Woodburn Commission

Woodburn Redevelopment Commission Meeting Minutes November 19th, 2014 7:00 PM Meeting was called to order by Chris Haddox at 7:00 PM. PRESENT: The meeting started with City Manager Jeff Mikorski, City Council Representative/Deputy Mayor Marti Shamberger, Chair Chris Haddox, Vice Chair Kerry Lilly, Secretary Nikki Byrne-Hoffman, Commission Members Mary Angel Blount,Tim Mashburn, and Bonnie Witmyer. Commission member Mark Furfari arrived at 8:04 PM. APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES: Minutes were approved as submitted. Marti made the motion to approve, Mary Angel seconded the motion. CORRESPONDENCE/ITEMS NOT ON AGENDA: Reappointment letters from Mayor Jenny Selin were read for Secretary Byrne-Hoffman and Commission Member Kerry Lilly. The commission discussed that the terms of appointment the City has on file does not match the by-laws of the WSRC. Deputy Mayor Shamberger said she would look into it with City Clerk Linda Little. UNFINISHED BUSINESS: Property Upkeep Update- City Manager Mikorski is in the process of investigating the cost and feasibility of a new heating system. Ways to increase property accessibility are also being looked at. The current boiler system is very aged and expensive to operate. There will be crews deployed to take care of sidewalks on the Woodburn property and the property is on the snow plow route. Update of Leasing/Marketing/Website- A local personal trainer of individuals and groups up to 10 is possibly interested in leasing the multipurpose building. He was interested in 3-4 days in December. The rate is currently $200 for 6 hours. He was also interested in monthly rates. City Manager Mikorski is working with him to develop an agreement. He also believes the BOPARC registration system should now reflect Woodburn as an option. The Chamber of Commerce was approached regarding having a “Business After-Hours” or similar event at Woodburn. A link to the Woodburn video was emailed before the meeting. Chair Haddox asked for input. It will be put on the website when completed and will provide a link to more information if people are interested. There was discussion over the long versus short-term focus. Mary Angel Blount and Secretary Byrne-Hoffman discussed their concern over finances and action for long-term progress. Tim Mashburn said the solution was not obvious or else the Commission would have figured it out by now. Deputy Mayor Shamberger said that the best course of action was to look at policy and prioritize course of action. Chris Haddox said things are constantly in the works with all the members and it’s not something the commission is thinking about only once or twice a month. The PAWV registration would be a big step because it will help give access to avenues of getting things fixed. Mary Angel said she realized this, but it had been a while since the group had really talked about a long-term plan. Several in the group agreed that a lot of focus has been on the First Fridays events, which do not bring in that much money. Kerry Lilly said the playground is very out-dated and that may be a good thing to focus on to get people interested in using the property, as a lot of people already do use it. City Manager Mikorski said sponsorships could be found and we could collaborate with BOPARC to get equipment updated. Secretary Byrne-Hoffman reiterated the interest of some groups being interested in using common green space on the property and asked City Manager Mikorski if the City should be leasing use of the green space, particularly in the case of Boys and Girls Club wanting to use common green space for gardening over the long-term. City Manager Mikorski stated the City probably should be, but that was not currently the policy. Discussion also included the use by BOPARC as a segment of the upcoming rec center. The group discussed running courses and equipment on the property. Update on Endangered Buildings- The Preservations Alliance application is due December 15th. Mary Angel Blount passed around the historical significance piece she wrote for the application. Marti included a report that had been written by Kathy Torsney. An application for for $3500 of funds from the WVRC. Association with these organizations gives access to resources for real estate, finance, and preservation-related consultation. November First Fridays Event- Was a huge success. Secretary Byrne-Hoffman deposited $378.00 with the City Finance Department from the event. Special thanks to Crosley’s catering (Mark Furfari) for donating $300-worth of food for the event and to the local bands that played. Secretary Byrne-Hoffman made the motion and Vice Chair Kerry Lilly seconded the motion that Tim Mashburn would write a letter for Chris to edit and sign to City Manager Mikorski for the City to allow use of the First Fridays at Woodburn revenue to be used towards future First Fridays events. NEW BUSINESS and DISCUSSION: Music Festival (First Fridays at Woodburn) for December- The next event will be December 5th at 6:00 PM. Matt Jordan will be playing keyboard. He will bring his own sound and appreciation jar. Chris is currently talking to Jeff Miller, the owner of the local Qdoba and Papa John’s about donating food for the event. There will be a $5 charge for the meal again. A donation box will be separate and the acts will work for tips. Cheeseball, crackers, veggie tray, and other items can be provided by Commission members for the event. Jamie Lester is interested in painting a mural or backdrop for the wall/stage area. Future event ideas were also discussed. Cindy O’Hansen hosts square dancing. An art show was suggested and City Manager Mikorski will check into whether wine would be permitted. Other ideas were silent auctions and elimination dinners. ADJOURNMENT: The December meeting has been moved to December 18th to avoid the holiday season conflicts. The meeting was adjourned at 8:31 PM with a motion made by Deputy Mayor Shamberger and the motion seconded by Bonnie Witmyer.