Main Street Advisory Board

City of San Marcos Regular Meeting Main Street Advisory Board Wednesday, November 20, 2024 at 5:30pm Attend in Person: Chamber of Commerce Large Conference Room 202 N CM Allen Pkwy, San Marcos, TX 78666 The presiding officer for this meeting will be present at the meeting location described above. Attend Online via Virtual Zoom Meeting: Webinar ID: 816 1358 8384 Public Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81613588384 I. Call To Order II. Roll Call 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. 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. PRESENTATIONS 1. Receive report from the Parking Advisory Board, presented by Parking Manager Charles Campbell and Parking Board Chair John David Carson. MINUTES 2. Consider approval of the meeting minutes of October 16, 2024. ACTION ITEMS 3. Grant Application - Consider revised Main Street Incentive Application from My City Locating Team, located at 130 S LBJ Dr, for an additional awning. 4. Downtown FY 2025 Work Plan – Discuss and consider approval of the Downtown Work Plan for FY 2025. DISCUSSION ITEMS 5. 2025 Event Calendar – Discuss Main Street events for 2025. 6. December Meeting – Discuss scheduling for the December Main Street Board meeting. REPORTS 7. Main Street Program Report 8. Financial Report 9. Downtown Association Report 10. Economic Development Report FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS lV. Question and Answer Session with Press and Public V. Adjournment Notice of Assistance at the Public Meetings The City of San Marcos is committed to compliance with the Americans 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. 1  City of San Marcos Regular Meeting MINUTES Main Street Advisory Board Wednesday, September 18 at 5:30pm Attend in Person: Chamber of Commerce Large Conference Room 202 N CM Allen Pkwy, San Marcos, TX 78666 The presiding officer for this meeting will be present at the meeting location described above. Attend Online via Virtual Zoom Meeting: Webinar ID: 816 1358 8384 Public Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81613588384 I. Call To Order 5:33 PM II. Roll Call Attending: Anita Collins, Mark Gleason, Duane Bradley, Robert Tobias, Atom Von Arndt, Shandee Lynn Adamson, Merrit Drewery Excused: Suhel Esani Staff Present: Josie Falletta, Garret Hope III. Citizen Comment Period: No citizens present. 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. 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. PRESENTATION 1. Received a presentation from the Green Alleys Initiative. The presentation was provided by Lisa Arceneaux and Sarah Simpson, who authored the document. The speakers provided an overview of how green alley infrastructure can benefit cities, and how their green alley document provides recommendations for San Marcos. Finally, speakers gave the update that they are working with businesses on shared waste. MINUTES 2. The September 18, 2024, meeting minutes were approved on Member Gleason motion and seconded by Member Bradley, on a (7-0) vote. ACTION ITEMS 3. Action was postponed for the next meeting. Staff will meet with Chair Collins and Vice Chair Bradley to finalize the FY25 Work Plan. DISCUSSION No discussion items this meeting. REPORTS 4. Main Street Program Report – Staff provided updates on upcoming events in October and December, along with Main Street Incentive Grant expansion for FY25. 5. Financial Report - Main Street Manager Josie Falletta provided the Financial Report and an overview of TIRZ 5 approved projects. 6. Downtown Association Report – No report was given, Anitta who gives update was not present. 7. Economic Development Report – Staff provided update on a recent Ch.380 Economic Development incentive provided to H-E-B, which will open a third location in San Marcos at McCarty Lane. 8. Parking Advisory Board Report – Update postponed to November meeting. 