Downtown Revitalization Committee (DRC)

DOWNTOWN REVITALIZATION COMMITTEE THURSDAY - OCTOBER 13, 2022 - 5:30 PM Notice of AGENDA Liberty Hill Municipal Court / City Council Chamber 2801 RR 1869 Liberty Hill, Texas 78642 Kristan LeBaron Danyel Cake Amy Gandy Kellie Olisky Lonnie Wendling LIVE VIDEO ACCESS Live video of the meeting will be displayed on the City's Facebook page. PLEASE SILENCE YOUR CELL PHONES 1) CALL TO ORDER a) Establish quorum 2) REGULAR SESSION a) Administer the Oath of Office to two new members. (E. Simpson) b) Discussion, consideration and possible action regarding the August 11, 2022 Downtown Revitalization Committee meeting minutes. 08-11-2022 Downtown Revitalization Minutes ES draft 9-15-22.docx c) Discussion, consideration, and possible action regarding the Downtown Revitalization Committee meeting minutes from September 8, 2022. 09-08-2022 Downtown Revitalization Minutes draft ES 9-14-2022.docx d) Discussion, consideration and possible action to elect officers for the Committee including Chair, Vice-Chair and Secretary, as described in Committee Bylaws. (E. Simpson) DRC Bylaws as passed 8-12-22.pdf 1  e) Discussion, consideration and possible action confirming all members have completed Texas Open Meetings Act training. (E. Simpson) f) Discussion, consideration and possible action regarding updating committee member information / roster. g) Discussion, consideration and possible action regarding the Next Steps and Action Items on the Committee’s Ranked Downtown Priorities. (City Administrator Paul Brandenburg). Downtown Action Next Steps Cover Sheet.pdf DOWNTOWN ACTION PLAN Strategies.pdf h) Discussion, consideration and possible action related to ideas for Short-Term Marketing of Downtown. (P. Brandenburg) Downtown Marketing Cover Sheet.pdf DRC Marketing Ideas.pdf 3) FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS Issues, topics, items for consideration/focus at a future meeting may be identified and scheduled for a future agenda. No deliberations on the items may occur. 4) ADJOURNMENT The City Council, Boards, and Commissions reserve the right to reconvene, recess, realign, change the order of business, or adjourn into Execu ve Session at any me during the course of the mee ng, prior to adjournment, to discuss any item listed above, as authorized by Texas Government Code Sec on §551.071 (Consulta on with A orney), §551.072 (Delibera ons about Real Property), §551.073 (Delibera ons about Gi s and Dona ons), §551.074 (Personnel Ma ers), §551.076 (Delibera ons about Security Devices), and §551.087 (Development). In compliance with the Americans with Disabili es Act, the City of Liberty Hill will provide reasonable accommoda on for persons a ending mee ngs. To be er serve you, requests need to be received 48 hours prior to the meeting. Contact the City Secretary at 512-778-5449 – Extension 125. POSTING CERTIFICATION: I, ELAINE SIMPSON – CITY SECRETARY – CITY OF LIBERTY HILL certify that the attached notice of meeting was duly posted on the bulletin board at City Hall located at 926 Loop 332, Liberty Hill, Texas 78642 and on the City website (www.libertyhilltx.gov) on the ______ day of ____________________, 202_ at ______. Elaine Simpson – City Secretary. REMOVAL CERTIFICATION: I ELAINE SIMPSON – CITY SECRETARY – CITY OF LIBERTY HILL certify that the attached notice of meeting was removed from the bulletin board at City Hall located at 926 Loop 332, Liberty Hill, Texas 78642 on the ______ day of __________________, 202_ at _______. INITIALS _______ 2  DOWNTOWN REVITALIZATION COMMITTEE DOWNTOWN REVITALIZATION COMMITTEE THURSDAY - OCTOBER 13, 2022 2801 Ranch Road 1869 - Liberty Hill AGENDA ITEM 2.b Discussion, consideration and possible action regarding the August 11, 2022 Downtown Revitalization Committee meeting minutes. 