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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutesDOWNTOWN OSHKOSH BID BOARD MINUTES May 19, 2015 1 PRESENT: David Sparr, Jim Stapel, Kay Bahr, Chanda Anderson, David Krumplitsch, Sandy Prunty, Kris Larson, Marlo Ambas, James Evans EXCUSED: Megan Lang, Andy Ratchman, Vicky Schroeder STAFF: Cassie Daniels – BID Manager, Jeffrey Nau – Associate Planner OTHERS: Sergeant Matt Kroening – Oshkosh Police Department I - CALL TO ORDER Chair Sparr called the meeting to order at 8:02am and a quorum was declared present. II – APPROVE MINUTES OF APRIL 21, 2015 MEETING There was no discussion on this item. Kris Larson moved to approve the minutes of the April 21, 2015 meeting as presented. Sandy Prunty seconded the motion which passed unanimously. III – POLICING/TRAFFIC/PARKING/ENFORCEMENT ISSUES Sergeant Kroening reported that the Oshkosh Police Department has received their first juvenile-related calls of the season at Opera House Square. Approximately six juveniles were hanging out near Salon La Rousse. He added that the Department has increased their presence on Tuesday evenings. Sergeant Kroening informed the Board that a group of juveniles living at 622 Jefferson Street started their house on fire after being evicted from the property. One person was arrested for arson. Sergeant Kroening reported they received two calls for homeless fighting at the Best Western Riverwalk. Jim Stapel asked where Downtown Tony has been. Sergeant Kroening responded that he is around but has been behaving. Kris Larson added that Downtown Tony shops at Ski’s Meat Market daily. Jim Stapel mentioned that there has been some graffiti showing up along Main Street. Sergeant Kroening responded he would look into it to have it removed. Ms. Prunty asked if the juveniles misbehaving near Salon La Rousse was retaliatory. Sergeant Kroening responded that it probably was. IV – MONTHLY FINANCIAL REPORT There was no discussion on this item. Kris Larson motioned for approval of the monthly financial report as presented. Sandy Prunty seconded the motion which passed unanimously. DOWNTOWN OSHKOSH BID BOARD MINUTES May 19, 2015 2 V – BID MANAGER AND SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS BID Manager Daniels presented a summary of her activities over the past month as outlined in her report included in the BID packet. Highlights include: • Block Captain materials are ready and will be distributed this week. • Continuing to work on the revamped Gift Card Program, 39 businesses are participating, seven or eight of which need to be set up. Ms. Prunty asked if the old cards work. Ms. Daniels responded that they do. • Beautification o Finalizing design for the changeable copy sign at Opera House Square. o Four of the five banner sponsorships have been filled. Still need to find a sponsor for the winter banners. Ms. Prunty stated that Reimer Jewelers is considering sponsoring. • Preparing for the Enjoy Local event on May 30th. 30 tickets have been sold; Ms. Daniels stated she hopes to double that. • Marketing Consortium o Chalk walk may be approved to have the artwork drawn on the sidewalk. The Common Council just needs to grant final approval. o Have been meeting for the Holiday events. • Working with Blue Door, Inc. on preparing a Retention Fund Grant brochure. • Attending the Historic Tourism Committee meetings. Hopes are to have a kick-off event on June 1st. • Attended the Excellence in Leadership seminar at the Convention Center. • The Tour of America’s Dairyland Bike Race on Thursday, June 25th had to revise their course as they could not get permission to close U.S. Highway 45. Mr. Stapel asked when they would start setting up. Ms. Daniels responded approximately 5:00 AM. Mr. Evans stated this is a great event for the downtown and fully supports it. Mr. Stapel stated he had concerns about customers being able to access his store but was glad the event is on a Thursday and not a Saturday. Ms. Daniels added that the event organizers will be handing out information to each business affected by the street closures. • Researching possible downtown visits. Chair Sparr asked which downtowns she was considering. Ms. Daniels responded the Green Bay Broadway District, Wausau and Stevens Point. Ms. Lang stated she felt it was important for Ms. Daniels to check out what other BIDs are doing in addition to recruitment efforts. Ms. Prunty asked if there are opportunities for networking with other BID managers. Ms. Daniels responded she does have some contact to bounce ideas. VI – BID ASSESSMENT PUBLIC MEETING REVIEW Mr. Stapel stated it may be good to have the block captains get feedback on the revised assessment method while delivering BID packets. Ms. Daniels responded that most businesses are tenants, not the property owner and that the block captains have very limited knowledge on the new assessment method. Mr. Evans stated that the owner of 11 W. Parkway Ave. expressed his frustrations with the new assessment method. Mr. Sparr responded that he did show up to the public meeting after the presentation and it appeared he was not happy being in the BID in general. DOWNTOWN OSHKOSH BID BOARD MINUTES May 19, 2015 3 Mr. Nau reported that Jeff Jahnke had called him to request that a second public meeting be held sometime in the morning to accommodate property owners that are not able to make a night meeting. Ms. Daniels replied that they could have discussions during or after the regular BID Board meetings. VII – BID MANAGER DOWNTOWN VISITS DISCUSSION BID Manager Daniels stated she was looking at Manitowoc, Wausau, Two Rivers, Stevens Point, Green Bay and DePere for possible site visits. She was looking for direction from the Board to see which city(s) may be worth a visit. Ms. Daniels added there are not many commercial spaces available downtown so recruitment efforts may not be worthwhile. Mr. Evans agreed with not focusing on recruitment efforts but it may be good to see what other BIDs are doing as far as promotions and events. Mr. Larson also agreed that unless there were more available commercial spaces, recruitment probably is not a best use of time. Mr. Stapel asked Ms. Daniels if she knew the status of Mr. Giombetti’s buildings on Main Street. Ms. Daniels responded that the latest she heard is that he is not interested in selling at this time. Mr. Stapel replied that Mr. Giombetti has a soft spot for the downtown and if that right proposal came along, he may be willing to sell. He added that he would try to contact Mr. Giombetti to discuss the possibility. Mr. Sparr suggested to Ms. Daniels to do some research and see which city or cities may be worth a visit. Ms. Anderson added that Stevens Point has a very nice downtown that may be worth visiting. Ms. Prunty suggested Wausau. VIII – WISCONSIN MAIN STREET PROGRAM DISCUSSION Mr. Nau informed the BID that he was given direction to propose the BID consider becoming part of the Wisconsin Main Street Program. Mr. Nau referred to the information included in the BID packet and pointed out that they should meet all of the qualifications to be eligible. He added there are many benefits and programs available from the State for businesses to utilize including training, workshops and technical assistance. Mr. Nau said he was looking into having someone from the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation to attend an upcoming BID meeting to provide more information. Mr. Sparr asked if this would run concurrently with the BID. Mr. Nau responded it would. Ms. Daniels asked if the $5,000 investment listed on the handout was paid by the BID? Mr. Nau responded that the $5,000 referenced was the amount invested by the State for each Main Street community. IX – IDENTIFICATION OF AGENDA ITEMS FOR THE JUNE 16, 2015 MEETING Assistance for purchase of the Anchor Bank property. X – ADJOURNMENT With there being no further business, Jim Stapel moved for the meeting to be adjourned at 8:59am. Chanda Anderson seconded the motion which passed unanimously. Respectfully Submitted, Jeffrey Nau Associate Planner