2  FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS 9. Update on San Antonio intersection improvements. lV. Question and Answer Session with Press and Public No public or press present. V. Adjournment 7:19 PM on Board Member Gleason’s motion and Member Bradley’s second. Notice of Assistance at the Public Meetings The City of San Marcos is committed to compliance with the Americans 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. 3 REVISED APPLICATION - MY CITY LOCATING Total reviewed on 50% Approved 50% Items REVISED Total 7/17/24 Reimbursement Reimbursement Window Clings 259.27 129.64 259.77 129.64 Sign 279.00 139.50 279.00 139.50 Awning 499.95 249.98 999.90 499.95 Metal Panels 249.99 124.99 249.99 124.99 Awning 695.00 347.50 695.00 347.50 Installation 991.61 1,241.58 Additional Request: $249.97 (50% of second awning, missed upon initial review) 4  DRAFT TRANSFORMATION STRATEGY WORK PLAN FY 2025 Organization Name: San Marcos Main Street Program Date: 10/10/2024 Town, State: San Marcos, TX Completed by: Josie Falletta, Downtown Manager Vision: San Marcos’ vibrant Downtown is the heart of the city where all community members are welcomed to gather, have fun, live, work, and enjoy the small-town charm in a safe, inclusive, and walkable environment. A beautiful intersection between past, present, and future, Downtown San Marcos is ever-evolving, celebrates diversity, values history, supports local business, demonstrates sustainability, and provides a sense of connectedness to other neighborhoods, the San Marcos River, Texas State University, and beyond. Transformation Strategy #1: Streetscapes Transformation Strategy #2: Building Form & Infill Development Goal 1 Goal 2 Goal 1 Goal 2 Improve downtown Improve downtown lighting to Address vacant storefronts Improve existing buildings streetscapes to create a more create a more welcoming and through multi-pronged through targeted incentives welcoming environment for all safe environment for all initiatives. and programming. visitors, including residents, visitors. tourists, and all ages and abilities. Lead: Main Street Lead: Main Street Lead: Main Street Lead: Main Street Annual Responsibilities San Marcos SaturPLAY: New monthly event to showcase local businesses and events. Façade Grant: Distribute $60k in Main Street Façade grants. The Scoop Newsletter: A monthly publication released the first week of every month. Social Media: Utilize social media to feature new businesses through New Biz Alerts. Maintain an average above 10% engagement on Facebook and Instagram. Events: Host events which increase visitor traffic to downtown and its businesses. Page 1 of 5 6 Transformation Strategy #1: Streetscapes Goal 1: Improve downtown streetscapes to create a more welcoming Define Success: Completed landscaping improvement project, environment for all visitors, including residents, tourists, and all ages and approved Downtown Pattern Book, long-term funding strategy abilities. for maintenance, and pilot streetscape art on San Antonio St. Partners: Horticulture, Texas State University, Public Works, TIRZ 5 Volunteer Staff Task Responsible Responsible Due Date Progress Budget 1. Create a Downtown amenities, and materials, and Main Street Josie Falletta Spring 2025 Started recommended plant palette/guide to streamline Board Up to $110,000 implementation of public and private installations (TIRZ approved) and repairs. 2. Create a dedicated management strategy that Main Street Josie Falletta Fall 2025 Started incorporates a permanent funding source and/or Board $75,000 in FY 25 staffing increases to account for maintenance (TIRZ approved) needs. 