3  City of Liberty Hill, TX Liberty Hill Downtown Revitalization Committee Minutes Council Chamber 2801 Ranch RD 1869 Liberty Hill, TX Thursday, August 11, 2022 5:30 PM Downtown Revitalization Committee: Lonnie Wendling, Chair Kellie Olisky, Jodi McCumber Amy Gandy, Secretary Absent: City Staff: Paul Brandenburg, City Administrator Katie Amsler, Communications Director Matt Powell, Executive Director of LH Economic Development Corporation Liz Branigan, Mayor Elaine Simpson, City Secretary 1) CALL TO ORDER The Downtown Revitalization Committee Workshop was called to order at 5:30 PM by Chair Lonnie Wendling. Downtown Revitalization Meeting 8-11-22 Page 1 of 4 4  2) REGULAR SESSION a) Discuss, consider, and possibly take action to approve Downtown Revitalization Committee (DRC) Regular Called Meeting minutes for July 14, 2022, meeting. Meeting minutes were disseminated before the meeting began. Secretary Amy Gandy moved, and Jodi McCumber seconded, to approve, as presented, the meeting minutes for Downtown Revitalization Committee (DRC) Regular Called Meeting minutes for the July 14, 2022, meeting. Motion carried unanimously by a vote of 4-0. Ayes: Wendling, Olisky, McCumber and Gandy. Nays: None. b) Discussion and possible action regarding City Council Approval of Revised Downtown Revitalization Committee Bylaws. (Lonnie Wendling) City Council approved the revised By Laws as recommended by DRC at a recent Council meeting. Motion by Chair Wendling, seconded by Secretary Gandy, to approve the Revised Downtown Revitalization Committee Bylaws with one correction, number of members of committee is five (5) and not two (2). Motion carried unanimously by a vote of 4-0. Ayes: Wendling, Olisky, McCumber and Gandy. Nays: None. c) Discussion and possible action regarding Call for Downtown Revitalization Committee Director Applications. (Lonnie Wendling) There was a discussion that Tambra Prince resigned several months ago, and the Committee has received three applications from citizens interested in being considered for appointment to the Committee by the City Council. There was a brief discussion of changes as made over the last year/months to the application itself, as well as the fact that some applications have resumes included and some do not. City Administrator Paul Brandenburg explained briefly that the City will be evolving to be a more uniform process. City Council will consider a new policy and procedure for Coordinating the Board and Commission Members at a future Council meeting. The Committee decided that they would like to make recommendations to the City Council on the three applicants by rating them and forwarding the ratings to City Council along with the applications. City Secretary Simpson took for action to collect the rankings, compile the results and forward to City Council. Chair Wendling took for Downtown Revitalization Meeting 8-11-22 Page 2 of 4 5 action to invite the applicants to the City Council meeting on August 24, 2022. There was no formal motion taken on this item. d) Discussion and review of Downtown District Boundaries Map at approved at the July 14, 2022, DRC meeting. (J. Millard) The Committee members expressed appreciation for the assistance of Interim Planning Director Jerry Millard for creating the map(s) of the Downtown Area. The final version was approved by Council at their August 10, 2022, Regular Called Meeting. There was no action taken on this item. e) Finalize Prioritization of Downtown Revitalization Committee Actions per Action Plan Chart. (Lonnie Wendling) There was an extended discussion of the Action Plan Chart composed by City Administrator Brandenburg. Although not ‘written in stone’ the prioritization of the items, which was further classified into different categories such as ‘Property and Real Estate’, ‘Partnerships’, and ‘Infrastructure’, etc., will serve to help the Committee determine the next steps. City Administrator Brandenburg took for action to take the input received tonight and further refine the Action Plan for the DRC to consider at a future meeting. He is also working on preparing a Mission and Vision Statement for City Council based on recent planning retreat. All of these working together will provide guidance for moving the city forward. There was no formal action taken on this item, City Administrator Brandenburg will bring back a draft of the proposed action plan at the next meeting. f) Discuss September Agenda Areas of Focus. (Lonnie Wendling) Chair Wendling noted that at the September meeting, he hoped to welcome new members of the Committee, to consider the draft of the action plan, and possibly to discuss the ‘Scenic City Program’. Wendling disseminated a flyer regarding this Program and noted that information about it can be found on their website. Downtown Revitalization Meeting 8-11-22 Page 3 of 4 6 3) DIRECTORS' COMMENTS None. 4) NEXT MEETING a) September 8, 2022 5) ADJOURNMENT Chair Wendling moved, seconded by Kellie Olisky to adjourn Downtown Revitalization Committee at 6:22 PM. 