Downtown Revitalization Committee (DRC)

DOWNTOWN REVITALIZATION COMMITTEE THURSDAY - NOVEMBER 10, 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) Discussion, consideration and possible action related to Downtown Revitalization Committee Regular Meeting minutes from October 13, 2022 meeting. (A. Gandy/E. Simpson) 10-13-2022 Downtown Revitalization Minutes Draft b) Discussion, consideration and possible action related to suggested city slogans. (L. Wendling) drc slogans.pdf c) Review, Discussion and Possible Action on the Downtown Revitalization Committee Action Plan and Strategies specifically Property and Real Estate, and Marketing (Signage and Wayfinding) 1  d) Review and Possible Action of color charts for Downtown Accents. e) Discussion and Possible Action on the designation of a Downtown Main Street name. 3) FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS Issues, topics, items for consideration 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 - NOVEMBER 10, 2022 2801 Ranch Road 1869 - Liberty Hill AGENDA ITEM 2.a Discussion, consideration and possible action related to Downtown Revitalization Committee Regular Meeting minutes from October 13, 2022 meeting. (A. Gandy/E. Simpson) 3  City of Liberty Hill, TX Liberty Hill Downtown Revitalization Committee Minutes October 13, 2022 City Council Chamber / Municipal Courthouse 2801 Ranch RD 1869, Liberty Hill, TX 78642 Downtown Revitalization Committee Members: Lonnie Wendling, Chair Kristen LeBaron Amy Gandy Danyel Cake Kellie Olisky City Staff: Paul Brandenburg – City Administrator Elaine Simpson – City Secretary Katie Amsler – Communications Director CALL TO ORDER The Downtown Revitalization Committee Workshop was called to order at 5:30 PM by Chair Lonnie Wendling. 1. CALL TO ORDER a) Establish quorum Quorum established. 2. Regular Items: a) Administer the Oath of Office to two new members. (E. Simpson) City Secretary Simpson administered the Oath of Office to new members Cake and LeBaron. Oath was notarized. 4 2.b) Discussion, consideration and possible action regarding the August 11, 2022 Downtown Revitalization Committee meeting minutes. Amy Gandy moved, and Lonnie Wendling 2nd to approve the meeting minutes from the August 11, 2022 meeting. Motion carried unanimously by a 5-0 vote. 2. c) Discussion, consideration, and possible action regarding the Downtown Revitalization Committee meeting minutes from September 8, 2022. Kristin LeBaron moved, and Lonnie Wendling 2nd to approve the meeting minutes from the September 8, 2022, meeting, with correction of the spelling of Kellie Olisky’s name. Motion carried unanimously by a 5-0 vote. 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) Motion to elect Lonnie Wendling as Chair of the DRC. Motion made by Amy Gandy and 2nd by Kellie Olisky. Motion carried unanimously by a vote of 5-0. Motion to elect Kellie Olisky as Vice Chair. Motion made by Kristan LeBaron, 2nd by Amy Gandy, carries unanimously by a vote of 5-0. Motion to elect Amy Gandy as Secretary. Motion made by Chair Wendling, 2nd by Kellie Olisky. Motion carried unanimously by a 5-0 vote. 2.e.) Discussion, consideration and possible action confirming that all members have completed Texas Open Meetings Act training. All members will take the Texas Open Meetings Act training on-line. City Secretary Simpson will forward a copy of the link to the training that is available from the Texas Office of the Attorney General. The members will return copies of their completion certificate to the City Secretary and she will keep these on file. 2.f.) Discussion, consideration and possible action regarding updating the committee information/roster. Members of the Committee reviewed the roster and only one update was needed. 5 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). DOWNTOWN ACTION PLAN STRATEGIES 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. – City Administrator Paul Brandenburg will work with Amy Gandy on these strategies. 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. 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. 6 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. The committee discussed that a future goal might be to have the name of Loop 332 changed to ‘Main Street’ for the area of main downtown. 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. 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. There was no formal action taken on this item. 2.h) Discussion, consideration and possible action related to ideas for Short-Term Marketing of Downtown. (P. Brandenburg) 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 7 • 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 theirs 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? 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 8 employees? • Prioritize Dining/Retail downtown. People want to be able to park & walk around. There was no formal action on this item. The committee discussed branding, the ‘#DowntownLHTX’ hashtag that all are encouraged to use when downtown. Motion: Motion by Chair Wendling, 2nd by Secretary Gandy to authorize the #DowntownLHTX hashtag as the official hashtag for Downtown. Motion carried unanimously by a 5-0 vote. 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. Each member will come up with suggestions for a ‘City Motto’. The City’s social media will also request citizens contribute ideas for the slogan contest. These will be compiled by the City Secretary, in coordination with Katie Amsler, the Communications Director, and the Committee’s top five favorite slogan suggestions will be a part of a poll to be taken at Christmas Festival. 4) ADJOURNMENT On motion by Wendling, 2nd by Gandy, the Downtown Revitalization Committee was adjourned at 6:54 PM. 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. ______________________________ Chair Lonnie Wendling ______________________________ City Secretary Elaine Simpson 9  DOWNTOWN REVITALIZATION COMMITTEE DOWNTOWN REVITALIZATION COMMITTEE THURSDAY - NOVEMBER 10, 2022 2801 Ranch Road 1869 - Liberty Hill AGENDA ITEM 2.b Discussion, consideration and possible action related to suggested city slogans. (L. Wendling) 10 11  DOWNTOWN REVITALIZATION COMMITTEE DOWNTOWN REVITALIZATION COMMITTEE THURSDAY - NOVEMBER 10, 2022 2801 Ranch Road 1869 - Liberty Hill AGENDA ITEM 2.c Review, Discussion and Possible Action on the Downtown Revitalization Committee Action Plan and Strategies specifically Property and Real Estate, and Marketing (Signage and Wayfinding) 12  DOWNTOWN REVITALIZATION COMMITTEE DOWNTOWN REVITALIZATION COMMITTEE THURSDAY - NOVEMBER 10, 2022 2801 Ranch Road 1869 - Liberty Hill AGENDA ITEM 2.d Review and Possible Action of color charts for Downtown Accents. 13  DOWNTOWN REVITALIZATION COMMITTEE DOWNTOWN REVITALIZATION COMMITTEE THURSDAY - NOVEMBER 10, 2022 2801 Ranch Road 1869 - Liberty Hill AGENDA ITEM 2.e Discussion and Possible Action on the designation of a Downtown Main Street name. 14