming the 2024 Annual Report and the annual assessments for 2025.
2. Adopt the resolution with modifications.
3. Determine that a protest of 50% or more has been filed and abandon assessment proceedings for a minimum of one year from the date of the majority finding and decline adoption of the resolution.
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
Adopt the resolution confirming the 2024 Annual Report for the Downtown San Rafael Business Improvement District and levy of annual assessments for the calendar year 2025.
ATTACHMENTS:
1. Resolution
2. BID 2024 Annual Report, including:
A. Exhibit A: BID Map
B. Exhibit B: BID 2025 Assessment Formula
C. Exhibit C: BID 2025 Budget & 2024 Financial Summary
3. Notice of Public Hearing on Resolution of Intention
RESOLUTION NO.
RESOLUTION OF THE SAN RAFAEL CITY COUNCIL CONFIRMING THE 2024
ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE DOWNTOWN SAN RAFAEL BUSINESS
IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT AND LEVY OF ASSESSMENTS FOR CALENDAR YEAR 2025
WHEREAS, California Streets and Highways Code Sections 36500 et seq, authorize cities to establish parking and business improvement districts to promote economic revitalization and physical maintenance of business areas, to create jobs, attract new business; and
WHEREAS, the Downtown San Rafael Business Improvement District (“BID”) was established in 2013 to amend the existing Parking and Business Improvements District instituted in 1979 in the commercial area on and around the Fourth Street corridor in San Rafael; and
WHEREAS, pursuant to San Rafael Municipal Code Chapter 10.09, the BID’s Advisory Board submitted to the City a “BID 2024 Annual Report”, which is on file with the City Clerk, on November 18, 2024, the City Council by resolution approved the BID 2024 Annual Report, indicating the Council’s intention to levy assessments for calendar year 2025, and setting a public hearing thereon for December 16, 2024; and WHEREAS, pursuant to Streets and Highways Code Section 36535, following the public hearing, the City Council may adopt a resolution confirming the report as originally filed or as modified by the Council, and the adoption of the resolution shall constitute the levy of an assessment for the year referred to in the report; and WHEREAS, the City Council held the required public hearing on December 16, 2024, to receive testimony and protests concerning the BID 2024 Annual Report and the proposed levy of assessments for the calendar year 2025 described therein; and WHEREAS, a majority protest of the proposed assessments was not received.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the City Council hereby confirms the BID 2024 Annual Report. Adoption of this resolution shall constitute confirmation of the BID 2024 Annual Report and approval of the levy of assessments described in the BID 2024 Annual Report for the 2025 calendar year.
I, LINDSAY LARA, Clerk of the City of San Rafael, hereby certify that the foregoing resolution was duly and regularly introduced and adopted at a meeting of the City Council of said City held on Monday, the 16th of December 2024, by the following vote, to wit:
AYES: COUNCILMEMBERS:
NOES: COUNCILMEMBERS:
ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS:
LINDSAY LARA, City Clerk
2024
ANNUAL
REPORT
DowntownSanRafael.org ~ 415-849-1874 ~ [email protected]
Downtown San Rafael Business
Improvement District
WHO WE ARE & WHAT WE DO…
DowntownSanRafael.org ~ 415-849-1874 ~ [email protected]
Dear fellow BID Members.
Last year, we experienced a profound loss with
the passing of our colleague, Jed Greene, who
was not only a valued BID Board member but
also a dear friend to many of us. We extend our
heartfelt condolences to his family during this
difficult time.
2024 has been a year of accomplishments and a
year of firsts. Our accomplishments include:
supporting the growth of the Thursday Night
Summer Farmers Market, amazing volunteers
mulching the intersections of Downtown for
further beautification, and an increase in public
art with vivid artwork on power boxes
throughout downtown.
The BID produced our first Lunar New Year
celebration, our first Pride Art Walk, our first
Juneteenth Happenings Page, and our first
Dancing Under the Lights. As we look ahead to
2025, we will continue to build inclusion within
our whole community. We will explore ideas for
beautification and events to benefit the
downtown, while remaining open to new
opportunities and possibilities.
The BID has completed its first calendar year
partnered with the San Rafael Chamber of
Commerce. I would like to thank Karen Strolia
for her active participation and supporting voice
and standing with us as we turn the pages of
what’s next; together.
