Downtown Improvement District "DID" Board Workshop

get too o'clock it like to call it mean to her really do we have a core we do and it is timber first to Thank you. Let's get good place. First. stands one nation under God. is no and justice for all. >> And as a reminder, we do our board member Chris Poker via the telephone with Thank you to sort of a full board. We do. So I'll repeat the see additional people here may disagree. The respectful to one another will direct all comments to the issues. The first order of business is approval of minutes from August. The 6th, motion. on favor. Okay. So public input, Chile, we do. Mister David up. And mourning for the David Lowe with discontent. You change my remarks little bit of what I was going to One thing >> Mister or talked about was so and so we're going use the term And another term there. I'd like to use its value proposition. So one of the things is we frame parking, knew everything we is what is the value proposition. We collectively are offering consumers whether it be parking, we're restrooms or whatever. The streetscape the cleanliness of our street and so I want to frame it. When we look at policies, are we thinking in terms of this adding to this service, so the experience or detracting O Grande a paid parking. There's a little bit of a tractor, but how do we mitigate You know this good has providing new quarterly input to get 3 minutes a day to give a little mini one. One thing, though, not being president of disco anymore, but looking for things to focus on. One thing that a amenity of retail downtown. You know, my colleague talked about a survey that we wanted to do and I didn't since a great deal of interest. Your folks part, but the chamber and discuss working on a survey to see what kinds mix people might want. I've been doing some work on my own to some extent associated the housing. That's the word they're going to have some new retail and their space and have been trying to So I've been reaching out on my own. Steve is aware of some of the efforts but I've been contact with Hardware. Heard back from them. I've been in contact with CBS and heard back from them. I'm looking at some of bakery opportunities which might be a niche for us. opportunities to kind of goes back again and go to this value proposition. If people are coming downtown, what is it that missing mix that will never be able to quantify for that pharmacy. That may be downtown where that little hurt or store or that little New bakery, which we have. so I'm I'm kind of reaching out disco, by the way, has less than 2% of the budget. did. So this is all kind of pro bono work and what I'm doing and using the briefing book that a developer Miss Frey Ling, it kind of a condensed version of that is the talk. She and interesting how I do hear from people when they are right there and say I have no financial interest in this outcome, but I'm reaching note. 3 minutes. I was watching the Thank you, David. So the next order of business. City manager, please. Please, please. Yes. a bridge after Jarvis and with Haha. >> Fill in the Good morning. morning, everyone. How are you guys today? Are you for I'm okay. Good morning. >> So it's nice to finally be before you guys. And this is my first official did meeting, although it's been a yesterday was my official 3 month anniversary. With the city. Not that anyone's counting. Haha. She was an interesting day. I'm sure you're all aware of results of workshop. We have for the board yesterday. I'm here to answer any questions you have. I want to make sure that you understand that this is Jennifer Jorgensen. I know you all know her, but she is now officially the city's deputy city manager. And so we work very closely together as a team. And so you'll be seeing a lot of her to her new official capacity as well. you probably have all Google me a number of times. So, you know, a lot about me already, but I will answer the questions that you have. if you didn't your research, you know that a lot of my background when I was up in online Chicago area was economic development. I start out as community neighborhood planner up being economic development director for the city of Pure, Real 9 that I moved up to Chicago area and really have spent a lot of my career in economic development. So one of the things that I'm doing as a new city but I'm not in meetings after meetings my first week. Buy that. Just give you perspective. I committed address for a second my first week I was here. I had 53 He's. >> So and has a slowed up slowdown. but going back to my economic developments, comments is, you know, my review of our documents in my initial review of our resources allocation resources. I've come to a conclusion that we really do not have a very solid economic development program. What I mean by that, I mean, we have a reactive or not for a proactive. And that's something that we're going to be working together. And trying to create we also have a brand new economic development manager who was just recently She's actually in the planning Ms Dieter Larkins. She's coming from Saint Pete's. And so she's been I think, a couple weeks as well. So she is new to the team and she's originally from the City of Sarasota. So she's coming back home. open to any common questions you have for me. I'm pretty much an open book that you see is what you get. And I look forward to working with you guys on your various projects lane. A little bit more about your organization and what your parties are Astle Thank you very much. This morning. The I'm basically your operations, a status report. So kind of where we're at with some of these initiatives that you've been working with the city on. And so we have that as well. So there's anything you want to bring to my attention this any insights that you want to share with me or if there's any questions that you have in me. I'm welcome. Thank you very much. once I write, you think would be appropriate if we're equipped who's up here? Because there's So when first met with Christopher, See quick press, Chris few that Chris or not. >> I a little bit background. Her background. She comes to the city. She probably a function center to Chris, what you >> I'm sorry hear. I'm all know I'm I'm on a weird time. Delay year. Okay. So it's you guys. Talk hear anything. But it is kind of your money out now. But but that that's one of the recent. >> A case can hear me now because I'm sorry. need yes, grant. Yeah. So I guess to quick bio for because some of the people have not had the pleasure of meeting city manager and Jennifer, so I thought we get a quick bite of who we are, kind of how we set the city so we can show understand our feelings where they come from. Army. Yes, you start. >> Okay. Sure. I'm happy I'm pretty poker and I'm led to the rest of And and operate too. It was downtown restaurant. One of them and best sound in the other is a evening out what I've been on board trimming out the year, but been on quite a while. I'm I. Here's But the prop downtown so that that. >> think I was running sugar come from Los Angeles. I moved to Sarasota. 