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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2-16-21 Full Agenda TO: Downtown Oshkosh Business Improvement District Board FROM: Megan Lang, Chair DATE: February 9, 2021 Due to the current COVID-19 emergency the City of Oshkosh is currently holding all meetings remotely. Individuals wishing to provide comment on individual agenda items may appear remotely through the following sign-up link https://tinyurl.com/2rusqrby or Join by phone+1-510-338-9438 USA Toll – Access Code 126 493 4306, Meeting Password wxPtjrt5X79 (99785785 from phones and video systems) or may submit written comments. Written public comments may be sent via mail addressed to the Planning Services Office, placed in the City Hall drop box or sent by email to the Planning Services Office prior to the BID Board Meeting at: planning@ci.oshkosh.wi.us ; written comments will be distributed to the BID Board and made part of the public record of the meeting. PLEASE BE ADVISED that the Downtown Oshkosh Business Improvement District Board will hold a remote regular meeting at 8:00 AM, Tuesday, February 16th, 2021 to consider the following agenda: AGENDA I. Call to Order II. Welcome New BID Board Members III. Approve Minutes of the January 19, 2021 Meeting IV. Policing/Traffic/Parking/Enforcement Issues V. Approve February, 2021 Monthly Financial Report VI. MemberCo West Pointe Bank Account VII. Lights in Opera House Square Park VIII. BID Manager and BID Committee Reports  Events  MemberCO  Beautification  Marketing & Communications IX. Other Business (Must address items not listed on the BID Board meeting agenda) X. Identification of Agenda Items for the March 16, 2021 Meeting XI. Adjournment IF YOU CANNOT ATTEND THIS MEETING, PLEASE CALL THE PLANNING SERVICES DIVISION AT 236-5059. Downtown Oshkosh BID Board Minutes January 19, 2021 Present: Marlo Ambas, Chanda Anderson, Aaron Armstrong, James Evans, David Krumplitsch. Megan Lang, Kris Larson, Sandra Prunty, Carrie Olson, James Stapel, and Andy Ratchman Excused: Dr. Jill Anderson Staff: Jessica Meidl – BID Manager, Jeffery Nau – Associate Planner, Kelly Nieforth – Economic Development Services Manager, Brian Wustmann – Economic Development Analyst Others: Amy Albright – Executive Director, Oshkosh Convention and Visitors Bureau, Michael Cooney – Oshkosh Farmers Market, Sgt. Kari Pettit – Sargent - Oshkosh Police Department I. Call to Order Roll was called and Chair Lang called the meeting to order at 8:04a.m. and a quorum was declared present. II. Approve Minutes of the December 15, 2020 Meeting There was no discussion on this item. Kris Larson motioned to approve the minutes of the December 15th, 2020 meeting as presented. Jim Stapel seconded the motion which passed unanimously. III. Policing/Traffic/Parking/Enforcement Issues Sgt. Pettit stated that there was 164 calls in downtown area from November 18th, 2020 thru January 18th, 2021 with the majority of those being traffic related. Noise complaints were second. There has been no further issues regarding the graffiti. 19 calls have been at the Raulf Place during those two months. Chair Lang stated that she was pleased with the City’s fast response to removal and clearing of snow in the Downtown District. Kris Larson asked for clarity on the cutoff for downtown snow removal from the City. He stated that it is a hassle for business owners who need to know where and how snow is moved, picked up, and pushed back. Larson agreed with Chair Lang regarding the fast response to removal and clearing of snow in the Downtown District. IV. Approve January, 2021 Monthly Financial Report BID Manager Jessica Meidl highlighted that many of the charges are from Holiday 2020 items. Chair Lang asked Meidl if all bills for 2020 have been paid through the Beautification fund. Manager Meidl stated that everything is completely paid for and 2020 is closed off. Chair Lang asked Manager Meidl what the balance of the foundation fund is. Meidl stated that it was $8,000. Carrie Olson motioned to approve January, 2021 monthly financial report. Sandy Prunty seconded the motion which passed unanimously. V. Approve Transfers From the Reserve Fund  $10,000 to Recruitment & Retention  $15,000 to Advertising  $3,050 to Planter Maintenance  $15,000 to Parking Chair. Lang stated that the BID had carry over which has been explained on the Reconciliation