HomeMy WebLinkAbout8.15.2023 Business Improvement District Minutes
Downtown Oshkosh BID Board Minutes
August 15, 2023
Present: Megan Lang, Kris Larson, Jim Stapel, James Evans, Sandra Prunty, Jill Anderson,
Andy Ratchman, Autumn Urban, Carrie Olson, Derek Mulloy
Excused: Marlo Ambas, Aaron Armstrong, Chanda Anderson, Barb Nelson
Staff: Jessica Meidl – BID Manager, John Zarate – Economic Development Specialist,
Jim Collins – Transportation Director, Kelly Nieforth Community Development
Director, Mark Lyons – Planning Services Manager
Others: Colan Treml – Oshkosh Chamber, Amy Albright - CVB
I. Call to Order
- Vice- Chairperson Larson called the meeting to order at 8:00 a.m. A quorum was
declared present.
II. Approve Minutes of the July 18, 2023 Meeting
- The minutes of the July 18, 2023 were approved unanimously as written. (Stapel, J.
Anderson)
III. Approve August 15, 2023 Monthly Financial Report
- The August 15, 2023 financial report was approved unanimously as presented.
(Stapel, Larson)
Discussion took place regarding new financial reporting system in place and change
of staffing at the City and how Jessie will be more responsible for keeping track of
revenue and expenses. Jessie has met with City Staff to go over budget items and
new spreadsheets that can be used in next year’s budget. There was discussion that
perhaps City had turned in the BID budget. Nieforth confirmed budget was not
turned in and would have until September to get in the final budget. Lang
commented if City needs any detailed help with budget for next year to let her
know so that BID members can be brought in to help.
IV. Update on parking from Ad Hoc committee
- City Staff brought back answers to the 2 questions BID Board had. What would cost
of a revised parking study cost and what would a part-time parking control position
cost? Jim Collins reached out to Walker who had previously done the study to check
on cost to revise. The Walker proposal came back at $33,000 and the part-time
Parking Control Officer would cost about $26,000 annually. If the BID would want
to move forward with these, BID would be responsible for the cost. It was decided
to hold off on anything for now and have the ad-hoc parking group reconvene to go
over to determine a clear direction that is desired from the BID. Could a solution of
requiring Farmers Market Vendors to park in City Hall parking lot on Saturdays and
have designated areas for free employee parking be an option?
V. Dumpster Enclosures in BID
- An agreement is needed and staff has asked BID for direction on what the agreement
should contain. Agreement would include items such as who can have a dumpster
within a certain enclosure, what business can use which dumpster, City would
maintain dumpster enclosures and also remove and larger items or graffiti from
enclosures. City will meet and then get some ideas to Jessie so that a draft
agreement can be drawn up. BID Board would like to have overall parking lot
maintenance, landscaping and storm water basins all included within such an
agreement to layout who is responsible for what.
VI. Signage Ordinance Updates
- Blades signs are now allowed in addition to other wall signs. Even if a business is
capped with current wall signs blade signs may be added within set guidelines.
-Window decal ordinance was discussed. At a recent BID meeting it was noted
certain establishments did not comply and also did not look good. That resulted in
other businesses being noted and City Staff ended up issuing correction notices to
those businesses that were not in compliance with the window sign ordinance.
Question was asked why the window decals are regulated. Staff said it was decided
that to make it look aesthetically pleasing certain rules should be in place.
- Staff reminded that Sandwich board signs are allowed in the ROW but should
make sure that 5 feet width of sidewalk is still available. Signs should be taken in
each night and also not placed within the pedestrian crossing bump-outs.
- Mural ordinance is being rewritten to allow for more flexibility in what can be
painted on buildings. Staff said now pictures of items that could be sold in a
business wouldn’t count as overall signage and it would just be the logo portion of
the mural. Staff said that as part of this revision they are also working with other
City staff in drafting a public arts ordinance.
VI. BID Manager and BID Committee Reports
- Priorities for the month were contained within the report. Chalk Walk and the
Summer Music series accounted for a large part of time last month. Chalk Walk had
50 artists (20 youth, 30 adult), 3500 votes were cast.
- MemberCo events were noted that none have been officially planned for fall or
winter holidays.
- Live at lunch numbers have been down slightly and it is believed to be because of
the sun and heat this summer. Music on main has had a couple cancellations
because of rain.
- There were 2 BID Event forms submitted for review. The first was submitted to
bring back gallery walk. Jim Evans said that one could be pulled as the organizer
had reached out to him and they worked out that no sponsorship dollars or time
would be needed from the BID. The second application for Oshkosh Mystery – Heist
did not request sponsorship dollars and the time requested from BID Manager is
something that did not need approval from the board. Jessie will work with them on
getting the Face Book event shared on Downtown Oshkosh website and also get
them contacts for businesses within the BID.
- Kiosk Map has been completed in the square.
- Beautification committee met and went through applications from artists to paint
murals within the Alley Activation project. Painting should begin late September
and early October.
VII. Board Member Comments
- None
VIII. Identification of Agenda Items for the August 15, 2023 Meeting
-Update from Parking Committee
- Parking Lot Dumpster Enclosure draft agreement
- BID Budget
XI. Adjournment
-Adjourned 9:25 am. (Stapel, J. Anderson)
Respectfully Submitted,
John Zarate
Economic Development Specialist
Economic Services Division