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HomeMy WebLinkAboutWeekly Newsletter DOWNTOWN OSHKOSH BID BOARD MINUTES October 15, 2013 PRESENT: David Sparr, Michael Russell, Sandy Prunty, Jim Stapel, Kay Bahr, Chanda Anderson, Kurt Koeppler, Andy Ratchman EXCUSED: Megan Lang, Kris Larson, Todd Cummings, Vicky Schroeder STAFF: Cassie Cook - BID Manager, Jeffrey Nau – Associate Planner OTHERS: Matt Kroening – Oshkosh Police Department, Rob Klemen – Oshkosh Area Economic Development Corporation, David Krumplitsch – Leadership Oshkosh/Best Western Premier Waterfront Hotel I - CALL TO ORDER Chairperson Sparr called the meeting to order at 8:04am and a quorum was declared present. II – APPROVE MINUTES OF SEPTEMBER 17, 2013 MEETING There was no discussion on this item. Jim Stapel moved to approve the minutes of the September 17, 2013 meeting as presented. Sandy Prunty seconded the motion which passed unanimously. III – POLICING/TRAFFIC/PARKING/ENFORCEMENT ISSUES No representative from the Oshkosh Police Department was initially present. Sandy Prunty commented that there is a bad perception to the apparent increase in crime downtown. David Sparr responded the behavior is mostly drinking-related. IV – TOUR OF AMERICA’S DAIRYLAND BICYCLE RACE DISCUSSION Christopher Yaggie and Mickey Noone, representing the Oshkosh Cycling Club and the Tour of America’s Dairyland bike races presented information for the planned Downtown Oshkosh event on Thursday, June 26, 2014. Mr. Yaggie stated he wanted to speak directly to the BID Board to address any potential issues and concerns and seek support from the BID. Mr. Yaggie added he understood a similar event held in 2012 had negative impacts on several downtown establishments and assured the Board that the group he represents would be more sensitive to business concerns, work with the Downtown and have better communication. Mr. Yaggie estimates that 700-1,000 cyclists will participate, each bringing an average of 1.8 additional spectators downtown. Mr. Russell stated he was skeptical based on the race held in 2012 which completely cutoff access to his business for an entire day. Mr. Yaggie responded that the proposed race course would not cutoff access to businesses and that one of their goals is to draw people to downtowns. Chair Sparr asked if the race course has been determined. Mr. Yaggie responded that the 0.6 mile course starts at High Ave. and Main St., south on Main to Otter Ave., east on Otter to Court St., north on Court to Washington Ave., west on Washington/Algoma to Division St., south on Division to High Ave. Mr. Yaggie added that the course will still allow access around the course perimeter. Mr. Yaggie also stated that the race will be held on the same day as Waterfest and the event attendees will spill into each other. 1 DOWNTOWN OSHKOSH BID BOARD MINUTES October 15, 2013 Mr. Russell commented that this course is better than the race held in 2012. Kay Bahr asked what the hours of the event are. Mr. Yaggie responded that the races begin at 10:00am until usually 7:30pm, depending on the number of participants and racers. Mr. Koeppler asked if this was a rain or shine event. Mr. Yaggie responded the event will be held rain or shine. V – MONTHLY FINANCIAL REPORT There was no discussion on this item. Jim Stapel moved for approval of the monthly financial report as presented. Chanda Anderson seconded the motion which passed unanimously. VI – TRANSFER OF $150.00 FROM THE ADVERTISING BUDGET TO THE GIFT CARD BUDGET Ms. Cook requested the Board to approve a transfer of $150.00 from the Advertising Budget to the Gift Card budget to cover the cost of promotional cards. There was no further discussion on this item. Sandy Prunty motioned for approval for the transfer of $150.00 from the Advertising Budget to the Gift Card Budget. Michael Russell seconded the motion which passed unanimously. VII – BID MANAGER AND SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS Ms. Cook presented a summary of her activities over the past month as outlined in her report included in the BID packet. Highlights include:  The Retention Fund Grant application is ready and was reviewed by the Budget Committee. Mr. Stapel stated he would prefer to see the grants used for exterior improvements to have a more visual impact. Mr. Sparr responded that was the same thought the Budget Committee had. Mr. Koeppler asked if the grant would have to be matched by the applicant. Mr. Sparr responded the grants do need to be matched, but by what percentage, has not been determined yet.  Working with the Holiday Committee – preparing for holiday events, beautification elements and Christmas tree.  Updates to the Downtown website.  Prepared block captain brochures.  Prepared monthly gift card promotion – Manila is the featured business for October.  Sent out monthly newsletter.  Emailed upcoming events and related road closures.  Marketing Consortium: th Trick-or-treating event will be held on Wednesday, October 30 from 4:30pm to 7:00pm. o Met with Erica from Satori Imports to go over holiday events and promotions for 2013. o  Beautification: Met with City Manager Mark Rohloff to discuss the trash receptacle issue. Will be following up o at a later date.  Salon La Rouse submitted receipts qualifying them for their approved Recruitment Fund Grant. Still waiting for Backlot Comedy Club to submit their receipts – they have until November to enable them to receive their grant. 2 DOWNTOWN OSHKOSH BID BOARD MINUTES October 15, 2013  Met with Blue Door Consulting to go over advertising opportunities in the 2014 Downtown Directory.  