of Accounts sheet. The BID is transferring $2,978.04 into the Reserve Account and will be making some transfers out to balance the 2021 budget. Sandy Prunty stated that MemberCo is collaborating with the Library and Museum for a Star Wars event in May. Prunty inquired about whether MemberCo could use the $3,420 that will be transferring into the rollover account could be used for seed money for the Star Wars Event. Manager Meidl stated that the goal for the Star Wars event would be to find sponsorships to help cover the costs. Chair Lang asked if the Star Wars event was part of the 2021 budget in which Manager Meidl confirmed. Sandy Prunty clarified, stating that she wanted to ask if she could earmark funds that MemberCo could ask for a transfer if those funds were needed. Chair Lang clarified that Prunty was asking if the leftover funds from 2020 could go back into the marketing consortium as opposed to the General Reserve fund. Chair Lang stated that Manager Meidl would cover this in her 2021 BID Marketing Plan, agenda item IX and asked Prunty if she wants the BID Board to vote on this or if she just wants to be put on record. Sandy Prunty stated that her question could just be put on record. Chair Lang asked for a motion to approve all four transfers from the Reserve Fund. Sandy Prunty motioned to approve all four transfers from the Reserve Fund. Carrie Olson seconded the motion which passed unanimously. Chair Lang inquired about making some changes on the financial spreadsheet. Under Leadership, changing the Chamber of Commerce language and under Beautification, Lang suggested that “planter maintenance” does not represent where all of that money is going. She stated that it should say “Planter and Bumpout Maintenance.” Lang also stated that $660 was not enough for the storage units. Lang asked Manager Meidl if that was correct. Meidl stated that it would not be enough as the BID is renting two units.Chair Lang clarified that the BID will have to make a transfer as the BID is renting the two storage units monthly and that the goal was to eventually consolidate into one unit. Meidl stated that there might be enough funds in office supplies budget to cover the storage unit rental costs. Meidl stated that the BID may need to keep two units due to the amount of things the BID needed to store. VI. Lights in Opera House Square Park Kelly Nieforth stated that the City is in the process of setting up a meeting regarding how to keep the lights on the trees year around except when the trees need to be pruned. As of now, the lights are still on and will stay on until mid to end of March. Nieforth stated that one item that will be discussed at the meeting will be that the BID would be required to pay for the electric bill for the lights as it comes out of the Electrical Divisions budget. While it is not a large amount of money, a precedence needs to be set. Nieforth stated that the lights cost around $3 per day. Discussions will also be had for expanding the lights for 2022. Chair Lang asked if the $3 per day estimate was for the new LED lights that the BID is currently using or if that estimate was for the older lights that the BID is no longer using. Lang asked if that number could be broken down. Nieforth stated that the $3 per month estimate was for the new LED lights. Chair Lang inquired about the lights on the bridges and asked who is paying for those. Nieforth stated that she believed it was a private group. Kris Larson stated that it was a private group that was still paying for the bridge lights. He stated that it was never really brought up who is responsible for paying for the lights, however, when he offed to pay for the Jackson Street lights, he never received a response. He stated that Kelly Nieforth should inquire about it. Kelly Nieforth stated that this will be discussed with the City to get a final decision on the costs and who will be responsible to pay. Chair Lang stated that she would like to add additional string of lights on the top portions of the trees on Market and High Street as currently the lights do not illuminate the top portion of the trees. Lang stated that the BID is getting a quote from Grounds Guys to see what that would cost. She also stated that the BID is also looking to lighting the trees along the terrace on Main Street. Carrie Olson inquired on whether the BID has enough light strings to put on the