Downtown Revitalization Committee (DRC)

1 2  DOWNTOWN BEAUTIFICATION COMMITTEE DOWNTOWN BEAUTIFICATION COMMITTEE THURSDAY - JUNE 9, 2022 2801 Ranch Road 1869 - Liberty Hill AGENDA ITEM 2.a Discuss and consider approval of minutes of Downtown Beautification Committee meeting held on January 18, 2022. 3  January 18, 2022 Downtown Beautification Committee Minutes CALL TO ORDER The Downtown Beautification Committee meeting was called to order at 5:07 PM by Lonnie Wendling. In attendance were Lonnie Wendling, Tambra Prince, and Kellie Oliski. Quorum was established. Jodi McCumber arrived at 5:32 p.m. REGULAR SESSION a) Discuss and possible action on the next steps for Historic Photo Contest. Katie Amsler, Communications Director presented item. Kandice Wright was selected as the winner of the Historic Photo Contest and will be presented with an award when she arrived. Kandice submitted about 20 photos. Katie feels that as we dive further into it, we can reach out to specific people who were around at the time and ask for photos. Lonnie Wendling mentioned that we had talked briefly as Bastrop did about setting up a historic committee or sub-committee. Is that something we would like to pursue, and we would need to find someone to lead that committee. Lacie Hale, City Administrator, said we have to make that request to council, if y’all want to put together a workshop in the next few weeks after the meeting with Bastrop and we can talk about forming committees. Katie Amsler, spoke that she has some recommendations of people that could possibly be on the committees. Mr. Spivey is here, and he is probably one of your biggest resource along with his daughter Kandice. When Kandice Wright arrived, Katie Amsler announced that Kandice was sole entrant of the Historic Photo Contest. Kandice submitted about 20 historic photos. Katie presented Kandice an award of gift certificates from various downtown business owners. Katie mentioned that Kandice Wright is Gary Spivey’s daughter and has shed full of historical items. b) Discuss and possible action on next steps for Downtown Business Passport. Lonnie Wendling spoke about putting a passport together that would have a map of downtown and downtown businesses. Also, were we going to type in the QR codes with the historical information? Downtown Beautification Committee 1 January 18, 2022 4  Katie Amsler, Communications Director, responded yes, we had talked about doing that. The passport would show the current business with a QR code that links to an audio that talks about what that business used to be with pictures. Lonnie Wendling responded that would be perfect. We could also do advertising on the back of the passport with businesses on Highway 29 to help fund the costs of the passport. Kellie Oliski commented that Jodi was going to get some examples she had seen before. Lonnie responded, correct, we will get an update from her if she is able to join us this evening. Lacie Hale, City Administrator, commented we could share any examples we find in other cities with the committee before the workshop. We could gather that information and provide a summary. Kelly Oliski commented that her sister had did a very basic sketch of a map that can be used as an editing tool. Lonnie asked, “we are thinking like a little booklet basically?” Kellie responded yes, I think like a passport book where it tells the history and maybe have a sketch in the background with the flag and all the different things. Katie suggested a passport booklet with a fold out map and Kellie thought a 3-fold would be good. Katie Amsler mentioned that Mr. Spivey had brought these old yearbooks and they have ads in the back with the old businesses and a lot of them were in downtown. Mr. Spivey spoke to the committee about the yearbooks and photos. c) Discuss and consider approval of revisions to Downtown Beautification Committee Name and Mission Statement. Lonnie Wendling and Kellie Oliski discussed the changes and recommendations for the Mission Statement. Tambra Prince asked if this item was talked about at the last meeting and Lonnie responded yes. Lonnie clarified what was discussed at the last meeting and recommendation to change Downtown Beautification Committee to Downtown Revitalization Committee. Tambra agreed she like Revitalization name better. Lonnie commented the committee had started talking about the Mission Statement content and decided we really need to go through and have a chance to edit it and this is the result of the 2 versions of what is being proposed. Tambra