Terrance Thornton, President
BOARD & STAFF 2024 LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT
The Downtown San Rafael Business Improvement District (BID) is a 501 C(6) nonprofit corporation established in 1979 to revitalize the downtown corridor and promote the common interests of Downtown businesses. Through attention to streetscape, marketing and promotions, special events and advocating on issues of safety, public parking and other factors affecting the economic vitality of the downtown district, the BID fulfills its mission. The BID is a special assessment district formed to fund services, activities and programs above and beyond services provided by the City, for the purpose of improving the common areas and strengthening businesses within the district.
What is the BID?
Join our team &
become a board
member!
Karen Strolia
San Rafael Chamber of
Commerce
Prospective New Board Members for 2025:
Karina Ramirez-Cortez, Multicultural Center of Marin
Joe & Saandra Carlo, Pink Owl Coffee
BID ACCOMPLISHMENTS 2024
DowntownSanRafael.org ~ 415-849-1874 ~ [email protected]
Marketing, Promotions, Programming, Fundraising, & Collaborations ▪ 2024 Social Media Marketing – In its second year, the BID continued the social media marketing plan by showcasing 3 businesses per week on Instagram and Facebook with its
remarkable social media contractor. FB = 4,396 followers (up 200 from last year), IG = 2,969 followers (up 300 from last year). Over the last 90 days, our audience reach has gone up 97% on Facebook, and engagement has gone up 46%. For
Instagram we have reached over 16k accounts.
▪ Fundraising & Event Management – Three of our four
signature events are fundraisers, and through these efforts, we were able to net roughly $20k to the BID in operations support.
▪ Fe-BREW-ary – In its 2nd year, the BID continued the wellknown North Bay February brewery promotion through a partnership with SMART.
▪ Scavenger Hunts – Our community is highly responsive to family-friendly activities in the Downtown, so the BID
introduced two new scavenger hunt-based promotions to
bring people Downtown. The Chinese New Year & Pride
Scavenger Hunts bolstered visitation, while also celebrating diversity and art. The 3rd Annual Elf Hunt will be held. ▪ Adding Culturally Diverse Promotions – We created several new promotions Downtown to bring more culturally
responsive, diverse, relevant, & inclusive events to our downtown celebrating - Chinese New Year, Pride Month, and Juneteenth.
▪ Storefront Beautification Projects – The BID has proposed potential opportunities to the City’s Economic Development Department to find more funding to increase power washing, business frontage grants, awning cleaning, and more.
▪ Beautifying the Vacancies at 1001 4th Street – The BID was vocal about beautifying the vacant buildings on 4th Street, and supported efforts led by the City’s Economic Development Department and the Downtown San Rafael Arts District to add public art to the large buildings located at 1001 4th Street.
A substantial window mural is set to be installed in late 2024. ▪ Website management, calendar, & promotions – Since
2023, the BID has managed the updates to our
DowntownSanRafael.org website, saving us $1440/year. The Director strives to provide clear, fun, relevant, and timely information on our Downtown San Rafael website. NEW this year, is the online community Calendar for businesses to post their own events. Our website is THE place to learn about all things Downtown – promotions, events, news, online
directory, shopping, dining, etc.
BID ACCOMPLISHMENTS 2024
DowntownSanRafael.org ~ 415-849-1874 ~ [email protected]
▪ Landscaping upgrades – The BID is in its 2nd
year of the volunteer-led “mulching
project”. The BID coordinates 3 days per year
to weed and mulch all of the intersections on
4th Street.
▪ Public Art Inclusion Efforts – The Director of
the BID sat on the steering committee for the
Downtown San Rafael Arts District (DSRAD) to
identify opportunities to expand public art
and arts programming in the Downtown. The
BID proposed the following projects for 2024
and 2025 with the funding focused on
beautifying Downtown: cultural event
window paintings, a rainbow crosswalk,
matching mural grant funding for Downtown
businesses, a downtown public art sculpture,
under-the-freeway mural projects, and an
expanded utility box art program to
enliven more utility boxes in Downtown.