trees along Main Street or if the BID will have to purchase more. Chair Lang stated that the BID has plenty of extra lights. Jim Stapel stated that if the City would not allow additional power usage for additional lights along Main Street, would they allow the BID to string cable along the light poles so the lights can be hung on it? Jeff Nau stated that the City is open to using the electrical on the light posts along Main Street. Kelly Nieforth stated that the City would allow it, however, it would come down to cost and who would pay for the additional cost. Kelly stated that stringing cable in between the posts would have to follow the right-of-way requirements and all ADA rules. Kris Larson stated that in previous conversations with the City, the answer was 2 feet from any light post and not connected to any light post. Jeff Nau stated that the conversation regarding stringing lights across Main Street should also be part of this future meeting with the City. Kris Larson stated that they have been working on this for the last 18 months with the City. . Chanda Anderson inquired about how far along is the BID and City on stringing lights across Main Street. She stated that she would be willing to assist in any way she can to help progress it. Chair Lang stated that it comes down to A) moving the project forward and B) funding the project as the BID does not know what the costs would be. Kris Larson stated that he hopes the City would see the benefit of this project and be equitable on the electrical costs. VII. BID Board Appointments Kelly Nieforth stated that Mayor Palmari was making three appointments on the Common Council on January 26th. The Mayor is looking to appoint Autum Urban for the BID Board member Seat, Derek Mulloy from Satori Imports for the BID alternate seat and Barb Nelson for the other BID alternate seat. VIII. BID Contract Renewals BID Manager Meidl stated that most contracts from 2020 will be renewed for 2021 including flowerpot and bump out contract, planter maintenance contract while the banner contract should be less as the BID is not doing a holiday banner in 2021. Meidl stated that the BID will be renewing the Houck bus advertising. The only contract not being renewed is the Lamar Billboard contract. IX. 2021 BID Marketing Plan and Advertising Budget BID Manager Meidl showed the BID Meeting attendees her 2021 marketing plan. The plan included the BID’s Mission, Vision, Marketing Goals, Monthly events including a new event idea called “Story Walk” which will be an interactive story book that takes you on a journey through Downtown Oshkosh. The (tentative) story will be “A Jedi You Will Be” to tie to the other Star Wars themed events happening throughout Oshkosh during the month of May. The walk will kick off on May 4th. Manager Meidl explained another new event happening in 2021 called “First Fridays” which will take place the First Friday of each month from 4pm-9pm. First Friday is a marketing campaign that’s mission is to draw people downtown through the promotion of local artwork, music, cultural dining experiences and supporting local businesses. Manager Meidl stated that the 2021 advertising budget is $15,000 total with the funds being broken down: - Oshkosh Herald ads - $5,000 - Houck Bus ads - $1,500 (after reimbursements) - Monthly Blogs - $1,200 - Paid Social Media ads - $2,000 - Directory/Inserts - $1,000 – 3,000 - Misc. Advertising/Graphic Design - $2.300 - Manager Meidl described additional marketing including email marketing, social media marketing (Facebook and Instagram), and additional print advertising. Carrie Olson stated that the directory should be changed to implement something else that is more effective. Aaron Armstrong stated that he liked the idea of a guide. Amy Albright stated that the downtown directory is not set up for visitors and consumers. She stated that creating a group to come up with better ideas on guides and not simply an advertising bit. Chair Lang stated that the BID has been able to cover the costs of the directory however she agrees with changing the directory to something else. Lang stated that the BID should hold off on printing 2021 directories and come up with a more effective solution. Sandy Prunty stated that Marketing & Communication Committee could assist in creating a new handouts. Carrie Olson agreed with having the Marketing & Communication Committee