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Downtown Development Steering Committee Minutes - 11/06/2017 M INUTES OF THE DDSC(DDSC) OWNTOWN EVELOPMENT TEERING OMMITTEE November 6, 2017 P: RESENT Mayor Stephen Santellana, Chair § Jesse Brown, Vice Chair § Deandra Chenault § (late) Danny Ahern § Cody Magana § Dave Clark § Rick Hatcher § Scott Poenitzsch § Bobby Whiteley § Ripley Tate § Darron Leiker, City Manager § City Staff Paul Menzies, Assistant City Manager § Dana Schoening, Director, Community Development § Jim Dockery, Deputy City Manager § R. Kinley Hegglund, Jr., City Attorney § Tracy Norr, City Clerk § Delores Culley, Wichita Co. Heritage Society § Henry Florsheim, Chamber of Commerce A: BSENT Dusty Potter § ______________________________________________________________________ 1. Call to Order Mayor Santellana called the meeting to order at 3:30 PM. 2. Approval of Minutes of Meetings of September 11, 2017 and October 13, 2017 3:30 PM Motion made by Mr. Ahern to approve the minutes of the September 11, 2017 and October 13, 2017 meetings. Motion seconded by Mr. Tate and carried by the following vote: Ayes: Santellana, Brown, Ahern, Magana, Clark, Hatcher, Poenitzsch, Whiteley, Tate Nays: none DDSC Minutes of November 6, 2017 2 3.Committee Reports 3:34 PM Streetscapes: Scott Poenitzsch said the committee set their objects as establishing the core of development; recommending a streetscape theme, recommending actions that come within city budgets or which need to be in a capital improvement project; and recommend traffic patterns and parking within the core development area. He showed two phases of the area and noted all businesses facing the included streets are in the district. He said the committee feels there should be a consistent look and feel on all streets in the area but not have one signature street. The typologies of the streets were listed and said bike lanes should be promoted wherever possible. He reviewed traffic changes under considerations and parking recommendations for underutilized lots. Historic Preservation Delores Culley said the committee has narrowed its focus to the historic district expansion areas. A list of potential business owners outside the current historic district has been developed. She said she feels they will have help from the Landmark Commission. She expressed caution about expanding the historic district too quickly. The committee would like to develop fliers that give pros and cons about being in the district. She highlights some benefits of being in the district. She said a Main Street Program should be pursued. She said historic tax credits need to be discussed with the finance committee. Lifestyles Cody Magana said the focus will be on park improvements, beginning with Park Central, lighting, and creation of a covered amphitheater-like stage; creation of a splash pad; and walkability, including parking; wayfinding and marketing, and monthly branded events. Pam Hughes said the Leadership Wichita Falls project includes improvements at Bud Daniels park, and the splash pad is one consideration. DeAndrea Chenault arrived at the meeting. Regulatory Danny Ahern said the committee has met with downtown stakeholders and city staff. Karen Montgomery said the staff is preparing questions for the meeting with the consultants. They have tried to identify wanted and unwanted uses and are reviewing building code requirements, trees, sidewalks, energy codes, parking and landscaping, and dilapidated structures. They are also looking at ways to communicate between stakeholders about concerns and questions. She said predevelopment meetings is one option to address some of these issues. Mr. DDSC Minutes of November 6, 2017 3 Ahern said the committee will meet again next week. Ripley Tate said the predevelopment meeting would be a valuable tool. He said the historic district benefits could be included in that conference. Bobby Whiteley said some of these issues overlap with every committee. The overlap issues should be assigned to a committee. Jim Dockery said the consultants will be meeting with the three committees and there will be meetings with all stakeholders where overlapping issues can be recognized and addressed. Mr. Ahern said he agrees the predevelopment meetings will be beneficial. Marketing Jeanette Charos said the marketing subcommittee has started the downtown facebook page, promoting improvements. Finance Dave Clark said the finance subcommittee has been looking at the list of potential methods for funding. There are fifteen that have been identified. The report is almost finished and includes maps to some of the funding aspects. The committee will be discussing the format for the report. Consideration for a public improvement district is also being given. Identifying the purpose and costs for a district need to be determined. Mr. Clark thanked Jim Dockery and Karen Montgomery for their work on this. Jim Dockery said Freese and Nichols pointed out that that process takes nine to twelve months to create a district. They will bring in a third party consultant to work through this process. Mr. Dockery said there is a listing of the properties and appraised values within the core area. He said there would not be a lot of money raised through a district. Becky Raeke, Interim Downtown Wichita Falls Director, said a merchant meeting will be held on November 16th at the library. She invited the subcommittee people to attend. Discuss Upcoming November 20, 2017 4. 4:19 PM Dana Schoening reviewed the time schedule for the November 20, 2017 meeting with the consultants, Freese and Nichols. He also asked if there are any changes or additions to the agenda format for the meeting. Mayor Santellana suggested sending a draft agenda to the members. Mr. Brown said he would like to see a timeline included. Jim Dockery added that the subcommittee meetings are held at the Travel Center and there is space available for attendance for those not on the subcommittees. 5.Public Comments 4:22 PM Henry Florsheim reminded the committee that the Chamber brings in a speaker each November to speak about key aspects of the community. The speaker this year will be the Mayor of Oklahoma City. Time will be set aside for the committee members to meet with him. He also DDSC Minutes of November 6, 2017 4 was on a vision for the city and ways to overcome those impediments. Downtown revitalization is a major part of the economic development success for the area. Sid Litteken said he has attended predevelopment meetings in another city and it was a huge factor in getting a project started. He said the bankers should know what the requirements are before money is loaned on projects. He suggested putting information out about the requirements before individuals buy downtown buildings, especially code requirements. He said the city staff has been good about working out the problems but it takes time. 6. Other Business 4:36 PM Jim Dockery reminded the group that Dana Schoening is the new point of contact for the city staff. He would like to attend the meetings, so he should be notified of schedules. He will also coordinate with Freese and Nichols with questions. Councilor Chenault reminded everyone of election day. Mayor Santellana said there is a good sense of momentum. He thanked the subcommittees for their work. 7. Adjourn There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 4:41 PM. ______________________________ MayorStephen Santellana, Chair Downtown Development Steering Cmte.