Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes DOWNTOWN OSHKOSH BID BOARD MINUTES March 19, 2013 PRESENT: David Sparr, Megan Lang, Michael Russell, Jim Stapel, Joshua Marquardt, Chanda Anderson, Andy Ratchman EXCUSED: Kurt Koeppler, Sandy Prunty, Todd Cummings, Kris Larson, Kay Bahr STAFF: Cassie Cook - BID Manager, Jeffrey Nau – Associate Planner OTHERS: Sergeant Matt Kroening – Oshkosh Police Department, Sergeant Becky Kaiser - Oshkosh Police Department, Karlene Leatherman – Leadership Oshkosh I - CALL TO ORDER Chairperson Sparr called the meeting to order at 8:10am and a quorum was declared present. II – APPROVE MINUTES OF FEBRUARY 19, 2013 MEETING There was no discussion on this item. Chanda Anderson moved to approve the minutes of the February 19, 2013 meeting as presented. Megan Lang seconded the motion which passed unanimously. III – POLICING/TRAFFIC/PARKING/ENFORCEMENT ISSUES Sergeant Kroening reported that the St. Patrick’s Day Parade went smoothly and the poor weather worked in the Police Department’s favor. Jim Stapel questioned how many people attended. Sergeant Kroening responded that approximately 800 people attended the event and added that there was one arrest and six OWI’s issued. Sergeant Kroening stated that parking enforcement is getting better in light of the rough start with the new parking enforcement officer. Sergeant Kroening asked the Board about the comments the Common Council made in regard to graffiti at 438 N. Main Street as there did not appear to be any tags when he inspected the property. The Board responded that they have observed other locations that were hit and/or in the process of having graffiti removed but not 438 N. Main Street specifically. Sergeant Kroening also reported that a WPS pedestal had been tagged and that WPS has been notified to remove the graffiti. Mr. Stapel responded that WPS provided his store with various colored paints to cover up any vandalism on the pedestals and is available if needed. Joshua Marquardt arrives at 8:15 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: 1 DOWNTOWN OSHKOSH BID BOARD MINUTES March 19, 2013 -The 2013 Downtown Directory is at the printers and should be ready next week. 5,000 have been ordered. -Working on promotional materials for the downtown daily parking permit program. Ms. Cook distributed an informational brochure and map that will be sent to all businesses. The Board made constructive comments and suggestions for the final brochure before going to print. Ms. Lang suggested that the free, unrestricted parking should be included on the map. Ms. Cook responded that she considered that but the goal is to educate businesses where the daily permits can be used and did not want to promote the free parking. -Preparing a write-up for the Convention and Visitors Bureau future move to the 100 Block Building. -Prepared the April Block Captain brochure highlighting the daily permit parking program. Mr. Marquardt complimented Ms. Cook on creating and implementing the Block Captain program. -Sent out the monthly BID Newsletter -Working on promotional materials for Destination Downtown -Beautification – Meeting with flower provider and new downtown maintenance contractor. Seniors Center will be volunteering watering services for the downtown flowerpots. May need to purchase new water tank as the current one continues to leak. -Been in contact with two prospective RFG applicants. The applicants suggested some minor changes to the recently revised RFG application. -Prepared a write-up on the hotel renovation and went on a tour last month. Ms. Lang inquired it would be nice to find out who has been reserving blocks of rooms to provide them with downtown promotional materials. -Attended Special Events Meeting VI – DISCUSS DAILY DOWNTOWN PARKING PASSES This item was discussed during the BID Manager report. There was no further discussion on this item. VII – RECAP OF COMMON COUNCIL WORKSHOP ON FEBRUARY 26, 2013 Ms. Lang stated she was not able to attend the meeting but did speak with Mayor Tower who felt the workshop went really well. She added that the Mayor suggested if the BID Board wanted a representative from the Council, the Board should make the request in writing outlining the specific role the Council Member would partake. Ms. Lang added that the Board should keep in mind the time limitations Council Members have and that they already serve on other boards and commissions and questioned if Council representation was necessary. Chair Sparr suggested that new Council Members should be required to attend one BID Board meeting to educate them on what the BID is and does for the community. Ms. Lang added she expressed her frustration with the Mayor that the Council is unaware of several issues such as parking because there is no direct communication between the BID and Council. Ms. Anderson suggested that the BID should have a yearly workshop and felt having a Council Member on the board would be a waste of their time. Discussion followed