RRSQ Association Board Meeting

Thursday, April 17, 2025 8:30 AM

Courtyard Marriott Hotel Conference Room: 175 Railroad Street

AGENDA

  1. CALL TO ORDER/INTRODUCTIONS – Meeting called to order at 8:38 AM  by Mike Montague, president. Board members present:  Jim McCalligan,Ann Galentine,AJ Trombetta, Paul Quattrocchi, Danielle Nelson,Noelle Hermann,Curt Nichols,Rafael Rivero, Gunnar Vega.  Absent: Pauline Block, Dee Richardson, Tom Buckley, Theresa Tomassi. Guests included: Scott Adair,City of SR Economic Development, Rachel Beer, Mark Tombetta, Sue Schuster, Justine Malone, Sally Garlick, scribe.
  2. PUBLIC COMMENTS ON NON-AGENDA ITEMS:  ?
  3. CONSENT ITEMS:  Mike asked for approval of Minutes from March 20,2025.  Moved: Jim McCalligan, Seconded Noelle Hermann. Minutes approved.
  4. SPECIAL GUEST: SCOTT ADAIR. Spoke on may issues concerning business attraction, permit processing expense, Business concierge program, City event coordinator, pop-up business program.  Issues related to attraction are among the obstacles encountered by businesses, high rents. Thinking of creative ways to attract customers such as Art in a Box mobile shipping container art show, etc. Conversations followed about connections between RRSQ and CHSQ and impression that downtown only encompasses the east side of the freeway. Looking at ways to connect such as  Art Exhibits Walking Tour.  
  • PRESIDENTS REPORT: MIKE:                                                                                                                                                                                            Good news on the tree project. Now awaiting stump griding and then replacement trees planted.  4th Street lighting installed and a lovely addition at night. Met with Catholic Charities re 5th Street
  • EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S REPORT: AMANDA

Reported on the condition of the wrapped trees in Depot Park and the City’s lack of interest in turning them on. RRSQ considering removing the lights because they are an eyesore.

Question for a policy on our role with events by outside groups

      7.FINANCE REPORT:  ANN

Continues review of finances. First installment received from County. A bit under last year. Spending $10.000 under budget so far this year . Security service highest cost. In the process of gathering needed numbers for annual report to the City.

  • COMMITTEE REPORTS:
    • Marketing – Danielle: exploring ways to fundraise which will be reviewed next month. Use of credit cards during events, Expanding Banner program, working with influencer to assess business needs and thoughts are currently in progress. How to handle requests from the community about events in RRSQ and what our role is/is not in accommodating them needs review. RRSQ participating in Chamber EXPO business show event 5/6.                                                                                            Volunteers welcome.
    • Business Development Committee: AJ and Justine

Initial committee meeting held and discussed possible committee goals, ways to obtain metrics, attraction of anchor/brand tenants, retail mix and turnover. Discussed the identity/brand that is RRSQ and potential overlap with Marketing Committee. Next meeting will discuss community branding proposal from the Apres Midi marketing group.

City projects flat sales tax revenue – $1B is leaving the city, in addition SR has lower median income than other cities. City Economic Development working on a gap analysis and leakage study (including RRSQ) to see to which counties and toward what type of outside retail the city’s sales tax dollars are going. Useful to RRSQ once completed.

  • Security: Tom, AJ and Danielle 

Discussion on rumor that soup kitchen re-opening and St Vincent moving back to district??? 

Security costs increased and will be discussed at next meeting. 

Food vendors have been absent from recent weekend security reports due to SRPD and code enforcement activity.   

SR City Council is in budget setting and cuts to public safety are proposed. City Council member for our district is Banuelos.                                                                                                                                                                

  • Infrastructure: Curt                                                                                      

Depot park issues discussed and RRSQ needs to keep informed on EFID progess.

  • BYLAWS REPORT:  Gunnar/Curt

Bylaws moving forward with next steps to be reviewed by attorney, followed by Board approval.

  • MEETING ADJOURNED BY Mike Montague.

Next meeting May 15th 2025 at 8:30 AM

COURTYARD MARRIOTT, 175 RAILROAD STREET, SANTA ROSA CA.

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Our Mission is to enhance the district through economic and neighborhood well-being, safety, beautification and promotion.