Main Street Advisory Board

City of San Marcos Regular Meeting MINUTES Main Street Advisory Board Wednesday, April 21, 2020 at 5:00pm Virtual Zoom Meeting Please click the link below to join the webinar: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86885402253 Dial(for higher quality, dial a number based on your current location): US: 888 788 0099 (Toll Free) or 877 853 5247 (Toll Free) Webinar ID: 868 8540 2253 I. Call To Order 5:06pm II. Roll Call Attending: Matt Akins, Linda Coker, Ashley McCafferty, Sarah Simpson, Anita Collins, Chance Sparks Late (arrived during Presentation): Rose Brooks, Mark Gleason Staff Present: Josie Falletta, Freddy Medina, Rebecca Ybarra III. Citizen Comment Period: Persons wishing to participate (speak) during the Citizen Comment portion of the meeting must email jfalletta@sanmarcostx.gov prior to 12:00PM the day of the meeting. A call in number to join by phone or link to join by a mobile device, laptop or desktop computer will be provided for participation. Comments shall have a time limit of three minutes each. Any threatening, defamatory or other similar comments prohibited by Chapter 2 of the San Marcos City Code will not be read. MINUTES 1. The March 17, 2021 meeting minutes were approved on Board Member Simpson’s motion, Board Member McCafferty’s second, on a 7-0 vote (Board Members Gleason and Brooks arrived after this vote). PRESENTATION 2. Josie Falletta, Downtown Coordinator, gave a presentation on current status of downtown vacancies and covered strategies other Texas cities have utilized for vacancy abatement such as vacant property registries, ordinances, and incentive programs. Some ideas generated by board members include: Tracking vacancy longevity, total owner count, and geographic patterns. ACTION 3. Linda Coker was re-elected as Board Chair on Board Member McCafferty’s motion, Board Member Collins’ second, on a 9-0 vote. Ashley McCafferty was elected as Vice Chair on Board Member Simpson’s motion, Board Member Lynn’s second on a 9-0 vote. Board Member Simpson was nominated for Vice Chair but declined the nomination. 4. Recommended changes to Main Street Advisory Board Bylaws – After discussion, the Board determined to amend Article 9 (A) to read “The Main Street Advisory Board may form committees as needed that may pertain to, but are not limited to, the following topics: Promotion, Organization, Design, and Economic Vitality” on Board Member McCafferty’s motion, Board Member Lynn’s second, on a 9-0 vote. No additional changes were made. DISCUSSION ITEMS 5. Downtown vacancies discussion – After presentation from staff on downtown vacancies, Board Member McCafferty proposed a workshop should be held in June 2021, instead of forming a subcommittee, to receive presentations from cities with active vacancy abatement programs. 6. Main Street Façade Grant discussion– The Board would like to allocate more funding to Façade Grant program for FY22 if possible. Board Member Simpson suggested creating a quarterly application process to ensure equity in distribution of funds for new and existing businesses, as well as, creating an application for emergency repairs due to instances such  as vandalism. The Board would like to thoroughly review the grant program in Summer 2021. REPORTS 7. Main Street Program Report – Staff presented progress of their historical marker restoration initiative, the mural gallery that will be installed at 111 E MLK Dr, the 1 Million Cups program, and LCRA Steps Forward Day. 8. Financial Report - The program has utilized 66% of its operating budget to date. The Board would like to request additional budget in FY22 from General Fund for downtown landscaping. Board Member Gleason noted City Council could potentially allocate COVID- 19 recovery funds to downtown since it is a priority. 9. Downtown Association Report – Carina Boston Pinales presented the DASM report. They are in the process of obtaining feedback from businesses about downtown parking. They are also in the process of reinstating Second Saturday. Additionally, Board Chair Coker announced the May 2021 reopening of the Hays County Courthouse Museum. The June DASM member meeting will be held outdoors and in-person at the Diversity Mural. 10. Economic Development Report - The City is in the process of hiring an Economic and Business Development Manager. 11. Parking Advisory Board Report - John David Carson presented the PAB report, which included information regarding: RFP status on an e-cab circulator shuttle, their recommendation to reduce parking enforcement and increase warnings, and their discussion to create a subcommittee to explore City of San Marcos parking limitations on parking enforcement strategies. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS lV. Question and Answer Session with Press and Public V. Adjournment 7:51pm Board Member Gleason motioned to adjourn, seconded by Board Member Simpson. Notice of Assistance at the Public Meetings The City of San Marcos is committed to compliance with the American with Disabilities Act. Reasonable modifications and equal access to communications will be provided upon request. If requiring Sign Language Interpreters or alternative formats, please give notice at least 2 days (48 hours) before the meeting date. Individuals who require auxiliary aids and services for this meeting should contact the City of San Marcos ADA Coordinator at 512-393-8000 (voice) or call Texas Relay Service (TRS) by dialing 7-1-1. Requests can also be faxed to 855-461-6674 or sent by e-mail to ADArequest@sanmarcostx.gov. For more information on the Main Street Advisory Board, please contact Josie Falletta at jfalletta@sanmarcostx.gov.