Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutesDOWNTOWN OSHKOSH BID BOARD MINUTES November 17, 2009 PRESENT: David Sparr, Todd Cummings, David Hetzel, Jeff Jahnke, Megan Lang, Mike Russell, Candace Pearson, Melody Wollangk EXCUSED: Kurt Koeppler, Jim Stapel STAFF: Maureen Lasky, Jeffrey Nau OTHERS: Rob Kleman OAEDC, Matt Kroening OPD CALL TO ORDER Chair David Sparr called the meeting to order and a quorum was declared present. MINUTES OF OCTOBER 20 MEETING Mike Russell moved approval of the October 20, 2009 minutes as presented. Megan Lang seconded the motion which passed unanimously. POLICING /TRAFFIC/PARKING ISSUES Matt Kroening reported that new signs for the parking stalls are slowly going up and there were no issues so far. There is a minor problem with people parking vehicles in the 400 Block East parking lot during construction causing minor inconvenience for workers. Sergeant Kroening talked about the robbery at Morton Pharmacy and the apprehension of the suspect by Officer Footit. Questions about the status of the 400 Block East parking lot were asked. Sergeant Kroening stated he was under the assumption the lot is now open and would verify with the contractor. Questions about the closure of Market Street in relation to the Grand Opera House renovation were asked about the effect on adjacent businesses and it was stressed that hopefully the street would be reopened by the Main Street reconstruction. MONTHLY FINANCIAL REPORT There was no discussion on the report. David Hetzel moved approval of the financial report. Candace Pearson seconded the motion which passed unanimously. BID MANAGER AND SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS 400 Block East Ribbon Cutting The ribbon cutting for the 400 Block East Parking Lot has been rescheduled for Thursday, November 19 at 4:OOpm. E -mails were sent informing businesses of the change. After the cutting, there will be a gathering at Oblios. Downtown Dish The Downtown Oshkosh website is being updated to stream the Downtown Dish. A special holiday episode will be available throughout the month of December. Feedback on the show has been positive. Halloween Event Many new events were added to this year's festivities. Turnout was high even with less than favorable weather conditions. Early estimates indicate that 600 children attended the event. 37 stores participated with candy distribution. Melody Wollangk reported that businesses surveyed wish to expand the event next year. Discussion followed about whether or not to formally include the 500 block of N. Main as the 400 block was closed off for children's' safety. It was discussed to change the event from three hours to two hours, and hold the event from 4:OOpm to 6:OOpm for 2010. DOWNTOWN OSHKOSH BID BOARD MINUTES November 17, 2009 Holiday A calendar of events was distributed at the Holiday Parade. The parade had a great turnout in part to the good weather and being held at night. On Saturdays, the Bent Block will be "Santa Central" and provide shoppers free gift wrapping provided by the Oshkosh Rotary. Empty storefronts will be decorated with nutcracker themes. Questions were raised as to when the tree lights would be turned on nightly as the official tree lighting had already occurred. Recruitment Fund Grant Mrs. Lasky is working with one client collecting receipts. The process is not working as expected and needs to be reevaluated. Next month an applicant will be presented to the Board for approval as there are funds still available in the 2009 budget. Beautification Subcommittee Trees at Opera House Square have been restrung with LED lights. Topiaries have been ordered for the large planters and will be installed soon. 2010 Committee Research continues for the preparation of toolkits for the 2010 construction as recommended by Blue Door Consulting. Main Street Marley made debut at the Holiday Parade. Facade Programs Work continues on both front and rear facade program projects. Several projects have or are nearing completion. Parking Reiterated that ribbon cutting for 400 Block East Parking Lot will be on Thursday, November 19 at 4:00pm. At the request of local salons followed by approval of the Traffic Review Board, several parking stalls have been changed from 90 minutes to two hours. 2010 Operating Plan The 2010 Operating plan is complete and ready for approval by the BID Board. 2010 MARKETING PLAN Discussion on how part-time staff oversight will be handled, either through Blue Door Consulting or OAEDC. It was recommended that part-time assistance be specifically identified in the Operating Plan. Candace Pearson spoke about the preparation/process and recommendations from the Marketing Plan prepared by Blue Door Consulting. Mrs. Lasky will be providing Blue Door Consulting with materials to prepare toolkits that will be distributed in January. Discussion followed about the pros and cons of hiring University interns for the 2010 construction to assist the BID Manager. APPROVAL OF 2010 OPERATING PLAN Chair Sparr recommended adding language to the Marketing Plan description to include part-time paid and /or unpaid assistance for BID Manager. There was discussion if there was money budgeted for additional holiday decorations for 2010. Mrs. Lasky responded that funds have been included for lights /decorations. A question was raised in regard how long the BID had to pay the Parking Utility for the Washington Street Parking Lot improvements. Mr. Nau responded that he would find out from the City Finance Department when the retirement date is. Mr. Nau asked if there were any comments in regard to the assessment roll for the 2010 2 DOWNTOWN OSHKOSH BID BOARD MINUTES November 17, 2009 Budget. Michael Russell motioned for approval of the 2010 Operating Plan. David Hetzel seconded the motion which passed unanimously. SECURITY CAMERAS FOR OPERA HOUSE SQUARE The need originated from concerns over the Juggalo gatherings at Opera House Square. Discussion followed that the owner of Murrays has a security system and has the capacity to support additional cameras at the BID's expense. The Board recommended adding this item to the December meeting once more information could be obtained. RECOGNITION FOR SUSAN KEPPLINGER It was discussed if it was appropriate for the Board to recognize City staff for doing their job. It was concluded that if individual members wanted thank her, do so in their own way outside the BID. ITEMS FOR THE DECEMBER MEETING Security Cameras for Opera House Square ADJOURNMENT There being no further business, Melody Wollangk moved the meeting be adjourned. Candace Pearson seconded the motion which passed unanimously. Respectfully Submitted, Jeffrey Nau Associate Planner 3