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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutesDOWNTOWN OSHKOSH BID BOARD MINUTES July 20, 2010 PRESENT: David Sparr, Megan Lang, Jim Stapel, David Hetzel, Todd Cummings, Jeff Jahnke, Melody Wollangk, Mike Russell, Kurt Koeppler EXCUSED: None STAFF: Jeffrey Nau OTHERS: Chris Strong — Transit Director, Rob Kleman — OAEDC, Darryn Burich — Planning Services Director, Paul Esslinger - City of Oshkosh Mayor I - CALL TO ORDER Chair David Sparr called the meeting to order and a quorum was declared present. II - MINUTES OF JUNE 15 2010 MEETING There was no discussion on this item. Jim Stapel moved for approval of the June 15 minutes as presented. Melody Wollangk seconded the motion which passed unanimously. III — POLICING /TRAFFIC /PARKING ISSUES No one was present from the Oshkosh Police Department to report. Discussion followed on the increase for parking violations which was increased from $5 to $11 and whether or not the increase has been effective as a deterrent. Vice Chair Lang suggested that underutilized public lots could be made available for a less expensive monthly rate to encourage downtown employees from not using prime parking stalls which should be available for customers. IV — MONTHLY FINANCIAL REPORT Chair Sparr inquired which line item the RFG Money for Art City Signs would come from. Mr. Nau responded that the money was carried over from the 2009 RFG budget to reserves and would come from there. Dave Hetzel motioned for approval of the monthly financial report as presented. Jim Stapel seconded the motion which passed unanimously. V - BID MANAGER AND SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS BID Marketing Consortium BID Manager Lasky was not present to give the Manager's Report. Sandy Prunty reported that the Construction Monster was revealed concurrently with a Contractor Appreciation Day and was well received. Several media outlets were present to report on the unveiling. The Sherlock Holmes Event will take place on July 30 The BID is collaborating with the Oshkosh Public Library and Public Museum to make the event happen. The event will hopefully bring visitors downtown while here for AirVenture. - Fall Festival will be larger than 2009 and have events every weekend in October. VI — RECRUITMENT FUND GRANT Art City Signs DOWNTOWN OSHKOSH BID BOARD MINUTES July 20, 2010 The RFG Committee recommended reducing the approved grant amount from $5,000 to $2,246.55 based on qualifying receipts received by BID Manager Lasky. Jim Stapel motioned to approve the reduced Recruitment Fund Grant amount of $2,246.55 for Art City Signs. Melody Wollangk seconded the motion which passed 9 -0 -1 with Melody Wollangk abstaining. Old Oshkosh Saloon Mr. Esslinger presented his plans to the BID Board which include interior and exterior remodeling, updates to the restroom facilities and new signage. Mr. Esslinger stated that the bar will incorporate several artifacts of Oshkosh's history which he has collected over the years. The Board discussed if property owners qualified for grants as opposed to business owners who are generally the applicants for RFG money. Megan Lang stated that grants have been approved in the past for property owners and was not uncommon for owner - occupied businesses to receive RFG money. Jeff Jahnke motioned for approval for a $5,000 Recruitment Fund Grant for Old Oshkosh Saloon. Jim Stapel seconded the motion which passed unanimously. Loans for BID Businesses during Construction Chair Sparr reported that several BID members met with OAEDC's Revolving Loan Fund Group to discuss the establishment of an emergency loan program to assist downtown retail businesses negatively impacted by the Main Street construction. The loans would be short-term, low interest loans with quick turnaround from application to release of funds. OAEDC and the Oshkosh Community Foundation have both committed $20,000, the Oshkosh Chamber is contributing $5,000 and the group is asking the BID to contribute $15,000 from the RFG budget for this program. Rob Kleman explained loans would be available in $5,000 increments and would be available to retail BID businesses and businesses in the 600 block of N. Main Street. The loans will have two -year terms with repayment beginning January 1s of 2011. Promotion of the program will begin the week of July 25 with the first round application deadline being August 9 Similar programs have been used successfully in other local communities during times of construction or natural disaster. Discussion followed on possible incentives that the interest could be waived for participants repaying the loans early. Sandy Prunty motioned for approval for $15,000 to be allocated for the Business Retention Loan Fund Program. Megan Lang seconded the motion which passed unanimously. VII — N. MAIN STREET CONSTRUCTION UPDATE Paving will begin next week on the 400 block of N. Main Street. Issues with the vault located at 217 N. Main Street have been resolved and work should begin shortly to abandon the vault. VIII — RECRUITMENT AND BRANDING Sandy Prunty distributed sample surveys regarding the downtown to the Board for comments and suggestions before they are made available to the public. Ms. Prunty also suggested in regard to the branding that the BID should be considering budgeting and creating an advertising plan to get the brand visible. IX — BEAUTIFICATION FOR MAIN STREET Chair Sparr reported the BID will be making a presentation to the Common Council at the July 27 meeting asking for a $50,000 contribution for beautification elements for N. Main Street. Ms. Lang reported that there is the potential for a large contribution from an anonymous donor but there is no definite commitment yet. She also reported that the Oshkosh Area Foundation has pledged a $25,000 2 DOWNTOWN OSHKOSH BID BOARD MINUTES July 20, 2010 matching donation if the City contributes $50,000. The OAEDC has approved a $5,000 donation and additional funds ($1,500 to $2,000) have been sent to the Foundation from other donors. Discussion followed on banner sponsorship to raise additional funds. The goal is to raise approximately $130,000 to be able to fund all the elements recommended by the Beautification and Pride of Place Committees. Mr. Nau gave a brief summary about projecting signs in regard to what is allowed by the Downtown Overlay Ordinance and outlined the approval and permit process to have signs installed. Mr. Nau reiterated that no permits would be issued until after completion of the Main Street construction, however, the approval process could take place prior to enable faster permit issuance. X — MURAL ORDINANCE Planning Director Darryn Burich gave a brief summary of the background and creation of the current mural ordinance and what steps need to take place to have it implemented. The Plan Commission will be having a workshop to give input for any changes that should be made before going back to the Common Council for approval. Mr. Burich said the BID will be involved in the process as he envisions that there will be interest in murals in the downtown. XI — SIDEWALK CAFE ORDINANCE UPDATE Mr. Nau reported that work on the language of the ordinance is continuing. Mr. Burich stated that until construction of the sidewalk and placement of signs and light poles is complete, it will be difficult to define exactly what areas will be allowed to have cafes. Discussion followed if the cafe area would be limited to food or beverage retailers only or if other merchandise would be allowed. Mr. Nau responded he would look to see specifically what other cities allow. Discussion continued if third party food vendors would be allowed. Mr. Burich responded that could be a possibility but would have to research to see how it can be permitted. Megan Lang inquired if the ordinance would be ready by the time construction is complete. Mr. Burich responded that it may be difficult because of certain unknowns; however, there may be a mechanism to temporarily allow cafes until the ordinance is in place. XII — IDENTIFICATION OF AGENDA ITEMS FOR AUGUST 17 2010 MEETING Parking Fine Validation Program Parking Workshop XIII - Adjournment With there being no further business, Jeff Jahnke moved the meeting be adjourned. Jim Stapel seconded the motion which passed unanimously. Respectfully Submitted, Jeffrey Nau Associate Planner 3