Councilman: City, WBDA must work in harmony
Celeste Van Kirk
A view of Main Street in Washington.
Celeste Van Kirk
Main Street in Washington
Celeste Van Kirk/Observer-Reporter
North Main Street in Washington on Friday..
At a special meeting Monday, Washington Business District Authority board members directed manager Pete Stefansky to close up shop as if the organization would not be operational next year.
Stefansky is to complete the required yearly audit and pay all necessary bills, although city officials said they are planning to renew the authority.
“The city needs to be more active and productive with the BDA. The BDA adds value to the City of Washington,” said Councilman Ken Westcott, who attended Monday.
“We want to grow the city, or at least bring some part of it back. We need the BDA to do that. But we’ve got to work in harmony. … I think right now we’re kind of swimming in five different directions and we need to start swimming in the same direction.”
Expiring at the end of the year, the authority recently requested a renewal from City Council.
At a pubic meeting Dec. 10, WBDA members were given a chance to provide opinions on the authority’s future. Many who spoke agreed there are positive steps being taken to enhance the city’s business district, but many said the WBDA should focus less on maintenance and more on promotion.
Incoming Mayor Scott Putnam said Friday that the WBDA provides a necessary service, but he would like to see efforts in marketing of the city.
Because no action was taken on the renewal, WBDA solicitor Brendan O’Donnell was directed to prepare documents for a revival of the authority, which he said is the same process as a renewal.
“There’s been this disconnect and I take partial blame for that,” said Westcott. “We haven’t taken an active role in working with the BDA and I think that’s something we need to do moving forward.”
Westcott said council will take action on the revival in early January.
“We welcome the direction of mayor and council,” said WBDA Chairman Christopher Potts.