3. Increase safety at intersections through Stelos Scholars Josie Falletta, 4/11/2025 Started $25,000 Stelos streetscape design, public art, crossing (TXST Collab) Andrea grant improvements, lighting, and traffic control. Villalobos Total $210,000 Page 2 of 5 7 Transformation Strategy #1: Streetscapes Goal 2: Improve downtown lighting to create a more welcoming and Define Success: Develop recommendations and secure funding safe environment for all visitors. for downtown lighting improvements. Partners: TIRZ 5, Electric Utilities, Public Works, Engineering/CIP, Planning & Development Services Volunteer Staff Task Responsible Responsible Due Date Progress Budget 1. Research and provide recommendations for TIRZ 5 Board Josie Falletta March 2025 Started pedestrian scale lighting that improves sense of TBD place. 2. Research and provide recommendations for TIRZ 5 Board Josie Falletta March 2025 Started TBD alleyway lighting initiative. 3. Research and provide recommendations for TIRZ 5 Board Rebecca Ybarra March 2025 Started building roofline lighting expansion and TBD maintenance. Total TBD Page 3 of 5 8 Transformation Strategy #2: Building Form & Infill Development Goal 1: Address vacant storefronts through multi-pronged initiatives. Define Success: Reduce number of vacant commercial spaces in Main Street district, amend Economic Development Policy with increased grant opportunities. Partners: Economic Development, Greater San Marcos Partnership, Code Compliance, TIRZ 5, Texas State University Volunteer Staff Task Responsible Responsible Due Date Progress Budget 1. Attract a downtown hotel. EDSM Board Josie Falletta, TBD Not Started TBD Christian Smith 2. Consider vacancy abatement strategies through TIRZ Board, Josie Falletta, March 2025 Started ordinance updates such as a vacant building Main Street Ruby Sanchez TBD registration or minimum standards of care and Board vacancy fees. 3. Support rehabilitation of vacant storefronts by EDSM Board, Josie Falletta, March 2025 Started creating a grant program to fund renovations TIRZ Board, Christian Smith TBD which bring vacant properties into compliance Main Street with building codes. Board Total TBD Page 4 of 5 9 Transformation Strategy #2: Building Form & Infill Development Goal 2: Improve existing buildings through targeted incentives and Define Success: Additional grants dispersed, reduction in programming. vacancies, creation of vacancy abatement programs. Partners: Greater San Marcos Partnership, Economic Development, Downtown Association Volunteer Staff Task Responsible Responsible Due Date Progress Budget 1. Expand Main Street Incentive Grant to increase TIRZ 5 Board Josie Falletta, Fall 2024 Completed $60,000 (TIRZ 5 funding for storefront improvements. Karla matched $30k in Hernandez FY 2025) 2. Research and provide recommendations for EDSM Board, Josie Falletta, Spring 2025 Started TBD incentives which focus on interior improvements. TIRZ 5 Board Christian Smith 3. Create a “how-to” guide for starting a business in Duane Bradley Josie Falletta, Summer Not Started Downtown and permitting processes. Christian 2025 N/A Smith, Katy Riddle Total $60,000 Page 5 of 5 10 2025 EVENT CALENDAR February 27 - Love Downtown Awards April 12 - Art + Music Event June 21 - Bubbles + Music Event September 27 - Food + Music Event October 18 - Spooky Movies on the Square December 6 - Merry on the Squarey Considerations for events: Family friendly Inviting to locals AND visitors Courthouse lawn AND business involvement Fewer events with a greater impact Additional events TBD dates: Downtown Revitalization Tour Business workshops Additional activities: April 11 - LCRA Steps Forward Day 5 2024 EVENTS + INITIATIVES EVENTS January 15: MLK Day Events -- POSTPONED February 8: TMSP Regional Design Workshop February 10: Mardi Gras February 29: Love Downtown Awards March 2: Spring River Cleanup April 8: Solar Eclipse April 12: LCRA Steps Forward Day April 18: Fashion Merchandising Volunteer Day April 19: PIKE and FIJI Volunteer Day April 26: SMCISD Bus Drivers Community Service Day May 10, 17, 24 & 31: Music on the Square May 15: Gary Job Corps Volunteer Project