Attended the WEDC and WEDA conference in Racine  Working on the Downtown Directory update. Jim Stapel questioned if producing the Downtown Directory was necessary in our current age of smart phones. Ms. Cook responded that people staying at the hotel and visiting the CVB go through a lot of them – helps people from out of town. Chanda Anderson and Kay Bahr also stated they distribute a lot of them from their businesses.  The recruitment pamphlets will be completed this week. Chair Sparr requested reopening up discussion on the Financial Report to give an update on the Budget Committee. He informed the Board that they have not looked at funding events or Marketing Consortium as of yet. Mr. Sparr added that to fund events, money from the reserve fund would have to be utilized, in addition to an increase in the assessment. He added that Ms. Cook’s advertising plan is set up with money spent by the BID comes back to the BID from participating businesses and questioned if more money should be budgeted towards advertising, knowing money would be coming back. Mr. Sparr asked for feedback to see how the Budget Committee should proceed. Mr. Russell felt that money is better spent on advertising where events often only benefit selected businesses. Mr. Stapel stated that he has concerns that service-type businesses do not receive any benefit from downtown events and the BID needs to focus spending that helps everyone. Ms. Anderson reported that where the proposed budget stands now, no money is available for events unless the assessments are raised or reserves are used. Mr. Koeppler stated that he would rather see the assessment remain the same and use the reserves since it cannot be increased for a large scale project due to budget constraints. Mr. Koeppler also stated he would like to see a parking ramp built that has first floor commercial spaces but realistically, that type of project could only be undertaken by the city. Mr. Russell stated that service businesses do have the same opportunities to take advantage of the BID’s advertising program. He also stated that any financial contribution the BID could make for a large-scale project would be only be a drop in the bucket. Ms. Prunty responded that may be true but they could still be a player. Chair Sparr asked for input in regard to what percentage property owners would have to match to be eligible for the proposed Retention Grant program. Kurt Koeppler and Mike Russell suggested going to the Oshkosh Community Foundation to see if they would be willing to assist in funding this type of program again. Mr. Koeppler stated that the prior façade improvement program required owners to match 25% of the grant amount. He added that the money would be depleted faster and helps fewer businesses, however that is what they are use to. Mr. Russell commented even if the grant required a 50% match; it is still free money to the business. After further Board discussion, they felt that a 50% match would be appropriate. III – POLICING/TRAFFIC/PARKING/ENFORCEMENT ISSUES (CONTINUED) Sergeant Kroening reported that the Fall Pub Crawl happened last Saturday night. He added that this was the smallest turnout in at least three years. Sergeant Kroening said that a large portion of the participants were staying at the campus area bars and not migrating to the downtown. Overall, arrests were significantly lower than previous events. 3 DOWNTOWN OSHKOSH BID BOARD MINUTES October 15, 2013 As far as other concerns, Sergeant Kroening reported that the Tuesday night gatherings at Opera House Square have died down, most likely due to school being back in session. Sandy Prunty informed Sergeant Kroening that there have been gatherings of older kids and young adults at the Town Motel. Sergeant Kroening responded he would look into the situation. VIII – IDENTIFICATION OF AGENDA ITEMS FOR THE NOVEMBER 19, 2013 MEETING -Approve BID Budget and Operating Plan IX – ADJOURNMENT With there being no further business, Jim Stapel moved for the meeting to be adjourned at 9:12am. Sandy Prunty seconded the motion which passed unanimously. Respectfully Submitted, Jeffrey Nau Associate Planner 4 PLAN COMMISSION MINUTES November 5, 2013 PRESENT: Ed Bowen, Thomas Fojtik, John Hinz, Kathleen Propp, Donna Lohry, Robert Vajgrt EXCUSED: David Borsuk, Jeffrey Thoms, Steve Cummings, Karl Nollenberger STAFF: Darryn Burich, Director of Planning Services; David Buck, Principal Planner; Jeffrey Nau, Associate Planner; Steven Gohde, Assistant Director of Public Works; Deborah Foland, Recording Secretary Chairperson Fojtik called the meeting to order at 4:00 pm. Roll call was taken and a quorum declared present. The minutes of October 15, 2013 were approved as presented. (Vajgrt/Hinz) I. TWO-LOT LAND DIVISION/CERTIFIED SURVEY MAP AT 3764 JACKSON STREET The owner/petitioner is requesting a two-lot land division/certified survey map from one existing parcel containing a total of 63,831 + square feet. Sizes of the proposed lots are as follows: Lot 1 = 31,890 Square Feet Lot 2 = 31,941 Square Feet Mr. Burich presented the item and reviewed the site and surrounding area. He stated that this item was laid over from the October 15, 2013 meeting to permit the applicant to provide additional information to staff relative to the certified survey map and additional information was not received until today. Ms. Lohry arrived at 4:04 pm. Mr. Burich stated that some additional information was placed on the CSM however it was not sufficient to satisfy the requirements that were