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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutesDOWNTOWN OSHKOSH BID BOARD MINUTES February 18, 2014 1 PRESENT: David Sparr, Megan Lang, Sandy Prunty, Todd Cummings, Chanda Anderson, Michael Russell, Jim Stapel, Kay Bahr, Andy Ratchman, Vicky Schroeder EXCUSED: Kurt Koeppler, Kris Larson STAFF: Cassie Cook - BID Manager, Elizabeth Williams – Assistant Planner, Jeffrey Nau – Associate Planner OTHERS: Matt Kroening – Oshkosh Police Department, David Krumplitsch – Leadership Oshkosh/Best Western Premier Waterfront Hotel I - CALL TO ORDER Chairperson Sparr called the meeting to order at 8:00am and a quorum was declared present. III – APPROVE MINUTES OF JANUARY 21, 2014 MEETING Chair Sparr requested this item be moved up in the agenda for discussion. Mr. Sparr noted an error within Item III, Downtown Trash Receptacle Needs Discussion, paragraph 6, last sentence should be “…parked cars and traffic will not cause problems.” Sandy Prunty moved to approve the minutes of the January 21, 2014 meeting as amended. Vicky Schroeder seconded the motion which passed unanimously. II – APPROVE RETENTION FUND GRANT IN THE AMOUNT OF $472.50 FOR SPARR INVESTMENTS, 103 HIGH AVENUE BID Manager Cook distributed background information for the request. Mr. Sparr stated the grant is for replacement of his awning which is over ten years old and is showing significant wear and tear. The existing frame would be used with only the fabric being replaced. Mr. Sparr added that he contacted Associate Planner Jeffrey Nau with the City to see if any permits would be required. Mr. Sparr stated that Mr. Nau responded that no permit is necessary as long as the original frame structure was not removed or altered. Mr. Sparr stated that the replacement cost for the fabric was $945.00, 50 percent of which is eligible for the grant. Jim Stapel moved for approval of the Retention Fund Grant in the amount of $472.50 for Sparr Investments. Michael Russell seconded the motion which passed 9-0-1 (Sparr – abstain). IV – POLICING/TRAFFIC/PARKING/ENFORCEMENT ISSUES No one from the Oshkosh Police Department was present. Mr. Sparr asked the Board how the snow removal on Main Street has been. Mr. Cummings responded that the city has been doing a good job this winter. There was no further discussion on this item. DOWNTOWN OSHKOSH BID BOARD MINUTES February 18, 2014 2 V – MONTHLY FINANCIAL REPORT There was no discussion on this item. Jim Stapel moved for approval of the monthly financial report as presented. 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: • 2014 Downtown Directory is out to print. Nine advertising spaces were sold which offset printing costs. • The grant application is available on the website and will be sent with the March Downtown Newsletter. • Additional daily parking permits are available. • Updates to the City website have been made. • Action Dancewear is this month’s Gift Card promotion featured business – offering a $5.00 gift card for every $45.00 purchase. • Continuing to sell advertising space through the Advertising Plan. • 2013 financials have been closed. • Beautification – sent out follow-up email in regard to the trash receptacles. • Met with a potential Recruitment Fund Grant applicant for the 223 N. Main St. • Attended the Chamber Advisory Council, formally the OAEDC Advisory Council • Mentored for Youth Leadership Oshkosh Government Day • Attended Special Events meeting • Has been in contact with Blue Door Consulting to discuss website updates. VIII – DISCUSSION ON 2014 BUSINESS RECRUITMENT ACTION PLAN Ms. Cook asked to go over the wish list created last year for types of businesses she should focus recruiting efforts on and how to go about doing it. As she could recall, the wish list included an up-scale women’s clothing store, pet store, bakery, restaurants, deli, and florist. Ms. Cook inquired if a committee should be formed to help research and visit other downtown websites for ideas. Mr. Stapel asked how many vacant spaces are available. Ms Cook responded that there are six spaces available. Mr. Cummings asked Ms. Cook if the Chamber receives inquires about locating to the Downtown. Ms. Cook responded she does get some walk-ins and phone calls but most are for unrealistic businesses. Ms. Lang commented she has had interest in the former Soirée space, mostly for a second location for a restaurant. Ms. Anderson suggested a hands-on arts and crafts store or a place to hold social gatherings or child-focused activities. Mr. Nau arrived at 8:25am Ms. Lang inquired how far is a realistic distance to ask an existing business to open a second location. She suggested a maximum of an hour. DOWNTOWN OSHKOSH BID BOARD MINUTES February 18, 2014 3 Ms. Williams left at 8:32am Ms. Cook summarized the suggestions and stated she would scout out downtowns within an hour of Oshkosh and visit one before next month and report back. IX – IDENTIFICATION OF AGENDA ITEMS FOR THE MARCH 18, 2014 MEETING No items were suggested X – ADJOURNMENT With there being no further business, Jim Stapel moved for the meeting to be adjourned at 8:36am. Sandy Prunty seconded the motion which passed unanimously. Respectfully Submitted, Jeffrey Nau Associate Planner