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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutesDOWNTOWN OSHKOSH BID BOARD MINUTES November 17, 2015 1 PRESENT: David Sparr, Megan Lang, Jim Stapel, Kay Bahr, David Krumplitsch, Sandy Prunty, Chanda Anderson, Kris Larson, Marlo Ambas, and James Evans EXCUSED: Andy Ratchman, Vicky Schroeder STAFF: Cassie Daniels – BID Manager, Jeffrey Nau - Associate Planner OTHERS: Sergeant Matt Kroening, Oshkosh Police, James Rabe – Director of Public Works, Ray Maurer – Director of Parks, Kathryn Snell – Special Events Coordinator I - CALL TO ORDER David Sparr called the meeting to order at 8:04am and a quorum was declared present. II – APPROVE MINUTES OF OCTOBER 20, 2015 MEETING There was no discussion on this item. Kris Larson moved to approve the minutes of the October 20, 2015 meeting as presented. Chanda Anderson seconded the motion, which passed unanimously. Parks Director Maurer introduced himself and Kathryn Snell who recently became the Special Events Coordinator for the City. Mr. Maurer added Ms. Snell was been working with Ms. Daniels on the Holiday Parade and will be the point-of-contact person for applying for Special Events permits and will be available for assistance. III – POLICING/TRAFFIC/PARKING/ENFORCEMENT ISSUES Sergeant Kroening reported that there has been a rash of property crimes the past month, mostly vehicle thefts and crimes of opportunity. He asked the Board to remind people to lock car doors and keep valuables out of view. Sergeant Kroening reported there was a wedding theft on November 2nd where someone stole an envelope gift box from a reception. He also informed the Board of an arrest made for battery at the 500 block of Jefferson Street. He believes the suspect may also be responsible for a series of thefts in the area. Sergeant Kroening informed the Board that it is that time of year where burglaries increase and encourages people to use preventive measures to protect their valuables, just not in Oshkosh, but anywhere. IV – MONTHLY FINANCIAL REPORT There was no discussion on this item. Jim Stapel moved to approve the monthly financial report as presented. Chanda Anderson seconded the motion, which passed unanimously. V – REVIEW 2016 CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS PROGRAM (JAMES RABE, DPW DIRECTOR) Director of Public Works James Rabe went over the proposed 2016 street reconstruction projects and the initial Capital Improvement five-year plan affecting the downtown. Mr. Rabe referred to the 2016-2020 CIP Map DOWNTOWN OSHKOSH BID BOARD MINUTES November 17, 2015 2 included in the BID packet. Street reconstruction projects potentially affecting the downtown include Otter Avenue from Broad Street to Mill Street, Mill Street from the Fox River to Otter Avenue, Bowen Street from the Fox River to Otter Avenue, and N. Main Street from New York Avenue to Murdock Avenue. Ms. Lang noted that Washington Avenue adjacent to the YMCA is scheduled for 2017 and asked if it would make sense to schedule that project to coincide with the YMCA expansion project. Mr. Rabe responded that may be challenging due to other projects that need to be completed to allow for the reconstruction of Washington Avenue. Mr. Rabe said that other projects in the five year plan include Lincoln Avenue in 2020 and a multi-year-phased Oregon Street project from the Fox River to Ripple Avenue beginning in 2017. Mr. Nau questioned if Oregon Street would be similar in design to N. Main Street with wider sidewalks. Mr. Rabe responded they are not that far in the design process but it is a possibility. Mr. Stapel thanked Mr. Rabe for the update as did Ms. Prunty. VI – 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. Discussion highlights include:  Recruitment sign has been finalized, planning to print six with information packets  Interns have been changing the message center sign at Opera House Square  Flower Pots have been changed for the holiday season.  Several wreaths have been damaged by wind and will be fixed  The new holiday banners have been placed  Holiday Passport program has begun with 33 participating businesses  The holiday tree lighting and parade was held on November 10th  Working on 2016 Downtown Directory  Marketing Consortium – o Working with Holiday Committee. o “Breakfast with the Grinch” has sold out with 140 participants  Beautification – o Working on winter banner design for First Bank National o Contract with Kelly Green is good through 2016 o Asked the Board for ideas for the old banners  Holding Recruitment Fund Grant Meeting today with possible tenant at City Center  Talked with a potential client for a Retention Fund Grant.  Attended WEDA conference.  Appeared on WFRV to promote the tree lighting.  Attended Special Events Meeting DOWNTOWN OSHKOSH BID BOARD MINUTES November 17, 2015 3 VII – DISCUSS DOWNTOWN SECURITY CAMERAS Matt Moore with AccuCom introduced himself and asked the Board what they were looking for in increasing downtown surveillance. Mr. Moore stated he has worked with the Oshkosh Police Department to set up temporary cameras for the spring and fall pub crawls. Mr. Moore went over several options available for security cameras. Mr. Sparr asked how much the cameras cost. Mr. Moore responded cameras can range from $500 to $1,400, depending on the features wanted. Installation is an additional cost. Mr. Sparr stated the recent shooting has brought about interest in installing additional cameras. Mr. Evans asked who would finance the cameras. He felt that this would aid the Police Department and they should pay for the cameras. Ms. Prunty responded a partnership between the City and downtown businesses would be beneficial. Ms. Lang suggested the BID should survey how many businesses currently have cameras. Mr. Sparr asked if any grant money is available. Mr. Moore responded that the Police Department may have grant opportunities. VIII – DOWNTOWN REINVESTMENT STRATEGY PLAN UPDATE Mr. Nau reported that the City has selected Houseal Lavigne out of Chicago to prepare the Downtown Reinvestment Strategy Plan. He asked the Board members if there was any interest in participating in one-on- one interviews with the consultant to get their visions for the future of the downtown and provide any pertinent input. Jim Stapel, Kris Larson, James Evans, Marlo Ambas, Chanda Anderson, Megan Lang, Dave Sparr and Cassie Daniels volunteered. Mr. Nau added the interviews would probably take place in early 2016. IX - IDENTIFICATION OF AGENDA ITEMS FOR THE NOVEMBER 17, 2015 MEETING Chair Sparr informed the board that he will be stepping down from the chairperson position next month but would still remain on the BID Board. Next month there will be election of officers. X – ADJOURNMENT There being no further business, Jim Stapel moved for the meeting to be adjourned at 8:49am. Chanda Anderson seconded the motion which passed unanimously. Respectfully Submitted, Jeffrey Nau Associate Planner