2019. I was in the personal care business at a company called a sugar cosmetics. I saw 5 years ago, actually today's 5 years. And I substantial investment here in downtown 20,000 square retail space. Building a new home in Harbor The current owner and operator of Sugar Champagne bar downtown. I've been on the board with the with the that for my 3rd year, my 3rd year. I love being here. I love the city of Sarasota. Always believed in it. I call this the East Coast, Palm Springs, I fell in love with the wind came here and I thought that it's just a remarkable place. The people here. The shopping, a divide is just such a beautiful place. And I just want to be an advocate of this beautiful city. But way but been here for 34 years. Give or take. >> And I came down as managing partner for Benderson Development Open the state Office of here 2000, 2 or so left that company in 2005 my own real estate company which have been doing ever since partner years, the State Street garage on the retail space downstairs. They have the city to help the city the passion about the city try and help the city the best we can. We're here is partners and diligently try and help any way that we can help you Mister Culver and making the place a better experience, a better life for people in the city. Understanding all the trials and tribulations of big city has now we are little bigger city and so are when listening help. >> Morningside Acome are also real estate developer moved here about 5 years ago. Marshall was he? And ever since I set foot here been c'est with the city. We've obviously few projects ongoing right now about 3 towers slated for downtown one, finishing one, starting one in the earlier phases of of commencement. Would we are involved. The retail market were active in the public So similar to Mister Rubin. We're just here to help are excited. I see a very bright future. So it be my first experience with the city Get to spend much of the Marlins. So going to figure out how we can help each other. But I have probably 4, 5 meetings with you soon. So add that to the list. All right. >> Hampshire, I moved to service. So the 35 years ago and that that always lives in the city. First of them, Bay Island, which was really great that we bought a building downtown the cordon near the corner of main and palm. And the toying with the idea of moving them calm but was scared to sell the property on the water because you'll never get back. And then we took the plunge. And the never looked back. So up in downtown the. Of live downtown on the building longer. being downtown 12 years, seeing a lot of changes being on the parking committee for most of that time. Hate to think this is where front is running away. we can do better. a landlord. The building owner of all live right in the heart of downtown. I see things that. It's really amazing. Last night some guy was coming down the alley, my ring doorbell wind up. So I went on my balcony and said, hey, what are you doing? And I'm just trying to find a place, you know, he was just 20 years, my water and whatever. But it is good to have residents who are proactive and know what's going on. Loves the I run an Oriental. Unique Oriental carpet business downtown. And though I love it because I feel like I know have to people in Sarasota. Although I am getting to be a good light, down the street and someone I leave hi how you then my husband was say who was that? So I guess you're getting A lot recognizing that be one Saturday and some won't stop us. I think I know who you are. >> What I know you we saw you TV. >> anyway. Welcome anything I can do to help. I'm changing my death. And then, of >> Well, I would just like to say that, you know, when the reasons I was so excited to be considered to be the city manger for Sarasota is because I really feel like is extorting a community. I'm type of person. I am a type a person. believe you're going to do anything you need to be do Good enough, right? And so I'm really excited because I think that we have such a great foundation and externally things already happening remind people sometimes I think we get focus on the small issues in the community. with sometimes you got step back and look at this beautiful community and see it off. You know, from a higher level and in it really does help. I think by Lejeune in terms of the competing priorities that we experience within the city, which there are a lot of them right now. But I am just excited because when I first came here, I've been coming to Sarasota for many, many with my family. I have family down here as well. My mother lived at him before she passed away. So I've seen Sarasota change from a sleepy little beach town to what it is today. And I Sarasota grow very quickly. And there's some growing pains that we have to address for that, which is any community in the country is just with those things. One of things about Sarasota we're so fortunate to have is the downtown. There are so many communities across the country, including where I came from, which is the Chicago area where they would die to have a we have literally. A vibrant, active. Destrehan focused downtown. Their communities are investing hundreds of millions of dollars to build what we have here in Sarasota. We it. So what do we do to make it better protected? Right? Because we already have it. And that's what's so exciting. I think there's some endless opportunities here to think about where do we want to be in the next 20 years and how do we get there? One of the things that we have in our budget for next year, which I felt very strongly about the short period time and I've been here, city manages we need to really focus on strategic planning. We need have data. We need to be data driven. High performance driven because that helps us identify her knees and make sure we meeting our goals set by those priorities. And so that's something I'm looking forward to engaging next year for the entire community, something that the 5 commissioners felt was very important to step back and look at the entire city and have a to plan that could implementable. And with objective is and it com plus a measurable goals. So that's kind of where I'm at right now. My short tenure here. Any questions you have for Jennifer, where can you find the money to help the parking division >> We're >> going to talk about lax right to the guest. Rest of us to were is December reserve schedule. The structural study of the garage each one of the garage is you know what's ahead of you. >> And that there's money set aside. They struck in the reserve budget. Yeah, to handle the maintenance of ongoing yearly basis. Yeah. Get wet when you've got new elevators and that down all the time for years. I mean, it's inexcusable. Really proud you would never have that in a million years. Never happened. The private side. How's that been government? That's really all I can control of the government that they happen. And I think it's just a minute for part of the garage there. Well functioning and that can can can break. Even it's great have a reserve schedule. And that's what the taxpayers expect to pay for the first place. They're still paying for. yeah, it's important to me that that we fix that little problem inside the party. Most a bigger problem so that you have and I know your plates full parking lot of work. We saw that storm damage is still that FEMA claims got a big play you. I understand all has been active downtown for many years to love this place. I was sure that stores are all boarded up on Main Street. There's nothing here yet. So the transformation has happened the last 20 years that we really got to protect grown-up. Exactly. Yeah. And you know, so we need >> Yeah, I don't have a for the parking and just over a parking in general. I think there's some things that we obviously can do