Main Street Advisory Board

MAIN STREET ADVISORY BOARD MINUTES - January 18, 2019 Present: Heike Ness, Vice Chair, Caroline Crimm, Sandra Gray, Laura Bruns, Helen Belcher and Linda Pease, Ex-Officio Absent: Cheryl Spencer, John Matthews, Doris Collins & Gaye Clements Staff: Aron Kulhavy & Tammy Gann Guests: Leigha Larkins, John Larkins, SJ Larkins, Daiquiri Beebe, and John Smither Vice Chair Ness called the meeting to order at 12:35pm. Consideration and possible action on election of Chair and Vice Chair. MOTION WAS MADE TO TABLE THE ELECTIONS. BRUNS/BELCHER/UNANIMOUS Consideration and possible action on approval of November 20, 2018 minutes. MOTION WAS MADE TO APPROVE THE MINUTES FOR NOVEMBER 20, 2018. GRAY/BELCHER/UNANIMOUS Organization Structure Changes: Kulhavy informed the Board of reorganization changes he made which shifted the Main Street Program under the newly formed Economic Development Department. Additionally, he stated that Tammy Gann would be leading the department, which also included Cultural Services and Tourism. Main Street Coordinator Report: Gann reported on the success of the Shop Small/Shop Local Campaign reporting that 4,700 tickets were given out resulting in an estimated $94,000 in local sales. Secondly, Gann reported there were approximately 60 vendors that participated in the Christmas Fair and the crowd remained steady throughout the day. Gann indicated the Lamp Post Decorating contest winner was Bonnie Lu’s and she was presented a certificate signed by the Mayor, a gift card and a cookie tray. Main Street Committee Report/Other Reports - Bruns reported the Promotions Committee met on January 15th and discussed alternate dates (April 6 or April 13) for the Bacon & Brew Fest due to a date conflict with the Walker County Fair & Rodeo and the original date (March 30). Other discussions included summer activities and additional events to keep the flow of traffic in downtown. The need for updated information and maps was also discussed. Additionally, Bruns reported information from the DBA meeting regarding the Wine Down/Shop Small event on May 2, 2019 from 5:00pm – 9:00pm. Main Street Grant Application Update – Gann reported that staff had received the scores, however, determinization on funding had not been announced. Additionally, she indicated that staff was hopeful, but points were lost in categories beyond control (nonexistence of a certified local government, an economic development sales tax, etc.). MSAB Minutes January 18, 2019 Page 2 Downtown Parking Update – Kulhavy recapped the activities (Board and staff) and gave specific direction on the next step. Kulhavy directed the Board to make recommendations to the City Council on the following items: 1. Changes to the Ordinance (see attached) exempting juror parking - Does the Board want to change the Ordinance forcing jurors to park in dedicated lots (Ernst or County)? 2. Parking Time Limits - Are 2 HR limits sufficient or does the Board want to change to 3 HR limits? 3. Wall lot parking (Sam Houston & 13th St); a private lot owned by the City - Does the Board want to leave as a 2 HR time limit lot or remove the time limit and have open parking? 4. Paid Parking/Parking Benefit District - Is the Board ready to pursue? 5. Hospitality Pass - Does the Board want to implement a program? A lengthy discussion was held and Kulhavy and Gann answered questions. Additionally, Kulhavy indicated that Items previously identified by the Board and staff such as maintenance issues (signs, striping, etc.) are currently being addressed. Lastly, Kulhavy stated the Board's recommendations would need to be finalized prior to the 2-19-19 City Council meeting. Gann stated that input from the entire board was critical, therefore, she would poll all members to determine a February meeting date. Public Comments: Daiquiri Beebe spoke in favor of designating the Ernst lot as juror parking as it would promote downtown by flowing pedestrian traffic through the area. John Smither spoke in support of changing the ordinance indicating the issues with parking has not changed, the same conversation is being repeated and the County has not addressed it. Items of Interest - Pease presented the upcoming events at The Wynne Home Arts Center. Belcher reported the Airing of the Quilts would not be held this year due to circumstances beyond the Quilt Guild’s control. Public Comments – John Smither spoke in support of Kulhavy’s reorganization and leadership, parking ordinance changes, the downtown area, and cultural district. Additionally, Smither shared information he received from Commissioner Bill Daugette about the county’s desire to develop a common area/public space at the Courthouse site. Lastly, Smither said the university is ready to embrace downtown which is the platform of Huntsville and the cultural district. There being no further business the meeting adjourned. BELCHER/CRIMM/UNANIMOUS