commented the only thing she is not crazy about is downtown mentioned twice. Tambra thought it sounded a little redundant. The committee agreed to change the second destination downtown to destination location. Tambra Prince asked a question about the workshop. Lacie Hale, City Administrator, clarified that she and Lonnie had met and were talking about a workshop because there has been discussion they have had and wanted to brief the committee on. Lonnie responded that the purpose of the workshop would be to discuss what we are trying to achieve, what we are doing and how are we going to get there. Lacie said she had spoken with the City of Bastrop on the phone and is planning a visit to Bastrop on February 4th to get specific insight into what they have done. Downtown Beautification Committee 2 January 18, 2022 5  Lonnie returned to the Mission Statement topic and asked Kellie her opinion on version 1 or version 2. Kellie responded she liked version 1. Lonnie asked Tambra which she preferred, and she said version 1 was fine and Lonnie agreed he liked version 1 better. Lonnie clarified to leave version 1 as written but to change destination downtown to destination location. Lonnie Wendling made a motion to take version 1 to Council. Seconded by Tambra Prince. Motion passed on vote of 3 ayes, 0 nays, and O abstentions. d) Update on Outreach to other downtowns (Bastrop) Lacie Hale, City Administrator, gave a summary of what Bastrop shared about being a certified main street and what it took to get that designation. Lacie said the EDC was an important function as far as funding to help with a full-time employee. The EDC also put forth funds to help with the revitalization of downtown Bastrop. On February 4th we will meet with Bastrop representatives in Bastrop to talk to them about their vision and what their process was. What their plan was for that? How they found an opportunity for funding? We will bring that information forward at the next meeting which is on February 10th. Lonnie Wending asked Lacie if she had done research on what a main street downtown is? Lacie responded not significant research. She said there were certain qualifications that allowed Bastrop to get that designation. The one take away Lacie had is that it required a full time employee. Lacie asked Bastrop how they funded that employee and was told the EDC put forth the funds for a partial part time employee and it eventually evolved into a full time Main Street Director. Tambra Prince asked what time the meeting was going to be on the 4th? Lonnie responded it will be 2:30-5:00 and Tambra responded that she was interested in attending. Lacie commented that she had spoken to the EDC Director and asked about dedicating funds and making this a line item in its budget. Jodi McCumber arrived, and Lonnie Wendling provided her with an update of what has been discussed in the meeting. Discussions were made to have a workshop at the next Downtown Beautification Meeting to be held on Thursday, February 10th. The workshop will last for approximately 3 hours from 5:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. Jodi asked Katie to create a Facebook Event to get more people to attend. e) Discuss and consider recommendation to City Council on appointing a committee member to the Downtown Beautification Committee vacancy. Lonnie Wendling spoke that the Downtown Beautification Committee consists of a Chair, Vice-Chair, Secretary and 2 Directors. We have 1 director position open and 1 application for the position. Lonnie asked Amy Gandy to introduce herself. Amy spoke that she moved to Liberty Hill about 6 years ago and has 2 homes located off Grange Street. She said she has a vested interest in the revitalization of downtown and she is excited to be a part of the community. Downtown Beautification Committee 3 January 18, 2022 6  Lonnie Wendling nominated Amy Gandy to the Downtown Beautification Committee. Seconded by Tambra Prince. Motion passed on vote of 4 ayes, 0 nays, and O abstentions. DIRECTOR'S COMMENTS Lonnie asked the Committee members if they had any questions and thanked members of the audience for attending. Lonnie speaks about the Scenic City Certification. Mayor Branigan spoke about how Liberty Hill would be perfect for Scenic City Certification. She thought the fee was reasonable. Lonnie responded this would be something that would be funded by the City and need approval by the City Council. Lacie Hale spoke about the requirements for a Scenic City designation. Lacie Hale also mentioned that