June 15: Bubble Fest June 21: Make Music Day August 30: Back the Bobcats September 14: Hispanic Heritage Exhibition Walk September 16: Presidential Debate September 28: Mermaid Fest - Moved to May 2025 October 11: Movies on the Square - Hocus Pocus (Original) October 12: Family Weekend October 19: El Camino Real Day October 25: Downtown Revitalization Tour November 9: Veteran’s Day Parade November 16: TXST Homecoming December 4: Mural & Medallion Dedication December 5: Hays County Lighting Ceremony December 7: Merry on the Squarey December 14: Hometown Holidays (Sights & Sounds) Weekly: Farmer's Market Monthly: San Marcos SaturPLAY, Art Squared, 1893 Flea, Vanilla Bean Market, Classic Rides on El Camino Real INITIATIVES S Guadalupe St Parcels - activation plan Crosswalk Restriping Project - TIRZ#5 funded Mobility Hub Activation Plan - seasonal installations Work Plan Implementation - task list under development Kissing Alley CIP Outreach - late March Sidewalk Medallions - Install Scheduled for November 27th Kissing Alley Improvements CIP - coordination with businesses Guadalupe + Hopkins Intersection Improvements CIP - coordination with businesses Downtown Landscaping Project - CMO Initiative 11  DOWNTOWN LANDSCAPING PROJECT Main Street is launching a landscaping improvement initiative in FY 2025. The project will include irrigation upgrades, soil amendments, additional plantings, mulch, and some hardscapes. The Downtown plant palette was developed by city staff across multiple departments and includes plants which are drought tolerant, native or adaptive, pollinators, and have a low water usage. The bed design guidelines consider safety and visibility, aesthetics, plant health, and water usage. This project aims to improve the downtown landscaping beds and plants, so they are easier to maintain, provide clearer lines of sight for pedestrians, use less water, and act as pollinators for birds, bees, and monarchs. Timeline November 2024 – Additional plants installed on Hutchison St. January/February 2025 – Irrigation improvements + targeted plants removed on N LBJ Dr & the Square, two beds paved at high traffic intersection March 2025 – Additional plants installed on N LBJ Dr & the Square Funding Funds for this project are provided from the Downtown TIRZ 5 budget, approved by the TIRZ 5 Board in October 2024. The TIRZ 5 fund is generated by property taxes within the TIRZ 5 District, which includes downtown. 12  SAN ANTONIO STREETSCAPE ART Overview Planning and Main Street are working on a streetscape improvement project on W San Antonio Street in collaboration with the Stelos Scholars, a subset of the Texas State University Honors College. The Stelos Scholars received a $25,000 grant to be used on streetscape activation and contacted the City of San Marcos to propose using the funds in Downtown San Marcos. Upon a review of adopted plans, the proposed scope of work aligns with recommendations of the recently adopted San Marcos Downtown Area Plan. Scope of Work The improvements will take place on W San Antonio Street from the San Antonio Street split to Telephone Alley. Proposed improvements include 1) the installation of colorful pavement treatments and traffic delineators in six (6) existing bulb outs, and 2) artistic designs in four (4) alleyway crosswalks. Timeline The date for installation is April 11, 2025, since it aligns with LCRA Steps Forward Day. The volunteers will help install everything and do a big cleanup along that stretch of San Antonio Street (litter cleanup, refresh yellow curb paint, etc.). It will make a large impact in a short amount of time. *Staff are still working through internal approvals for this project. 