better. I think there are now says that we do to ensure some of the concerns that you have mentioned address ahead of time. There's even some things that were bought yesterday at workshop mean where I think there are things that we can do collectively, not just with the did that with all of the impact of businesses and our really community at large. I think it's going up hybrid solution. I really do. I don't any other solution that we can approach other than a hybrid solution. And some of the replacement of the elevators some of the software and technology and things like that. Even the replacement, the cars is going the right direction because they are doesn't look like these are extremely inefficient And actually replacing them with the normal cars are actually going to say my long-term. So some of NASA's been down we can do more. Certainly everything's right now under the cloud of what I call the Amendment 3. And so I feel like honestly, be quite frank for a little bit impotent purgatory right now. So if you know, that means if you're good practicing Catholic and you know what that means right? >> Your hand on how you have any can't. You're right there in the middle trying figure out which way you're going to go. And that's just reality that we're in right now as every other community in the state of Florida. Right? >> So I one way or the other. I'm looking forward to getting November 3rd behind us because I think that when we know we can plan better right? And and that's really what we need to do. So in the meantime, we are going to be changed back the signs downtown for the normal hours prior to the vote that was made back in May by the commission. So there's not this confusion of what our forsman ours are. We're going to be doing that. And then we're also going to start working on some of those other things like a true Validation Business Foundation program that this is compared pay this easy to do. And it's not complicated. And I am assuming that it will be part of that. Absolutely. I see you guys as a resource as someone who boots on the ground one understands what's happening out there, what we can and cannot do as well as other groups as well as our staff as well. >> Thank Thank you. Thank you, Any questions? >> No, not of all. I'm very excited about the future of we thank my members here that I really do appreciate that. I will take you up on that. Thank you. Thank you so much. so much. it could be of service to help in any way we can. Thank you. That was discussion of parking. >> So yes, so based upon discussion this morning at your workshop. If there are action items in each direction and the think of that nature now would be the time. >> So can I this question? Is it possible for the directors to seize out for a night or 2? But their comments to you? And then if you get the counts to me, I liked over articulate the board's position instead of just giving a few ideas here. I think today would be a little more constructive way to take. >> If you get bored consensus today I I agree plane. I agree. as Chris, you agree that. Yeah, thank both her. And said the consensus is everybody formulate. >> What I'll do is I summarize the meeting. I will minutes. Then you can take that. And then summarize your thoughts. Send them back to me. And then I will coordinate that with the chair and set up the meeting with Mister Culver and what kind >> it would be great if we can make that all happen prior to our next meeting in October so that you can report back, so do it if I can get you all the minutes by the end of this week. Give you all the week and then I can set it up the following week. right. >> Mister, Go or big reason for that. thank you. Case in their sick. We ready for the next order of business. You know, we okay. grants. Yes, please. >> So if you all recall back in or even before June, you opened up your grant period. Four-year public Graham activation. And at such time you degree C 2 applications for your precious series events on that board meeting on July second, the board voted 4 to one to award the grant in the amount of $92,000 to next based upon their Next. Mark is here with us and does have a brief. that they will be presenting and then after that presentation, I will be asking the too, approved the locations, dates and beans for the Fresh Friday schedule. I will ask for a designated board liaison to work with next mark as well as authorizing the chair to execute can sign the agreement, which will then serve as the mechanism to fund the program. Remember, these will not be affected until October one when the new fiscal year budget goes into place. And just, you Page, 43 viewer, gender material are the season. 6 lineup. That includes date, your location and your 43 page. 43 of the backup material. And J T H. Right and the right up there. And if you just remember to state your name for record good morning morning morning. has risen to serve the McLean Experience management >> JT Pronto president next. Mark. >> Today we're going to do today's review. What we're proposing from a lineup perspective for each location with above. Some feedback on goal today is to have a collaborative process. We do our initial. >> Okay. Is it on presentation? is up But they have been in there and they're like it is. >> With first 3 Main Street, North Palm 5 points. Park have been traditionally wear each fresh. Fridays location has been reason being 2 things. Number one, always love to kick it off of Main Street. The most businesses are Main Street gets the most amount congestion and most crowd as well. The one on November 6 is intentional as well. In North Palm. Technically it's it's North Palm. It's right by What we're going to do is actually light up the garage with projection and partner with the Ringling students. We did this last year as well as the city of Sarasota, Art Department and project they the sales. Yes, And so we're in talks with them to go through a very similar process than what we did last time. But it was a great event and well-received event as well. And then finally the 3rd one light up the night being in the 5 points, part lighting up that a Christmas tree and celebrating the holiday season for that first fresh Typically a great and most attended event is actually light up the night. Ultimately those 3 ones that we really feel that our are primarily focused in any not only the heart of downtown, but there's reasons behind it as well. Then you'll see kind of a switch from State Street to Main Street starting in 2027. January is the week after a new year. So we give a week breaker. We buffer. We've been directed to kind of switch back and forth from locations, from State Street, Main Street throughout downtown. But the goal is to not repeat month to month and to switch locations each month there and then finally ending on North Palm using art of patients, a covered area just in case of rain. And we've got some good turnout last year from that. But you never know in the weather is going suffice. You'll see each team as independent as well. A lot different than last There are some classics on their such as back to the 80's. One of our more popular light up the night. But each other theme is is actually different compared to last year. live music is is going to be the main aspect of it. And then an added value activity as well will be part of the pressurized events. So opening up with any discussion if we're good with that now that we can see Any