Old Webster Business District Advisory Commission

Old Webster Special Business District Advisory Commission MEETING MINUTES APPROVED MEETING DATE: Tuesday, June 28, 2022 LOCATION: City Hall & Zoom CALLED TO ORDER: 8:01 AM MEETING ADJOURNED: 8:57 AM NEXT MEETING: Tuesday, July 26, 2022 NAME PRESENT ABSENT Ron Clipp, Chair X Joe Rath X Tim Delanty X Margaret Stevens X Bill Newhouse X Stacie Swederska X Dan Warner X Karen Drexler X David Smith X Emerson Smith, Council Liaison X Eric Peterson, City Liaison X Also, in attendance: Officer Ahmar Rasool – WGPD Traffic Unit Fran Sudekum – Administrative Support Approval of Minutes David Smith made a motion to approve the April minutes, Joe Rath seconded the motion, and it was unanimously approved. Introduction of New Commission Members Three new Commission Members have been appointed to the Commission by City Council; Dan Warner, David Smith, and Karen Drexler. Old Business • Rooftop Lighting – Olive + Oak is now completed. Next on the list is Morry Cole’s building at 34 North Gore. • On-Street Parking – The Traffic Advisory Commission is taking up reviewing on- street parking in the business districts at their July meeting. One business has requested the ability to lease on-street parking spots; if pursued, would involve a bidding process. Members viewed that concept as a slippery slope and were not in favor of taking on-street parking in that direction. • Quotes; Lamppost Access to Electricity, New Benches, District Kiosk – City staff is still in the process of acquiring quotes. 1 of 2 New Business • Summer Night Street Dance Feedback – Amazing attendance turnout, estimating at least 50% more than previous years. • Jazz & Blues Festival Update – Festival organizing is on target; two stages are secured, one for Allen and one for Gore. The lineup is set with only one open slot remaining. The headliner on Allen is Erin Bode and the headliner on Gore is Marquise Knox. Volunteer sign ups will start after the 4th of July. Sponsor solicitation continues; $37K is committed, $8K more is needed. The District supplies $7,500. • Walktober Fest – The event was started during COVID restrictions as an event that could be held on the District’s sidewalks, patios, and outdoor spaces with an “October Fest” theme. Funds to defray the costs of live bands and promotional items were provided by the District. The event was very successful and has become an annual event bringing in lots of patrons to the District. Commission Member Stacie Swederska is requesting funding to support the event this year as well. Ms. Swederska will put together a budget for the event and present it at the next meeting. Deposits however are needed now. MOTON: Karen Drexler made a motion to approve $2,000 to be used for the Walktober Fest now. Joe Rath seconded the motion, and it was unanimously approved. • Holiday Open House – The event takes place the 2nd Sunday in November which lands on November 13th this year from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM. District Revenue/Expense FY 2022 Update • Currently the District is at 152% of the revenue budget. • Property taxes collected are at 87% of budget; final numbers are expected in August. • Businesses license fees are $15K over budget. An audit of business licenses resulted in collection of past due fees and truing up gross receipts. • Expenses are currently at 86% of budget. • Disposal services have increased and are at 130% of budget while all other expenses items are in line with the budget. Business Development Commission (BDC) Update • City Council has designated $100,000 of the federal American Rescue Plan (ARP) funds for a Business Development Fund. The BDC is putting together recommendations for its use that will be submitted to Council. City/Council Update • Small Business Program Grants are available from the State of Missouri from the State’s federal funds will open in August. • City Council have approved the FY 2023 budget. • May business license report of new and closed businesses is available on the City’s website. • A sub-committee City Council is reviewing the onboarding the Board/Commission process in an effort to streamline the process. NEXT MEETING • Tuesday, July 26, 2022, at 8:00 AM 2 of 2