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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes DOWNTOWN OSHKOSH BID BOARD MINUTES January 29, 2008 PRESENT: Barbara Baier, Mark Bohrnstedt, Todd Cummings, David Hetzel, Megan Hoopman, Allan Martin, Jim Stapel EXCUSED: Kurt Koeppler, Candace Pearson, David Sparr STAFF: Susan Kepplinger OTHERS: Melissa Hunt and Rob Kleman - OAEDC, Sandy Prunty - Marketing Consortium, Brian Mitchell- Intergen, Jeff Bollier- Oshkosh Northwestern, Ann Pistohl – Leadership Oshkosh. CALL TO ORDER Vice Chair Megan Hoopman called the meeting to order and a quorum was declared present. MINUTES OF THE NOVEMBER 20, 2007 MEETING Barb Baier moved approval of the minutes of the November 20, 2007 meeting. David Hetzel seconded the motion, which passed unanimously. POLICING/TRAFFIC/PARKING ISSUES No representatives of the OPD were present to report. Todd Cummings expressed concern about his employees being ticketed shortly after the 2 am beginning of the no parking time period. In one case, an employee’s car was being warmed up and was ticketed while it was running. Megan Hoopman indicated pedestrians were having trouble crossing Pearl at City Center and questioned if pedestrian crossing cones could be put there. Staff will follow up on these items with the OPD. MONTHLY FINANCIAL REPORT Jim Stapel moved approval of the financial report as submitted. Barb Baier seconded the motion, which passed unanimously. OAEDC REPORT Melissa Hunt reported on activities undertaken for the Christmas season which included an advertising campaign and an increasing number of merchants holding uniform and extended business hours. She worked with a couple of people who were interested in applying for a Recruitment Fund Grant. There are still some unpaid sponsorships for the Mayors Breakfast. The Mayor wants the event to continue, however the Chamber does not have an interest in sponsoring the event. The University has expressed an interest in sponsoring the event and the Mayors Breakfast Committee will be meeting soon. MARKETING CONSORTIUM REPORT Sandra Prunty reported that she is the newly elected Chair of the Marketing Consortium. Julie Karner is the new Vice Chair. The Committee is looking to partner with service clubs on 2008 events. PARKING SUBCOMMITTEE Jim Stapel reported the Committee did not meet. BEAUTIFICATION SUBCOMMITTEE Megan Hoopman asked for ideas regarding membership. It was agreed that membership would be made up of interested BID member volunteers. A meeting should be held soon to begin planning for the year, especially for the planters. 1 DOWNTOWN OSHKOSH BID BOARD MINUTES January 29, 2008 ARTISTS TRIPS TO SOHO Sandra Prunty explained that several Oshkosh artists had arranged an exhibition at a gallery in SOHO. These artists have been very involved in and supportive of the Downtown Gallery walk and are looking for financial support to cover expenses related to their trip. Sandy requested $500 from the BID on their behalf. There was no motion to support this request. th 20 ANNIVERSARY th Staff reported the 20 Anniversary event was cancelled just prior to the time it was to begin due to the extreme weather conditions. The food was sent to the Christine Ann Shelter and the Roxy charged the BID a reduced rate. The banners will be used in various empty storefronts in the future. RECRUITMENT FUND GRANT The Board was unable to vote on the recommendations for the Special Projects Grant due to a lack of quorum as two Board members present had conflicts of interest. In response to a question by David Hetzel, Melissa Hunt explained that the purpose of the Special Projects Grant Program was to leverage private investment in permanent and visible façade repairs and improvements. Melissa Hunt provided information on the 2008 Recruitment Fund Grant application submitted by Shanda Anderson for the Carmel Crisp Café which will be located in the former Poppi’s location in City Center. Shanda had requested $10,000 and the Recruitment Fund Grant Subcommittee is recommending $7,500 for signage, fixtures and other expenses recommended by Subcommittee with the condition that the business includes food (sandwiches, salads, etc.) in addition to popcorn. Mark Bohrnstedt moved approval of the $7,500 grant with the conditions recommended by the Subcommittee. Todd Cummings seconded the motion, which passed unanimously. Melissa Hunt reported that one of the previous owners of Friends Unique Boutique had approached her regarding repayment of a portion of the RFG owed the BID. Since the business was open for more than one year but less than two, $1,500 of the RFG provided is due the BID. This particular owner offered to repay $500 in 20 monthly payments of $25.00. Melissa indicated that since there were three owners and each of them signed the RFG agreement with the BID, they were jointly and severally liable for the amount owed and repayment of one third of the amount owed by one of the principals would not relieve that person of the responsibility for the balance. Following discussion, Dave Hetzel moved that the matter be turned over to a collection agency through the City’s process. Mark Bohrnstedt seconded the motion, which passed unanimously with Jim Stapel abstaining. BID EMPLOYEE Megan Hoopman reported that she and David Sparr had met with representatives of OAEDC and the Chamber to discuss ideas for a new employee dedicated to and funded by the BID with the Chamber/OAEDC providing office space, equipment and secretarial support. Agreement has been reached on the concept and a job description has been developed. The Chamber/OAEDC will advertise the position. Representatives of the BID Board and the Chamber/OAEDC will conduct interviews. It is anticipated that the employee would be hired in April. 2 DOWNTOWN OSHKOSH BID BOARD MINUTES January 29, 2008 RESPONSE TO PUBLIC DISCUSSION RE MAIN STREET Megan Hoopman explained that there had been comments at the Common Council Workshop and online about various approaches to the reconstruction of Main Street and other issues relative to downtown and indicated that a response from the BID appears to be called for. Following discussion, David Sparr agreed to write a letter to the Northwestern with a copy to Common Council members. EXTENSION OF 2007 OAEDC CONTRACT Following discussion, Jim Stapel moved extension of the BID contract with OAEDC until such time as the Downtown Coordinator is hired. 400 EAST PARKING LOT Staff reported that members of the Public Works, Parking Utility and Planning Services Departments had reviewed the three concept plans developed by the design consultant following the public input meeting. A final concept plan has been developed. The Board agreed that another public meeting be held for BID members to introduce the concept plan and staff was directed to arrange for that meeting. RECOGNITION OF 2007 PARTNERS AND CONTRIBUTORS Megan Hoopman will work with staff and Candace Pearson on this. Todd Cummings suggested that the Chair also send a letter to the editor of the Northwestern thanking BID partners and contributors. JANUARY 8 MAIN STREET RECONSTRUCTION WORKSHOP Megan Hoopman reported that the issue of closing Main Street had been raised by a Common Council member at the January 8 workshop between the Common Council and the DOT and project engineers. Following discussion, the Board agreed that there would be little to no support from the BID members of closing Main Street. AGENDA ITEMS FOR FEBRUARY 19 MEETING In addition to normal business items, election of officers and establishment of a 2010 strategy committee will be placed on the February agenda. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business, Jim Stapel moved the meeting be adjourned. David Hetzel seconded the motion, which passed unanimously. Respectfully Submitted Susan Kepplinger Planning Services Division 3