thoughts? Questions, comments, concerns. Surely isn't. Thank you very much for both being here. Very Love the idea about the themes. >> I think the locations are I know for. The last July 4th of July celebration to 50. You did have a beer garden. Are you expecting to expand that or you can be doing that? Yes. >> Yeah. So it's going to be how you can actually cause we're not a card you're going, but some sort of area doesn't air designated area for food and beverage right. High top tables included in that not necessarily blocked off, but sanction for area food and beverage Center. And it also depends on the location to Main Street. We've got so much room to work with State Street a little bit higher. So might be a smaller footprint. But ultimately it doesn't need area in which we can hours of endure hours of operation. Are you changing? Are you keeping the same same same 7 to 10. All right. Thank you very KT. As you know, we spent a lot of time together sort of exploring some of the private right is yes. >> A few months ago. And I'll tell you, you guys do it on the table job. And I think when we went, we went and told everyone to did little interview here. Incredible we want to see if people knew about board and what we're about and what we're doing and are this trick. You did a great presentation about us. And, you know, I was invited on stage everyone, but I think we need to keep pushing that aspect that board's involved in this event, they helping make this event reality, the support. believe what I can tell you how people came up and said, you know, thanks so much city employees or others. It's it's really rewarding. And I know we have a lot of more important issues that I believe need to be addressed. But this allows us to have fun and get back and people enjoy and the city has to offer so, you because think that and the goal is to create a sense of community in place, right? That's why we set out to do this. And I. >> You know, right now we need that quite frankly. Yeah, we did serve a lot of people. It's tremendous and people are not from the city and I don't this right here. I mean, they're driving 30, 40 minutes. Come here. It's becomes aspiration. those people want to live here. So it's pretty amazing. >> Great job. I love that next. taking up and keeping things fresh. Well, holding on that, plastic so I I I really underscore everything that I just said. >> Also, they move forward here. A couple new things that we've got launching here. We've updated actually created a new splash plea Flash page website for us. I encourage everyone to check it out. Gives an idea of and how you know, ultimately each event is gives you a link to Facebook register and intended to the event. Some FAQ, some parking information, sponsorship opportunities as well. I encourage everyone to check it And it's a brand new website that we just launched. We also do have a kind of a promotional video that will go through. We play sound as a possible are now okay. Well, imagine up the music here. You know, people having a great time gives a good idea you know, who's the the audience, the number of participants. A lot of our drone footage as we went through It also gives a rundown of everything that we're going to do the season. So. Give it a few seconds here. And you can fill in the blanks. What >> haven't seen her for a long time. And >> Yes, we're right were and were planning on going back as well. >> A lot of good PR as well. Fill in the blanks here. So you'll see we're voting number one or number 2 in the ticket for for, you know, what to do during the weekend as well. You'll see all the events and kind of what the theme is for each event here. Kind of up close and and kind of get a sense of what we're we're planning on doing here. And that is awesome. The other thing that we've got cook in, that we could use some help on to be Frank is is getting sponsorships for this We are in talks with one for a presenting sponsor, kind of going back and forth there. But we are offering 2 different sponsorship opportunities for the season on an event by event bases here. But you'll see pricing what's included for each component here. Sponsorship level. All right. Is that not only do you get presents at the event, but also our digital footprint as well through social media. Through our news letter for all the different website, things that we're doing and and throughout. So we appreciate anyone who's interested in sponsoring reach out to We're definitely looking for some sponsors in creating some buzz around sponsorship as well. But these are the 2 different packages that were offering 4 fresh rise this year. I take a sponsorship just within the did district or outside. >> These are just so to be a vendor just within the district. But outside, you can sponsor without being event. >> They could be a really good to be presenting sponsor for outside the district. Correct? Are you doing any type cold calling or any type we are? Yeah, we I think people typically what happens is almost like a bell curve where you get more closer to the holidays closer to season. And that's when sponsorships 10 tick up and then kind of dropped off at the end there. But beginning people need to understand that this is available for the first event. >> We >> don't necessarily need any it's more so to allow us to do additional things, additional giveaways, additional activities or so for that That's that's the thought process. There is good, too. And that's that's all I have for today. Quick and easy. We appreciate everyone's support and looking for everyone coming out to the first event. think makes will die. >> Thank you. Great Great job. >> That there's 3 clients there's can do. This is just first fresh Fridays and that we need a motion this for the first one right? Again, the Fresh Fridays is for all of the events minus the light up the night, even though it was included in the presentation, it's not included in the fresh Friday. So again, we need in a motion that approves the proposed dates and locations in the themes. >> We need a designated board liaison and we need authorization for the chair to execute the grant. >> They saw start make the motion to open ocean. Yeah, let's make the most open discussion at Motion that we approve the. Fresh try lineup one of the event and let know just 92,000. If you want to put myself as a nominee anyone else. Wants put the second that same shun. Well, they were not that. >> And authorize the chair to execute the grant chair. Motion to authorize the chair as well. Second. Who second Great. Now take the vote fair? us that Chris. Okay, that's only thank you. >> I'm sorry, know that, you know, you >> in general for it. But if anybody could do a good job that you do it, it's a little job. So a vote it, you know, is you think perfect. >> Okay. Then next step is the one light up the night and the reason why light up the night to separate is because it is a larger events. So it does have a separate budget. So again, it's the same action. Obviously. >> I'd like rides and moves that we yeah. Is there a second on second second? >> Who is the is? Are we keeping what Romney is? The board liaison the lead of the night, right? it. Then I can concentrate not falling off the Eileen made the motion to nominate Romney as the liaison and authorize the chair to execute the grant second and all in favor. Aye. >> I was I I thank you. Yes, is. >> OK, and the final application in Grant is for last Friday. Shop small