• Thursday Night Summer Farmer’s Market
growth The BID supported AIM in promoting
and marketing the weekly Thursday Night
Summer Market, to expand attendance and
reach.
▪ Partnerships – Continued and strengthened
partnerships with the following organizations
to bring more foot traffic to our Downtown
Businesses: SR Chamber, Pacifics Baseball
Team, Embassy Suites, DSRAD, California Film
Institute, SMART, Marin Convention & Visitors
Bureau, City Council.
▪ Member emails, newsletters, and updates
– The BID shares all things downtown with its
members via monthly Newsletters.
▪ Transit Center Conversation The BID joined
the conversation to hear about the updates
and impact of the new San Rafael Transit
Center.
▪ Bike Route Dedication – The BID is working
with the City to explore dedicating the
Downtown Bike Route to our dear friend, and
bike enthusiast, Jed Greene, as well as some
other ideas.
Marketing, Promotions, Programming, Fundraising, & Collaborations BID EVENTS 2024
DowntownSanRafael.org ~ 415-849-1874 ~ [email protected]
FUNDRAISERS
▪ 34th Annual May Madness (May 11) – This Annual event
produced by Rick Lewis, the volunteer BID Event Committee, and the Director of the BID brought roughly 5,000 people to Downtown. We raised over $26k (a new record!) to be split between the BID and other local non-profits.
▪ Total Expenses = $16,268.42 /Total Income = $43,030.50 ▪ Event Net Profit = $26,762
▪ Net Profit for BID = $13,381.04
▪ Dancing Under The Lights (Aug 9) – A pivot from Dining Under the Lights, this new annual celebration in Downtown San Rafael brought together music, dancing, art, and local businesses for an evening of joy and community connection.
Being a 1st Annual, we are hoping to grow sponsorships and beverage income to make this signature event a bigger
fundraiser.
▪ Total Expenses = $16,742.77 / Total Income =
$16,950.45
▪ Net Profit for BID = $207.68
▪ 4th Annual Hops & Vines Stroll (Sept 21) – The Annual Hops & Vines Stroll brought nearly 300 people INTO Downtown
Businesses for an afternoon of craft beer, wine and spirit tastings, and local camaraderie.
▪ Total Expenses = $6,759.76 / Total Income = $9,480
▪ Net Profit for BID = $2,720.24
• San Rafael Holiday of Lights & Winter Wonderland on
Shop Small Saturday 2023 – For the second year in a row, the BID event committee volunteered to keep this tradition alive by creating a paired-down version of the 45-year-old event the day after Thanksgiving. Our intimate version of this event, that was once produced by a professional event company, was designed to bring people to Downtown on
Shop Small Saturday. The event brought over 2000 people to Downtown on Shop Small Saturday. We are looking to
engage an event producer to take over the event in 2024 so it can be bigger and better! Below are our fundraising
numbers from 2023.
▪ Total expenses = $16,584.40 / Total Income =
$23,926
▪ Net Profit to BID = $7,341.60
DowntownSanRafael.org ~ 415-849-1874 ~ [email protected]
ECONOMIC DRIVERS
▪ Clean & Green Day, City of San Rafael & The
BID (April 22) – The City and BID join efforts
every year on Earth Day to promote Clean and
Green Day by inviting more than 40 volunteers
to help mulch, remove graffiti, pick up litter, and
clean parking meters and poles.
• Downtown San Rafael May Madness Classic
Car Cruise (May) – The BID kicks off the May
Madness Car Show & Parade Celebrations early
and participants cruise 4th Street the Friday
night before the big festival, to bring more
people to Downtown and celebrate this historic
tradition.
• West End Block Party (8 Fridays from AugustOct) – This popular event held in the West End, includes bands booked by the Pint Size
Lounge. It drew hundreds of people to not just
the West End, but to the broader Downtown
area. Past surveys showed that people travel
from all over Marin and throughout the Bay
Area to enjoy the exceptional music and
atmosphere.
• 36th Annual Trick or Treat on 4th Street & Pet
Costume Contest (Oct. 26) – This Annual
tradition brings hundreds of smiling families to
our Downtown!
▪ Annual Menorah Lighting (Dec. tbd) - For
the 3rd year, we will be collaborating with
Chabad of Marin to light a Giant Menorah in
celebration of Hanukkah. We will offer
latkes, hot chocolate, dancing, and a gelt
drop!
