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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutesDOWNTOWN OSHKOSH BID BOARD MINUTES January 19, 2016 1 PRESENT: Kris Larson, David Sparr, Jim Stapel, Sandy Prunty, Kay Bahr, Andy Ratchman, Marlo Ambas and James Evans EXCUSED: Megan Lang, David Krumplitsch, Chanda Anderson and Vicky Schroeder STAFF: Cassie Daniels – BID Manager, Jeffrey Nau - Associate Planner OTHERS: Sergeant Matt Kroening, Oshkosh Police Department, Dennis & Karlene Leatherman – Saturdays Downtown Farmers Market, Jim Collins – Oshkosh Transportation Department Director, Darryn Burich – Planning Services Director, Allen Davis – Director of Community Development I - CALL TO ORDER Vice-Chair Larson called the meeting to order at 8:03am and a quorum was declared present. II – APPROVE MINUTES OF DECEMBER 15, 2015 MEETING There was no discussion on this item. David Sparr moved to approve the minutes of the December 15, 2015 meeting as presented. James Evans seconded the motion, which passed unanimously. III – POLICING/TRAFFIC/PARKING/ENFORCEMENT ISSUES No one from the Oshkosh Police Department was present. There was no discussion on this item. IV – MONTHLY FINANCIAL REPORT There was no discussion on this item. David Sparr moved to approve the monthly financial report as presented. Sandy Prunty seconded the motion, which passed unanimously. V – PRESENTATION BY WALKER PARKING CONSULTANTS – DOWNTOWN PARKING STUDY REPORT Mr. Nau introduced via tele/video conference, Jim Corbett and Philip Baron of Walker Parking Consultants to present the final report of the Downtown Oshkosh Parking Study. Mr. Nau referenced the report included in the BID packet. Mr. Corbett and Mr. Baron presented the parking report, discussing the current utilization, projected parking needs, the potential/percepted need and locations of a parking ramp and management strategy for parking in the downtown. Several scenarios were presented to the Board including parking demands of potential downtown commercial and residential growth. The consultant also suggested methods and offered scenarios to make the city’s Parking Utility financially sustainable. Sergeant Kroening arrived at 8:21AM. DOWNTOWN OSHKOSH BID BOARD MINUTES January 19, 2016 2 David Sparr asked if the Library Lot was considered for a potential ramp site. Mr. Corbett responded it was not due to its proximity to residential properties and opportunities to better utilize the lot. Ms. Prunty asked if there is a solution for the paradigm shift for getting business employees to utilize the lesser- used parking lots. Mr. Corbett responded that there is the possibility for businesses to utilize nearby private parking lots, churches, for example, to free up some of the prime parking spots. Mr. Evans commented that the report is interesting and well thought out. He added that he does not understand the popular conception that a ramp is needed and felt that it is important for the Parking Utility to increase the utility fund. Lastly he stated that although the BID was partially created to provide free downtown parking, ultimately the city will need to charge for parking in some form and will be difficult for BID properties to accept that change. Mr. Sparr noted that it appeared that the Parking Utility was looking at a profit for 2015. Mr. Collins responded that revenue is covering operating costs but is far short of covering capital expenditures for parking lot improvements. The conference call with Mr. Corbett and Mr. Baron ended. Mr. Collins stated that the report will be presented in greater detail to the Common Council on January 26th. Mr. Larson asked if the Council will be formally approving the report. Mr. Burich stated that the Council will not be taking formal action as it is just a report, but some of Walker’s recommendations will be considered for implementation. Mr. Larson asked Mr. Nau to include a follow-up item for next month’s agenda for the Parking Study. Ms. Prunty (asking on behalf of Ms. Daniels) asked Mr. Collins why there was parking enforcement on Saturday? Mr. Collins responded he is aware of the complaint and is looking into it. He added that the citation in question probably originated from a newer Community Service Officer not aware of some recent code changes for weekend parking. III – POLICING/TRAFFIC/PARKING/ENFORCEMENT ISSUES (REVISITED) Sergeant Kroening stated there was not much to report over the last month, which is a good thing. He added there has been a rash of counterfeit $20 bills being circulated throughout the city. Sergeant Kroening was happy to report that there were no reported thefts from vehicles the past month. Other police-related incidents include a number of motorist assists due to the recent heavy snowfall and a weapons call at the 500 Block of N. Main Street. Lastly, Sergeant Kroening informed the Board that the department is working on the security camera inventory in the downtown area. VI – 2016 SATURDAYS FARMERS MARKET Mr. and Mrs. Leatherman of the Saturdays Farmers Market introduced themselves. Mrs. Leatherman read a statement outlining the recent history of the Farmers Market, which including various changes in funding of the weekly market and increases in financial liabilities to hold the market. Ms. Prunty asked how much the city was charging for the special event. Mrs. Leatherman responded that the city is charging over $5,300 and listed a breakdown of the individual charges. Mr. Evans stated that the Special DOWNTOWN OSHKOSH BID BOARD MINUTES January 19, 2016 3 Events policy is flawed and felt an event such as this should be exempt. Mr. Sparr added that this all originated from problems with the Pub Crawls. Mr. Larson stated he understood some of the tangible expenses charged by the city but felt that the city should waive part of or all of the fees due to the benefits the Market brings to the city and the downtown. He added that if the city is unable or unwilling to reduce the fees, the BID or a combination of the BID and private partnerships should help contribute to the Market. Mr. Larson asked if the Market was in dire straits for the 2016 season. Mr. Leatherman responded they are secure for 2016, but will be in financial trouble in 2017. Mr. Larson said that BID should evaluate contributing to the Market during the budget process for next year. Ms. Prunty asked if the Leathermans could come back to provide an update after their meeting with the city. The Leathermans responded they would. VII – DOWNTOWN YMCA RENOVATION PROJECT This item was laid over until the February meeting. VIII – BID MANAGER AND SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS Due to BID Manager Daniel’s absence, Mr. Larson suggested to the Board to refer to the Manager’s Report included in the packet and address any questions or concerns to her directly. Ms. Prunty updated the Board about the upcoming Downtown Kisses event on February 6th and added that 48 “lips” have been distributed for decorating. IX –END-OF-YEAR SOCIAL EVENT UPDATE Mr. Larson reminded the Board of the social which will be held on February 3rd at the Algoma Club and encouraged Board Members to attend. Ms. Prunty suggested that Board members should help welcome visitors. X - IDENTIFICATION OF AGENDA ITEMS FOR THE FEBRUARY 16, 2016 MEETING  James Evans wanted to update the Board about an upcoming public arts project at the February meeting. XI – ADJOURNMENT There being no further business, David Sparr moved for the meeting to be adjourned at 9:21AM. Sandy Prunty seconded the motion which passed unanimously. Respectfully Submitted, Jeffrey Nau Associate Planner