the City has just put out an RFQ for a Comprehensive Plan and part of that will be an UDC rewrite. Gary Spivey spoke about how glad he is in the way Liberty Hill is moving forward. Mr. Spivey said that we must understand how Liberty Hill is now because Leander looked much like Liberty Hill. Leander had a downtown that they dozed before it incorporated. He said that is one of the reasons Liberty Hill incorporated. Mr. Spivey commented about how Liberty Hill is connected to Bastrop. Greenlee Fisk was the first judge in Williamson County. Mr. Fisk came to Bastrop after his wife died at Washington on The Brazos. Mr. Fisk then married Manlove who was the Mayor of Bastrop. They immediately made him the clerk, so he got a good job. The wife died and he moved to Liberty Hill. Mr. Fisk became the first judge in Williamson County history. There were a lot of Fisks that lived here. Mr. Spivey commented that he was on the original EDC board. Mr. Spivey said he appreciates what the Downtown Beautification Committee is doing, and he is glad you are working with Bastrop because there really is a connection. Lonnie Wendling thanked Mr. Spivey for sharing that history. Next meeting will take place on February 10, 2022. ADJOURNMENT On motion by Lonnie Wendling and seconded by Kellie Oliski, The Downtown Beautification Committee was adjourned at 5:50 p.m. Motion passed on vote of 4 ayes, 0 nays, and O abstentions. Downtown Beautification Committee 4 January 18, 2022 7 PASSED AND APPROVED BY THE Downtown Revitalization Committee of the City of Liberty Hill, Texas on , , 2022 on vote of ayes, nays and abstentions. Lonnie Wendling City Secretary Downtown Beautification Committee 5 January 18, 2022 8  DOWNTOWN BEAUTIFICATION COMMITTEE DOWNTOWN BEAUTIFICATION COMMITTEE THURSDAY - JUNE 9, 2022 2801 Ranch Road 1869 - Liberty Hill AGENDA ITEM 2.b Discuss and consider approval of minutes of Downtown Beautification Committee meeting held on February 10, 2022. 9  February 10, 2022 Downtown Revitalization Committee Minutes CALL TO ORDER The Downtown Revitalization Committee Workshop was called to order at 5:38 PM by Lonnie Wendling. In attendance were Lonnie Wendling, Kellie Olisky, Tambra Prince and Amy Gandy. Quorum was established. Jodi McCumber was absent. REGULAR SESSION a) Discuss and consider approval of minutes of the Downtown Beautification Committee meeting held on Tuesday, November 9, 2021. b) Discuss and consider approval of minutes of the Downtown Beautification Committee meeting held on Thursday, December 9, 2021. Kellie Olisky made a motion to approve the minutes for item a) and b). Seconded by Tambra Prince. Motion passed on vote of 4 ayes, 0 nays, and O abstentions. c) Confirm Name and Mission Statement as approved by City Council on January 26, 2022. Lonnie Wendling asked Lacie Hale, City Administrator, if Council had any feedback on the Mission Statement. Lacie responded, “no feedback”. Lacie confirms that the committee is now the Downtown Revitalization Committee and suggested bringing the Committee bylaws back in March for review. This will be to make sure the Committee is on track with the Mission and Intent of the Revitalization Committee. d) Consideration and possible action on priorities for Downtown Revitalization. Lacie Hale, City Administrator, commented on the priorities that were discussed at the meeting in November. Lacie mentioned that the Committee briefly touched on some of the things the Committee would like to see as far as funding sources and getting a map for the downtown businesses. The purpose of this Workshop was for an opportunity to get more feedback from the general public what they would like to see. Downtown Revitalization Committee 1 February 10, 2022 10 Lonnie handed out post it notes to the audience so they could write down their ideas and suggestions. Lonnie asked Lacie if there was a way we could do an online survey so the public could get a taste of the ideas we come up with. Lacie responded “yes”. Lonnie and Katie Amsler, Communications Manager, discuss what the survey should look like. Amy Gandy asked what are the street boundaries for downtown? Lacie Hale responded the boundaries for downtown go from Dr. Popham’s office off the loop all the way down to Highway 29 past Tractor Supply. The boundary on 1869 goes from Radiant Salon all the way to the City Limits sign on 1869 a little past Agape BBQ. This includes the side streets in between. Lonnie Wendling periodically reads off ideas as they are placed on the board. The ideas include: walkable downtown