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 Elaine Simpson Downtown Revitalization Meeting 8-11-22 Page 4 of 4 7  DOWNTOWN REVITALIZATION COMMITTEE DOWNTOWN REVITALIZATION COMMITTEE THURSDAY - OCTOBER 13, 2022 2801 Ranch Road 1869 - Liberty Hill AGENDA ITEM 2.c Discussion, consideration, and possible action regarding the Downtown Revitalization Committee meeting minutes from September 8, 2022. 8  City of Liberty Hill, TX Liberty Hill Downtown Revitalization Committee Minutes September 8, 2022 Held at City Hall Downstairs Conf. Room. 926 Loop 332 Liberty Hill, TX 78642 6:00 PM Downtown Revitalization Committee Members: Lonnie Wendling, Chair Kellie Olinsky Kristen LeBaron (appointed 8-24-2022) Absent: Amy Gandy, Secretary Danyel Cake (appointed 8-24-2022) (Jodi McCumber resigned August 2022) City Staff: Paul Brandenburg – City Administrator Elaine Simpson – City Secretary Also present: Kristen Villa City Secretary Simpson announced that she will administer the Oath of Office to the newly appointed members of the Committee at the next meeting. CALL TO ORDER The Downtown Revitalization Committee Workshop was called to order at 5:36 PM by Chair Lonnie Wendling. There was an announcement that this meeting has been moved to the City Hall downstairs conference room, because the Verdunity Group is holding a Comprehensive Plan Kick Off event for the citizens at the Municipal Court/Council Chamber facility tonight. The agenda for this 9 meeting has been scaled back to allow members and city staff to attend the kickoff meeting after this meeting adjourns. 2) REGULAR ITEMS: a) Discussion, consideration and possible action regarding the Next Steps and Action Items on the Committee’s Ranked Downtown Priorities. (City Administrator Paul Brandenburg). City Administrator Brandenburg presented his draft of the Downtown Action Plan Strategies noting that the Committee has made great progress the last two meetings regarding identifying downtown (the map) and now the plan for making improvements. DOWNTOWN ACTION PLAN STRATEGIES DRAFT PROPERTY and REAL ESTATE Create an inventory of Downtown vacant land, vacant buildings, and properties for sale. (HIGH) Strategy: Work with local realtors to assemble a spreadsheet of property, address, acreage, sq/ft, zoning, price, and map. Should be updated regularly. Lead: EDC Executive Director. Coordinate and develop a strategy for Downtown vacant land, vacant buildings, and properties for sale. (HIGH) Strategy: City Administrator to work with City Council, EDC, and Finance on identifying key properties to the downtown that would be banked and marketed for development/redevelopment. Lead: City Administrator PARTNERSHIPS Identify planning coordination and partnerships with the EDC and the City of Liberty Hill. (HIGH) Strategy: City Council and EDC to meet regularly and share goals and vision including I implementation of the City’s Comprehensive Plan and EDC Strategic Plan when completed. Lead: City Administrator and EDC Executive Director. Identify opportunities for financial partnerships and financial assistance. (MEDIUM) Strategy: City and EDC to invest in the Downtown via general fund, TIRZ, sales tax, private sector matching funds, and grants. City to utilize its grant writer to pursue downtown grant funding. Leads: City Administrator, EDC Executive Director, and City Finance Director. 10 Pursue Public Private Partnerships (P3) to invest and enhance the viability of Downtown. (LOW) Strategy: EDC to conduct open houses, “Liberty Hill Day”, social media, and other promotional and marketing activities to gain visibility and interest for the Downtown from private partner. Lead: EDC Executive Director MARKETING Create a Downtown marketing strategy and plan. (LOW) Strategy: On hold until there is more to market. Pursue other existing CENTEX retail, entertainment, and restaurants to expand or franchise into the Downtown. (LOW) Strategy: On hold until other strategies are implemented. Create a Downtown Wayfinding Signage Program. (HIGH) Strategy: DRC to work with P&Z on a program and guidelines for the Downtown. Lead: City Administrator and City Planning to bring back sample guidelines for consideration in November 2022. Downtown Directional signage on HWY 29 and other roads. (HIGH) Strategy: DRC to work with Planning and DPW on potential locations, easements, and what the signs would look like and coordinate with TXDOT and/or private property owners. Bring back to in December 2022.Leads: DRC, Planning, and DPW GUIDELINES AND STANDARDS Develop Downtown Guidelines (signage, parking, facades, etc.). (HIGH) Strategy: DRC to work with City Planning as well as the City’s consultant on the Comprehensive Plan. Lead: City Planning Department. FINANCIAL Creation of a Tax Incremental District (TID) or Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone (TIRZ). (MEDIUM) Strategy: Using the Downtown district map, City Finance Department to put together what the Downtown TIRZ values and projected income would look like including available funds by year, schedules, and required approvals and process. Lead: City Finance Department. 