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REDEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY
OF THE CITY OF OSHKOSH
MINUTES
JANUARY 16, 2008
PRESENT: Thomas Belter, John Bermingham, Steve Hintz, Benedict Schneider, Archie Stam, Frank Tower
STAFF: Jackson Kinney, Director of Community Development; Darlene Brandt, Recording Secretary
The meeting was called to order by Vice-Chairman Tom Belter at 4:00 pm.
Consent Agenda
Approval of Minutes: November 7, 2007 and November 7, 2007 closed meeting
Treasurer's Report: None
Secretary's Report: None.
Motion by Stam. Seconded by Tower.
Carried by voice vote.
Res. 08-01 Approve Change Order #3 / Demolition of Various Buildings – Statewide Razing
Motion by Hintz to approve Change Order #3 with Statewide Razing.
Seconded by Tower.
Mr. Kinney noted the RDA approved of the acquisition of 708 Jefferson St. in November 2007 and the property
is ready for demolition.
Roll call was taken. Carried 5-0.
Progress Report / "The Waterfront" Project – Marion Road/Pearl Avenue Redevelopment Area
Mr. Tim Rikkers stated Akcess had previously looked at a Country Inn & Suites. Based on comments received,
Akcess re-reviewed Country Inn & Suites and decided it didn't fit well with the proposed overall redevelopment
area. They met with Cambria Suites and they believe it is a little more upscale development for the
redevelopment area.
(John Bermingham arrived at this time)
Mr. Rikkers continued they are in discussions with Montreal Bread Co. for a restaurant as well. He noted
Cambria would have their own limited service restaurant. With regard to the office building, Mr. Rikkers noted
they do not want to start construction on one without knowing if the other will proceed. He indicated they have
secured a letter of interest for a portion of the ground floor, but they do not feel it's enough square footage to pull
the trigger. They are working with other prospects for the second floor, but nothing has been confirmed yet.
Mr. Rikkers apologized for the article in the Northwestern about Akcess pulling out. He doesn't know where it
came from, but Akcess is committed to Oshkosh.
Mr. Kinney inquired how many rooms would a Cambria have?
RDA Minutes 1 January 16, 2008
Mr. Rikkers replied 98.
Mr. Hintz inquired who will run the hotel?
Mr. Rikkers replied Akcess/Supple Restaurants will coordinate the development of the hotel and run it. Supple
will be a great asset in this regard.
Mr. Tower inquired if the riverwalk improvements will start about the same time?
Mr. Kinney replied it is hoped construction on the riverwalk/sea wall will begin by June 1st and completed by
October, which should coordinate with completion of the hotel. Mr. Kinney noted staff will continue its
discussions with Mercury Marine to implement a riverwalk along the Plant 33 property as well. The riverwalk will
run from Jackson to Wisconsin.
Mr. Belter inquired if the developer agreement addresses the operator of the hotel?
Mr. Kinney replied no.
Mr. Tower inquired about the campus continuum project?
Mr. Rikkers stated they are very excited about the concept and that UW-Oshkosh wants to work with them.
However, the market has changed and no one is building condos right now. They have decided to focus on the
hotel and office building projects and then decide how to proceed.
Res. 08-02 Approve Revised Redevelopment Plan / Akcess Acquisition Group
Mr. Kinney noted in September 2007 the RDA approved the footprint, elevations and layout for a Country Inn &
Suites. Akcess is now requesting approval of a Cambria development versus Country Inn & Suites.
Mr. Rikkers also noted the exterior colors for the office building will be changed to compliment the new color
scheme of the Cambria.
Motion by Bermingham to move Res. 08-02.
Seconded by Hintz.
Motion carried 6-0.
Mr. Kinney explained that a special meeting of the RDA would be needed to review final plans for the Burns
Development on the former Miles Kimball block.
It was the consensus to look at January 29th at 4 pm.
Mr. Hintz inquired about the status of the Jeld-Wen property.
Mr. Kinney stated staff has had previous discussions with Jeld-Wen officials regarding obtaining easements
along the riverfront for the riverwalk extension and relative to proposed options on surplus properties.
There was discussion on the overall general appearance of the Jeld-Wen property. Mr. Hintz did not believe
Jeld-Wen would let their operation in Klamath Falls, Oregon look like the Oshkosh property does.
There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at approximately 5:15 pm.
Respectfully submitted,
Jackson R. Kinney
Executive Director/
Director of Community Development
RDA Minutes 2 January 16, 2008