looking into better solutions. Chanda Anderson stated that the Park across the street from the Library is being used frequently and is a great idea. She stated that having something similar to this in Opera House Square would be great. Kelly Nieforth stated that the park Chanda Anderson is referring to is called William Waters Plaza and that a neighborhood association maintains it. She stated that that might be something to look into for Opera House Square. Sandy Prunty, Aaron Armstrong, and Chanda Anderson all stated that the 2021 BID Marketing plan that Manager Meidl created was impressive and a great way to keep the BID on track for 2021. X. BID Manager and BID Committee Reports BID Manager Meidl recapped the 2020 Holiday Events. The Sponsors for some of the Holiday Events were Oshkosh Corp with $5,000, Oshkosh Area Community Foundation with $1,000 for the letters to Santa mailbox, City Center with $1,000 as the coloring book sponsor, and the JEK Foundation and other private donations of $22,000 for the lights. - Light Up Downtown event reached 17,323 people on Facebook with 3,300 views on the Virtual Tree Lighting Live Video. - Small Business Saturday campaign reached 11,023 on Facebook with 558 people responding as interested or going. - The Holiday Virtual Shop Hop had a reach of 20,711 people on Facebook with 382 people responding as interested or going. - Letters to Seniors Week had 838 letters written and sent to seniors throughout Oshkosh. - The Shop Local Rewards Weekend saw 11 people submit receipts online. - Ornament Scavenger Hunt had 25 ballots submitted - Letters to Santa had 150 letters sent to Santa which Santa wrote back. - Holiday Coloring Book had 1000 coloring books printed and handed out with 30 coloring books submitted for coloring contest. - Santa Sightings was a success with many social media posts mentioning it. Sandy Prunty stated that she received many great things from people you really appreciated the Holiday events. Manager Meidl stated that she is working on the new marketing things for 2021. Meidl set up the first Events Committee and Marketing and Communications Committee and stated that there was not too many people who signed up for either committee and asked if anyone wanted to join either committee. XI. Other Business (Must address items not listed on the BID Board meeting agenda) Chair Lang asked if there was any other business to discuss. No one brought up any additional items. XII. Identification of Agenda Items for the February 16, 2021 Meeting Chair Lang stated that the BID Board will have the 3 new members at the next meeting, so there will probably have some introductions. Chanda Anderson stated that she has talked with Kathy Snell regarding finding a way to have Oshkosh Into the Night in 2021. Jeff Nau inquired with Kelly Nieforth regarding future Virtual Meetings and if the BID Meetings will continue to be virtual. Nieforth stated that she understood it would continue through February 2021. XIII. Adjournment With there being no further business, Sandy Prunty moved for the meeting to be adjourned at 9:14 a.m. Carrie Olson seconded the motion which passed unanimously. Respectfully Submitted, Brian Wustmann Economic Development Analyst Economic Development Division Description Expenditure Leadership Oshkosh Convention and Visitor's Bureau Reimbursements: Website Maintenance/Office Supplies USPS - Credit Card 69.40$ Amazon - Credit Card 438.27$ MailChimp - Credit Card 30.99$ Reimbursements: Recruitment/Retention/Video Grants Recruitment/Retention Grant Program Reimbursements: Video Grant Program Events Waterfest Live at Lunch unWINEd-Wine Walk Reimbursements: Holiday Parade Houck Transit Advertising - Production and Installation of King Sign, Transit Media Space - King 800.00$ Reimbursements: Gallery Walk Advertising Facebook 50.00$ Reimbursements:Reimer Jewelers LLC (435.00)$ Gift Card Program Marketing Consortium Membership Donations Add'l Activities/Marketg Materials Holiday Chalk Walk Donation: Beautification Contracted Services Holiday Reimbursements: Planter and Bumpout Maintenance Lakefly Sponsorship Parking Parking Study Implementation Reimbursements: Storage Unit Reserves / Capital Improvements Reimbursements: Total 953.66$ 2020 Business Improvement District January 28, 2021 through February 9, 2021 2020 Assessment 140,610.00 2019 Carry over 71,857.77 2019 Encumberance 1,000.00 TOTAL