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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutesDOWNTOWN OSHKOSH BID BOARD MINUTES July 15, 2014 PRESENT: David Krumplitsch, Vicky Schroeder, Jim Stapel, Megan Lang, Chanda Anderson, Kris Larsen, Sandy Prunty, Kay Bahr, Marlo Ambas EXCUSED: David Sparr, Andy Ratchman STAFF: Benjamin Krumenauer – Assistant Planner OTHERS: Sergeant Matt Kroening – Oshkosh Police Department Steve Gohde – Assistant Director of Public Works I - CALL TO ORDER Ms. Lang called the meeting to order at 8:04 am and a quorum was declared present. II - APPROVE MINUTES OF JUNE 17, 2014 MEETING There was no discussion on the item. Ms. Prunty moved to approve the minutes of the June 17, 2014 meeting as presented. Ms. Anderson seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously. III –POLICING/TRAFFIC/PARKING/ENFORCEMENT ISSUES Sergeant Kroening reported that the downtown area saw an increase in police related calls and disturbances this month. Sergeant Kroening recapped the issues which included several vehicle related break-ins along Main Street and the Best Western/City of Oshkosh parking structure, several burglaries including one at 502 N. Main Street, 200 Merritt Avenue and 420 N. Main Street. Arrests were made at all the incidents and the juveniles were taken into a secure facility. Sergeant Kroening gave simple details about the perpetrators and explained the characteristics of the group. Continuing the discussion from the June 17, 2014 BID Board meeting, Sergeant Kroening went into greater detail about the Opera House Square concerns on Tuesday nights. Sergeant Kroening did stress that police department staff are present at the events and have been patrolling the square with additional officers during the gatherings. He did say that the officers are not able to be present for the whole duration because of shift changes or increased issues throughout the city at any moment in time. Officer Matt Ziegler is responsible for that area and has been trying to make additional contact with Tamera Adelmeyer, owner of Salon La Rousse, 317 Market Street. Officer Ziegler has been making regular reports of the issue and has been documenting any issues that arise. Ms. Prunty talked with Ms. Adelmeyer and wanted to convey her thanks about the additional police presence. They were happy to see the additional officers and that the gatherings have been quieter lately. Sergeant Kroening said that the biggest gathering was June 17, 2014 and around 30-40 people. The regular gatherings have been around 22-30 attendees. At this time OPD does not feel that it is necessary to bring the Auxiliary Police into the situation. With Country USA, Rock USA and EAA, the Auxiliary Police are already taxed and because they are volunteer police, it may be too much. Ms. Lang thanked the Sergeant for his information and the increased attendance of officers in the area and she is hopeful for fewer disturbances, and asked for additional updates every couple of months. IV – DOWNTOWN TRASH RECEPTACLE UPDATE There was no discussion on the item. Mr. Gohde requested that this item be laid over until the August meeting so additional information can be collected and presented to the board. Mr. Gohde did say that the usage of the additional bins has been limited, but the locations have been ok. Ms. Lang asked for additional clarification on the location and usage. Mr. Gohde said that the locations were working because DPW staff has been able to stay inside the vehicles. Mr. Gohde did say that additional information would be available in the future and that DPW is recording the usage at each temporary location. V – MONTHLY FINANCIAL REPORT There was no discussion on the item. Mr. Stapel moved to approve monthly financial report as presented. Mr. Larson seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously. VI – BID MANAGER AND SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS Ms. Bahr explained that the consortium had their meeting and the Chalk Walk will be moving forward in conjunction with the September Gallery Walk. Due to the EPA’s guidelines the plan is being amended to place the art on treated boards that are designed to mimic the concrete sidewalk or road. The artists are still excited for the process and are hopeful for a positive turnout. The artists will be using the Opera House Square area for the work and the sculptures will be moved to different galleries for the Gallery Walk. Ms. Lang was pleased with the downtown flower pots and the beautification committee overall is pleased with the process that was done this year. VII – DISCUSSION ON BIKE SHARING PROGRAM Mr. Krumenauer provided a brief discussion on the bike sharing concepts and how they could be used within the City of Oshkosh and in particular the downtown, campus and riverfront area. He laid out the different options generally available; 1. Free bicycle stations: which is an honor system program where bikes can be used by anybody and are returned to the designated areas after use. 2. A rental based system (or e-system) where a credit card is used to rent a bike. The system uses a checkout station and then the bike is rented for a specific time. The bike, once returned to a station, would then charge the rental fee. 3. An organization facilitates the rental process. UWO has had initial conversation about this option. Mr. Krumenauer reminded the Board that any sort of facility would require space allocated towards it. He mentioned the importance of thoughtful locations for each option and how it would be important to work with the adjacent property owners, public entities and the target audience. The bike sharing program concept is consistent with the Bicycle and Pedestrian Circulation Plan and staff feels that it is worth looking into and would give a favorable recommendation. Ms. Schroeder asked if the City had any immediate plans to install any sharing program. Mr. Krumenauer responded that the process is usually demand driven. There are no current plans, but he is willing to take the time to look into any sort of sharing program. Mr. Krumenauer also discussed the difficulties of free bike sharing programs. He said that often times the free bikes do not come back to the area, they can be damaged or stolen with no real course of recouping the cost of the bicycle. With the options where identification is held or a rent/deposit taken, the renters are liable for the bicycle. Other communities have approached this as a method because of the larger responsibility placed on the bicycle user. Ms. Schroeder felt that the option should continue to be explored and though the start up cost may be substantial, the return to the community can see larger returns. Mr. Gohde told the committee about Madison, Wisconsin’s bike sharing program where the lock is purchased and the bikes are free for all to use. There would be no fee for the bikes if returned and properly locked. Mr. Larson likes the options presented but felt it was very important to be cognizant of the cost and materials that would be required for the program. If partners are used for the program, then it would be important that a return on investment be achieved. Ms. Lang said that if this is to continue being a discussion item, then the next steps are to approach any possible groups that would be interested in the program or have already shown interest. Ms. Schroeder said that she would be willing to start the initial conversation with UWO. Ms. Lang said that possible starting points would be the university and downtown area. She isn’t sure what sort of option would be appropriate but is excited for the options. VIII – IDENTIFICATION OF AGENDA ITEMS FOR AUGUST 19, 2014 MEETING Carryover of current agenda items: I. Downtown Trash Receptacle Update II. Discussion on Bike Sharing Program New Business Agenda Items for August Meeting III. Discussion on BID Manager’s programming and regular day-to-day responsibilities IX - ADJOURNMENT With there being no further business, Jim Stapel moved to adjourn. The motion was seconded by Sandy Prunty and carried unanimously at 8:45a.m. Dutifully Submitted, Benjamin Krumenauer Assistant Planner