11  Coordinate with the City the inclusion of viable projects in the CIP and annual budget. (MEDIUM) Strategy: City Administrator working through Planning and DPW to develop a list of projects for the Downtown. This list will be provided to the DRC for review and recommended to the City Administrator and Finance Department for inclusion in the City’s CIP in 2023 for the 2024 Budget. Leads: DRC, City Administrator, Planning, DPW, and Finance. INFRASTRUCTURE Review and analyze necessary Water, Wastewater, and Transportation infrastructure improvements for Downtown. (MEDIUM) Strategy: Review existing plans and incorporate into the City’s CIP. Leads: City Administrator, Finance, and DPW. Design and encourage walkability and connectivity Downtown with sidewalks, trails, paths, and other connective elements. (HIGH) Strategy: City Planner to work with Comprehensive Plan consultant on necessary walkability and connectivity for the Downtown. Lead: City Planning. The Committee members discussed that related to the inventory of vacant buildings and properties for sale, they would like to keep this as a running list, frequently updated to maintain its usefulness. Possibly, at the some point the City could attempt a program of ‘land banking’ possibly in cooperation with the Economic Development Corporation (EDC). It would be ideal if the inventory list could be linked with the Downtown map as recently adopted. Regarding Partnerships, Finance Director Sidney Smith would be able to provide estimates of project valuations should the city determine to establish a Downtown Fund or a Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone (TIRZ). The Marketing ideas were ranked lower only because the Committee determined that other things, such as infrastructure, may need to be in place first, before being marketed. It was determined by general consensus that the Committee would work to devise means of marketing what was available as much as possible, until new amenities could be added. The members discussed ideas such as increased visibility on the city’s official website, increased use of Social media – perhaps with special hashtags – and smaller events downtown like Trick or Treating. The Committee members will individually brainstorm ideas for marketing and provide them to the City Secretary for consideration at a future meeting. There was a brief discussion of Zoning Downtown guideline ideas, including the possibility of adding murals, including murals in the crosswalks to hopefully serve also as a traffic calming device. 12 The Committee members agreed by consensus with the ranking/prioritization that the City Administrator had assigned each strategy. The Committee members asked to be able to review in detail the Zoning Map of the Downtown Area at their next meeting. 3) FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS  Downtown Action Plan Strategies / Steps to be reviewed.  Review of top ideas for marketing downtown as compiled by city staff from members.  2 sets of meeting minutes (August / September)  Oath of Office for two new members.  Scenic City (as discussed briefly at August meeting)  Review of Downtown Zoning Map 4) ADJOURNMENT On motion by Chair Wendling and seconded by Kellie Olisky, the Downtown Revitalization Committee was adjourned at 6:25 PM. Motion passed on vote of 3 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. ______________________________ Chair Lonnie Wendling ______________________________ City Secretary Elaine Simpson 13  DOWNTOWN REVITALIZATION COMMITTEE DOWNTOWN REVITALIZATION COMMITTEE THURSDAY - OCTOBER 13, 2022 2801 Ranch Road 1869 - Liberty Hill AGENDA ITEM 2.d Discussion, consideration and possible action to elect officers for the Committee including Chair, Vice-Chair and Secretary, as described in Committee Bylaws. (E. Simpson) 14  Bylaws for the City of