Downtown Improvement Board Kearney, Nebraska November 6, 2013 8:00 a.m. A meeting of the City of Kearney Downtown Improvement Board was called to order by Chairperson Walter Martin, at 8:00 a.m. on Wednesday, November 6, 2013, in the City Council Chambers at City Hall. Present: Walter Martin, Mike Suchan, Ron Lieske and SueZan King. Absent: Jon Bokenkamp. Representing City Administration: Suzanne Brodine, Assistant City Manager/Development Services Director and JoAnn Englert, Administrative Assistant. Also present were Dick Reiter of Main Street Kearney and Doug New, Garrett Tire General Manager. Notice of the meeting was given in advance thereof by publication in the Kearney Hub, the designated method for giving notice, a copy of the proof of publication being attached to these minutes. Advance notice of the meeting was also given to the Board Members. Availability of the Agenda was communicated in the advance notice and given to the Board Members. All proceedings hereafter shown were taken while the meeting was open to the attendance of the public. ANNOUNCEMENT OF OPEN MEETINGS ACT: Martin stated that in accordance with Section 84-1412 of the Nebraska Revised Statutes, a current copy of the Open Meetings Act is available for review and is posted on the wall at the back of the Council Chambers. APPROVE MINUTES OF MEETING HELD OCTOBER 2, 2013: Moved by Suchan, seconded by Lieske to approve the minutes of the October 2, 2013 meeting as presented. All voted: Aye. Nay: None. Absent: Bokenkamp. Motion carried. REVIEW MONTHLY FINANCIAL STATEMENT: Martin noted that the balance was approximately $43,000 and that Main Street Kearney had been paid $12,000 for the newly signed contract. APPROVE CLAIMS: Martin again noted the $12,000 paid to Main Street Kearney. Moved by Lieske, seconded by Suchan to approve the claims as presented. All voted: Aye. Nay: None. Absent: Bokenkamp. Motion carried. APPROVE AMMENDED FAÇADE GRANT CONTRACT FOR DOUG NEW, GARRETT TIRE: Martin welcomed Doug New to the podium. New stated to the Board that he wanted to discuss with them what their expectations were moving forward. New noted that he had signed a contract with the Board to restore the brick on the wall that was recently exposed due to demolition – adding that project had been completed. At the request of the Board, the brick was restored and sealed. New stated he was happy with how the project turned out and hoped that the Downtown Improvement Board was as well. Downtown Improvement Board Page 2 November 6, 2013 New stated that in the original contract provided by the Board, painting was included. New stated he intends to paint the block on the south facing wall to match the front façade although a color has not yet been chosen. New stated he is open to suggestions for paint color although he has considered red. Martin stated that the Board was sad to see the building was demolished but was excited when the new brick wall was exposed. Martin noted that the Board was hopeful New would agree to restore the wall as the Downtown in known as “The Bricks.” Martin thanked New for cooperating with the Board on that goal and noted the only other concern that the Board had was the small amount of block on the east side of the south facing wall. Martin noted that it did not match the brick or the front façade and hoped that New would consider painting it to match the façade. New stated that he intended to paint the block a color similar to the brick so at first glance the block would not be as noticeable. Suchan agreed that was a viable option. New stated that the original contract asked that the brick restoration and painting be done at the same time. New added that while the restoration was complete – he intended to paint this spring. Brodine noted that the contract provided in the Board’s packet had a strikethrough removing the painting obligation from the contract. Brodine stated the contract could be signed as amended, the amount awarded could be changed, or the Board could just ask New to come back to the Board this spring prior to painting and award the full amount. Martin stated that New runs a great business and he would feel comfortable striking that portion of the contract and awarding the full amount to New as listed. New added that he was provided a few drawings of painting options for the building that he is considering. The first option that was shown to New included old company logos related to his business. New stated he liked that option but would also be willing to explore design ideas that were related to Downtown or to the Museum of Nebraska Art (MONA). Martin asked New if he would like to have help with the design or financial aspect of the painting project; New responded that he would