Saturday. >> This is the one that for the first time last year. So this is 4 November 27th and 28th. >> we need a liaison and of the chair. >> I I going delay has not been a member Thank you. Thank Director Chris. You want to make that motion? >> So I do. I move that we accept wrap Janell, let any that movements. >> Doesn't mean you're and that I would at >> For event. >> Perfect second. Second second. All in favor. Aye. I was thank you. >> Okay. And all 3 of these events are very, very, very quickly. Coming up, we will have updates pretty much all of upcoming meeting so that we're on track specially because the Black Friday shop small Saturday one is just around the corner and then right after that is So we're going to get a move on on those events relative right fit. >> to give you an update on Black Friday. I have talked to the chamber and they're willing to work with us again this year. And our And I've also spoken to the Downtown Merchants Association. And we've had some discussions about trying to to join hands with them, join forces with him make a bigger and better event. >> Perfect as think you're And then the king I can do, Chris, among the palm of a new group and weep. Perfect board it. Yes, it. >> Thank you, Amy. Thank you >> chairman make a for a 5 minute pass and brighter. >> It is. >> 45 minutes. Thank you. >> Okay. So next step you have a market in communication update. So this a 90 day update. I'm from from and our vice chair who have been working over the past 90 So they will be giving you an update of what has been happening. >> Good morning. Good morning. >> And just state your name for the happened with West. Make sure you just become the mic. Okay. Last 90 days we obviously we had to get some contract that and this placed operational housekeeping, types of things. We're still managing some of those. We don't have access to the Web site, but we're working Julie's been >> the social media content. That's where we've really spent most of our time and effort, the materials that I have for you are a full audit like we did before. I just gave you some highlights. But we are putting some things in place for We're bringing you online to our foods. Sweet, so we can create a dashboard for you in Taylor, your information so monthly we can provide you the same we use this opportunity to introduce the come downtown series with the call to action. We've been looking and we there's strategy behind us looking at the techniques that designs trends we've really looked at the time mean to see how your audience is responding to the content. That's content has been definitely giving you a fresh look and feel. We'll go through that. took care photo shoot. So we've got a full library now fresh, a materials will continue to do that. We have new designs will take you through. We've increased number of reels we added Adam Ation. The struggles for. One of the things that we talked about the last time we met, we have top 3 immediate goals. We've accomplished all 3 of those schools. Get your frequency back up. I think with the transition on that was kind of a quiet period in there. So we've got that back up to 3 a would definitely focused on strategic timing. We played with that some just to see how it would respond. Then we increase the reels, get those back up because that had. Needed some definite The engagement was up over 1100% from the previous 90 days. Then our views route 330% for those 90 days. The top performing I know there's some conversation about this. Obviously parking it was relevant. So you can spectacular response. We're trying to get more people to engage with you versus just are followers were focusing on non followers. That was a big job. The sound study I was surprised the June teeth story did really well. Then they did, you know, series also did well. And I City cure comment about the Fresh Fridays. People don't know that. That's the downtown improvement district. That would be great opportunity have a whole different brand identity there. I think it be nice if we could merge that. And that obviously that had some relevant content in there. We got mixed up into the election conversation, but I think it would be a nice series to continue. And the 4th of July celebrations I point out here than on followers we were focusing on that we step 508% and we're trying to increase that audience, get to know the audience so that we can convert the non followers into followers. >> So before we move started, was going to say before on my sheet, it looks like you want to design. After this is designed. Yes, okay. So it might also asked we will provide lots. Yeah, As as we went through this audit, there was quite a few challenges that we had to overcome. I think the baseline wasn't really set. To start off with for us and how we want to see. And so what we found was the primary source of news on social media was Facebook. ought to did exactly what was happening and why. And I think what we did this, you have to understand this was me to which is a dead period. You know, both the city for quite frankly, everything. And so it was nice test case to clean up. So at this stage, we feel like we have a nice. Clean slate to start the season. And with the new designs, you're going to shortly. Nothing drastic. But there's to come. It was all housekeeping up until I think the next couple months where we have a few series almost think that we need that Flick series will have interesting dialogue with people which are going launch the health quest in order to continue the growth of an exposure for the debt but also help transition from Facebook to Instagram where I think we need to be a so without the Web site, Facebook being only access point we really had to work seamlessly to figure out how to get this up. And I think the numbers are good. I think you'll find a lot better numbers as we get around season. So you've got to go through Okay. >> The last 7 and this is a new one that was interesting to see the views were 70%, non followers. Again, just trying to get an understanding and try and grow the audience and convert them. We did some new designs for you. Different treatments. I'm right here. We've some of the same pictures that will be able to keep the content fresh. New look and feel had been updated in a Chris Kent. >> Hear us anymore. Can coming up at runner. Call her. >> for work okay. Great. >> We can hear I'm just going to take you through some of the designs. Again, different treatments, logo treatments, color combinations, we can slot any different photos from our new library in there. We can focus on restaurants. We can focus on views again. More designs. One of the things we did talk about was wanting to keep the content fresh and not so static. Particularly on the Web site we can get in there. Well, that correct. I meet for vendors. Yeah, exactly. We put it on the Facebook as well. Just trying to increase that engagement. And then we did launch the new news letter for September. That's and we can continue to refine that different columns. Different story. Topics. That we've already open rate of upwards of 80%. We're going to build that out. We just transition that. And then the next 90 days since you're kicking off your fall season when things get interesting again. plat for transition is important. One of the things we did recommend and Julie's aware of it is potentially considering a new platform, a WordPress platform, which is one of the strongest platforms