BID EVENTS 2024
BID PROMOTIONS 2024
DowntownSanRafael.org ~ 415-849-1874 ~ [email protected]
THE BID SUPPORTED & PROMOTED COMMUNITY EVENTS
Downtown San Rafael BID Preliminary
Work Plan 2025
DowntownSanRafael.org ~ 415-849-1874 ~ [email protected]
FUTURE MARKETING, PROGRAMMING, EVENTS, & OPERATIONS
▪ Public Art – Work with Downtown San Rafael Arts
District (DSRAD) and the City Library & Rec Director to finalize plans to expand public art in Downtown.
▪ Make “Mulching Project” Permanent – Create a
final schedule for 2025 to make the Downtown
“Mulching Project” a dedicated, ongoing effort..
▪ Power Washing – Assist in supporting and
expanding the existing scheduled power washing
plan for Downtown San Rafael. Request and share
monthly reports of the blocks cleaned.
▪ Graffiti Removal - The volunteer of the year, Tom
Harrison, has been spending his own time and
money to remove the graffiti in Downtown for many
years. The BID would like to propose a small annual
budget to give to him for 2025.
▪ Frontage Improvements – Work with the Economic
Development Department & DPW to explore more
opportunities for Downtown Beautification (business
frontage grants, awning cleaning, and more).
▪ Vacancies –Work with the City’s Economic
Development Department to assist with their
strategy to fill vacancies, by sharing the City GoProgram & support Art Installations in vacancies by creating a BID committee in 2025.
▪ Social Media Marketing Plan – Increase the budget
for our social media contractor to showcase
businesses weekly on Instagram and Facebook.
▪ Thursday Night Summer Farmer’s Market growth
– Work with AIM to assist in promotion and
marketing to expand the weekly Thursday Night
Summer Market. Possibly add the A to B block to
include an Outdoor Dining experience.
▪ Support our Culturally Diverse Activities –
Increase awareness of the events supporting
culturally diverse communities in Marin – Lunar New
Year, Pride Month, Juneteenth, Banned Books Week,
Dia de los Muertos, Menorah Lighting, and more – by
adding more promotion and participation.
▪ Outdoor Movie Night – Work with DSRAD and Parks
& Rec to bring their successful outdoor movie night in
the park program to our Downtown.
▪ Promotional Programs - Continue the Fe-BREW-ary
promotion and scavenger hunt-based promotions to
get people INTO local businesses.
▪ Partnership & Collaboration – Continue to align the
BID with DSRAD stakeholders, the SR Chamber,
Pacifics, Embassy Suites, the City, SMART, SRPD, etc.
▪ CBiD Support - The BID will work with the Chamber
and the City to support the efforts to introduce the
new Community Benefit District (CBiD) to enhance
economic vitality to our Downtown.
▪ Communication with members/community –
Continue engagement via website, email, newsletters,
social media, and in person.
▪ Events: The BID has committed to continue events
produced in 2024 – May Madness, Dancing Under
the Lights, Hops & Vines Stroll, and Trick or Treat.
Dear Friends of Downtown San Rafael,
With less than $60k in our operating budget, I strive to produce events and promotions that either raise money or pay for themselves to make sure we have a robust calendar of activity downtown. This year, we saw an array of brandnew festivities that brought vibrancy, art, and community to our downtown – Chinese New Year Dragon Hunt, Pride
Month window paintings, the Juneteenth Happenings page
on our website, and Dancing Under the Lights. I am hoping that these 1st annuals become staples in our Downtown
schedule of promotions for years to come.
Additionally, upcoming public art plans and our 2nd Annual Mulching Project will help make the downtown area more
visually appealing for everyone. For the second year, our social media contractor has been vital in making sure that our businesses are highlighted and that Downtown is a
destination location to eat, shop, and play. Our website continues to be the place to learn about all things
downtown, especially now with its newly added community calendar.
I want to extend my thanks to Karen Strolia, CEO San Rafael Chamber, for a delightful first year of partnership. Also, to the City of San Rafael for their support this past year in helping make many of our projects a reality. And a special thank you goes to our Board — your voice and passion for Downtown has been crucial in getting things done!