13 2024 TEXAS DOWNTOWN ANNUAL CONFERENCE October 28-30, 2024 Abilene, TX Josie and Karla attended the 2024 Texas Downtown Annual Conference which was held in the Downtown District of Abilene, Tx. In this conference staff attended different sessions that focused on Bringing Life to Dead Buildings, Chilling Streets, Unveiling the power of Public Art & Cultural Districts and Creative Placemaking in San Marcos, which was hosted by our very own Josie Falletta. The conference also offered tours of newly renovated buildings that had once been sitting empty in the South Downtown Abilene District. 14 DOWNTOWN REVITALIZATION TOUR 30+ people attended the Downtown Revitalization Tour on October 25. Three locations opened their doors: Former Ford Jackman, Annex, and Duke & Ayres Buildings. 15 MERRY ON THE SQUAREY 16  HIGHLIGHTS OCT 2024 ANALYTICS Facebook Followers: 13,230 (+0.7%) Reach: 12,193 Engagement: 376 Engagement Rate: 3.08% Instagram Followers: 9,250 (+3.5%) Reach: 36,012 Engagement: 3,215 Engagement Rate: 8.93% 17 DOWNTOWN BUSINESS REPORT NEW & UPCOMING BUSINESS ACTIVITY Sundance Print Center 303 N Edward Gary St Now Open! Mile High Mo’s 101 E MLK Dr Now Open! Freaky Findz 218 N LBJ Dr Now Open! Kikko Ramen & Poke 407 N Guadalupe St Now Open! Shinko 88 210 N Edward Gary St, Unit 112 Now Open! San Market 114 E San Antonio St Now Open! Sea Barra 420 University Dr Permits Approved Eden Bar 206 W San Antonio St Now Open! Logie’s Restaurant 150 S LBJ Dr Permits Approved Tower Loan 208 W San Antonio St Permits Approved Archie’s Coffee Lounge 301 N LBJ Dr Permits Approved Ford Jackman 1F + 2F 215 E Hutchison St Permits Approved Shell Permit Building Shell, Business TBD 125 and 133 S LBJ Dr Approved Urban Bird Hot Chicken 205 W Hopkins St Planning Stage 18 MAIN STREET FINANCIAL REPORT - 11/13/24 FY 25 Operating Budget: Org Object Description Budget Actual Enc/Reqs Available Budget Percent Used 12024225 52095 PRINTING & PUBLICATIONS 1,500.00 0.00 0.00 1,500.00 0.00% 12024225 52105 COMMUNICATIONS/TELEPHONE 2,111.88 55.99 0.00 2,055.89 2.65% 12024225 52111 VEHICLE/EQUIP LEASE PYMNTS 15,678.00 0.00 15,678.00 0.00 100.00% 12024225 52230 PROFESSIONAL SERVICES 5,000.00 526.90 935.27 3,537.83 29.24% 12024225 52360 BUILDING RENTAL 19,560.00 900.00 0.00 18,660.00 4.60% 12024225 52395 SOFTWARE LIC & MAINTENANCE 540.04 0.00 0.00 540.04 0.00% 12024225 52397 SOFTWARE AS A SERVICE (SAAS) 1,800.00 0.00 0.00 1,800.00 0.00% 12024225 53045 SUPPLIES-OTHER 12,500.00 486.85 0.00 12,013.15 3.89% 12024225 53070 SUPPLIES-OFFICE 2,500.00 830.47 0.00 1,669.53 33.22% 12024225 53105 POSTAGE 300.00 0.00 0.00 300.00 0.00% 12024225 53110 ADVERTISING/BRANDING 30,000.00 0.00 0.00 30,000.00 0.00% 12024225 53145 REPAIRS-VEHICLES 520.00 0.00 0.00 520.00 0.00% 12024225 54001 P-CARD MUST CODE 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00% 12024225 54050 DUES & SUBSCRIPTIONS 4,043.38 679.67 1,500.00 1,863.71 53.91% 12024225 54075 MAIN ST-INCENTIVE PROGRAM 30,000.00 325.00 0.00 29,675.00 1.08% 12024225 54180 PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT 15,000.00 3,547.48 0.00 11,452.52 23.65% 12024225 54185 MEALS 1,000.00 69.36 0.00 930.64 6.94% 12024225 54190 TRAVEL 600.00 0.00 0.00 600.00 0.00% 12024225 54245 SPECIAL EVENTS/PROJECTS 54,500.00 5,079.41 862.00 48,558.59 10.90% TOTALS 197,153.30 12,501.13 18,975.27 165,676.90 15.97% 19 MAIN STREET GRANT REPORT - 11/13/24 FY 25 Main Street Façade Grants: Applicant Total Project 50% Grant Status MY CITY APARTMENT $ 2,483.16 $ 1,241.58 Completed FY24 PAID $ 810.59 Completed FY25 PAID $ 325.00 Completed Totals FY25 $325.00 FY25 Budget: Main Street Incentive Grant: $30,000 TIRZ Incentive Grant Match: $30,000 20 MAIN STREET ADVISORY BOARD ATTENDANCE 1.18.24 2.21.24 3.20.24 4.17.24 5.22.24 6.26.24 7.17.24 8.21.24 9.18.24 11.20.24 12.18.24 Anita Collins P P P P P P P P A P Mark Gleason P P P A A A A P A P Shandee Lynn P E E E P A P A P P Meritt Drewery - - - - - - - - - P Robert Tobias A P P P P P P P P P Duane Bradley P P P A P P P A P P Atom Von Arndt - P P P P A P P P P Suhel Esani - P P P P P P P P A P=Present A=Absent E= Excused 21