HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutesDOWNTOWN OSHKOSH BID BOARD MINUTES
July 19, 2011
PRESENT: David Sparr, Megan Lang, Sandy Prunty, Michael Russell, Todd Cummings, Jeff Jahnke,
Melody Wollangk, Kurt Koeppler, David Hetzel
EXCUSED: Jim Stapel
STAFF: Maureen Lasky, Jeffrey Nau
OTHERS: Lisa Voss — Oshkosh Public Library/Marketing Consortium Chair, Rob Kleman — OAEDC, Scott
Dercks Marketing Consortium Vice -Chair
I - CALL TO ORDER
Chair David Sparr called the meeting to order and a quorum was declared present.
II - MINUTES OF JUNE 21, 2011 MEETING
Mike Russell questioned the makeup of the interview committee for the BID Manager position as he thought
there was going to be more representation from the BID Board. Ms. Lasky responded that the committee was
narrowed down to six members, three from the Chamber /OAEDC (Rob Kleman, Thomas Better and Kelli
Karpinski) , two BID Board members (Sandy Prunty and David Sparr), and Jeffrey Nau from the City of
Oshkosh. Ms. Lasky added that having too many people involved in the interview process may be a little
intimidating to the candidates. Discussion followed whether or not the BID Board should have more of a
presence since the BID employs the BID Manager. Chair Sparr commented they are following the same
process as they did when they hired Ms. Lasky. Mr. Sparr added that the Chamber /OAEDC has more relevant
experience to assist in selecting a candidate.
Ms. Prunty asked for a correction that the Marketing Consortium was involved with the Harry Potter event
when in fact they were not. Mr. Nau stated the correction will be made.
Sandy Prunty moved for approval of the June 21, 2011 minutes with the correction as noted. Megan Lang
seconded the motion which passed unanimously.
III — POLICING /TRAFFIC /PARKING ISSUES
No representative from the Oshkosh Police Department was present.
Ms. Lang informed the Board that Transit Director Chris Strong has been trying to set up a joint meeting
between the BID and Parking Utility Commission to discuss downtown parking issues. Ms. Lang added it
would probably be prudent to wait until the new BID Manager is hired and up to speed before meeting.
IV — MONTHLY FINANCIAL REPORT
BID Manager Lasky reported that invoices through June from Blue Door Consulting totaling approximately
$4,700 were submitted which covered the surveys, research and preliminary marketing plan.
There was no further discussion on the monthly financial report. Mike Russell motioned for approval of the
monthly financial report as presented. Melody Wollangk seconded the motion which passed unanimously.
DOWNTOWN OSHKOSH BID BOARD MINUTES
July 19, 2011
V - BID MANAGER AND SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS
• BID Marketing Consortium
- Ms. Lasky has been preparing the Consortium and its subcommittees for the transition from herself
to the new BID Manager.
- New newsletter has been sent out to members
• Beautification
- Met with Ground Effects to discuss issues with banners, Opera House Square and the flower pots
located throughout the BID.
- Contract with Ground Effects has been updated and is proposed to be updated on an annual basis.
- Work is continuing with the final banner design for the University and should be in place the last
week of August.
Ms. Wollangk inquired if trash cans previously located in front of her business could be replaced as they
were used extensively. Ms. Lasky responded that she would look into it.
Ms. Prunty asked if Ground Effects is doing enough watering for the flower pots. Ms. Lang responded
that the are; watering more often if it has been dry, less often if there has been rain.
Mr. Russell inquired about the status of the bike racks. Ms. Lasky responded that she was meeting with
city staff immediately after the Board meeting to discuss placement and installation and invited the
Board to attend if interested.
VI – BRANDING UPDATE – APPROVE CONTRACT WITH BLUE DOOR CONSULTING, INC.
Chair Sparr presented Blue Door Consulting's marketing plan contract to the Board. Megan Lang stated that
the logo is very important and requires additional community input and buy -in. Several logos will be presented
to choose from. Design of the downtown website will happen after the logo design is selected. Mr. Koeppler
questioned when the branding is supposed to be complete. Ms. Prunty responded the 30 of September.
Discussion followed on the amount budgeted and how much will be left in future reserves after the branding is
complete. Ms. Prunty inquired if expenditures for branding could be reflected in the minutes. Mr. Nau replied
that he would.
Mr. Dercks asked if the branding would be presented to the BID Marketing Consortium. Ms. Lasky responded
that yes, it is in the contract.
Megan Lang inquired if a subcommittee should be formed to review the proposals and volunteered to serve.
Sandy Prunty and Scott Dercks stated they would also serve.
Sandy Prunty motioned for approval of the branding contract with Blue Door Consulting, Inc. Megan Lang
seconded the motion which passed unanimously.
VII — DOWNTOWN PARKING
There was no discussion on this item and it will be laid over until the new BID Manager is hired.
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DOWNTOWN OSHKOSH BID BOARD MINUTES
July 19, 2011
VIII — FREE RENT INCUBATOR PROGRAM
Mike Russell stated he will be meeting with Rob Kleman to discuss implementation of this program. Ms. Lasky
offered that there may be funding available from the Recruitment Grant Program as there has been very little
demand for grants so far this year.
IX — EMPTY STOREFRONT ADVERTISING
This item was laid over until the August meeting.
X — BILLBOARD ADVERTISING
Mr. Russell contacted a billboard company to inquire about advertising on in -town billboards. It was suggested
that six businesses could share a board which would come to approximately $70 per business per month. He
also suggested this may be something the BID may want to contribute dollars to subsidize participating
businesses.
XI — STAFFING UPDATE
This item was discussed during approval of the minutes.
XII — IDENTIFICATION OF AGENDA ITEMS FOR THE AUGUST 16, 2011 MEETING
• Billboard Advertising
• Empty Storefront Advertising
• Free Rent Incubator Program
• Branding Budget
• Staffing Update
XIII - ADJOURNMENT
With there being no further business, Jim Stapel moved the meeting be adjourned. Sandy Prunty seconded the
motion which passed unanimously.
Respectfully Submitted,
Jeffrey Nau
Associate Planner
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