Looking ahead, I am interested to see how the discussions surrounding the Community Benefit District (CBID) unfold, as it could hold more potential for the future of downtown.
Here’s to building on the momentum of 2024 - focusing on strengthening our existing events and beautification
programs and creating even more opportunities for our
downtown to thrive in the years to come!
-Sarah Tipple, Director
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Document Path: X:\Finance\BID\BID_Edits_20180802.mxd ZBaron Print Date: 8/13/2018 San Rafael Business Improvement District (BID) PREMIUM BID -
STANDARD BID -
BID Assessment Formula
Exhibit B
San Rafael Business Improvement District Proposed Budget for 2025 as of 10.25
Estimate Year 2024 Projected 2025
INCOME BID Assessments 63,525.00 64,000.00
Utility Box Painting (DSRAD) 1,000.00 10,000.00
Public Art Programming (DSRAD) 0.00 10,000.00
Lunar New Year 2,050.00 2,050.00
May Madness 13,381.04 14,000.00
Pride Art Walk 2,302.03 2,300.00
DUTL-Dancing Under the Lights 16,950.45 18,000.00
Hops & Vines 9,480.00 11,000.00
Promotional Programming 1,000.00 1,000.00
Holiday Windows 2,050.00 2,050.00
Elf Hunt 1,000.00 1,000.00
Winter Wonderland 0.00 0.00
Menorah Lighting 0.00 0.00
Total Income 112,738.52 135,400.00
EXPENSES EVENTS & MARKETING EXPENSE
Beautification/Cleanliness Efforts 5,000.00 5,000.00
Utility Box Painting (DSRAD) 1,000.00 10,000.00
Public Art Programming (DSRAD) 0.00 10,000.00
Lunar New Year 1,420.63 1,400.00
Clean & Green Day 0.00 0.00
Mixers (Baseball, Fall, & Holiday) 1,500.00 1,500.00
Pride Art Walk 1,405.60 1,400.00
DUTL-Dancing Under the Lights 16,742.77 17,000.00
Hops & Vines 6,759.76 7,000.00
Trick or Treat 600.00 600.00
Promotional Programming 1,500.00 1,500.00
Holiday Windows 1,400.00 1,400.00
Elf Hunt 2,000.00 1,500.00
Winter Wonderland 3,000.00 3,000.00
Menorah Lighting 250.00 250.00
West End Promotions 1,300.00 1,300.00
Total EVENTS & MARKETING EXPENSE 43,878.76 62,850.00
OPERATING EXPENSES
Advertise/Marketing Social Media 2,600.00 4,000.00
Advertise/Marketing Online 1,000.00 3,000.00
Bank Fees 200.00 200.00
Computer Programs & Software 2,500.00 2,800.00
Consultant/Professional/Accounting 0.00 1,000.00
Insurance 1,926.00 2,000.00
Miscelleneous Expenses 74.00 75.00
Office Supplies 111.99 150.00
Payroll Staffing 50,000.00 50,000.00
Payroll Taxes 5,000.00 5,000.00
Worker's Compensation Insurance 533.00 550.00
Postage Mailing 225.00 225.00
Taxes/IRS 879.15 1,000.00
Telephone 1,500.00 1,500.00
Website Maintenance/Hosting 120.00 150.00
San Rafael Business Improvement District Proposed Budget for 2025 as of 10.25
Total OPERATING EXPENSES 66,669.14 71,650.00
Total INCOME 112,738.52 135,400.00
Total EXPENSE 110,547.90 134,500.00
TOTAL PROFIT/LOSS 2,190.62 900.00
Estimate Year 2024 Projected 2025
RESOLUTION NO. 15356
RESOLUTION OF THE SAN RAFAEL CITY COUNCIL DECLARING THE CITY COUNCIL’S INTENTION TO LEVY AN ANNUAL ASSESSMENT FOR CALENDAR YEAR 2025 FOR THE DOWNTOWN SAN RAFAEL BUSINESS IMPROVEMENT
DISTRICT
WHEREAS, California Streets and Highways Code Sections 36500 et seq. authorizes cities to establish parking and business improvement areas for the purpose of promoting economic revitalization and physical maintenance of business districts in order to create jobs, attract new businesses, and prevent erosion of business districts; and WHEREAS, the Downtown San Rafael Business Improvement District (“BID”) was established in 2013 to amend the existing Parking and Business Improvements District instituted in 1979 in the commercial area on and around the Fourth Street corridor in San Rafael; and
WHEREAS, pursuant to San Rafael Municipal Code Chapter 10.09 and California Streets and Highways Code Section 36533, the Advisory Board of the BID shall prepare an annual report for each calendar year in which assessments are to be levied, which the City Council shall review; and
WHEREAS, the BID Advisory Board has prepared and filed with the City Clerk its “BID 2024 Annual Report,” and the City Council has reviewed and approved the report; NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of San Rafael as follows:
1. The City Council intends to levy and collect an annual benefit assessment for the calendar year 2025 on businesses in the Downtown San Rafael Business Improvement District to pay for selected improvements and activities of the BID.
