HomeMy WebLinkAbout11.15.2022 Business Improvement District Minutes
Downtown Oshkosh BID Board Minutes
November 15, 2022
Present: James Evans, Sandra Prunty, Chanda Anderson, Marlo Ambas, Carrie Olson,
Andy Ratchman, Barb Nelson, Aaron Armstrong, Megan Lang, Jim Stapel, Derek
Mullroy
Excused:
Staff: Jessica Meidl – BID Manager, John Zarate – Economic Development Specialist,
Jeff Nau – Associate Planner, Sgt. Kari Pettit – Oshkosh Police Department.
Others: Amy Albright – Oshkosh Convention & Visitors Bureau, Mike Cooney –
Oshkosh Farmers Market
I. Call to Order
Chairperson Lang called the meeting to order at 8:05 a.m. A quorum was declared present.
II. Approve Minutes of the October 18, 2022 Meeting
The minutes of the October 18, 2022 were approved unanimously as written.
(Staple, C. Anderson)
III. Approve October 18, 2022 Monthly Financial Report
The September, 2022 financial report was approved unanimously as presented. (Stapel, C.
Anderson)
IV. Policing/Traffic/Parking/Enforcement Issues
Sgt. Pettit. No major concerns. 141 calls for service. Some minor underage drinking being
reported.
V. Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area (DORA) Discussion
Meidl stated there has been no additional police presence needed, still haven’t had any negative
comments or concerns. Committee to speak with other surrounding communities that are
interested in DORA. Hoping this could lead to a possible change at the State level to allow
drinks to be taken into stores. Meidl presented and spoke to council regarding proposed days
and hours of Wednesday – Saturday 1:00 - 10:00 starting April 2023. Don’t want to start any
earlier so it doesn’t run with Farmers Market. There is some local opposition in the community.
VI. Holiday Parade Discussion
There will be 3 new large (15 ft.) balloons this year spread throughout the parade, new
inflatable costumes. Parade is full. The tree lighting will include Jazz music. There was good
sponsorship. Donation from community Foundation helped pay for the new balloons. The new
tree has been planted. The new tree will be more disease resistant. The tree is starting small in
hopes it will grow healthier and stronger. Meidl will check to see if Oshkosh Herald can do a
story about the new tree to help promote the parade and tree lighting.
VII. BID Manager and BID Committee Reports
Member CO - Halloween and lighting windows downtown. It was a very successful event with
over 900 votes for the window lighting displays. There was some confusion by some customers
that it was a trick or treat. There was great participation in the Trick or Treating held during the
Farmers Market October 29th. Holiday Thursday night shopping until 7 will start and give
people an option of supporting businesses during the week. There will be gift wrapping in
venue 404 with singing by local high school students.
BID will have a Holiday sip and shop on November 19. As of Nov 15 250 tickets had been sold
for the event. Black Friday and Small Business Saturday events will take place November 25
and 26 there will be a Holiday Pass to win prizes by completing stops at local businesses. First
Friday is set for Dec 2. Reindeer in the square Dec 10 with the WI Herd.
Beautification/ Retention Grant – over $30,000 raised for the banner project. Holiday
decorations have been installed.
BID annual meeting will be February 2, 2023.
November 29 CVB will be launching their new branding.
David Spaar will be the Grand Marshall for the Holiday Parade. A card will be given to him
thanking him for his years of service with the BID.
VIII. Other Business
C. Anderson and Nelson mentioned that for the retention and recruitment we should come up
with ideas to help support new businesses so they start and stay. There was concerns with
vacancies in the future. Traffic flow to downtown was discussed and may need to look into
ideas from Imagine Oshkosh.
IX. Identification of Agenda Items for the November 15, 2022 Meeting
Next month discuss recruitment and retention ideas, Brand logo for the BID and annual report
from Farmers Market from Mike Cooney.
XI. Adjournment –
No other business to discuss. Adjourned 9:07. (Evans, Olson)
Respectfully Submitted,
John Zarate
Economic Development Specialist
Economic Services Division