on the yearly workshop proposal and the general consensus of the Board was that was a good idea and that the BID should send a letter to the Council to have the yearly workshop, preferably in October prior to the Operating Plan and Budget approvals. Mr. Russell also suggested that the letter should include an open invitation to the Council Members to attend the monthly Board meetings. Mr. Russell expressed his frustration that the parking situation must be resolved and suggested that the BID partner with the City and commit $10,000 towards a parking study as suggested at the Council workshop. He added that he believed City Manager Rohloff stated the City would be able to contribute the extra $15,000 to 2 DOWNTOWN OSHKOSH BID BOARD MINUTES March 19, 2013 have the study done. Ms. Anderson responded that $25,000 was in the low end and a parking study would cost more. She added that the Council understands the downtown is growing quickly and wants to know the feasibility of constructing a parking ramp. Ms. Anderson also stated she feels they need a five-year plan which would include quick fixes and long-term solutions to address parking problems. Board discussion followed on potential benefits and/or lack of benefits of having a plan prepared and whether or not it would solve the parking issues. Mr. Marquardt stated that Transit Director Strong reported that only one parking lot is near or at capacity and the problem is not the lack of parking spaces, but how they are being utilized. Mr. Russell warned the Board that if the BID and City commit to having a plan prepared, the BID must make sure their needs and interests are addressed, not just the City’s. Ms. Lang suggested instead of $10,000, should they offer to contribute $5,000. Mr. Russell responded that the BID should make a larger commitment. Ms. Anderson agreed with Mr. Russell and believed the BID should contribute the most because the BID has the most to gain. Chair Sparr stated he felt that having a plan prepared was a good idea and referred to the 2000 Downtown Action Plan which was used as a guide to improving the Downtown. Mr. Nau added that having plans are necessary because they give direction and justification to the City and Common Council to move forward with various projects and infrastructure. Mr. Nau also stated that projects such as the Amphitheater, Opera House Square and the Main Street streetscaping were all recommendations included in the Downtown Action Plan and without it, those improvements would have not have taken place. Mike Russell motioned for approval to commit $10,000 to partner with the City of Oshkosh to have a comprehensive downtown parking study prepared. Chanda Anderson seconded the motion which failed 2-4 (Yeas - Russell, Anderson) Ms. Lang suggested that she understands the need for the study but prefers to commit $5,000 instead of $10,000. Megan Lang motioned for approval to commit $5,000 to partner with the City of Oshkosh to have a comprehensive downtown parking study prepared. Joshua Marquardt seconded the motion which passed 6-0-1 (Abstain - Stapel) Mr. Stapel stated he abstained because he believes the study would have no value. VIII – MOBILE STREET VENDOR ORDINANCE REVIEW th Mr. Nau gave a brief overview of the open house meeting on March 9 which discussed the Mobile Vending Ordinance with vendors and existing bar and restaurant owners. He continued that based from input and concerns given by the affected parties, the City will be changing a portion of the draft ordinance: -Changing vending hours from 8:00am to 4:00am for all vending operations to 8:00am to 2:30am for vendors utilizing public property and no time restrictions for vendors on private property. The Board discussed concerns that the proposed $50.00 license fee was too low and should be a minimum of $250.00. Mr. Nau responded that he would convey that concern to the City Attorney. Mr. Marquardt questioned if other licensing requirements should be included in the ordinance. Ms. Anderson responded that most food vendors should already be aware to obtain pertinent health code related licenses. 3 DOWNTOWN OSHKOSH BID BOARD MINUTES March 19, 2013 IX – RELOCATION OF BID BOARD MEETINGS TO OSHKOSH SENIORS CENTER OR OTHER VENUE FROM MARCH UNTIL NOVEMBER, 2013 Mr. Russell offered to continue to host the Board meetings at Great Estates. Ms. Anderson said Caramel Crisp could host as well, but would not be able to provide a private meeting space. Mr. Nau responded that the Board meetings are open to the public so that would not be an issue. After discussion, the Board decided to have the April meeting at Great Estates. X – IDENTIFICATION OF AGENDA ITEMS FOR THE APRIL 16, 2013 MEETING -Discuss formal process on how to utilize/maintain/build reserve fund XI – ADJOURNMENT With there being no further business, Jim Stapel moved for the meeting to be adjourned at 9:23 am. Michael Russell seconded the motion which passed unanimously. Respectfully Submitted, Jeffrey Nau Associate Planner 4