Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutesDOWNTOWN OSHKOSH BID BOARD MINUTES June 17, 2014 1 PRESENT: Sandy Prunty, Jim Stapel, David Sparr, Megan Lang, Kay Bahr, Vicky Schroeder, Andy Ratchman EXCUSED: Chanda Anderson, Kris Larson STAFF: Cassie Cook - BID Manager, Jeffrey Nau – Associate Planner OTHERS: Matt Kroening – Oshkosh Police Department, Jim Collins – Transportation Director I - CALL TO ORDER Chair Sparr called the meeting to order at 8:03am and a quorum was declared present. II – APPROVE MINUTES OF MAY 20, 2014 MEETING There was no discussion on this item. Jim Stapel moved to approve the minutes of the May 20, 2014 meeting as presented. Kay Bahr seconded the motion which passed unanimously. III – POLICING/TRAFFIC/PARKING/ENFORCEMENT ISSUES Sergeant Kroening reported that besides the festivals, things have been quiet downtown. Sergeant Kroening did state that issues occurring the past month included homeless people sleeping in the lobbies of BMO Harris Bank and the Post Office, and a burglary occurring at 420 N. Main St. IV – OPERA HOUSE SQUARE – TUESDAY NIGHT GATHERING ISSUES (CONTINUED) This item was carried over from the May 20th meeting so that representatives from the Oshkosh Police Department could be present for the discussion. BID Manager Cook introduced Tamera Adelmeyer, owner of Salon La Rousse, 317 Market Street. Ms. Adelmeyer expressed her concerns with the Tuesday night gatherings at Opera House Square which includes mock fighting, rowdy behavior, grilling, loud music and trash left by the gathering. Ms. Adelmeyer added that the crowd has intimidated her customers to the point where she purposely avoids scheduling appointments on Tuesday nights. Lastly, she asked if it would be possible to have police presence during the gatherings which she believes would keep the crowd under control. Sergeant Kroening responded that at a minimum, a squad car drives by at least every 30 minutes. He added that he would try to schedule an officer to be present but that may not be possible due to overtime issues. Megan Lang stated that she has she has heard negative comments about the Tuesday night gatherings from inside and outside the BID and has concerns on how it is affecting the image of the downtown. Ms. Lang asked Sergeant Kroening if the gatherings could qualify as a Special Event. Sergeant Kroening responded that 200 people are required to be considered a Special Event and estimated at most, 50 to 75 people gathering on Tuesdays. Board discussion followed on other issues and concerns with the Tuesday night activities and agreed that some sort of police presence, be it sworn officer, Auxiliary Police or Community Service Officer would help the situation. Sergeant Kroening reported that he just received confirmation that an officer will be present at Opera House Square that evening. He asked the Board in regard to future scheduling of Auxiliary Police, what time DOWNTOWN OSHKOSH BID BOARD MINUTES June 17, 2014 2 frame would they need to be present. Ms. Adelmeyer replied from 5:00pm until 8:00 or 9:00. The Board thanked Sergeant Kroening for his efforts. V – DISCUSS DUMPSTER ENCLOSURE ISSUES ON ALGOMA BOULEVARD LOT Marlo Ambas, owner of Manila Restaurant, 103 Algoma Blvd. expressed concerns in regard to unauthorized dumping of trash at the dumpster enclosure located at the Algoma parking lot adjacent to his building. Mr. Ambas added that people are leaving a mess and his staff has been trying to keep the enclosure area clean. Mr. Nau informed the Board that the BID paid for the enclosure’s construction in 2004 or 2005 on the city-owned parking lot. Mr. Nau added that the enclosure was intended to be used by Water City Grill and the Grand Opera House, however, no formal agreement was drafted for neither authorized use nor upkeep. Mr. Ambas stated that the Opera House has not been using the enclosure and that his business and New Moon Café have been sharing costs for trash removal. Mr. Ambas asked if there was anything that could be done to prevent the unauthorized dumping or if the enclosures could be redesigned. Mr. Stapel and Ms. Prunty stated that Mr. Ambas’s problem is not unique to the BID and there is no easy solution, other than the city resuming trash pickup for businesses. Ms. Lang stated the 400 block dumpster enclosures have roofs which may stop some of the dumping. Ms. Lang added that at this time the BID does not have money available to add a roof, however, would be supportive if Mr. Ambas provided the funding. Transportation Director Jim Collins stated he would be supportive of Mr. Ambas adding a roof to the enclosure, as long as the BID Board and Parking Utility approved of the design. The question was raised as to who was doing the dumping. Ms. Cook responded that she has observed nearby residential tenants walking their trash to the enclosure. Mr. Ambas lastly stated that he would consider his options and may return to the Board with a proposal. VI – MONTHLY FINANCIAL REPORT There was no discussion on this item. Jim Stapel moved for approval of the monthly financial report as presented. Sandy Prunty 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 information kiosk has been installed at Opera House Square. The print materials should be ready to go inside within the next two weeks. • Updating the downtown website with all of the upcoming events. • Prepared monthly newsletter. • Added Salon La Rousse and Backlot Comedy Club to the Gift Card Program. Overall use of the gift cards have been increasing. • Beautification o Spring banners have been replaced with the summer banners. o New bulbs for the wreaths will be ordered so the color matches the garland. DOWNTOWN OSHKOSH BID BOARD MINUTES June 17, 2014 3 • Recruitment o Has been getting more calls on the Recruitment Fund Grant Program. • Other o Attended Special Events meeting. o Will have table at Live at Lunch. o Will have table at Farmers Market on the first Saturday of the month. o Attended strategic planning session for Origin. o Will be meeting with Art City Signs to go over kiosk designs and changeable copy sign for Opera House Square for 2015. o Will be purchasing additional downtown parking passes. Ms. Prunty asked Ms. Cook if any of the RFG inquiries were related to her site visits. Ms. Cook responded they were not. VIII – BID BOARD POSITION OPENINGS Chair Sparr informed Mr. Nau that he had left a message for Kurt Koeppler to see if he would reconsider his decision not to be reappointed but has not heard back. Mr. Nau reported that David Krumplitsch from the Best Western who recently shadowed the BID Board for part of Leadership Oshkosh has applied and would probably be appointed. XI – IDENTIFICATION OF AGENDA ITEMS FOR THE JULY 15, 2014 MEETING Trash receptacle update. X – ADJOURNMENT With there being no further business, Sandy Prunty moved for the meeting to be adjourned at 8:49am. The motion passed unanimously. Respectfully Submitted, Jeffrey Nau Associate Planner