in the country. It's over 50% of a major brands use. That gives you more functionality. Capabilities. We've got. looked into that. We're getting the access taking care of on. We'll continue to develop social media diversified content strategic timing. I think some of the content to she want to be relevant and we need to blend that content we've got new top series. That city was talking the development corner. Good one. Also for the news letter, restaurant features retail features. We're going to target Instagram, trends, their design techniques that we can use continue to strengthen the destination appeal that Sarasota has, which is the reason we're all here. Why we love Sarasota so passionately to get people to come downtown called action. And really feature the fall calendar of events that you had and bridge that gap between the did cite the did social media and then Fresh Fridays is part of that. And also taking some of that content and creating and first, just like to share. To actually fresh content and work with next Marco, everyone to do that. So thank open to direction. I know we were just getting her feet wet. I'm sure miss Sugar some great Welcome that sticks been fantastic. On and as we get to know, each other will build the program. So that has the ability to grow and you have the right tools in place to grow. Thank you very much for the presentation. As you're aware, my background and social media is very strong. My company was spending over a million dollars a year. >> On social media and had a team of 16 people. I know you started 90 days ago. And we asked for the audit. I find it very disappointing. Unfortunately, first of all. The maintenance of ours, our our website. That's unfortunate. 90 days in and there's no control the website I spoke with Julie. I don't know if there's an issue with next market next. Markets here. I like them to come down to what is the issue that you? >> I that's my response it. That at the end of the day we're paying $5,000 a month for social media company to manage that. I find it horns up horns that there's no control of it because that is our that's the basis of who we are, who we try. We drive traffic. That means we've lost 90 days. feat, in my opinion that that is part and parcel of the social media network is we need to have. It's a Web site. We don't control website. What are we doing? I look at the social media and I'm obviously and we talk about upgrades 300%, 100%. But what's the baseline right? Really have 2 views and goes up to 5 use. Yes, yup, 300% have on on a website on our post. We have opposed that. We had 7 news. Not we have 15 views 1000%. That doesn't make any sense to me. I'm looking at there's no engagement. Social media doesn't sleep. Social media is a continuation so it doesn't matter for its summer time. It doesn't. We don't turn off the lights and go home and say, let's wait. A season opens. We've got thousands 100,000. People are living in Sarasota. There are actively involved in social media. I'm sorry, but I think the $5,000 we're spending is I I have 12,000 or 20,000 online, social media on on on people. I've got over every few we have got 20,000 views. People that are in Sarasota with our engagement. That's what we do is engagement. I would have thought that I asked for an audit when we when we first came on board that it would have been that it's the quest what they had an idea prior to coming on board what they're going to do, different from our previous company. Starting they want. Now I asked for an audit. No one really understood the idea of giving up on it for what the background of a social media. But just to give an example, I'm looking on your or July posting schedule. Restaurant showcases. I didn't see any restaurant showcases. Maybe was blind. I didn't see restaurant showcases, but I didn't know that the risk restaurant. I own a restaurant. I'm sure my board members also on restaurant's. I didn't see anything on their I just didn't. I don't see how you could get a showcase to be right. I just and I couldn't trying to follow your social media post. I couldn't find anything under social media posts. So not really sure. I'm not here to. To to take to take note with you, however. We have a have an obligation as a board to manage our money is properly and to give our our constituents, especially the commercial owners who receiving funds from. Proper for a proper. I ING and I think 3 months into it. Without a proper engagement and really if there was an issue on social media on getting our website. There's there's nothing being done I'm sorry. It's not an excuse. put $15,000 worth for 3 months. We're 25% into the year and we still have no control are some of our social media. So I'm very disappointed in it. I don't see there's a baseline cedar time timing. But it's it's it talks about increase over 1000%, 500%. But that's just very, very few engagements. I'm so I think it just misleading to me. I don't see. I'm so I just don't see it. And it's just disappointment. recommendations. My recommendations. One, first of all, as we are in the contract. I don't. I'm not. I'm not, you know, again, my recommendations. I think we're is see something within within 30 days. If we don't see a true true. >> Movement that if you have to get there is no. Right now I would say can cancel the contract. That's what I would say that because I don't see any movement on. There's no responsibilities, no ownership of the weather. The website to me. There's no excuse to that. There should have been a bigger call out to saying where's our Web site, how we control our Web site. Okay. So. >> That's a in here. So what what is going site? So we're talk about quest here right? Quest has no control over getting the website they are. They are being paid $5,000 a month. They are. is their responsibility running. >> You have talked him about that. There is requirements that have to occur for them to get access to it. >> We can be upset about it or we can talk logically about. They don't have the tools to get access to it. So want to blame anyone. We can bring our own did board that. We've been pushing my response >> That front. But it a school. I'm going to get. So then also we talk about interaction that person does not matter. They do matter. It's a baseline what happened before as well. But what happens now and the day whether we like it or not, we did board. It's not super exciting stuff. We're working on trying to make it more exciting. That's why passion of joining and we have plans and you when you mention the calendar of things you haven't seen, it's because they aren't live yet. We're working to commence, though. So why? Why? Why include them in June July? So that's a presentation to me. This is the president the board. If it's not in, there shouldn't be in. That's a fair comment. I read that. >> Can answer that question. Usually That schedule was updated. You haven't seen the updated calendar. That was back when we first started. It was a mistake. That's fair that that was a mistake and we should not. keep in mind that original. Was from June. You received this audit ingenious. So any questions, any issues, any anything of this? >> Came from jail. You're getting it now because this is when just, you June, there's a June schedule. >> But so, so so running, right? But it's an old document and it's good things change. And I get that that's not ideal. >> But then today we have to find a solution to make this more