be open to both. Suchan added that a mural of a tire shop or mechanic would look great or the older company logos; Martin agreed noting that would be a great finishing touch. Martin agreed to have Main Street Kearney assist New with some designs and the Board to work with him on seeking out grant funds to complete the project in the spring. Brodine noted that clean copies of the contract were available to sign after the meeting today. Moved by Martin, seconded by Lieske to approve the amended façade grant contract for Doug New, Garrett Tire as presented. All voted: Aye. Nay: None. Absent: Bokenkamp. Motion carried. APPROVE CHRISTMAS SEASON STREET AND SIDEWALK CLOSURES: Martin noted that a handout with the closures was provided to the Board in their packet. Downtown Improvement Board Page 3 November 6, 2013 Brodine stated that effective immediately, the Board will now make a recommendation on street closures to Administration as City Manager, Michael Morgan will sign off on those instead of the City Council due to a policy change. Moved by Martin, seconded by Suchan to approve the Christmas season street and sidewalk closures as presented. All voted: Aye. Nay: None. Absent: Bokenkamp. Motion carried. DISCUSS MONTHLY REPORT FROM DICK REITER, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, MAIN STREET KEARNEY: Reiter noted that the Christmas ad package has been finalized and nineteen businesses participated. Reiter added that Main Street Kearney (MSK) would be giving away an iPad this year on December 23rd. Shoppers can register to win the iPad at any of the nineteen businesses who participated in the ad packages. Reiter pointed out that the Board was provided a copy of the advertisement for upcoming Downtown holiday events that was published in the Clipper Herald. Reiter added that MSK would again be hosting a drawing for a gift certificate on Black Friday and other Black Friday events would mirror those from previous years. Reiter stated that plans for the Downtown Christmas walk are being finalized. Reiter added that he plans to meet with Pete Sage from the City to discuss details of the Downtown Christmas tree later in the day. Reiter stated that at the October Board meeting for MSK, the budget was approved. However, Reiter noted that they have since done some tweaking. Reiter stated that Downtown Trick or Treat seemed to be well received this year. Reiter added that he estimates there were nearly 2,500 people that participated. Reiter stated that he received multiple comments from parents who thanked him for the event. Reiter noted that the Downtown event provides a safe and easy place for parents to take their kids trick or treating. Reiter stated the first of several holiday events was held last Sunday – the annual Holiday Open House. Reiter added that Downtown businesses had a great turnout noting several businesses commented on the large amount of traffic and sales they had. Reiter added that the Board should be receiving weekly updates on Thursday via email from Main Street Kearney. Reiter stated that the formatting of the email has been updated and should be more user friendly and aesthetically pleasing. Reiter noted that MSK will be working with the Kearney Area Community Foundation (KACF) and participating in their new campaign titled, “Give Where You Live.” Reiter added that the campaign objective is to have people visit the website, review the various non-profit agencies that are listed and hopefully have those individuals make a donation to the non-profit of their choice. Reiter noted that KACF will match funds based on a percentage; however, all gifts are taxed 4.9%. Reiter stated that due to that percentage, he has encouraged his regular donors to donate as they always have instead of through the campaign. Reiter stated the campaign was a great way to get MSK out there and hopefully provide MSK with some new contacts. Downtown Improvement Board Page 4 November 6, 2013 Reiter stated that earlier in the week MSK was one of nine different states affiliated with the national Main Street program to host a webinar. The webinar focused on reinvestment of Downtown buildings. Reiter noted they had 16 people in attendance – three people from Miller & Associates, three people from Dawson County Economic Development, nine property owners and one local banker. Reiter stated that in two weeks, MSK will host a meeting for all Nebraska Main Street communities here in Kearney. Martin questioned where that meeting was being held; Reiter responded that it would be held at Cunningham’s Journal from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. and lunch will be provided. Reiter also stated that the Roadway Inn has provided discounted rates to Main Street members.