Liberty Hill Downtown Revitalization Committee SECTION I. CREATION There was hereby created in and for the City of Liberty Hill, an Improvement and Revitalization Board for the purpose of encouraging and securing the support of local citizens and businesses for revitalizing and improving downtown Liberty Hill and thus adding to the value for the local community and attracting visitors to the downtown. SECTION II. QUALIFICATIONS Members of the Downtown Revitalization Committee shall reside and/or own and operate a business within the zip code of 78642 and be persons qualified to perform the duties of such Board. SECTION III. APPOINTMENT AND TERM The Board shall consist of five (5) members including a chairman, vice chairman and secretary. The board shall elect from its membership the following officers: chairman, vice- chairman, and secretary. The chairman shall serve as chairman of the board. The vice-chairman shall serve when the chairman is unable to perform his/her duties. The board secretary shall keep a full record of the proceedings of the board and such other records as the board may direct. An alternate member may not serve as an officer. All Board members so appointed shall serve until their successors are appointed and qualified. They shall be appointed for terms of two years. Board members shall serve without compensation but may be reimbursed for personal expenses incurred in the performance of their duties, when authorized in advance by the City Council. SECTION IV. MEETINGS AND ATTENDANCE The Board will hold one regular monthly meeting and other special meetings as deemed necessary. All meetings of the Board will be open to the public and in conformance with the rules and regulations of the Texas Open Meetings Law. The Board shall hold all meetings at the Municipal Court Building held at 2801 RR 1869, Liberty Hill, TX 78642. A majority of the members of the Board shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business. The following number of absences may constitute the need for replacement of a member: three (3) consecutive absences, or attendance reflecting absences constituting 50% of the meetings over a 12-month period. 1 15  SECTION V. DUTIES OF OFFICERS Chairman. The chairman of the Board shall be responsible for the calling and the conduct of all meetings and shall be responsible for the preparation and posting of meeting agendas as required by law. Vice Chairman. The vice chairman shall act in the absence of the chairman and perform other such duties as directed by the chairman. Secretary. The secretary of said Board shall keep a permanent record of the proceedings of meetings and submit a copy of said proceedings to the City Secretary for recording keeping. SECTION VI. BOARD POWERS AND FUNCTIONS The Downtown Revitalization Board shall have the following expressed powers and functions: a) To determine the goals of the City’s downtown revitalization and develop long range plans and programs for improvement and revitalization within the City. b) To prepare, with recommendations to the City Council, different projects for revitalization, within the downtown area, which will be implemented by the city and budgeted as part of its regular budgeting procedure. c) To act as the City's representative in all matters relating to State, Federal and County revitalization programs. d) To work closely with other city boards towards continued city improvement and revitalization. e) To actively encourage and secure support from the citizens of Liberty Hill for improving and revitalizing the downtown area. 2 16  DOWNTOWN REVITALIZATION COMMITTEE DOWNTOWN REVITALIZATION COMMITTEE THURSDAY - OCTOBER 13, 2022 2801 Ranch Road 1869 - Liberty Hill AGENDA ITEM 2.g Discussion, consideration and possible action regarding the Next Steps and Action Items on the Committee’s Ranked Downtown Priorities. (City Administrator Paul Brandenburg). 