HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutesDOWNTOWN OSHKOSH BID BOARD MINUTES
December 20, 2016
PRESENT: Megan Lang, Kris Larson, Jim Stapel, Sandy Prunty, Kay Bahr, David Sparr,
David Krumplitsch, Marlo Ambas, James Evans and Benjamin Rennert
EXCUSED: Andy Ratchman, Chanda Anderson
STAFF: Jeffrey Nau - Associate Planner
OTHERS: Lieutenant Matt Kroening – Oshkosh Police Department, Corey Mikkelson -
Leadership Oshkosh/Choice Bank
I - CALL TO ORDER
Chair Lang called the meeting to order at 8:00 a.m. and a quorum was declared present. Ms.
Lang informed the Board that BID Manager Daniels and Andy Ratchman were unable to attend
today’s meeting,
II – APPROVE MINUTES OF NOVEMBER 15, 2016 MEETING
Sandy Prunty had questions on the signage discussion from last month. Ms. Lang informed her
that the Board approved a sign to replace a sign that was installed without permits and did not
meet requirements of the Downtown Overlay. Ms. Lang added the Board discussed forming a
review committee to ensure that grant applicants follow proper procedures and meet code.
Kris Larson commented that the Board could also review the design of signs if the BID is
awarding grants for construction and placement of signs. Mr. Evans suggested the Board could
review the designs at regular meetings. Ms. Lang responded she fears that if the Board reviews
all designs, there would be lengthy discussions about mundane details.
Sandy Prunty moved to approve the minutes of the November 15, 2016 meeting as presented.
Kris Larson seconded the motion which passed unanimously.
III – POLICING/TRAFFIC/PARKING ENFORCEMENT ISSUES
Lieutenant Kroening reported that with it being the Christmas season, there has been an
increase in theft complaints. There were citation arrests involving thefts at 414 and 427 N. Main
Street, a residential burglary at 665 N. Main Street and an auto theft at Irving Avenue and
Division Street.
Lieutenant Kroening informed the Board that he has been promoted to lieutenant and will not
be attending future BID meetings. He added he will continue to be involved in central city
activities and has enjoyed working with the BID. Lieutenant Kroening said that Sergeant
Brandon Ansell will be his replacement at the BID meetings starting in January. The Board
congratulated Lieutenant Kroening on his promotion and thanked him for his service to the
downtown.
DOWNTOWN OSHKOSH BID BOARD MINUTES
December 20, 2016
Chair Lang asked Lieutenant Kroening about current enforcement practices in the downtown.
Lieutenant Kroening responded right now it is based on CSO availability. Ms. Lang asked
about the mass-ticketing that occurred at a GOEDC event at the Grand Opera House.
Lieutenant Kroening responded that all of the tickets will be excused and there was a lack of
communication between the event organizer, the Grand Opera House and the Police
Department to relax parking enforcement during the event. Mr. Evans questioned why parking
would be relaxed for that event while other visitors are being ticketed. Ms. Lang responded
that is why parking is such a problem right now.
IV – MONTHLY FINANCIAL REPORT
There was no discussion on this item.
Jim Stapel moved to approve the monthly financial report as presented. Kris Larson seconded
the motion, which passed unanimously.
V – BID MANAGER AND SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS
Chair Lang stated with BID Manager Daniel’s absence. the Board should review the Manager’s
Report included in the monthly packet.
Ms. Lang informed the Board that she and Vice-Chair Larson met with Ms. Daniels to go over
her annual review and discuss goals for 2017. Ms. Lang said that one goal discussed was
having a larger presence on social media which may include guidance from a consultant. Also,
Ms. Lang said that they discussed the possibility of creating committees where Board members
will be required to serve on at least one committee. New committees discussed include
Parking, Marketing and Biking in addition to the existing Beautification and RFG Committees.
Ms. Lang said the goal is for the BID Board to be more engaging with BID business and
property owners, educate them what the BID does and how the BID benefits the downtown.
This will be discussed further at January’s meeting,
VI – DISCUSSION ON WISCONSIN MAIN STREET APPLICATION
Mr. Nau informed the Board that this item was requested by BID Manager Daniels who wanted
to discuss if the Board was still interested in becoming a Wisconsin Main Street. Ms. Prunty
said this was discussed in the past to include areas outside of the BID but has been sidelined.
Ms. Lang said there seems to be limited interest and should wait for the City to approach the
BID considering the anticipated redevelopment occurring south of the river. Mr. Nau said he
would discuss this with Community Development Director Allen Davis to determine if and
when would be a good time to implement some kind of plan including the South Shore area.
DOWNTOWN OSHKOSH BID BOARD MINUTES
December 20, 2016
VII – 2016 END OF YEAR SOCIAL
Ms. Lang said she, Mr. Larson and Ms. Daniels are proposing to make a video to highlight goals
and successes from 2016 instead of having a social gathering event. The past socials have had
lackluster turnout and a video could better reflect what the BID does. Jim Stapel suggested
block captains could help advertise that this video is available for viewing. Ms. Prunty
concurred. Ms. Lang added there are a lot of ways to get the word out about the video. Ms.
Lang said that $500 was budgeted for the social which could be used towards creation of the
video. Mr. Ambas stated he has already shot a lot of video that can be used. Jim Evans would
like the video to include the BID contributes for free downtown parking. Mr. Rennert
suggested the video could also highlight what is available downtown. Ms. Lang responded to
Mr. Rennert that a second highlight video is in the works and will be ready in the spring.
James Evans motioned for approval to transfer the $500 budgeted for the End of Year Social to
be used for the creation of the 2016 Highlight video. Jim Stapel seconded the motion which
passed unanimously.
Ms. Lang informed the Board that the Chamber approached the BID about taking over
management of the Holiday Parade. The parade currently has a committee which oversees a
budget of about $3,000. Ms. Lang added that she and Mr. Larson are in favor of working with
the Chamber to transition but would put a lot of additional work on Ms. Daniels. Mr. Larson
added this would help get the word out on what the BID does and reinforces the reason for
more committees that require board member participation. Ms. Prunty agreed that this will be
a huge undertaking for Ms. Daniels. Mr. Evans cautioned that if the event fails, the BID would
be known as the ones who canceled the parade. Ms. Lang responded this is a chance for the
BID to take ownership for the event.
Mr. Evans asked when the Chamber needs an answer. Mr. Larson responded now as they are
already planning the 2017 parade. Ms. Lang said this could be a potential money maker for the
BID depending on what kind of sponsorships they can attract. Mr. Evans asked if the Chamber
is willing to help out during the transition. Ms. Lang responded the Chamber would help out
the first year. Mr. Larson stated he thinks the BID can do it on its own and would not have to
share any profits.
Ms, Lang said this will be discussed in more detail at next month’s meeting,
VIII – DOWNTOWN BIKE PROGRAMS
Mr. Rennert reported that he has not been in contact with Officer Sagmiester regarding
providing bikes to the disadvantaged. He added that this could be another committee to
address pedestrian and bicycle activity in the downtown. Ms. Lang agreed and said this can be
discussed next month.
DOWNTOWN OSHKOSH BID BOARD MINUTES
December 20, 2016
IX – IDENTIFICATION OF AGENDA ITEMS FOR THE JANUARY 17, 2017 MEETING
Amend BID Bylaws to include the formation of committees
2017 BID Manager Goals
BID Management takeover of Holiday Parade
X – ADJOURNMENT
With there being no further business, James Evans moved for the meeting to be adjourned at
8:45 a.m. Kris Larson seconded the motion which passed unanimously.
Respectfully Submitted,
Jeffrey Nau
Associate Planner