once a month, sidewalks along main corridor, dance hall, pop-up events, signage, lighting, aesthetics, restaurants, entertainment, public art, establish them/timeline, crosswalks with lighting, continue clean-up, weeding around vacant buildings, bring buildings back to original period with look and feel, parking, repair side streets, rules for signage, extend Stubblefield to create a downtown square type district, Main Street Certifications, seasonal flags on lamp post, EDC funding for revitalization, modify city downtown zoning codes, planters with colorful plants, continue research of historic buildings, scavenger hunt app, other downtown destinations, murals, pet areas, trash receptacles, billboard on 29 to point to downtown, art options, paint your own pottery, downtown mobile app for Liberty Hill, outdoor live music stage, Amphitheatre, community building, drive-in theatre, ballfields, train stop, train specific events, Tambra Prince asked if the City has a historic district that has to be approved. Lacie Hale responded the City does not have a historic district. We have a downtown district in our comp plan but there is nothing that implements regulations within our code of ordinances. The RFQ that recently went out will make it more consistent as far as this is our downtown district and this is what is going to be in place. Tambra responded that is key and crucial. Tambra Prince asked what is the most iconic of Liberty Hill? Candice Wright, member of audience, responded 1940’s-1950’s era. Tambra commented so craftsman and limestone. Tambra Prince also suggested that we put something out there that asks new people why did you move to Liberty Hill, what do you think, how would you described Liberty Hill. Lonnie responded he thought it was a good idea. Tambra commented maybe make it a contest. Lonnie Wendling suggested a historic committee. Amy Gandy asked if the sign grant could be used for murals? Matt Powell responded no it was for new business signage. Katie Amsler, Communications Manager, asked the audience if there were any downtown residents present and there not any. Katie suggested those residents be reached another way. Lonnie suggested having a survey that targeted downtown business owners and residents. Amy Gandy asked about going door to door surveying people and Lonnie responded we can. Katie commented that she felt a food way to reach people is to go where the people are (i.e. festivals, football games, etc.). Lonnie recommended that we end discussion on this particular agenda item and move on. Downtown Revitalization Committee 2 February 10, 2022 11 e) Discuss phases and timeline for Downtown Revitalization. Lonnie Wendling what we want to do in light of where we are at? What should that discussion be? Lacie Hale, City Administrator, responded that she believes it is short term/long term and funding. Lacie mentioned that the TDA provided some great resources to look for funding. Lacie also suggested looking at what other entities have done as far as building their main street and what they consider to be the good, the bad and learn from that. Lacie mentioned that at her first meeting with Bastrop she learned quite a bit as far as where they looked for funding. Lacie commented that we have shared the desire for the EDC to contribute to the mission of revitalizing downtown. Jeff Mayes with Chamber of Commerce asked the committee to think about involving the Chamber in some of these discussions. Lonnie responded “absolutely” we can make a point to reach out to the Chamber and involve them. Katie Amsler commented that there is a lot of overlap with the EDC, Chamber and Parks and Recreation. Katie mentioned that a lot of the ideas that were put on the board were discussed at Parks and Recreation. Katie believes it is a good idea to collaborate together on these things. Lonnie asked in regard to timeline do we want to have a little bit of a conversation about what those phases should look like and what we hope to accomplish per phase. Lacie responded that may be premature at this time because it is going to take some time to evaluate and pull some resources together. Matt Powell, EDC Director, recommends the committee visit the City of Taylor to see what they have done with their downtown. Jeff Mayes with Chamber of Commerce suggested reaching out to the High School Ag Teacher because they are always looking for projects to do. Jeff suggested supporting a greenhouse at the high school. These students are talented and make beautiful baskets for less than you can