outlined on the previous staff report. A narrative was also provided however it addresses the potential of selling Lot 2 to the owner of the property to the north for future development but this does not address the immediate concerns of splitting off this lot in its current state. He further stated that there are no utilities on this lot containing the shed structure and the open storage use that currently exists on the site appears to be the intended use at this time. Staff would be supportive of redevelopment of the site but not the land division as there are not definitive plans submitted for the redevelopment and the revised CSM submitted today does not address staff concerns regarding the use and the land division as presented is in conflict with the Comprehensive Plan. Mr. Bowen questioned if the revised CSM meet the subdivision regulations. Mr. Burich responded that it was just received today and staff has not had time to review it however the additional information added does not relate to the conditions that need to be met to recommend approval. __________________________________ Plan Commission Minutes 1 November 5, 2013 Ms. Propp inquired if the petitioner for this request also owns the property to the north of the subject site. Mr. Burich responded negatively. Russell Eckstein, 4790 County Road I, Larsen, stated he was present representing Mr. Schumacher, and that a developer has purchased the land to the north of the subject site but was only interested in the proposed Lot 2. Mr. Burich responded that the City has not been contacted or approached by the developer and no potential plans have been submitted either, therefore to approve the land division at this point would be premature as it would create a separate parcel of its own for the storage shed. Mr. Buck added that Lot 2, if split from the other parcel, would create a nonconforming use with nonconforming setback issues as well. Mr. Burich commented that creating this parcel on its own is an issue as the storage building on the site is not a conforming use on its own. Mr. Fojtik questioned what the solution to this situation would be. Mr. Bowen inquired if there would be concerns if both the storage building and other structures would be removed from the site. Mr. Burich responded that a green field site could be created if the parcel had all structures razed and the site returned to a grass surface. Mr. Bowen then inquired if the petitioner was submitting the CSM for sale purposes only. Mr. Schumacher replied that the use of the site was nonconforming now and he wanted to make it a conforming use. Mr. Bowen commented that the petitioner needed to clear up the zoning issues on the site and the CSM was only making things more complicated at this time. Mr. Burich agreed and stated that the CSM requesting to divide the lot was creating more issues than it was resolving. Mr. Bowen questioned if there would be an issue with the approval of the land division if the proposed Lot 2 was being sold at the same time. Mr. Burich responded that the accessory shed structure on the site was still an issue. Mr. Fojtik again requested guidance on how to resolve the issues. Mr. Burich responded that if the petitioner submitted the land division along with a development proposal for the site or the alternative would be to demolish the existing structures on the site so it could be marketed as a green field site. __________________________________ Plan Commission Minutes 2 November 5, 2013 Russell Eckstein questioned what would have to be done to make the lot conforming as it currently exists. Mr. Burich indicated that a base standard modification could be granted for the planned development however that was not likely. Mr. Buck added that the storage building would have to be rehabilitated to meet current building code standards as well. Mr. Hinz inquired without the land division approved, what is the nonconforming issue currently. Mr. Burich responded that there were zoning code violations on the site. Mr. Buck added that the current use was legal nonconforming however there were zoning code issues for outside storage, signage, and setback issues. Mr. Burich suggested that the Plan Commission deny the land division at this point until such a time that Lot 2 be razed or until such time that a development plan for the site is submitted. As the request stands, approving the land division would leave the site with no intended reuse and with that potential unknown factor, more information was necessary to separate the two lots and be consistent with the City’s Subdivision Regulations. Motion by Vajgrt to approve the two-lot land division/certified survey map at 3764 Jackson Street. Seconded by Propp. Motion denied 0-6. II. OPPOSE SB 349 PREEMPTING MUNICIPAL AUTHORITY TO REGULATE WATER QUALITY, AIR QUALITY, USE OF EXPLOSIVES, BORROW PITS ASSOCIATED WITH DOT CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS & NONMETALLIC MINING The Wisconsin Senate has introduced SB 349 which preempts or reduces municipal authority to regulate air quality, water quality and quantity, the use of explosives, borrow pits and material disposal sites related to DOT construction projects, and nonmetallic mining. The League of Wisconsin Municipalities has concerns with the proposed legislation and is opposed to the legislation as presented. Mr. Burich presented the item and reviewed the memo he prepared regarding the issue. He also distributed copies of correspondence sent to the state legislature from the League of Wisconsin Municipalities opposing this