17 Downtown Revitalization Committee Meeting Date: 10/13/2022 Item No. (if known) Requested By: Paul Brandenburg Submitted/Prepared By: Paul Brandenburg Type: (Action/Discussion Only /Consent/Exec. Session/Public Hearing) : Discussion and Consideration AGENDA ITEM COVER SHEET ITEM/TITLE: AGENDA ITEM WORDING : 1. Discussion, consideration, and possible action regarding the Next Steps and Action Items on the Committee’s Ranked Downtown Priorities. EXECUTIVE / BACKGROUND SUMMARY: Since your last meeting staff had gone back through the attached Downtown Action Plan and added target date(s). FISCAL NOTES/FINANCIAL BACKGROUND/FINANCIAL IMPACT: ATTACHMENTS: Page 1 of 1 18  DOWNTOWN ACTION PLAN STRATEGIES DRAFT PROPERTY and REAL ESTATE Create an inventory of Downtown vacant land, vacant buildings, and properties for sale. (HIGH) Strategy: Work with local realtors to assemble a spreadsheet of property, address, acreage, sq/ft, zoning, price, and map. Should be updated regularly. Lead: EDC Executive Director. Completed by 12/31/22. Coordinate and develop a strategy for Downtown vacant land, vacant buildings, and properties for sale. (HIGH) Strategy: City Administrator to work with City Council, EDC, and Finance on identifying key properties to the downtown that would be banked and marketed for development/redevelopment. Lead: City Administrator Completed by 2/28/23. PARTNERSHIPS Identify planning coordination and partnerships with the EDC and the City of Liberty Hill. (HIGH) Strategy: City Council and EDC to meet regularly and share goals and vision including implementation of the City’s Comprehensive Plan and EDC Strategic Plan when completed. Lead: City Administrator and EDC Executive Director. Conduct Quarterly Meetings Starting in 2023. Identify opportunities for financial partnerships and financial assistance. (MEDIUM) Strategy: City and EDC to invest in the Downtown via general fund, TIRZ, sales tax, private sector matching funds, and grants. City to utilize its grant writer to pursue downtown grant funding. Leads: City Administrator, EDC Executive Director, and City Finance Director. Identify immediate projects and funding sources by 12/31/22. Include additional projects in 2024 Budget 7/1/23. Pursue Public Private Partnerships (P3) to invest and enhance the viability of Downtown. (LOW) Strategy: EDC to conduct open houses, “Liberty Hill Day”, social media, and other promotional and marketing activities to gain visibility and interest for the Downtown from private partner. Lead: EDC Executive Director. In place and commenced by 7/1/23. 19 MARKETING Create a Downtown marketing strategy and plan.(LOW) Strategy: On hold until there is more to market. Smaller marketing efforts started by 11/1/22 Pursue other existing CENTEX retail, entertainment, and restaurants to expand or franchise into the Downtown. (LOW) Strategy: On hold until other strategies are implemented. Commence marketing outreach by 11/1/23. Create a Downtown Wayfinding Signage Program. (HIGH) Strategy: DRC to work with P&Z on a program and guidelines for the Downtown. Lead: City Administrator and City Planning to bring back sample guidelines for consideration in November 2022. Commence install and completion by 2/1/23. Downtown Directional signage on HWY 29 and other roads. (HIGH) Strategy: DRC to work with Planning and DPW on potential locations, easements, and what the signs would look like and coordinate with TXDOT and/or private property owners. Leads: DRC, Planning, and DPW. Bring back in December 2022. GUIDELINES AND STANDARDS Develop Downtown Guidelines (signage, parking, facades, etc.). (HIGH) Strategy: DRC to work with City Planning as well as the City’s consultant on the Comprehensive Plan. Lead: City Planning Department. Commence 3/1/23. Complete 9/1/23. FINANCIAL Creation of a Tax Incremental District (TID) or Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone (TIRZ). (MEDIUM) Strategy: Using the Downtown district map, City Finance Department to put together what the Downtown TIRZ values and projected income would look like including available funds by year, schedules, and required approvals and process. Lead: City Finance Department. Bring back to DRC by 2/12/23. 20 Coordinate with the City the inclusion of viable projects in the CIP and annual budget. (MEDIUM) Strategy: City Administrator working through Planning and DPW to develop a list of projects for the Downtown. This list will be provided to the DRC for review and recommended to the City Administrator and Finance Department for inclusion in the City’s CIP in 2023 for the 2024 Budget. Leads: DRC, City Administrator, Planning, DPW, and Finance. CIP started on 1/1/23. CIP adopted 4/1/23. Inclusion in 2024 Budget by 7/1/23. INFRASTRUCTURE Review and analyze necessary Water, Wastewater, and Transportation infrastructure improvements for Downtown. (MEDIUM) Strategy: Review existing plans and incorporate into the City’s CIP. Leads: City Administrator, Finance, and DPW. CIP started on 1/1/23. CIP adopted 4/1/23. Inclusion in 2024 Budget by 7/1/23. Design and encourage walkability and connectivity Downtown with sidewalks, trails, paths, and other connective elements. (HIGH) Strategy: City Planner to work with Comprehensive Plan consultant on necessary walkability and connectivity for the Downtown. Lead: City Planning. Identify projects by 1/31/23 for Budget Year 2023 and identify funds. Commence 2023 projects by 6/1/23. Add additional projects for 2024 Budget into the CIP 1/1/23. Adopt CIP 4/1/23. Inclusion in 2024 Budget by 7/1/23. 