interesting. We can't give someone 3 months in order to evolution as a social media presence without a Web site without all the tools that they have. So it takes time to mature and grow. I get that summer. Time is not ideal and you're sick. So she doesn't see him by personal companies and projects. We spent substantial dollars on marketing. We've seen at the huge drop-off in experience is because people are traveling are not on their devices right now. Unfortunately. So. >> Whether whether Wi-Fi that I find that statement, no people or other devices all the time. They're getting constant feeds from everything that they that they that their lines. So if they don't, they will turn off their phones. No doubt when you're on, you're traveling, you're getting feeds all the time and you're being updated all the time and everything. But are very curious. >> So they change that board might not be pushed by men because it's not interesting enough >> I don't believe that. But nonetheless, it's my personal experience. That's what I do. And I we have. >> I don't like I'm very passionate about this because I because I created you're good at I see it. I want perfection. Yes, and I love it I want to do a great. But that has to be some sort of responsibility so that there that there was none of which have been notified that some sort for 3 months that the have and have control of soul of that. There's that's not an acceptable. units of the day, one that should have been called their calling card every day to you. Same to you. Where is our workers? And that should have been every day. Where is we don't have control of it, right? What you think have such useful for port. There's no transactions occur and there's no sail again. That is what But I don't understand you can always visit. What's what's that for? So the West? So you have the website. So you have Web site here, right? First of all, the website. So antiquated. It has me as share. It has days from 2025, at least these things can be updated. People to people already know that there is a what a totally So just that should be just updated or you want to trim it down. But people always link back to what it is. And take a look back when you when you travel from from any social media platform, you can always link back to the website have more information. That's great because more invasion because when you're on social media, when you're on Instagram or on Facebook, you don't have all that information there tries to cut it. Drives consumers back to where they can find more information. And that's the key to it. And shows that were sleeping. shows that we really don't care. It's true and see me. It's a perception is everything. And I just want wear it when we're spending $5,000 a month. I want to make sure we're getting everything that we've asked for and not something in arrears. So to me, it's super important that we have that. And I think that's that's done again, the engagement. What I find it's difficult for me to gauge when we talk about. The sales pitch of 1000% over to me, that's not 1000%. If you want to tell me, yes, we have 3. We will be at 3, 3, like that. We've got 6 likes. Yes. are the numbers? What for the 1000%? What? What are the numbers? So 90 days. I see there's 2 spikes, right? There's 2 spice, one of the days of the spikes and why were the spikes It was the content? It was was that knew. Was that new content? Yeah, absolutely. OK. So that was new And how many days where they separated before what was mid millage and Dubon was in July. So that was just What was on this one right here? I need to. Yeah. So the big thing to one 92. So there's 2 spikes. One was between June 5th. Let's say June. 20th 3rd, and then there's one July 11th. But how many days? That's all I love. That's one or 2 days. So there was everything else was flat. 0 flat. And then we have fight. Another spike. there's no doubt your just consistency. That's all. I get. I mean, there there was an audit. Take a look at page 94. That might be a little better for to talk deaths, top form and content. can see the spikes and use it for was little bit more realistic. >> I don't know what graph you're showing the age of 92 94. At least we see what folks are coming because you see the many spots of the big space. 2, 1, 5, >> On the top performing one that's content. No, I understand, which is what we're talking about. So >> I don't know what you know, agents are efforts and what what was was driving Yes, it was Po. So this will give you a better kinder post. I just think we just need. I think would like to see. >> More transparency. I think it's really important that, you contract was to make matters are on our. Our website as well. I could find and I my correct. >> You are correct in that the website is 100%. My responsibility. My fault 100% is not on the vendor. >> Right. Let's talk about specifics of for Pete's 94. I think again, I'm not an expert to talk about. I compared to real right? So you take a look at your Yes. What 99,000 views for May 25th August 23rd. I need to see is I need to see the actual that we say 99,000 views, I need to see the actual data for that. >> And that's why we wanted to build you a dashboards that you could have that visibility to look back. Whatever trench you want to look at the day's dare the analytics. Are there so that we can do that kind of monitoring. We can learn from our audience. Whatever you, however you want to slice and dice it. We're putting in place to give you that kind of rich data. >> But but I think at the end it running, I respect your opinion, the message because you are really good at this. And this is where the feel very strongly we should put vote. I mean, I think that's what we're here, right? It's not I know that's what this will what he wants that are in contract. Well, it. >> I he's the said that. And I you know, I I appreciate your here. I don't I don't want to coming off that strong, but I do think that we definitely need to take a look at dollars a month. >> Is extravagant for for our for our staff, for what we're doing. We have a very small social media base here. I think 5,000 I know we are contact but I think it's. Way over I don't think even for that. We're not getting what I need run any do the Goshen. My social media spent because I'm clearly and I can tell you, we've invested a tremendous amount of our own time at no cost to the did. >> But but right, let's do this. Let's let's. >> I suggest let's reconvene with a very want you to help me with this. In 60 days. >> For 31 30, I think of us and we're 3 months into the year. I don't you know, even. On what we're trying to do, what we're trying to stave lish on our social media. You know what? We're trying to focus on. >> It's the question. Does this board need a website and social media? That's a very good question. Well, they that's a great Need so many multiple arrests, a >> for me and my experience and me walking the streets with that's as we get it. There's no one knows anything about what we do. >> But you know that if they get anything so why do they need to know that? And question is why did they need to know that? I mean, and are they interested? And the did board because running, we don't have sovereignty because what happens is you have people coming us that say about push for parking. >> have most opportune anything listen, Mike, and we don't have any sovereignty anyways because the commission controls what we need, what we what we're