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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutesDOWNTOWN OSHKOSH BID BOARD MINUTES March 18, 2014 1 PRESENT: David Sparr, Sandy Prunty, Michael Russell, Jim Stapel, Kay Bahr, Kris Larson, Andy Ratchman, Vicky Schroeder EXCUSED: Kurt Koeppler, Megan Lang, Todd Cummings, Chanda Anderson STAFF: Cassie Cook - BID Manager, Jeffrey Nau – Associate Planner, David Buck – Principal Planner OTHERS: Matt Kroening – Oshkosh Police Department, Rob Kleman – Oshkosh Chamber of Commerce, 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 FEBRUARY, 2014 MEETING There was no discussion on this item. Sandy Prunty moved to approve the minutes of the February 18, 2014 meeting as presented. Vicky Schroeder seconded the motion which passed unanimously. III – POLICING/TRAFFIC/PARKING/ENFORCEMENT ISSUES Sergeant Matt Kroening introduced Officer Carter Augsburger to the Board. Sergeant Kroening explained that Officer Augsburger patrols part of the downtown, more specifically the west side of N. Main Street and he wanted to put a face to his name. Sergeant Kroening reported issues with the Library parking lot in that permit spaces intended for use by Library employees are being used more frequently by the general public. He added that there will be increased enforcement and placement of new signage stating no overnight parking is allowed. Sergeant Kroening reported that criminal activity has been very low the past month with the most serious offences being four O.W.I. arrests and a theft by fraud complaint and associated arrest. Sergeant Kroening stated that plans are in place for the April Pub Crawl, even though the event organizer has bypassed the system by not obtaining a Special Event Permit from the Common Council. IV – MONTHLY FINANCIAL REPORT There was no discussion on this item. Michael Russell moved for approval of the monthly financial report as presented. Sandy Prunty seconded the motion which passed unanimously. V – 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 has been printed and are currently being distributed • Updated the directory listings on the Downtown Website DOWNTOWN OSHKOSH BID BOARD MINUTES March 18, 2014 2 • Met with Manila Restaurant in regard to a possible Retention Grant • Prepared recruitment packets for future downtown visits • Mailed several recruitment packets to potential businesses • Made various updates to the Downtown Website • This month’s Gift Card Program’s featured business is Urban Esque Salon • Back Lot Comedy and Exclusive Company are now part of the Gift Card Program • Working on the Advertising program • Working on signage for Opera House Square. • Portable trash receptacles should be arriving today with placement taking place this spring • Prepared letter of agreement for Sparr Investments Retention Fund Grant • Made contact with two potential Recruitment Grant applicants • Been studying other downtowns for potential visits VI – STATUS REPORT FOR BUSINESS RECRUITMENT EFFORTS Ms. Cook reported that she traveled to downtown West Bend for recruitment research and visited six businesses: • Conversation Piece – a gift store set up in a house selling knickknacks. Ms. Cook said she felt this was not the type of business the BID was looking for. • Sager’s Mens Apparel – a men’s clothing store. They are not looking to expand at this time but would require a larger building which Downtown Oshkosh does not have available at this time. • Serendipity – An upscale gift store. Ms. Cook said she will do a follow-up to see if the owner has any interest in expanding. • Bits “N” Pieces Floral – A florist. Ms. Cook stated the owner was not available but she left a business card. • The Idle Hour ...or Two – A coffee/sandwich shop similar to New Moon. Ms. Cook stated she felt this was not the type of restaurant the BID was looking for. • The Grasshopper – A full menu restaurant. Ms. Cook said the restaurant was very busy and food was good and intends to send a packet to the manager, however, they would require a large space. Ms. Cook said in addition to her visit, she sent out recruitment packets to several businesses throughout the state and will make follow-up calls in the next week or two. Ms. Prunty complimented Ms. Cook on the look and content of the packets. VII – DISCUSSION ON PROPOSED REMOVAL OF TERRACE TREE AT 522 N. MAIN STREET Mr. Nau introduced Principal Planner David Buck who staffs the Landmarks Commission and Dan Meissner, architect for the Mainview Apartment renovations. Mr. Nau presented background information in regard to the Oshkosh Housing Authority’s plan to construct an awning on Mainview Apartments (former Raulf Hotel, 522 N. Main Street, projecting into the right-of-way over public sidewalk. The awning would recreate the historic look of previous awnings when the building was used as a hotel/theater. The consequence of the awning is that a terrace tree along N. Main Street would have to be removed. Mr. Nau stated he was seeking feedback from the Board to see if the tree removal in favor of the awning was in the best interest of the BID. DOWNTOWN OSHKOSH BID BOARD MINUTES March 18, 2014 3 Mr. Buck stated that Mainview Apartments is currently going through interior and exterior renovations, many of which have been complete. Mr. Buck continued that the State Historical Preservation Office has been involved and renovations qualify for various tax credits. Mr. Buck stated that besides the awning, plans call for installation of additional windows, rooftop garden, interior renovations, and opening up the first floor for commercial use. Mr. Buck distributed historic photographs of the hotel depicting several types of awnings that were once affixed to the building. Mr. Buck stated that the City is being careful about creating a precedent by removing a street tree, fearing similar requests might be made along Main Street. Mr. Buck reported that the Landmarks Commission reviewed the awning plans and was in favor of the proposal. Mr. Meissner introduced Su van Houwelingen, Deputy Director of the Oshkosh Housing Authority. Mr. Meissner provided additional background information and history of the renovation which has been in the works for several years. He added that there are three trees along the building’s frontage, with only one hampering placement of the awning. He stated he was available for questions. Mr. Russell stated he was in favor of the proposed awning as it is more historically accurate than the current green bubble awnings. Mr. Larson stated he liked the plans and asked how far the awning will project off the building. Mr. Meissner responded that the drawings show it to be 11 feet, but has been scaled back to seven feet to address city concerns, but is still acceptable by SHPO. Ms. Prunty asked if the awning is going to be white and will be placed along the entire front of the building. Mr. Meissner responded the final color has not been selected but will compliment the building and that it would expand across the whole façade. Mr. Stapel stated he was in favor of the awing but was disappointed it cannot be wider. Ms. van Houwelingen stated that if possible, they are going to see if the tree can be relocated to a green area south of the building. Chair Sparr asked Mr. Buck what the next step for approval is. Mr. Buck responded that the request has to go to the City Manager and potentially the Board of Public Works for approval. Mr. Buck added that Landmarks Commission suggested that a marker could be placed at the site of the tree and provide historical information on the Raulf Hotel. Lastly, Mr. Buck stated that the tree is just one of many issues before the awning can be installed but ultimately the Housing Authority will be responsible to make sure those issues are resolved. Mr. Russell asked Mr. Nau if the Board had to take formal action or make a recommendation. Mr. Nau replied the city is just looking for feedback at this time. Mr. Nau added that if needed, the BID can approve a resolution at the April meeting. VIII – IDENTIFICATION OF AGENDA ITEMS FOR THE MARCH 18, 2014 MEETING No items were suggested. Mr. Sparr asked the Board to contact himself or BID Manager Cook if any agenda items need to be added. DOWNTOWN OSHKOSH BID BOARD MINUTES March 18, 2014 4 IX – ADJOURNMENT With there being no further business, Jim Stapel moved for the meeting to be adjourned at 8:41am. Sandy Prunty seconded the motion which passed unanimously. Respectfully Submitted, Jeffrey Nau Associate Planner