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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutesDOWNTOWN OSHKOSH BID BOARD MINUTES August 16, 2016 PRESENT: Megan Lang, Kris Larson, Kay Bahr, Jim Stapel, David Krumplitsch, Andy Ratchman, Sandy Prunty, David Sparr, Chanda Anderson, Marlo Ambas and James Evans EXCUSED: None STAFF: Cassie Daniels – BID Manager, Jeffrey Nau - Associate Planner OTHERS: Sergeant Matt Kroening – Oshkosh Police Department, Steve Gohde – Assistant Director of Public Works I - CALL TO ORDER Chair Lang called the meeting to order at 8:00 a.m. and a quorum was declared present. II – APPROVE MINUTES OF JULY 19, 2016 MEETING There was no discussion on this item. Jim Stapel moved to approve the minutes of the June 19, 2016 meeting as presented. Kris Larson seconded the motion, which passed unanimously. III – POLICING/TRAFFIC/PARKING/ENFORCEMENT ISSUES Sergeant Kroening reported that there has been an increase in thefts in the downtown area with twelve reported incidents last month including one auto theft on August 6th. He also reported that there have been issues along the riverwalk by City Center with people trying to break out skylights. The Police Department has stepped up patrols in the area. Sergeant Kroening informed the Board that the Police Department has four pedestrian crossing signs and cost $385 each. He is researching other, more permanent signs that are flexible for use for crosswalks on Main Street. Megan Lang suggested the BID buy some to be utilized solely for crossing areas within the BID. Chair Lang asked the Board to deviate from the agenda to discuss a proposed amendment to the Special Event Permit regarding cleanup of the Chalk Walk art. The proposed amendment would allow the artwork to remain on the sidewalk with the chalk to be collected by use of filters installed in the storm sewer inlets versus cleanup the day after the event. BID Manager Daniels said that posters and postcards have been distributed to promote the event. She added that approximately 40 artists have registered and she expects more as the event nears. Artists have the option of drawing on the sidewalk or on 4’ x 8’ boards provided to them. She explained that cleanup procedures, approved by the Department of Public Works, DOWNTOWN OSHKOSH BID BOARD MINUTES August 16, 2016 have been made which includes street sweeping services by the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh and power washing of the sidewalks by Serwas Window Cleaning. Jeffrey Decker, 651 Jackson Street, proposed a solution to prolong the life of the chalk art created on the sidewalk. Mr. Decker stated that the chalk from the art, even though is considered nontoxic, could be collected by installing EPA-approved filters in the storm catch basins to filter out the chalk. Assistant Director of Public Works Steve Gohde responded that he had just received information on the filters but had not got a chance to review to determine if they would work. Mr. Gohde stated he had concerns that the filters could impede water flow into the storm sewers and cause localized flooding during moderate to heavy rain events. Chair Lang stated that the Board would be in favor of Mr: Decker’s proposal, however, the timing may be too late to implement for this year. Chair Lang thanked Mr. Decker for his input. IV – BIKE SHARING PROGRAM PRESENTATION BY ZAGSTER, INC. BID Manager Daniels introduced Mike Sheppard of Zagster, Inc. Mr. Sheppard explained that Zagster coordinates and sets up urban bike sharing programs across the country and currently oversees between 150-160 programs. Mr. Sheppard said communities like Oshkosh tend to start with a smaller program and expand as demand and identification for additional bike station locations are made. Ms. Lang asked if Zagster has any programs in Wisconsin. Mr. Sheppard responded that they do not but anticipates 10 to 15 programs by the end of next year. Ms. Lang asked how much it costs to implement a program. Mr. Sheppard responded approximately $1,800 per bike. He added bike sponsorships are possible via advertising on the basket on the front of the bike. Mr. Larson asked how are the bikes serviced and maintained. Mr. Sheppard replied Zagster contracts with local bike shops for repairs and maintenance of the bikes. Ms. Lang thanked Mr. Sheppard for his time and asked Mr. Nau to keep this item on the agenda for next month. V – MONTHLY FINANCIAL REPORT There was no discussion on this item. Sandy Prunty moved to approve the monthly financial report as presented. Kris Larson seconded the motion, which passed unanimously. DOWNTOWN OSHKOSH BID BOARD MINUTES August 16, 2016 VI – 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.  Handed out coupon books at EAA o Megan Lang asked Ms. Daniels if she could get feedback on the use of the coupon books and report back next month. Ms. Daniels responded she would.  Farmers Market is going well – There is a lot of interest in the Chalk Walk on September 10th. The Chalk Walk rain date is October 1st.  Working on welcome funding with Rob Kleman – Planned 2017 installation.  Taking damage inventory of the decorative trash cans.  Still working with City to have lighting installed for interchangeable sign at Opera House Square.  A Retention Fund Grant application went out to an existing business.  Applied for the Wisconsin Public Service Grant discussed earlier this summer. Will hear back sometime in September to see if the BID will receive anything.  The Halloween event will be held on the last Wednesday of October from 4:00p.m. to 6:00p.m.  Satori Import’s new door has been installed: VII – DUMPSTER ENCLOSURE DISCUSSION FOR THE 400 BLOCK WEST PARKING LOT Mr. Nau informed the Board that he was looking into the possibility of the construction of a dumpster enclosure for the 400 Block West parking lot, similar to the ones installed at the 400 Block East lot. The parking lot was reconstructed in 1996 and included a concrete slab for an enclosure but the city did not provide funding for construction. He added the city would not be in position to construct anything until such time the parking lot needs to be reconstructed. VIII – FORMATION OF 2017 BID BUDGET COMMITTEE Ms. Daniels asked for volunteers to serve on the 2017 BID Budget Committee. Megan Lang, Kris Larson, Chanda Anderson, Sandy Prunty and David Sparr volunteered. Ms. Daniels said she would set up a meeting later this month or early September. IX – IDENTIFICATION OF AGENDA ITEMS FOR THE SEPTEMBER 20, 2016 MEETING  Bike Sharing Committee – Kris Larson & David Sparr  Dumpster Enclosure for the 400 Block West Parking Lot.  Recruitment Fund Grant – Brinkley’s Boutique DOWNTOWN OSHKOSH BID BOARD MINUTES August 16, 2016 X – ADJOURNMENT There being no further business, Jim Stapel moved for the meeting to be adjourned at 9:04 a.m. Chanda Anderson seconded the motion which passed unanimously. Respectfully Submitted, Jeffrey Nau Associate Planner