AVAILABLE 213,467.77 Funds Allocated 213,467.77 Balance Available 0.00 2020 Encumbered Allocation Expenditures Receipt Transferred Balance Balance Leadership Oshkosh Convention and Visitor's Bureau 65,000.00$ 48,027.60 0.00 0.00 0.00 16,972.40 Website Maintenance/Office Supplies 3,900.00$ 2,461.32 0.00 1,100.00 0.00 2,538.68 Recruitment/Retention Grant Program 13,000.00$ 611.13 0.00 0.00 1,000.00 11,388.87 Events Waterfest 2,000.00$ 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 2,000.00 Live at Lunch 500.00$ 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 500.00 unWINEd-Wine Walk 750.00$ 313.51 437.06 0.00 0.00 873.55 Holiday Parade 750.00$ 5,231.16 7,175.00 0.00 0.00 2,693.84 Gallery Walk 500.00$ 500.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 Advertising -$ 18,284.13 6,195.00 15,000.00 0.00 2,910.87 Gift Card Program 1,050.00$ 1,050.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 Marketing Consortium Membership Donations -$ 0.00 1,015.00 0.00 0.00 1,015.00 Additional Activities & Marketing Materials 850.00$ 70.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 780.00 Holiday 2,000.00$ 500.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 1,500.00 Chalk Walk 150.00$ 25.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 125.00 Beautification Contracted Services 25,000.00$ 24,999.50 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.50 Holiday 8,500.00$ 10,865.54 2,500.00 0.00 0.00 134.46 Planter and Bumpout Maintenance 17,000.00$ 16,999.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 1.00 Parking -$ 15,000.00 0.00 15,000.00 0.00 0.00 Storage Unit 660.00$ 660.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 Reserves / Capital Improvements 71,857.77$ 9,779.73 2,000.00 (31,100.00)0.00 32,978.04 TOTAL OPERATING BUDGET 213,467.77$ 155,377.62$ 19,322.06$ -$ 1,000.00$ 76,412.21 Postings through February 9, 2021 Downtown Oshkosh Business Improvement District - 2020 Operating Plan 2/9/2021 Cash Encumbered Balances Balances Leadership - Chamber Services Contract 16,972.40$ Leadership - Website Maintenance/Office Supplies 2,538.68$ Recruitment/Retention 11,388.87$ Events - Waterfest 2,000.00$ Events-Live at Lunch 500.00$ Events - unWINEd Wine Walk 873.55$ Events - Holiday Parade 2,693.84$ Events: Gallery Walk -$ Advertising 2,910.87$ Gift Card Program -$ Marketing Consortium - Membership Donations 1,015.00$ Marketing Consortium - Additional Activities & Marketing Materials 780.00$ Marketing Consortium - Holiday 1,500.00$ Marketing Consortium - Chalk Walk 125.00$ Beautification - Contracted Services 0.50$ Beautification - Holiday 134.46$ Beautification - Planter Maintenance 1.00$ Parking -$ Storage Unit -$ Reserve-Future Projects 32,978.04$ Subtotal 76,412.21$ None 1,000.00$ Encumbered Subtotal 1,000.00$ CASH FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD TO 2021 76,412.21$ ENCUMBERED FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD TO 2021/RECRTMT/RETENTN FD 1,000.00$ Encumbered Balance / Carry Forward to 2021 Recruitment/Retention Fund Reconciliation of Accounts BID 2020 Operating Plan As of February 9, 2021 BID OPERATING ACCOUNTS Cash Balances / Carry forward to 2021 Reserve/Future Projects Description Expenditure Leadership Oshkosh Convention and Visitor's Bureau CVB Contract January 3,984.85$ Reimbursements: Website Maintenance/Office Supplies Reimbursements: Recruitment/Retention/Video Grants Recruitment/Retention Grant Program Reimbursements: Video Grant Program Events Waterfest Live at Lunch unWINEd-Wine Walk Reimbursements: Holiday Parade Art City Signs, LLC - Mailbox and Banners 711.00$ Reimbursements: Gallery Walk Advertising Houck Transit Advertising July-August 2020 400.00$ Houck Transit Advertising August - September 2020 400.00$ Houck Transit Advertising December 2020 400.00$ Reimbursements: Gift Card Program Marketing Consortium Membership Donations Add'l Activities/Marketg Materials Holiday Chalk Walk Donation: Beautification Contracted Services Holiday Reimbursements: Planter and Bumpout Maintenance Lakefly Sponsorship Parking Parking Study Implementation Reimbursements: Storage Unit D&K Rentals - January & February Rent 165.00$ Reserves / Capital Improvements Reimbursements: Total 6,060.85$ 2021 Business Improvement District January 13, 2021 through February 9, 2021 2021 Assessment 140,610.00 2020 Carry over 76,412.21 2020 Encumberance 1,000.00 TOTAL AVAILABLE 218,022.21 Funds Allocated 217,022.21 Balance Available 1,000.00 2021 Encumbered Allocation Expenditures Receipt Transferred Balance Balance Leadership Oshkosh Convention and Visitor's Bureau 70,000.00$ 3,984.85 0.00 0.00 0.00 66,015.15 Website Maintenance/Office Supplies 4,000.00$ 432.