Aug 11, 2009: Downtown Revitalization

CITY OF ANTIGO
SPRINGBROOK AND DOWNTOWN REVITALIZATION STEERING COMMITTEE
MINUTES OF MEETING HELD
AUGUST 11, 2009

Members Present: Sue Stanton, Fred Berner, Patrick Frey, Charley Brinkmeier, Robert Curran, Dominic Warner, Mary Ann Kamps, Christine Berry, Jerry Rice,  Alderpersons Balcerzak and Kapusta, and Mayor Brandt

Members Absent: Janelle Markgraf, Brian Prunty, Robert Cornelius and Larry Steckbauer

Others Present: Alderpersons Darling, Cahak, and Turnbull; Dale Soumis, Director of Administrative Services; James Pike, Communication & Technology Supervisor; Deena Grabowsky, Antigo Chamber of Commerce; Cynthia Taylor, Library Director; Kaye Matuchski, Clerk-Treasurer; Sarah Young, Parks, Recreation & Cemetery Supervisor; Linda Koszarek, Citizen’s Bank; Robert Benishek, Benishek’s Creative Hairlines; Rand and Diane Molle, Molle Jewlery & Gifts;  Helen Wanca, Advantage Realty; Becky Danielsen, M&I Bank; Angie Close, Community Development Corporation; Michael Winter, Winter & Winter; Brian Blink, Northwestern Mutual; Gordon Neve, Neve’s Furniture & Flooring; Bill Berg, Antigo Sportswear; Bob Kommers; Joleen Davison; Jerry Cigel; Merle Wendt; Jerry Thomae;  and Jaime Brown, Administrative Clerical.

This meeting of the Springbrook and Downtown Revitalization Steering Committee was called to order on the above date at 7:30 a.m. in the Library Meeting Room.  Mayor Brandt served as Chairperson and Jaime Brown, Administrative Clerical, recorded the minutes thereof.

1. Fifth Avenue Parking

Aaron Williams, Schreiber Anderson and Associates, gave a brief presentation with accompanying handout of three different concepts, which included angle parking, parallel parking, and asymmetric.  Mr. Williams further explained some advantages and disadvantages of all three concepts of parking.

Robert Curran advised that he went to the downtown businesses to discuss the parking options.  Mr. Curran created a form with the two different parking options and distributed them to the business owners.  He further advised that he has approximately 20 signed papers from the downtown business owners wanting angle parking.

Alderperson Turnbull noted that she has spoken with citizens in her ward about the parking issue and was informed that angle parking was intimidating to drivers as they did not like the idea of having to back out into a traffic lane.  Ms. Turnbull further noted that downtown in its present state is not physically comfortable and this needs to be addressed.  She feels that a good shopping experience would be attractive with shade and areas to rest.

Gordon Neve noted that he has been surveying his customers and has found that there is a need for parking in front of the stores.  It is his belief that customers will not stop if there is no parking available right in front of stores.

Cynthia Taylor stated that she believes that there is a hazardous visual barrier with angle parking.

Robert Benishek addressed the committee noting that the parking decision needs to be convenient for customers foremost.  He also inquired about handicap parking to which Mr. Williams noted that with parallel parking it would be at the end of the parking area and with angle parking, it did not matter.

Dale Soumis, Director of Administrative Services, noted that the downtown area needs to be attractive and not sterile.  Mr. Williams added that the streetscape is very important to the whole downtown for an inviting look not an empty canyon look.

Fred Berner added that this project is not short term, Fifth Avenue will probably not be redone again.

Charlie Brinkmeier, Civil Technologist/Surveyor, prior to the meeting marked off the different concepts and the group went out and viewed them.

Kapusta moved to postpone the decision on what type of parking would be recommended to Council for the downtown area. 

MOTION DIED FOR LACK OF A SECOND

Balcerzak moved, Berry seconded, to vote today on what type of parking would be recommended to Council for the downtown area.  Carried.

Mayor Brandt requested a show of hands of the committee members for which parking option they prefer.  First was parallel parking with six votes, angle parking was second with three votes, and asymmetric parking received two votes.

After voting, Mr. Curran noted his dissatisfaction with the vote stating that he had numerous signed papers from downtown business owners who preferred angle parking.

RESOLUTION TO COUNCIL TO RECOMMEND PARALLEL PARKING FOR FIFTH AVENUE

2. Any Other Matters Authorized by Law to be Discussed

None

3. Adjournment

Kapusta moved, Frey seconded, to adjourn at 8:45 a.m.  Carried 11-0, Absent 5.

APPROVED

_________________________                  _________________                  
Mayor Bill Brandt, Chairperson                   Date

For more information, contact: Jaime Brown