buy somewhere else. Jeff commented that these students are very good craftsman, and the teachers are very well education in that sector. Jeff mentioned that often times these students are from lower income families but are very skilled and are looking for projects to do but don’t have the money to purchase the materials. Jeff suggested that you could get some stand-alone planters for Main Street either built with a welder or build out of wood with a plastic liner. This would give local students an opportunity to get involved in downtown. Lonnie Wendling commented that he agreed, and this was a great idea. Tambra Prince asked if there were any plans to have a greenhouse because she has been to different high schools that have green houses. Tambra mentioned that they were putting in a greenhouse at the front of Main Street Social and want to have the kids from the elementary come over to work in the garden. Jeff Mayes responded that he supports and would provide guidance for a green house at the high school. Katie Amsler commented that some of these projects may not have a budget now, but you could go ahead and start on getting something going. For example, crosswalk art would be cool. We could have a street artist give a live demonstration at Whimsy and Wonder. Downtown Revitalization Committee 3 February 10, 2022 12 f) Discuss needed Sub-committees that are needed to support Downtown Revitalization. Discussion was had regarding the different types of sub-committees were needed. Some sub- committee ideas included a historic committee, public art committee, entertainment committee and cultural arts committee. Amy Gandy mentioned she had a friend that helps write grants for the Williamson County Museum that she could reach out to. DIRECTOR'S COMMENTS Member of the audience spoke about what Liberty Hill was like 20 years ago. NEXT MEETING Next meeting will take place on March 10, 2022. ADJOURNMENT On motion by Lonnie Wendling and seconded by Kellie Olisky, The Downtown Revitalization Committee was adjourned at 7:16 p.m. Motion passed on vote of 4 ayes, 0 nays, and O abstentions. PASSED AND APPROVED BY THE Downtown Revitalization Committee of the City of Liberty Hill, Texas on , , 2022 on vote of ayes, nays and abstentions. Lonnie Wendling City Secretary Downtown Revitalization Committee 4 February 10, 2022 13  DOWNTOWN BEAUTIFICATION COMMITTEE DOWNTOWN BEAUTIFICATION COMMITTEE THURSDAY - JUNE 9, 2022 2801 Ranch Road 1869 - Liberty Hill AGENDA ITEM 2.c Discuss and consider approval of minutes of Downtown Beautification Committee meeting held on April 14, 2022. 14  April 14, 2022 Downtown Revitalization Committee Minutes CALL TO ORDER The Downtown Beautification Committee meeting was called to order at 5:34 PM by Lonnie Wendling. In attendance were Lonnie Wendling, Tambra Prince, Jodi McCumber, Amy Gandy and Kellie Olisky. Quorum was established. REGULAR SESSION a) Discuss and possible action to reassign Jodi McCumber as a Director rather than Secretary. Tambra Prince made the motion, Kellie Olisky seconded, all 5 were in favor. b) Discuss and possible action on appointing Amy Gandy as Secretary. Motion was made by Tambra Prince, seconded by Jodi McCumber, and unanimously was in favor. c) An Update and Next Steps on the Downtown Business Passport was given by Lonnie Wendling. Katie Amsler, Communications Director, responded yes, we had talked about doing that. The passport would show the current business with a QR code that links to an audio that talks about what that business used to be with pictures. Katie also mentioned that evolving into an app on people’s phones would be convenient and cut down on revising the passport as often as businesses come and go in Liberty Hill. The group discussed the need to define the boundaries of “Downtown Liberty Hill” and whether or not it includes the businesses on Highway 29. Lonnie Wendling responded, “that would be perfect”. We could also do advertising on the back of the passport with businesses on Highway 29 to help fund the costs of the passport. Jeff Mays (from the audience) suggested that we collaborate with the Chamber of Commerce and discuss possible sponsorships for the cost of the passport. He mentioned that cross promoting businesses on Hwy 29 would be all inclusive, and perhaps the “downtown” businesses could be notated with a star on the passport map. Downtown Revitalization Committee 1 April 14, 2022 15  Jodi McCumber mentioned the passports could be turned in monthly as a drawing for a local business gift card or discount