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 3,568.00 Recruitment/Retention Grant Program -$ 0.00 0.00 10,000.00 1,000.00 9,000.00 Events Waterfest 2,000.00$ 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 2,000.00 Live at Lunch 500.00$ 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 500.00 unWINEd-Wine Walk 750.00$ 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 750.00 Holiday Parade 750.00$ 711.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 39.00 Farmers Market 5,000.00$ 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 5,000.00 Other Events 2,500.00$ 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 2,500.00 Advertising -$ 1,200.00 0.00 15,000.00 0.00 13,800.00 Gift Card Program 1,000.00$ 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 1,000.00 Marketing Consortium Membership Donations -$ 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 Additional Activities & Marketing Materials 850.00$ 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 850.00 Holiday 2,000.00$ 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 2,000.00 Chalk Walk 150.00$ 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 150.00 Beautification Contracted Services 25,000.00$ 1,650.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 23,350.00 Holiday 8,500.00$ 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 8,500.00 Planter and Bumpout Maintenance 13,950.00$ 0.00 0.00 3,050.00 0.00 17,000.00 Seagull Mitigation Project 3,000.00$ 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 3,000.00 Parking -$ 0.00 0.00 15,000.00 0.00 15,000.00 Storage Unit 660.00$ 165.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 495.00 Reserves / Capital Improvements 76,412.21$ 0.00 0.00 (43,050.00)0.00 33,362.21 TOTAL OPERATING BUDGET 217,022.21$ 8,142.85$ -$ -$ 1,000.00$ 207,879.36 Postings through February 9, 2021 Downtown Oshkosh Business Improvement District - 2021 Operating Plan 2/9/2021 BID Manager Report February 2021 Priorities for the Month: • Post on social media 5+ times per week • Continue email template to be sent out on a monthly basis to property/business owners • Change message on interchangeable sign • Continuous website updates • Participate in weekly Community Partner Update with Oshkosh community leaders every other Wednesday • Attend monthly Chamber EDAC meetings and give monthly BID update • Reconcile gift card account every Friday • Develop and send the monthly newsletter • Create monthly Oshkosh Herald advertisements Committee Reports: Marketing Consortium o Put together the monthly agenda o Sent out prior minutes and agenda o Attended monthly meeting Beautification/Retention Grant/Mural Grant o Beautification o Meetings are now the first Thursday of each month at 8:30am o Next Beautification Committee meeting: 3/4/21 at 8:30am via Microsoft Teams o Flowers ordered o Other projects/goals: Opera House Square seating, temporary mural, new banners for 2022, add to lights currently on the trees o Retention Grant o No pending applications o Recruitment Grant o No pending applications o Mural Grant o No pending applications Marketing & Communications • Committee met for the first time on Feb. 3rd and discussed goals for the committee and how often the committee will meet • Committee agreed to meet quarterly and as needed Events • First meeting February 11th at 8:30am via Microsoft Teams Other Highlights/Projects • First Fridays project • Valentine’s Day blog • Story Walk (?) • Start Wars (May) • Spring Sidewalk Sale • BID Gift Card program – explore new options for gift card program for 2021/22 (meeting with Instagift Thursday 2/11) • Create 2021 directories/insert options • Started setting up The BID committees on Microsoft Teams Train BID members on how to use Teams and SharePoint Establish chairs of each new BID committee and monthly meeting times Complete project charters for each committee • Attend Leadership Oshkosh monthly • Contract with freelance content writer for two monthly blog posts per month • Update all marketing material (folders, directories, etc.) with new address and contact information