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HomeMy WebLinkAboutWeekly Newsletter (4) DOWNTOWN OSHKOSH BID BOARD MINUTES December 17, 2013 PRESENT: David Sparr, Michael Russell, Jim Stapel, Kris Larson, Kay Bahr, Andy Ratchman, Vicky Schroeder EXCUSED: Megan Lang, Sandy Prunty, Todd Cummings, Chanda Anderson, Kurt Koeppler STAFF: Cassie Cook - BID Manager, Jeffrey Nau – Associate Planner OTHERS: Matt Kroening – Oshkosh Police Department, Rob Kleman – 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 8:11am and a quorum was declared present. II – APPROVE MINUTES OF NOVEMBER 19, 2013 MEETING There was no discussion on this item. Vicky Schroeder moved to approve the minutes of the November 19, 2013 meeting as presented. Jim Stapel seconded the motion which passed unanimously. III – POLICING/TRAFFIC/PARKING/ENFORCEMENT ISSUES Sergeant Kroening passed out a photo of Richard Robl, a suspect wanted in connection with a quick change scam that has occurred at various downtown businesses. He requested if anyone comes into contact with him to call the Oshkosh Police Department. Sergeant Kroening reported that the last month has been rather uneventful other than a rash of employee thefts and a heroin overdose. There was no further discussion on this item. IV – MONTHLY FINANCIAL REPORT There was no discussion on this item. Kris Larson moved for approval of the monthly financial report as presented. Jim Stapel seconded the motion which passed unanimously. V – APPROVE $5,000.00 RECRUITMENT FUND GRANT FOR BAR 430 (430 N. MAIN STREET) BID Manager Cook distributed the minutes and went over the Recruitment Fund Grant Committee meeting held on December 2, 2013. Ms. Cook added that the Committee recommended approval for a grant of $5,000 which will come from the 2014 Recruitment/Retention Fund Grant Budget. Mr. Sparr was concerned that it may look bad that the BID can afford to give out a $5,000 grant while at the same time, cut funding for Downtown events. Ms. Cook responded that the proposed business scored high on the RFG checklist, scoring 90 out of a possible 100. Ms. Cook added they were also approved for a Revolving Loan from the Chamber. 1 DOWNTOWN OSHKOSH BID BOARD MINUTES December 17, 2013 Mr. Stapel stated he had concerns about possible noise issues for the two adjoining properties which both have upper-story apartments. Mr. Stapel added that he has reservation about the aesthetic of the proposed “garage door” style façade for the bar. Mr. Russell stated that the BID budgeted $20,000 specifically for recruitment and feels that event funding should not be taken into consideration. Mr. Russell asked Ms. Cook if there were any other RFG requests pending. Ms. Cook responded that there were not at this time, however, she anticipates the owners of 531 N. Main will make a request early next year. Michael Russell motioned for approval of the $5,000 Recruitment Fund Grant for Bar 430. Vicky Schroeder seconded the motion which passed unanimously. VI – 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:  Putting together Recruitment Folders.  Updating the 2014 Directory. Plans to get to Blue Door Consulting soon for printing in February.  Retention Grant application is complete.  2014 Beautification Contract is ready for the contractor to sign.  2014 Banner Contract is ready for the contractor to sign.  Continuing to sell advertising space on buses and billboards.  Sent out monthly Downtown newsletter.  Working on selling advertising spaces in Downtown Directory.  Sent out membership invoices for Marketing Consortium Members.  Sent out letters to event sponsorship applicants to inform them if they received funding or not. Mr. Sparr reported that he received an email from Grand Opera House Director Joe Ferlo in regard to funding of Movies in the Park. Ms. Cook reported that Jim Evans would no longer be participating with Gallery Walk. Mr. Larson responded that he was going to be part of its continuation. VII – DOWNTOWN TRASH RECEPTACLE NEEDS UPDATE Ms. Cook reported she received an email from City Manager Rohloff with the City’s proposal to add additional trash receptacles downtown. Ms. Cook distributed a brochure of the proposed receptacle the city has approved for the BID. Ms. Cook added that the city is looking into purchasing several of the cans to rent out to special events. The Board discussed their concerns with the proposed receptacle stating that they are not aesthetically harmonious with the other downtown amenities and feared the cans could be easily moved, tipped over or used as projectiles. Mr. Russell instructed Ms. Cook to get quotes to see how much it would cost to have a private contractor to pick up trash from the existing cans in addition to the six additional sites the BID was seeking. 2 DOWNTOWN OSHKOSH BID BOARD MINUTES December 17, 2013 The Board asked Mr. Nau to invite City Manager Rohloff to the January Board meeting to discuss this issue further. VIII – IDENTIFICATION OF AGENDA ITEMS FOR THE JANUARY 21, 2014 MEETING -Downtown trash receptacle needs update -Installation of emergency defibrillators at various Downtown locations IX – ADJOURNMENT With there being no further business, Michael Russell moved for the meeting to be adjourned at 8:47am. Jim Stapel seconded the motion which passed unanimously. Respectfully Submitted, Jeffrey Nau Associate Planner 3