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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes DOWNTOWN OSHKOSH BID BOARD MINUTES February 19, 2013 PRESENT: David Sparr, Megan Lang, Sandy Prunty, Michael Russell, Todd Cummings, Jim Stapel, Kris Larson, Joshua Marquardt, Chanda Anderson, Kay Bahr EXCUSED: Kurt Koeppler STAFF: Cassie Cook - BID Manager, Jeffrey Nau – Associate Planner OTHERS: Matt Kroening – Oshkosh Police Department, Karlene Leatherman – Leadership Oshkosh I - CALL TO ORDER Chairperson Sparr called the meeting to order at 8:12 am and a quorum was declared present. II – APPROVE MINUTES OF JANUARY 15, 2013 MEETING There was no discussion on this item. Sandy Prunty moved to approve the minutes of January 15, 2013 as presented. Jim Stapel seconded the motion which passed unanimously. III – POLICING/TRAFFIC/PARKING/ENFORCEMENT ISSUES Sergeant Kroening reported that he had spoke to Chief Greuel in regard to the more stringent parking enforcement practice in the downtown. The Chief agreed that enforcement should be less strict for vehicles crossing stall lines etc… however, time violations would still be enforced as it has been in recent months. Sergeant Kroening added that things have been quiet in the downtown which he stated is a good thing. Mr. Marquardt asked Sergeant Kroening who was staffing the St. Patrick’s Day Parade. Sergeant Kroening responded that Officer Matt Harris is in charge of supervising that event. IV – MONTHLY FINANCIAL REPORT There was no discussion on this item. Jim Stapel moved for approval of the monthly financial report as presented. Mike Russell seconded the motion which passed unanimously. V – BID MANAGER AND SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS BID Manager Cook presented a summary of her activities over the past month as outlined in her report included in the BID packet. Highlights include: -The Downtown website has been corrected now and the events feed problem has been resolved -Working on the 2013 Downtown Directory and should be going to print next week -Preparing a write-up on the hotel renovation and is going on a tour next week -Met with Transportation Director Chris Strong to research alternate parking ideas in the downtown -Heart of Winter was last weekend -Had to order new banners due to the excessive winds experienced this winter -Scheduled a new block captain meeting -Had five contacts with new/expanding businesses within the BID. Expecting two RFG grant applications in the near future -Presented the BID report at the OAEDC Advisory Council meeting 1 DOWNTOWN OSHKOSH BID BOARD MINUTES February 19, 2013 -Continuing with the Downtown Gift card Program/promotions -Working on a new Request for Proposals document for 2014 VI – DISCUSS FEBRUARY 26, 2013 COUNCIL WORKSHOP AGENDA AND MATERIALS Chair Sparr reported that Ms. Prunty is preparing a PowerPoint presentation for the workshop. Ms. Prunty distributed and presented the draft of presentation. Mr. Stapel wanted it stressed that the BID is a self-taxing entity and receives zero dollars from the City. Mr. Marquardt wanted the events the BID supports included in the presentation to demonstrate how the BID helps draw people to the downtown. Ms. Lang commented that the BID’s recent accomplishments and partnerships should be highlighted. Mr. Stapel suggested that the BID’s yearly Parking Utility contributions to the City should be part of the presentation since the BID was originally founded to allow free parking. Mr. Nau suggested that the presentation should mention that the focus of the BID has evolved from its inception to provide free parking to marketing/advertising/beautification/etc as well as free parking. Mr. Stapel asked if a total amount the BID has contributed for parking is available. Mr. Nau responded he would get Ms. Prunty the amounts. Ms. Lang suggested that the last slide should focus on the various partnerships the BID is involved with. Mr. Cummings added that the confusion regarding the BID’s contract with OAEDC/Chamber of Commerce at the Council meeting could be addressed as well. Mr. Stapel warned the Board that they should be prepared to answer to the Council the rumor that the BID be moved to the Oshkosh Convention & Visitors Bureau once they move downtown. Ms. Prunty responded that until a formal request/offer is made, the topic should not be addressed. Board discussion followed that the Board is happy with its current partnership with OAEDC and the Chamber and that a move of the BID Manager’s office would not increase any services. In addition, the Board feared that any potential move would be a financial strain on the BID budget since currently, the Chamber provides free office space and support services. VII – DISCUSS DAILY DOWNTOWN PARKING PASSES Dave Sparr asked if there was a bulk rate discount for the daily permits. Ms. Anderson responded the price drops to $1.30 from $1.50 each in quantities of 500 or more. She added that the Parking Utility Commission is discussing changing the minimum amount to 100 permits. Mike Russell stated the source of the parking problem is business owners and employees utilizing prime parking spots. Mr. Russell suggested the BID purchase 2,000 to 3,000 permits and sell them to downtown business for half the cost. Mr. Cummings added this would be a good start to help solve the parking issues. Ms. Bahr questioned the availability of permit parking spaces. Mr. Sparr responded there are a large number of them in most of the parking lots. Mr. Stapel asked if the permits are to be used for customer parking, how it will be enforced. Mr. Cummings responded that enforcement would be difficult, but if business owners and employees end up using the permits, the program will end. Mr. Russell suggested the Board transfer $1,000.00 from reserves to purchase 500 permits totaling $650.00. $350.00 would be left over to produce marketing materials to promote and educate the program. BID Manager Cook said she would modify the downtown parking brochure and Mr. Nau offered to revise the parking lot map to indicate parking spaces where the permits can be used. Mike Russell motioned to transfer $1,000.00 from Reserves to Parking Permits for the purchase of 500 permits and educational materials, Sandy Prunty seconded the motion which passed unanimously. 2 DOWNTOWN OSHKOSH BID BOARD MINUTES February 19, 2013 VIII – RELOCATION OF BID BOARD MEEETINGS TO THE OSHKOSH SENIORS CENTER OR OTHER VENUE FROM MARCH UNTIL NOVEMBER, 2013 Mr. Nau reported he had not heard back if the BID Board meetings could be held in the downtown area versus the Oshkosh Seniors Center during the City Hall parking lot reconstruction. He added he would inform the Board via email what the decision is as soon as he heard. IX – IDENTIFICATION OF AGENDA ITEMS FOR THE FEBRUARY 19, 2013 MEETING -Parking Permit Program Update X – ADJOURNMENT With there being no further business, Jim Stapel moved for the meeting to be adjourned at 9:10 am. Joshua Marquardt seconded the motion which passed unanimously. Respectfully Submitted, Jeffrey Nau Associate Planner 3