2. The boundaries of the entire area to be included in the BID, and the boundaries of each separate benefit zone within the BID, are set forth in Exhibit A to the BID 2024 Annual Report on file with the City Clerk.
3. The types of improvements and activities proposed to be funded by the levy of assessments on business in the BID are set forth in the BID 2024 Annual Report on file with the City Clerk.
4. The method and the basis for levying the benefit assessment on businesses within the BID and proposed assessments to be levied for calendar year 2025 are set forth in San Rafael Municipal Code Section 10.09.050 and Exhibit B to the BID 2024 Annual Report on file with the City Clerk.
5. All funds of the BID shall be expended on improvements and activities within the BID.
6. New businesses shall not be exempt from payment of the fee.
7. A public hearing to consider the levy of the BID assessment shall be held before the City Council on December 16, 2024 at 6:00 pm in the Council Chambers, 1400 Fifth Avenue, San Rafael, California or by teleconference by visiting https://www.cityofsanrafael.org/departments/public-meetings/ for the call-in phone number and meeting ID listed on the agenda (or using Zoom app to connect to this meeting ID).
At the public hearing the testimony of all interested persons, for or against the levy of the BID assessment or on any of the matters included in the assessment, will be heard and all protests collected.
8. A protest against the assessment of the BID or any aspect of the assessment may be made in writing or orally at the public hearing. To be counted as a part of a majority protest against the assessment of the BID, a protest must be in writing and from a business in the BID. A written protest may be withdrawn from the record at any time before the conclusion of the public hearing. Each written protest shall contain a written description of the business in which the person signing the protest is interested, sufficient to identify the business and its address. If the person signing the protest is not shown on the official records of the City of San Rafael as the owner of the business, then the protest shall contain or be accompanied by written evidence that the person is the owner of the business. Any written protest of the regularity of the proceedings shall be in writing and clearly state the irregularity or defect to which the objection is made.
9. If at the conclusion of the public hearing on December 16, 2024, there is a record of written protests by business owners within the BID who will pay fifty percent (50%) or more of the total assessments of the entire BID, no further proceedings to levy the proposed assessment shall occur for a period of at least one year from the date of the finding of the majority written protest by the City Council. If the majority of written protest is against the furnishing of a specified type or types of improvement or activity within the area, those types of improvements or activities shall be eliminated.
10. Further information regarding the Downtown San Rafael Business Improvement District may be obtained from the Economic Development Division at 1400 Fifth Avenue, San Rafael, CA 94901.
11. The City Clerk is directed to give notice of said public hearing by publishing this Resolution of intention once in a newspaper of general circulation in the City of San Rafael, at least seven days before the hearing, and by mailing a complete copy of this Resolution of Intention to those interested parties who have filed a written request with the local agency for mailed notice of public meetings or hearings on new or increased general taxes.
I, LINDSAY LARA, Clerk of the City of San Rafael, hereby certify that the foregoing Resolution was duly and regularly introduced and adopted at a regular meeting of the City Council of the City of San Rafael, held on Monday, the 18th day of November 2024, by the following vote, to wit:
AYES: COUNCILMEMBERS: Bushey, Hill, Kertz, Llorens Gulati & Mayor Kate NOES: COUNCILMEMBERS: None
ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: None
Lindsay Lara, City Clerk