going to do anyway. I believe the only thing the only thing that we of this is the fresh Fridays. That's what comes out of it. Outside of board outside of that. And if you don't think we ever got, I think any type of feedback on where the baskets with the food baskets right? Does anybody really care if board cleans the sidewalks or not? I don't think so. So yes, you maybe there should be a discussion. There's the dip or actually need the website. I don't. I think the fresh fighting has a website. Grace. This is that important something I think the city of Doubt City Sarasota has something. Does that the board? I think where the here, I think should be brought church. Should we do I think because it's a big part of the budget. And I think it really looks, I think, to re re reexamined Christie evident. Good news on this. >> I I can't get right on. Too much. Staff. So what want to make a motion bring the suspect. The next board meeting. We have a definitive. >> Actually, this is not the time to talk about this only because it's later on under the budget. When you talk budget this step forward and be. But what like. When we when we talk about putting in motion forward that next month on the agenda, let's put an item on this and discuss. We have direction for we want to terminate options. Not sure. I want to give them a period of another 30 90 days to see what it's suggesting to see that put forth by quest, not that you take the next step. A fun with that. It will give some So I think Julie has asking you some budget question. Want to put on the next month's agendas? We can discuss that. Okay. Yes, we can simply that's it. presentation done. Yes. Okay. Thank So Okay. That's >> You were to talk about your all right, mark it after the So just going to bring the world's attention. I could. So obviously, farmers market participation emergence falls way down by vendors falls way down for the summer months. >> So I was trying to figure out the footprint remains the same. So the trend augment it with anything. It's pretty much empty space. So you still people coming downtown. People still enjoy it. I was trying augment it with some type of marketing hours through an expert to give them some ideas, 2 or art, a way to activate the streets with that special states. Read right out for Prince Gun. The produce vendors such a gone lose the whole that person or >> We can't. We can't get her. Unfortunately. But the I can try to connect. >> All right. Go ahead. Is that So point? fellow directors. The best me, for what you're OK, close that out. And Chris, we all agree, though, I think from the same page. >> We're going to >> was looking for out of this was to get a small stipend to help them. society create some Liven up the 2. footprints keep the footprint. So whatever job could >> cannot fix select a vendor. Some like experts accuse me. So it for a low. like with Crystal, a safe place. I got the don't think you so that was my request. A stipend for and advertising firm, like like an expert for others. >> That could help us activate the farmers market because they're just it's just it's very slow during the summer and just trying to help them as their major economic driver that we get into the city. Can we can to So I sit here listen of people my street are saying. >> Got a slow. We did this with that. So if we're going to help them, we need to help their I'm just saying the footprint of the farmers market and that's a stone times and whatever footprint is at the start, they have a permit for No one else can going do anything in that space because it's tied up with them so they can't fulfill the footprint. It's not their fault. There's nothing they can do. All I completely, but I just feel how someone going to feel spread that out of permit permit for a divider. It's not a question where we live in the sky out of the sky and they got to find your saying with that find area at the operation trying help That's all I'm saying. >> So you're talking about creating advertising for those vendors. >> it be advertising her home and with ideas to bring in other activities and things that would fill the footprint of the farmers market just set of being emptied out. Well, that's all all the guests to certain part of downtown just in the upper part of the market. >> And that's on Saturday. Saturday night's one shot thing. Give them some ideas that some help to trap. Most farmers market. >> As you do the it is noticeable that during the 7 months. >> That's he's out. So it discourages people to keep walking 100%. Then you have that other. Then you go on Sunday. People want to go to water side and it's full of that right? So I think that 2, 2 ways point it's it's it's it's I think it's beneficial to downtown. People want downtown. People want people coming people parked on which is great. They park on Palm Avenue. Well, you know That? >> Regardless of people are shopping on Palm Avenue or not. Yeah, there's still there's still a farmers market and I think you'd be great. Just like what we try to do with our vendors on Palm Avenue. Like I have my stories on Palm avenues to make look nice. We should be taken Saturday is people it's a driver, Korea Little Pumpkin festival do different things to help create ideas that had a lot of changes internally and the farmers market. A lot of different directors coming of the son of the measure of the market can try to, you know, professional boost for holiday a pumpkin patch Christmas Is that something to drive more? >> I just hope it's not going to futility because whether we like it or not, the time is becoming more seasonable So if you try >> it may make a difference. And we do is we try and look at just but understated just, you know, speaking. What would you think that Is it 5,000 aside from reason that I went home and trying to help them with a stipend to get some ideas into the market to help the man. >> And as you have your in your. thought process. To help them use it to help consult them on health, consulting with ideas that that there have that marketing 7 help them with their marking 70 and help them with ideas where they can bring forth different type of vendors that aren't necessarily for better. But there's something that what I know from other side does. There's a lot of different vendors out there. The different things that are the farmers market, which is whether think I can do try to try right way. Yes. >> We cannot. And questions, please. Way tonight. Is that the question? Yes, please, Chris. >> I could because of my connection problem but didn't hear the beginning of proposal. But if you all recall, when they came to a while the government and we gave him that they find much And I personally offered to help them with their business. And they never took me up on it. for me, I was thinking that we could art lend our expertise in business, running a business to them. just going to do it on my own. They never responded one of the money and what we came to them >> So what I would trust I was stranded to just repeat myself occasion here. I feel there's a lot of dead zones and the farmers market during slower months. The summer. If you go water side, it's still a full footprint. Our footprint is very thin stranded present to them with ideas by someone else, including you and others. But by a professional company that would give him some ideas, trend market. The market. So it was a bill to fill the footprint with other type of things to bring in peo