21  DOWNTOWN REVITALIZATION COMMITTEE DOWNTOWN REVITALIZATION COMMITTEE THURSDAY - OCTOBER 13, 2022 2801 Ranch Road 1869 - Liberty Hill AGENDA ITEM 2.h Discussion, consideration and possible action related to ideas for Short-Term Marketing of Downtown. (P. Brandenburg) 22 Downtown Revitalization Committee Meeting Date: 10/13/2022 Item No. (if known) Requested By: Paul Brandenburg Submitted/Prepared By: Paul Brandenburg Type: (Action/Discussion Only /Consent/Exec. Session/Public Hearing) : Discussion and Consideration AGENDA ITEM COVER SHEET ITEM/TITLE: AGENDA ITEM WORDING : Discussion, Consideration, and possible action related ideas for Short-Term Marketing of Downtown. EXECUTIVE / BACKGROUND SUMMARY: At the September 2022 DRC Meeting the committee agreed to develop their list of marketing ideas for the Downtown. These ideas have been compiled and attached for your information, reference, and discussion. FISCAL NOTES/FINANCIAL BACKGROUND/FINANCIAL IMPACT: ATTACHMENTS: Page 1 of 1 23  DOWNTOWN REVITALIZATION COMMITTEE MARKETING IDEAS I. Downtown Marketing, Promotional, and Advertising thoughts and ideas: • Radio advertising of Downtown Liberty Hill • Hwy 29 billboard advertising major downtown events • Signage on Hwy 29 pointing to 29 and directional signage in Downtown • downtown directional signage • weekly social media posts that highlight downtown businesses on city account • create downtown specific social hashtag to transition into separate downtown social standalone account • monthly promo offering various discounts or freebies to attract visitors/diners/shoppers downtown • more street art for photo ops downtown • maps (digital and print) of all downtown businesses • cross promote with other downtown businesses via flyers, postcards, partnerships, etc. • Linking up with the City to promote the hashtag & page called Experience Liberty Hill. I think this already has a logo and a following so we should not split the audience by creating something new. • A slogan like Georgetown did there’s is “Most Beautiful Town Square in Texas” II. Potential new events, large or small: • Halloween trick or treat party that ends at Agape BBQ for costume party • Downtown Christmas Stroll with decorations, music, etc. • Recommend having one event per month • Car shows, other related events • downtown daylight trick or treat route with costume contest • quarterly “explore downtown” events • add holiday lights/decor to all downtown businesses to draw attention to the area during the holidays • A Halloween Trick or Treating to all the businesses downtown. (Too short of notice for this year but for sure next year) • Family Friendly Mardi Gras parade? • Possibility to move the 4th of July event to Downtown? 24 III. Other marketing concepts and ideas not captured in I and II: • Branding slogan of downtown, include in all marketing of Liberty Hill (Look at the loop, nostalgic) • Experience LHTX website never works for me on phone or laptop • Recommend Experience LHTX website and Facebook page be revamped to have a designated page and focus on Downtown branding, slogan, businesses, events • Need to drive more businesses to Main Street that give people a reason to come downtown • Can we possibly lease or create some kind of agreement with the phone company to use the empty lot at 1869 & Main St for parking? Gravel lot like Gruene has? • We have the big sign about the founder of Liberty Hill at 1869 & 29 but that should be converted into directional signing. • Does the City have the room or availability to consolidate their employees into other buildings to open up the couple of older/historical buildings they’re using downtown, to new businesses to lease out? This would also create revenue for the city. • Maybe closing in the balcony on City Hall to create new office space for City employees? • Prioritize Dining/Retail downtown. People want to be able to park & walk around. 25