Meeting held at Roosevelt Commons, 825 N. 6th Ave., Phoenix, AZ 85003
Attending: Tim Sprague, Louisa Stark, Matt Tomb, Elise Griffin, Beatrice Moore, Steve Weiss, Reid Butler, Emily Gersema, Tim Eigo, Suad Mahmuljin, Karla Grijalva, Eva O. Olivas, Sean Sweat, Tim Eigo
9:40 AM: Introductions and approval of minutes
Motion to approve Reid Butler, Second Tim Eigo, voice vote carried unanimously.
9:45 AM: GUEST SPEAKER REP. CHAD CAMPBELL(District 14), STATE TAX CODE LOOPHOLES
State Budget 2 billion in overage, borrowed so much bond rating down. Sold state buildings for lease back, education and health care cuts imminent.
State already has high state sales tax rate, with 51-53 % of state revenue as sales tax.
Solution for fiscal soundness-10 billion dollars on books as exemptions-if medical/health care exemptions removed from discussion, still 3 billion left in exemptions(examples-country club memberships, 4” gas pipe used for home construction, horse/dog racing) No stomach from state legislature to increase property taxes.
Reform of tax code key-revenue neutral-lower sales tax from 6% to 4%.
Best way to solve problem-close exemptions, tax services(big push-back). Otherwise when temporary 3 year tax increase expires, state will fall off cliff financially.
Discussion: promote and advertise that exemptions exist. Broaden base, spread burden around
2012-ballot initiative-equity in tax codes,but hope is that it should be discussed in legislature before doing it through ballot.
10:48 AM: STATUS HANCE/DECK PARK-REID BUTLER
Master Plan discussion in progress for Hance Park, Karen Williams from City of Phoenix in charge.
January 27, 2011-get Master Plan approved from Parks Board
Group working to create Conservancy-long-term commitment looks for additional revenue from park. “How do you bring in $20,000./month?”
Performing Arts Center under-utilized/Make Hance Park gathering place
Block out workshop with DVC – discussion Hance Park-invite ASU Downtown and Karen Williams
11:00 AM: METRO WEST UPDATE – REID BUTLER
Long-range planning light rail to West Valley
Alignments Jefferson through St. Matthews-Metro and City postponed decision-pushback from community.
Best idea-use 19th Avenue
Tim Sprague-current route gives least economic development opportunities
Reid Butler-Working group preferred Adams versus Jefferson
19th Ave-from I-10 costs more but better economic development
New discussion-N edge I-10 versus middle of I-10
Need real discussion meeting with community-not show and tell
11:17 AM: ASU DOWNTOWN COMMUNITY AND BUSINESS ADVISORY COUNCIL-STEVE WEISS
Steve Weiss-should I stay in this group even if it’s seems a joke and a time-waster?
DVC – Yes, because it’s good to know what’s going on.
DISCUSSION ON VISIONING DOCUMENT TABLED TO NOVEMBER GENERAL MEETING
Tim Eigo, second Steve Weiss
NEW BUSINESS
11:32 AM: CVS McDowell/Central applying for liquor license
DVC to send letter of disapproval(note that letter ended up sent to Phoenix Councilman Nowakowski…liquor clerk said we were out of area for consideration based on physical address DVC, can’t use PO Box)
11:37 AM: MOTION TO ADJOURN
Louisa Stack, So Moved
11:30 AM: MEETING ADJOURNED
Downtown Voices Coalition 