Business Realtionship with City

By Pia C. Jensen

Following is my response to local merchants questionnaire.

Dear all, 11 October 2000

Thank you for sending your business related questionnaire, I welcome this opportunity to provide you with some insight about my views on business.

1) My views on new business coming to Cotati:

I believe that the city needs new business in its core to help stabilize our economic status, which will in turn benefit each of your own companies with an increased customer base visiting Cotati, as opposed to other cities that offer business outlets that we don't currently have.

In fact, I was part of a group of citizens that came to the previously existing Economic Development group that Harold Berkemeier had organized. The presentation listed a variety of small, locally based types of businesses that were unique in their own ways and which would have helped create a successful and vibrant downtown. Unfortunately, this idea never received support from that group. I think it is really important that the business market in Cotati operate as any in a free market enterprise system, e.g., where a niche exists for a business which the city does not currently experience, let them come on in and settle in the core, when appropriate.

What I mean by appropriate is retail operations which garner sales tax, not wholesale and solely service (non-taxable) oriented businesses, and nothing that would create an excessive amount of vehicle traffic.

Such businesses as a copy center/publishing company; an outlet for energy and futurist related products: solar and water conservation tools/kits, recycled products, hemp products, alternative reading material, and child safe toys; an antique store perhaps and a clothing store that offers quality and unique selections for both men and women at prices that Cotati's residents can afford. I also think it is really important to recognize the artisans of Sonoma County and offer retail space for their products. As Nick Alva said, an emporium of sorts.

2) My business background: I was manager of several retail nurseries and landscape companies and was sole proprietor of my own landscape company. Currently I am sole proprietor of two companies, one is a jewelry production and distribution endeavor and the other a desktop publishing and web development company with a resale license to distribute my publications.

3) My views on the current business permit fee schedule and criteria/procedure in assessing cost factors in establishing fees:

I was critical of and I believe I did vote against the currently existing Cost of Services plan when it was introduced by previous City Manager, Paul Marangella. I raised concerns of this schedule again when our new, and best, City Manger came on board and the topic is up for re-evaluation in the future because of my concerns and concerns of the community. I feel that the study done to achieve current fees was flawed and needs to be revamped. 4) Would I advocate a modification of fees (the above subject) based on actual time spent on a specific project:

I have exhibited my interest in modifying the fee schedule as outlined in #3. The previous study conclusions were purportedly based upon actual time spent. That is yet to be proven as far as I am concerned and I am willing to make modifications based on realistic factors as well as taking into consideration the benefits derived from a friendly partnership stance on the city's part.

5) My thoughts on street blockage during city and other cultural events:

I don't have a problem with short term closure for such things as the Kid's Day Parade, but I have always agreed with a number of merchants downtown about the excessively negative impacts of closures for lengthy hours, and even days, during other types of events. I believe that the city benefits from such events, but that these events need to be held elsewhere in the city, hence my desire to have the city locate and purchase land large enough for both sport and cultural events, perhaps Mr. Bob Larson would be interested in such a venture coupled with city and business sponsored shuttle vans to bring people in town during such activities.

6) My vision of Cotati in relation to business community:

I believe that Cotati has enormous potential, without forcing current business out by increasing leases. With our intention to have city centered growth, I see Cotati's downtown as being a vibrant and pedestrian busy area. The visual I conjure based on current projects and proposals and my own contemplations:

The mixed use development related to the co-housing project will add room for business ventures, the project of Anna Young's will provide room for business ventures, and both of these projects, as well as the senior housing project, will increase the residential base for our downtown. If I were to implement another such project, it would be on the corner of La Plaza at East Cotati Ave., across form the fire station where another mixed use development could occur. Visually, it would be two stories (no cupolas for added height,) rental housing above (small, inexpensive units, perhaps shared facilities for student type housing,) and retail outlets below.

It is important to recognize the diversity of our community and honor that by creating a welcome and helpful environment to those who wish to bring positive and low impact types of development to Cotati.

Thanks again for this opportunity to express my views!

Pia Jensen Candidate for Cotati City Council PO Box 635 Cotati, CA 94931
707.795.8161