City of Burlington Downtown Executive Team
City Hall – Upper Conference Room
Minutes - June 22, 2001
At the meeting this Friday morning, Mayor Lois called
the meeting to order at 7:32 a.m. starting with a roll
call: Mayor Claude Lois, Mary Brensinger, Jack Eckola,
John Ekes, Mike Hohner, Kevin McKillip, John Smith, Tom
Stelling, Bill Stone and Jenny Trick. Excused: David
Torgler and Dennis Spankowski.
Approval of Minutes. Motion by Mr. Stelling,
seconded by Mr. Stone the minutes of the May 25, 2001
DET meeting were unanimously approved.
Review and Discussion Regarding the Implementation
Schedule within Master Plan Document.
Mayor Lois began the discussion by reminding the
committee members why they were chosen to serve on the
DET, that is their linkage to other committees and
commissions within the community. This linkage will
cause synergy between the DET and these other committees
and commissions.
Mayor Lois began the review process of the
Implementation Schedule by starting with the first
section as summarized by the following:
I. Implementation Organization
1.
Create Downtown Executive Team.
Status:
Complete
2.
Create a comprehensive funding strategy that involves
private and public fundraising.
Status:
Ongoing; it was the consensus of the attendees that
funding strategies will evolve from the various
implementation tasks. As an example, as the parking
assessment issue concludes, funding strategies will be
sought.
3.
Organize and execute a "funding summit".
Status:
Similar to the above matter
4.
Develop a relationship with 501c(3) organization that
can access monies for redevelopment.
Status:
Complete; relationship established with RCEDC – a
501c(3); outstanding issue relates to the potential
redevelopment opportunities that can be utilize said
funds.
5.
Initiate and manage an Economic Development Fund.
Status:
Complete; both the façade grant and Tax Increment
District – RLF programs are funded and available for
eligible applicants.
II. Comprehensive Redevelopment Tasks
1.
Develop and manage a Comprehensive Business Recruitment
Program.
Status: Ongoing; Chamber of Commerce has just
completed their Strategic Planning process and this
activity was one that was identified as a task to
undertake. RCEDC Staff was asked to coordinate their
efforts with the Chamber.
Further discussion occurred regarding the need to
increase the activities hosted throughout the downtown
area. Special focus was placed upon activities during
the day, that is during normal business hours. These
activities would further cause additional pedestrian
traffic to potentially increase patronage. Additionally,
it was recommended that the retail businesses consider
uniform operational hours and consider one evening a
week, perhaps Thursday, where the businesses stay open
until 8:00 p.m. Further discussion included the
potential opportunity to open later, say 11:00 a.m. or
noon on the respective Thursday.
It was
recommended that a Chamber representative, perhaps Mike
Dawson, Chamber President, be invited to the next DET
meeting.
2. Work
with existing property owners to stabilize private
economic base.
Status:
Ongoing; some activities could be coupled with Chamber
of Commerce initiatives.
3.
Coordinate marketing materials and follow-through.
Status:
Mayor Lois referred to the web-site and newsletter. Mr.
Eckola suggested that marketing material could include
visuals (artist rendering) of the Bridge Street
improvement and any other available pictures to be
posted in areas where there is great traffic; for
example, bank lobbies, grocery stores, etc. Further
discussion included gaining a bi-weekly update from the
respective consultants regarding progress made and work
to be completed over the next 30 days. Mayor Lois asked
that Ms. Trick contact Kapur & Associates to consider
this task.
4.
Create a Comprehensive Statutory Redevelopment Plan.
Comment:
Refer to Master Plan document, beginning with page 19,
wherein areas within City are discussed as well as their
respective redevelopment opportunities.
5.
Complete adoption of the Historic District
Status:
Complete
6.
Complete a Downtown wayfinding and signage system.
Status:
Wayfinding signage is a current budgetary item. Comments
from the committee are to begin implementing the parking
lot signage prior to the balance of the wayfinding
program throughout the community.
7. City
should review Zoning Code to ensure accommodation of
parking density.
No
comments were provided on this matter.
8.
Implement Downtown parking management program.
Status:
Mayor Lois referred to the parking meetings that are
underway and will consider further action in this regard
at the conclusion of the meetings.
9.
Create an Urban Design District for planning area.
Status:
Comments from group included the Historic District
ordinance.
10.
Create Downtown Master Architect Program.
Status:
Same as item #9.
11.
Manage and improve Downtown Special events and festival
program.
Status:
Chamber as lead role.
12.
Create a one-year sunset program for code enforcement.
Status:
Mayor Lois referred to the recent hiring of a full-time
building inspector and believed this matter should be
discussed in a future meeting.
At the conclusion of the discussion regarding the
code enforcement matter, further discussion continued
about the condition of the sidewalks, entryways and
parking lots throughout the downtown area. Mr. McKillip
suggested that the City consider an enforcement
ordinance, wherein the property owner was required to
clean the sidewalk and façade every two weeks. Given the
desire to increase pedestrian traffic, he further added,
it is necessary to improve the exterior appearances of
the buildings. He indicated that this could potentially
be a Chamber of Commerce initiative.
Ms. Brensinger referred to the vacant buildings and
their storefront windows. She suggested that the
property owners could make their vacant storefront
windows available for community activity information or
other retail displays. She referenced a comparison to a
shopping mall displays in various spots that caught your
attention and then directed to the property location for
further information.
Other Matters.
A copy of the June 14, 2001 Parking Assessment Focus
Group meeting summary was provided to the group for
their review. Mayor Lois reminded the group that the
next Parking meeting was scheduled for June 28, 2001,
and encouraged all that could to attend.
Adjournment.
Mr. Eckola motioned and Mr. Stelling seconded to
adjourn. All were in favor and the motion carried.
Adjourned at 9:09 a.m.
Recording Secretary – Jenny Trick, RCEDC
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