bill and a resolution he prepared also opposing the legislation. He stated that the bill would reduce municipal authority and would allow borrow pits to be created in any area of the city for Department of Transportation projects without the City’s approval and will effect land use decisions in our community. Sites such as the Vulcan Quarry could be expanded under this new legislation without a conditional use permit approval as well as prohibiting regulations regarding blasting on the site. This will concern the residential neighbors in the area of the quarry as it may negatively impact their neighborhood. The resolution distributed was reviewed and if approved by the Plan Commission, would be forwarded to the Common Council for approval and then would be forwarded to our area’s legislative representatives. Steve Gohde, Assistant Director of Public Works, stated that the local regulation of water quality and quantity and air quality concerned him as it could effect storm water flood control regulations and __________________________________ Plan Commission Minutes 3 November 5, 2013 would be a substantial blow to storm water management for our community as flooding concerns are a major issue. Mr. Bowen commented that language in the bill enforces standards for water quality and quantity but how it effects our community is yet unknown. Mr. Gohde stated that the City Manager has sent correspondence relating to this issue to Representative Gudex but to date, no reply has been received. Mr. Fojtik commented that he was hesitant with the process of approving a resolution at this point as he needed more information before making a decision on the matter. Ms. Lohry questioned if the resolution was reviewed by the City Attorney. Mr. Burich responded that it was crafted to meet the local concerns in our community. Mr. Hinz commented that he had concerns regarding the language relating to damages to roads by vehicles during construction. Mr. Gohde agreed as these construction projects currently involve organized truck routes that have to be followed and it will affect local projects as well. Mr. Hinz also commented about the strictness of navigable waterways and had concerns if this legislation overrides local regulation of that too. Ms. Propp commented that she assumed that the Department of Natural Resources or the Environmental Protection Agency’s standards would be applied. Mr. Gohde responded that the Clean Water Act would require that the project would have to follow state regulations for water quality however the quantity and ability to detain water is not a state issue. Ms. Propp questioned if the legislation would not have an effect on water quality. Mr. Gohde indicated that the changes to quality would be minor however the issues regarding quantity were a concern. Mr. Bowen questioned the precedent of passing a resolution regarding this legislation as this practice has not been done in the past. He did feel the proposed legislation was bad as after reading the language in the bill it is ambiguous and far reaching when it comes to local control. Mr. Burich responded that the legislation would affect local land use policies in place. Mr. Bowen commented that these affects will impact the community in a negative way. Ms. Lohry stated that she felt that disturbing land in any way created water quality issues and she would support the resolution. Motion by Bowen to approve Resolution 13-02 opposing SB 349 preempting Municipal Authority to regulate water quality, air quality, use of explosives, borrow pits associated with DOT construction projects and nonmetallic mining. __________________________________ Plan Commission Minutes 4 November 5, 2013 Seconded by Hinz. Mr. Hinz commented that federal and state government should have the least control over these matters and local government bodies should make these decisions as they have the most direct affect on their communities and he would also support the resolution. Ms. Propp stated that it is terrible legislation and will reach into every community and she was also in favor of supporting the proposed resolution. Motion carried 6-0. PLANNING DIRECTOR’S REPORT 1)Zoning Ordinance Update Mr. Buck stated that the information gathering was in process and focus groups and workshops have been held. The working group met and reviewed policy issues and the consultant is in the process of breaking down the city into various zoning districts. He further stated that staff will be providing summaries from the workshops and focus groups to the Plan Commission and the next stage is the consultant providing a skeleton of zoning code and devising concepts. Mr. Fojtik commented that he was present at several of the meetings and was impressed with the consultants work. 2)AB 410 Manufacture Home Parks Retain Nonconforming Use Status Mr. Burich stated that this bill does not have the potential to create the significant impact that could arise from SB 349 however he feels it necessary to keep Commission members informed of these legislative actions and obtain an opinion or possibly action depending on the matter. Bill AB 410 effects nonconforming mobile home parks and would allow switching out of homes in these parks where some communities currently do not allow this practice. Our community already allows this practice. There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at approximately 4:50 pm. (Vajgrt/Hinz) Respectfully submitted, Darryn Burich Director of Planning Services __________________________________ Plan Commission Minutes 5 November 5, 2013