City of Burlington Downtown Executive Team

At the meeting this Friday morning, Mayor Claude Lois called the meeting to order at 7:30 a.m. starting with a roll call: Mary Brensinger, John Ekes, Mike Hohner, John Smith, Dennis Spankowski, Bill Stone and Jenny Trick. Excused: David Torgler. Absent: Lynn Gruenke, Kevin McKillip and Tom Stelling.

John Smith motioned and John Ekes seconded to approve the minutes of the January 25, 2002 DET meeting. Discussion: Mary Brensinger noted that she believed that the fee for the first parking ticket was too high at $15.00. She recommended that the parking ticket, for the first offense, should be $10.00 with a $5.00 discount if paid within 24 hours. Dennis Spankowski motioned and John Ekes seconded to approve the minutes with the amendment of the first parking ticket fee to be $10.00 with a $5.00 discount if paid within 24 hours. All were in favor and the motion carried.

Bill Stone provided an overview of the history of the Burlington Farmer’s Market, specifically the various locations throughout the City. He offered that the farmers need high visibility, high sale volumes, good marketing and segmented time periods that the farmers can sell their goods. He further offered his experience at area farmers’ markets and which ones appear to be successful and why.

Some discussion regarding the location and days and times of operation occurred with the group. Audience participation included various opinion and suggestions regarding the use of private parking lots versus municipal parking lots, as well as the days of operation.

After additional discussion and comments offered by audience members, Mayor Lois asked Mr. Stone to follow up on the details outstanding, such as: survey area farmers and potential vendors to determine interest, hours/days of operation, composition of product to be sold, time segments (ex. purchase permit by the quarter) of participation, determine what signage would be needed, and the proposed layout of veteran’s parking lot (placement of vendors). Mr. Stone was asked to report back to the DET at the next meeting.

Jenny Trick offered a Riverfront Redevelopment Project update document outlining the various activities that are underway. The wayfinding project specifications have been completed and bid advertisement has been established with a bid opening date/award in March 2002. Parking lot improvements and parking enforcement modifications are underway, with the Livery Lot improvements complete less weather sensitive items to be completed in the spring.

Ms. Trick concluded with the respective status updates of the private development group activities.

Mr. Stone inquired about the progress of the traffic congestion within the downtown area, as it relates to the traffic signals on E. Jefferson Street. Mayor Lois indicated that the City’s engineering firm is coordinating with the respective traffic signal consultants attempting to "tweak" the timing of the lights. He stated that the problem is being investigated and changes are being considered and attempted. He and the City’s engineering firm are in close contact regarding the modifications that will hopefully result in better circulation within the discussed intersections. Alderman Ekes also noted that the walk signal at the intersection of E. Jefferson and Bridge Streets may be too quick for the average pedestrian to cross safely. This suggestion, as well as the comments regarding the traffic signal "timing" will be provided to the City’s engineering firm.

Mike Hohner motioned and Dennis Spankowski seconded to adjourn. All were in favor and the motion carried.

Adjourned at 8:31 a.m.

Recording Secretary – Jenny Trick