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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes DOWNTOWN OSHKOSH BID BOARD MINUTES December 9, 2011 PRESENT: David Sparr, Megan Lang, Sandy Prunty, Michael Russell, Todd Cummings, Kurt Koeppler, Josh Marquardt, Melody Wollangk EXCUSED: David Hetzel, Jim Stapel, Jeff Jahnke, Kris Larson STAFF: Cassie Cook, Jeffrey Nau OTHERS: Allen Davis – Director of Community Development, Darryn Burich – Planning Services Division, 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 – WORKSHOP – DISCUSS FUTURE DOWNTOWN PROJECTS Chair Sparr gave a brief explanation of the basis of this workshop which is to identify future projects in the BID and address concerns whether or not the BID should be maintaining or increasing sizable carryover. Sandy Prunty inquired if the Gunderson Cleaners building could be a viable project the BID could be involved with. Discussion followed that the building is a blight located on one of the Downtown’s main corridors and the site would be an ideal location for a parking lot. Mr. Davis gave a brief status and history of the city’s involvement with the site. Mr. Davis stated that the owners informed the city that the building was to be razed this past summer but obviously it did not happen. He added that he was scheduled later that day to discuss the issue with the City Attorney and Environmental Attorney. Mike Russell asked if the City could condemn the building or issue a raze order. Mr. Davis responded at this time no order has been issued due to the owner’s willingness to communicate with the City and that course of action may add significant costs to the City. However, the process is being dragged out longer than he would like. Chair Sparr asked if the Oshkosh Tent and Awning building could be another project the BID could consider. Mr. Davis replied that the building has similar environmental concerns and there is finger pointing between the two owners as to who is responsible for the contamination. Kurt Koeppler stated that if the BID were to be involved, their financial contribution would have very little impact on the total cost of the cleanup. He asked if the city was held to a lower standard for cleanup if the site were to be capped. Mr. Burich responded that may be, however, if the contamination has migrated off-site, the City would be responsible for that cleanup if the City were to take over ownership which is why the City prefers to have the current owner clean the site. Mr. Koeppler stated potential projects may come and go and it may be advantageous to build the BID’s reserve fund to possibly pool dollars with other downtown players to undertake a high impact project citing possibly the Kline building. Mr. Davis suggested that a parking lot at the Gunderson building would be an ideal partnership once the environmental issues are addressed. Mr. Russell questioned if the former King Clift lot could be turned into parking for the 500 block. Mr. Koeppler responded that could be a viable site for some kind of commercial-type redevelopment. Mr. Davis gave an update to the riverwalk project between Jackson Street and N. Main Street. The portion fronting the City Center Hotel may be delayed until new ownership takes over the site so access/rights issues can be addressed. 1 DOWNTOWN OSHKOSH BID BOARD MINUTES December 9, 2011 Megan Lang suggested the Kitz building would be a good building to rehab and that is currently for sale. Discussion followed on other buildings for sale and in need of fixing up and if the BID should be giving program dollars for rewarding bad behavior to owners failing to maintain their buildings properly. Ms. Lang stated that there is new discussion to locate an ice skating rink at Opera House Square during the winter months. Discussion followed that the BID could be a contributor, however, that is not the capital-type project they are trying to identify. Mr. Koeppler stated at this time the BID probably does not have enough in reserve to contribute for a high impact project and that it may be in its best interest to wait until more funds can be set aside to take on a project when the opportunity arises. He inquired about Fox Cities Bank which could relocate into the First National Bank Building with their old site converted into parking for tenants of the First National Bank Building. Mr. Burich responded that a bank located within the First National Bank Building will want drive-up service which will be difficult to provide. Ms. Wollangk suggested that the BID and City should look into multi-level parking with first floor commercial. Mr. Burich and Mr. Kleman responded the costs associated with constructing and maintaining may be too high. In order for a ramp to pay for itself, very high occupancy rates would be required and they do not see that significant of parking shortage to justify. Mr. Burich also suggested that the BID could look outside its boundaries to possibly increase curb appeal for people coming into the downtown. BID discussion returned to the Gunderson property and if it would be beneficial to look at the future of the Thomson Studio location next door. Ms. Prunty stated in conversations with Thomson Studios, they may consider relocating if the Gunderson Building was razed. Mr. Russell asked about the process of razing a building. Mr. Davis responded there is no set formula to get a building razed, but the overall process can take months or years and can get costly based on the specific site. Mr. Burich added that the City’s code is somewhat weak making the process more difficult. Also, it is more difficult to get a raze order based on physical appearance versus a health and safety issue. The BID summarized that there is a large number of potential projects, but not enough funds available to proceed or make an impact. The Board’s consensus was that the Gunderson building/parking lot project was the highest priority project the BID should look into possibly funding. Other high priority projects include the Fox Cities Savings Bank building for parking, the King Clift and Roxy lot for parking and razing the Tent and Awning building. Mr. Davis stated he would report back to the BID about his upcoming meeting in regard to the Gunderson building prior to the next board meeting. He added it would be beneficial incorporating the Thompson Studio building and Gunderson property for reconstruction of the City’s parking lot to the north. Ms. Lang also suggested that any plans for the Gunderson building should include representation from the Grand Opera House since they would be impacted. Additionally, they may have means to raise funds for the project as well. 2 DOWNTOWN OSHKOSH BID BOARD MINUTES December 9, 2011 The discussion ended in general agreement that the BID should be planning for some type of project soon to ease the concerns that the BID should not be holding on to a large reserve fund; ideally, the highest priority being the Gunderson building. III - ADJOURNMENT With there being no further business, Megan Lang moved for the meeting to be adjourned. Sandy Prunty seconded the motion which passed unanimously. Respectfully Submitted, Jeffrey Nau Associate Planner 3