HomeMy WebLinkAboutRestaurant Association BID Minutes 03/28/2012
Minutes
of the
Board of Directors of the
Restaurant Association
Business Improvement District
Back Bay Bistro
March 28, 2012
1. Call to Order
The meeting was called to order at 9:35 am. There was not a general quorum, but
there was a quorum of the Executive Committee present.
Directors Present:
Sherri Drewry Wilma’s
Jim Walker Bungalow
John Robinson Amelia’s
Guests / General Board Members Present
Nancy Gardener Mayor CNB
Jim Mosher CNB Resident
Dave Salisbury Newport Landing
Thomas Guliano Back Bay
Bob McCaffery Dock Owners Association
Joe Stapleton Newport Chamber
Ex Oficio
Peggy Fort CMC
Scott Palmer CNB
2. Minutes
-Sherri motioned for approval of the minutes from the January 25 meeting, Jim
Walker seconded, approved.
3. President’s Report
-The Best Practices seminar between the Chamber and the RA will be held in
conjunction with Cedar Creek on May 17th from 3-5 pm. There are at least 5
sponsors.
-Jim also attended the CRA seminar where they reported that Groupon type
promotions are not beneficial to restaurants. Carl's Jr also announced that it will
not be starting more restaurants in CA because of excessive legislation. Jim has
invited a representative of the State Board of Equalization to address the issue of
mandatory tip addition.
4. NBRA Partnership Development
- Jim Walker asked for more inventory and vendor reports for Cedar Creek's
evaluation of potential savings. He also announced cooperative data/ card
processing systems. He expressed concern about food prices rising especially for
independent operators, as chains actually buy cattle and other futures to assure
cost management.
-Jim Mosher commented on his opinion that a purchasing coop is not part of the
mandate of the BID. Peggy responded that the program complies with the intent
of the establishing code.
5. Council Report
-Nancy announced the progress of the SEAC and the council will hold a study
session on the structure and intent of the SEAC. The Restaurant Association
SEAC hearing will be on April 2 at 4:00 pm at the Oasis. Peggy asked Nancy if
the Restaurant BID would be able to present on the success of the campaign,
Nancy asked for an email to set up a schedule.
6. Financial Report
-Scott reported there was $91,857 cash on hand. Peggy noted various other
income and expense details
7. Marketing Report
-Peggy gave updates to the dining guide program. Dave wanted to know if the
two sided design was being continued: it is not.
-Jim Mosher contested the categorization of the Dining Guide, and asked for an
alphabetical index.
8. Restaurant Week
- The website showed 54,000 visits in January, up from prior years by 16%.
Irvine was the leading inquirer of Restaurant Week info. Scott reported calls to
the 800 number almost tripled in January. Yard House was up 1000% in overall
business compare d to numbers from the same time last year.
9. Open Forum
-Bob McCaffery discussed the raising of dock fees to pay for dredging the harbor
and the seawall. He worries that this may raise costs to restaurants. Jim Walker
mentioned potential raising of property tax to cover the maintenance.
-Jim Mosher brought up a point about the timing of levying assessments in the
BID instituting ordinance.
-Sheri brought up an article by Barbara Venezia reporting that Gary Sherman
wants to postpone net year's Restaurant Week. She also questioned Barbara's
assertion of the amount of monies given to a consultant. A discussion was held
about a response to made, if any. Jim Walker will call Gary Sherman to discuss.
10 Adjournment
-The meeting adjourned at 10:37am