The Redevelopment Agency has decided to fund a $20,000 part-time
downtown events coordinator even though some policy-makers wonder
if that’s enough money to get the job done.
Morgan Hill – The Redevelopment Agency has decided to fund a $20,000 part-time downtown events coordinator even though some policy-makers wonder if that’s enough money to get the job done.
The Morgan Hill City Council, acting as the agency’s directors, voted
5-0 Wednesday night to approve a $95,000 funding allocation to the Morgan Hill Downtown Association that includes money for the position.
The new hire will be responsible for planning and coordinating new events in the downtown core, such as festivals and bazaars ranging in size and theme.
Councilman Mark Grzan, however, asked if $20,000 would be enough to lure qualified applicants to the job. The rest of the money, $75,000, will be used by the association for creating a newsletter, hiring business consultants, advertising, insurance policies and paying the director’s salary, among other things.
Morgan Hill Mayor Steve Tate echoed Grzan’s concerns, adding he’d approve the funding this year but wants to see the part-time position pay off for the downtown before considering it again next year.
Morgan Hill Downtown Association Executive Director Theresa Kiernan said the new employee would create events that would eventually raise more than $20,000 a year. She added one reason it’s a good investment is it would be easy to measure.
“We are on the cusp of some wonderful opportunities for our downtown,” she said before the meeting. “The assistance of another person is going to make a big difference.”
The association’s only event so far is the Safe Halloween Trick or Treat festival that’s been a proven hit with residents and merchants.
But with Mushroom Mardi Gras, the Taste of Morgan Hill and the Fourth of July parade also anchored downtown, Councilman Larry Carr said he has concerns about downtown’s capacity for more events.
“But I’m sure that’s something the downtown association will figure out,” Carr said, suggesting the association would work with merchants to plan events most would support to promote their businesses.
Kiernan said promotions is one of several hats she wears as the group’s lone employee. She represents the downtown association’s board at public meetings and also said she handles daily tasks similar to running a small business. Additionally, she said she serves as an ambassador to downtown residents and merchants who seek her help.
According association’s fiscal year 2006-07 profit and loss chart, the total payroll came to nearly $32,000. Kiernan, the only paid employee, declined to say what she will earn in fiscal year 2007-08, adding it is not a matter of public concern.
Last year, the Redevelopment Agency supplied 84 percent of the organization’s funding, with a grant of $75,000. The group collected about $4,500 in membership dues and also received income from sponsors and ads purchased in its newsletter.
Kiernan started serving in the position last September replacing Dan Craig, who left the association last June to pursue other interests.
In other news, the Redevelopment Agency impaneled a five-person governing board that will control $75,000 a year in funds from the city’s first property-based improvement district.
The district will collect $75,000 a year for downtown improvement projects from property owners between Dunne Avenue, Butterfield Boulevard, Del Monte Avenue and Main Avenue.
Local developers Gary Walton and Rocke Garcia and longtime downtown resident Gayle Richter will serve on the district’s governing board. Kiernan and Morgan Hill Business Assistance and Housing Services Director Garrett Toy will serve on the board as non-voting members.
Downtown property owners approved the tax district last summer to generate revenue for cosmetic improvements such as street benches, signs and festive lighting. The district collected nearly $75,000 in fiscal year 2006-07. The district’s governing board will decide what projects to fund. Its voting members were determined by an election of the district’s property owners last spring.
The board is looking for two additional non-voting members who are downtown residents to provide input on decisions. For more information call the Morgan Hill Downtown Association at (408) 779-3190.