code. Businesses could choose if they wanted to opt in for the drawing and traffic through their business. Lonnie returned to the Grant Writing topic and asked Katie Amsler and Amy Gandy to take the lead on this. He asked them to reach out to contacts provided in previous emails from Lacie Hale and follow up. Lonnie asked the committee and Katie Amsler if there was an update on the City Comprehensive Plan, or Main Street Certification. Katie said the City Council was reviewing a Master Plan and working with the EDC, using the same company to come up with a “vision” and infrastructure plan. Council Member, Angela Jones (from the audience) mentioned the Downtown Assessment being a “plan we can build on” to add crosswalks, sidewalks, trash cans and benches. She said once the Council has the approved budget, the EDC and city are ready to work on these projects. Lonnie gave a quick update on their trip to Bastrop Downtown and visiting with the Main Street Coordinator. It was mentioned that in order to have the Main Street Certification, a part time staff member is required to be the coordinator. Lonnie said they will be asking about more on this with Matt Powell. They saw large sidewalks, no parking along the streets in front of the stores/buildings, and different areas called “Districts” for their downtown, such as “Business District”, etc. All downtown parking was in a designated area with sidewalks and crosswalks to guide. The Committee members went through the spreadsheet made at the brainstorming meeting on February 10th. There was a quick review of short-term, medium term, and long-term projects. Lonnie said the spreadsheet will be published with the meeting minutes. The committee filtered out some “quick wins” so some progress and momentum can be seen. The group discussed a possible theme for the Downtown Plan. The question, “Do we want it to be whimsical, or historical, or what exactly will we focus on as a theme?” A topic to discuss in the future as we nail down a plan. Two volunteers from the city have requested to be on the Historical Subcommittee. Nathan Pinson and Kristen LaBaron are interested in working to preserve Liberty Hill’s history. Quick Wins with assignments were made for the following: Budget/Grants Amy Gandy Visible Chamber of Commerce Office & Visitors Center Katie Amsler Weeding Vacant buildings & lots Katie Amsler Downtown business passport booklet Kellie Olisky Establish theme of downtown Kellie Olisky Scavenger hunts (mobile) Kellie Olisky Historic committee Lonnie Wendling Puzzle Pieces downtown art Lonnie Wendling Main Street Certification Matt Powell Pet areas and trash receptacles Tambra Prince Signage Tambra Prince Downtown Revitalization Committee 2 April 14, 2022 16 DIRECTOR'S COMMENTS Lonnie asked the Committee members to own their prospective pieces of the project assigned/volunteered for, and if they had any questions. He thanked members of the audience for attending. Next meeting will take place on May 12, 2022. ADJOURNMENT On motion by Lonnie Wendling and seconded by Jodi McCumber, The Downtown Revitalization Committee was adjourned at 6:53 p.m. Motion passed on vote of 5 ayes, 0 nays, and O abstentions. PASSED AND APPROVED BY THE Downtown Revitalization Committee of the City of Liberty Hill, Texas on , , 2022 on vote of ayes, nays and abstentions. __________________________ Lonnie Wendling _____________________ City Secretary Downtown Revitalization Committee 3 April 14, 2022 17  DOWNTOWN BEAUTIFICATION COMMITTEE DOWNTOWN BEAUTIFICATION COMMITTEE THURSDAY - JUNE 9, 2022 2801 Ranch Road 1869 - Liberty Hill AGENDA ITEM 2.d Accept Resignation of Tambra Prince and Nomination for new Vice-Chair (Lonnie Wendling) 18 DOWNTOWN BEAUTIFICATION COMMITTEE DOWNTOWN BEAUTIFICATION COMMITTEE THURSDAY - JUNE 9, 2022 2801 Ranch Road 1869 - Liberty Hill AGENDA ITEM 2.e Call for Director Candidates (Lonnie Wendling) 19  DOWNTOWN BEAUTIFICATION COMMITTEE DOWNTOWN BEAUTIFICATION COMMITTEE THURSDAY - JUNE 9, 2022 2801 Ranch Road 1869 - Liberty Hill AGENDA ITEM 2.f Receive update on Downtown Passport (Kellie Olisky) 20  DOWNTOWN BEAUTIFICATION COMMITTEE DOWNTOWN BEAUTIFICATION COMMITTEE THURSDAY - JUNE 9, 2022 2801 Ranch Road 1869 - Liberty Hill AGENDA ITEM 2.g Discussion regarding Walkable Downtown District. (Lonnie Wendling/Jerry Millard) 21  DOWNTOWN BEAUTIFICATION COMMITTEE DOWNTOWN BEAUTIFICATION COMMITTEE THURSDAY - JUNE 9, 2022 2801 Ranch Road 1869 - Liberty Hill AGENDA ITEM 2.h Receive update on Historical Subcommittee. (Lonnie Wendling/Kristan Lebaron) 22