On the agenda at the Vista City Council meeting on Tuesday November 18th at 5:30 pm – 200 Civic Center Drive.
In June of 2014 the City Council approved a contract with the Vista Village Business Association to administer the funds the CVBID collected from a fee levied on businesses in the downtown area, which is used to sponsor events and promote the downtown area as an exciting shopping destination.
The City Council requested regular updates from the VVBA on the status of the administration of the CVBID work Plan. The report at Tuesdays meeting covers activities July to September 2014. As required by the CVBID administration agreement the City is in receipt of the first quarter Work Plan details.
Since the execution of the administration agreement, there has been several important organizational developments. The VVBA did not renew the executive director’s contract when it expired in September and the organization is maintaining office hours and basic operations with the support of a part-time temporary employees and volunteers. The VVBA is exploring permanent staff solutions as outlined in the report and is working to have a plan in place by January 2015.
During the first quarter of the contract the group focused on several tasks. They recently hired a new certified public accountant, to work closely with the executive board to reconcile and correct errors in previous reporting. One outcome of this process is that the VVBA is moving to fund accounting system for better tracking of incomes and expenditures related to specific revenue sources such as CVBID funds, grants, and event revenues.
They are also seeking additional revenue sources and evaluating current events profitability and Return on investment. They continue to explore the benefits and options related to a Community Benefit District which, if implemented would allow the group to increase revenues and expand programming.
Since February 2014 the VVBA has undergone extensive changes both in staffing and at the Board of Directors level. The VVBA has produced several events and has plans for an expanded Winterfest
And several other repeat events in 2015. The organization has surveyed their membership, in partnership with the City, on key issues such as a demonstration block development and downtown parking.
Also working to re-establishing the downtown WiFi system. The VVBA also finalized the 395 Mural and are working on several beautification projects, including the lighting of the trees for the holiday season.
The report also states:
Organization Management – Exploring VVBA Management Options
- Executive Director -search continues -low salary big work load
- Management Firm Little Italy -San Diego model
- Outsourced Manager- part-time higher level professional with office staff and intern support
Contracted with Jonathan Cuyno to assist with books and Winterfest
The complete report D1 on the 11/18/2014 Council Agenda – http://www.cityofvista.com
