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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutesDOWNTOWN OSHKOSH BID BOARD MINUTES May 17, 2016 PRESENT: Kris Larson, Kay Bahr, David Sparr, Andy Ratchman, David Krumplitsch, Chanda Anderson, Sandy Prunty, Marlo Ambas and James Evans EXCUSED: Megan Lang, Jim Stapel, Vicky Schroeder STAFF: Cassie Daniels – BID Manager, Jeffrey Nau - Associate Planner OTHERS: Sergeant Matt Kroening – Oshkosh Police Department, Su van Houwelingen – Leadership Oshkosh/Oshkosh Housing Authority I - CALL TO ORDER Vice-Chair Larson called the meeting to order at 8:03a.m. and a quorum was declared present. II – APPROVE MINUTES OF APRIL 19, 2016 MEETING There was no discussion on this item. Sandy Prunty moved to approve the minutes of the April 19, 2016 meeting as presented. Kay Bahr seconded the motion, which passed unanimously. III – POLICING/TRAFFIC/PARKING/ENFORCEMENT ISSUES Sergeant Kroening reported that there has not been much activity downtown the past month. He added that they have been monitoring activity at Opera House Square on Tuesday nights, but due to poor weather occurring on Tuesdays, attendance has been minimal and they will continue to monitor. Sergeant Kroening said there was a pepper spray incident in front of Schultz’s Pharmacy involving two tavern patrons and appeared to be a random act. Sandy Prunty commented that during a citizen input session conducted by the City’s Downtown Reinvestment Strategy Consultant, that there is a strong impression that the downtown is not safe at night. Sergeant Kroening responded that statistically, that is absolutely not true. He added that there have not been any vehicle thefts in the last two months which is very good. Ms. van Houwelingen stated she has addressed concerns regarding tenants at Mainview Apartments harassing or making comments to pedestrians and will continue to monitor the situation. Mr. Larson stated that the violent crime is not occurring on Main Street, but to the east along Jefferson Street and that has been well-known. Ms. Anderson said they should focus on getting more information on security camera locations. Ms. Daniels asked Sergeant Kroening if a list has been put together. Sergeant Kroening responded there are not as many as you would think, for example, the pepper spray incident in front of Schultz’s Pharmacy had no camera coverage. Mr. Larson asked if there should be a comprehensive list and/or encourage more businesses to install them? If so, should the BID put together the list or the Police Department? Ms. Daniels responded she would get an inventory to Sergeant Kroening. DOWNTOWN OSHKOSH BID BOARD MINUTES May 17, 2016 IV – MONTHLY FINANCIAL REPORT There was no discussion on this item. Sandy Prunty moved to approve the monthly financial report as presented. James Evans seconded the motion, which passed unanimously. V – APPROVE RECRUITMENT FUND GRANT FOR THE AMOUNT OF $2,500.00 FOR EMBODY YOGA & PILATES, 519 N. MAIN STREET BID Manager Daniels presented the grant request for $2,500.00 for Embody Yoga and Pilates located at 519 N. Main Street. She referred to the minutes from the Recruitment Fund Grant Committee which unanimously recommended approval of the grant. Ms. Daniels noted that the requested amount was for $5,000.00, but the committee’s guidelines and the ready-state of the building reduced the amount in half. David Sparr moved to approve the $2,500.00 Recruitment Fund Grant for Embody Yoga and Pilates. James Evans seconded the motion which passed unanimously. VI – APPROVE RETENTION FUND GRANT FOR THE AMOUNT OF $1,000.00 FOR SATORI IMPORTS, 411 N. MAIN STREET BID Manager Daniels presented the request for a $1,000.00 Retention Fund Grant for Satori Imports, 411 N. Main Street which will go towards replacement of the front door. Ms. Bahr stated the new door will be very stylish and resolve an issue with their alarm going off inadvertently in windy conditions. Ms. Daniels added the total replacement cost will be about $5,400.00 which meets grant criteria. David Sparr moved to approve the Retention Fund Grant in the amount of $1,000.00 for Satori Imports. Chanda Anderson seconded the motion which passed 8-0-1 (Abstain – Bahr) VII – APPROVE BIKE RACK TO BE USED AT THE LEACH AMPHITHEATER Ms. Daniels reported that the City of Oshkosh Parks Department contacted her to see if they could utilize a bike rack that has been in storage. She added that the bike rack is the decorative style and would be installed at the Leach Amphitheater. Ms. Anderson asked if the BID still had two of the longer, institutional-style bike racks. Ms. Daniels responded that those two racks were installed at City Center. James Evans moved for approval for the donation of a decorative-style bike rack to the City of Oshkosh Parks Department. Sandy Prunty seconded the motion which passed unanimously. DOWNTOWN OSHKOSH BID BOARD MINUTES May 17, 2016 VIII – BID MANAGER AND SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS BID Manager Daniels presented a summary of her activities over the past month as outlined in the BID Manager’s report included in the BID packet. Highlights include:  The interchangeable sign has been fixed with no cost to the BID. Still need to see if seal will work at wintertime. Trying to see when lighting for the sign will be installed.  Starting to plan for design and locations for welcome to downtown signs  Beautification o New banners should be installed next week o Flower pots should be planted in the next week or two  Watched webcast for bike sharing program  Working with Marlo Ambas on a web/social media package IX – BIKE SHARING PROGRAM UPDATE Ms. Daniels informed the Board that she watched a ½ hour workshop on bike sharing programs hosted by Zagster. She added it will be very important to have community support/buy-in to get a program started. They did not provide any costs because there are too many variables and options available. She added that 40% of the cost is the initial purchase of the bikes and infrastructure while 60% is for the on-going maintenance, promotion and marketing. Smaller communities have programs with populations as low as 16,000. David Sparr suggested seeking sponsorships to help pay for implementation. Ms. Daniels added there may be grant opportunities available. Mr. Larson stated there does seem to be interest in the community; the Hotel would be a logical participant. He added he felt the BID should continue to move forward and asked Mr. Krumplitsch if he could see if the Ground Round and Hotel would be interested. Mr. Krumplitsch responded he would. X – IDENTIFICATION OF AGENDA ITEMS FOR THE JUNE 21, 2016 MEETING  Bike Sharing Program  Garbage Cans  Parking Meeting with Walker Parking Consultants  EAA promotion for the Downtown XI – ADJOURNMENT There being no further business, Sandy Prunty moved for the meeting to be adjourned at 8:48a.m. Chanda Anderson seconded the motion which passed unanimously. Respectfully Submitted, Jeffrey Nau Associate Planner