Old Orchard Business District Advisory Commission

Old Orchard Special Business District Advisory Commission MEETING MINUTES APPROVED MEETING DATE: Tuesday, January 11, 2022 LOCATION: City Hall & Zoom CALLED TO ORDER 8:06 AM MEETING ADJOURNED: 8:22 AM NEXT MEETING: Tuesday, February 8, 2022 NAME PRESENT ABSENT Bob Weber, Chair X Holland Saltsman, Vice Chair X Angel Venegoni X John Barr X Steve Zielinski X Abby Culleton X Rick Gerger X Vacancy Vacancy Emerson Smith, Council Liaison X Eric Peterson, City Liaison X Also in attendance: Fran Sudekum – Administrative Support Approval of Minutes – A motion to approve the November minutes was made by Holland Saltsman, seconded by Bob Weber, and was unanimously approved. Streetscape – Twelve District winter banners need to be ordered for the new decorative lampposts that were added in the Streetscape Project. The remaining seasons had been previously ordered. Budget Discussion – Eric Peterson shared three documents relating to the District’s budget and reviewed the various budget categories, revenues, and expenses (see Appendix A, B, & C). Some of the items discussed included: • Funding for Façade Improvement Program has not been used. • Rooftop Lighting Project - fixing grounding issue, closing out last year’s purchase order/reopen a new purchase order, work on adding remaining buildings; Commission Members should reach out to businesses and property owners (Eric can provide a list of properties). Budget discussion continues at next month’s meeting. Members should bring to the table potential projects to discuss. Curbside Pick-Up & Handicap Parking Spots – On-the-street parking on the section of East Lockwood that runs next to Gazebo Park are always in high demand and occupied all day long. There is a need for curbside pick-up spots to be available to the businesses on the south side of the street. In addition, the handicap parking spot on that same section of street is needed for patients of the Back and Neck Center and Webster Pharmacy but are being used by individuals that are not handicapped. Mr. Peterson will reach out to the Police Department about parking enforcement for the handicap spot and also about options for possible curbside pick-up spots in that area. Lighting Concern – Several of the businesses along S. Old Orchard are closing early due to staffing issues; the resulting darkened businesses have added to the overall darkness of the area during the winter months. Page 1 of 5 BDC Update • Business Roundtable – The Roundtable was held with a solid showing of attendees and good input. The resulting business survey has been put together and will be sent out shortly to all businesses and contractors licensed with the City. • American Rescue Plan (ARP) Funds and Balancing Act Software – Balancing Act software with ARP funding loaded will be available in the next couple of days for everyone to take a look at possible items the funds could be used for and give input on how to allocate them. Mr. Peterson shared how it will work; it will be available on the City’s website. City Update • Renewal letters for business licenses will be mailed this month. • The presentation of the five-year fiscal plan is available on the City website. It shows some concerns in the City’s general fund which will require City Council to make some strategic decisions. • Prop U for an online use tax, will be on the April ballot. An educational campaign will kick off next month. • Four City Council seats will be on the April ballot; Mayor and three Council Members. Mayor Welch will not be running for re-election and two individuals will be facing off for that seat. Council Member Bliss and Council Member Franklin will seek re-election along with four additional individuals will be facing off for the three Council Member seats. Next Meeting – February 8, 2022 Adjournment – Meeting adjourned at 8:22 AM. Page 2 of 5 APPENDIX A Page 3 of 5 APPENDIX B APPENDIX C Page 4 of 5 Page 5 of 5