City of Peoria Downtown Advisory Commission met July 9.
Here is the minutes provided by the commission:
A regular meeting of the Downtown Advisory Commission was held at 4:30 p.m. at Twin Towers HR Training Room, 456 Fulton, Room 420, with Chairman Mark Misselhorn presiding and with proper notice having been given.
ROLL CALL
NOTE: VIRTUAL ATTENDANCE WAS OFFERED AS AN OPTION IN RESPONSE TO COVID‐19. COMMISSIONERS ATTENDING USING VIRTUAL OPTION ARE IDENTIFIED WITH (V) DURING ROLL CALL.
The meeting was called to order at 4:30 p.m. Roll Call confirmed the following Commissioners:
Present (7): Mark Misselhorn, Kim McGhee, Peter Kobak, Vincent Boyle(V), Alma Brown(V), Jon Jenkins, Ray Lees, Angie Walker
Absent (1): Jon Neidy
City Liaison: Kevin Evans
Others Present: None
City Staff:
Chairman Misselhorn opened the meeting at 4:30 PM.
MINUTES
Mark Misselhorn welcome commissioners and called for motion to approve minutes from March 12, 2020.
MOTION: To approve the minutes of the regular Downtown Advisory Commission (DAC) meeting held on March 12, 2020 made by Commissioner Ray Lees, motion seconded by Commissioner Peter Kobak. The vote to approve motion was approved unanimously.
Welcome City Council Members
None Present
REVIEW FEEDBACK 2020:
Mark Misselhorn opened with comments about COVID‐19 impacts, comments on calls for social equity, mention of the impact to city in general and the impact on the city budget. A review of the Top 5 priorities (determined at the last DAC meeting on 12 March 2020):
| Affordability/Diversity/Housing Mix | 3 votes, V,K,P |
| Parking (Warehouse Dist, Decks, On‐Street | 4 votes M,A,P,AW |
| Downtown Vision (Branding, Marketing, Story‐telling | 6 votes M,R,A,J,K,JN |
| Downtown Street Master Plan | 5 votes M,V,R,K,J |
| Downtown Wayfinding | 7 votes AW, JN,V,A,R,J,P |
| Public Art | 5 votes JN,M,R,J,P |
| BU Connectivity | 0 votes |
| Event Support | 5 votes JN,V,A,J,R |
1.Downtown Wayfinding
2. Downtown Vision
3, 4,5 all received same number of votes
Downtown Street Master Plan, Public Art, Event Support
COMMENTS FROM Ray Lees
Several significant grants have been announced since we last met. $15MM for Riverfront Master Plan, and $25MM for Main Street Corridor. Both projects that impact the Downtown Master Plan. Additionally, a Long‐ term Recovery Team has been meeting to discuss future efforts, with Commissioners Lees and Misselhorn participating.
COMMENTS FROM Kim McGhee
We must continue to emphasize the priority to make downtown welcoming to all groups and encourage diversity. Examples of events that might represent this emphasis might include a Juneteenth celebration or Cinco De Mayo festival to downtown. Later mentioned need to coordinate with East Bluff.
COMMENTS FROM Angie Walker
Highlighted one challenge of downtown is the number of different organizations programing activities and events in downtown. Additional comments include DDC’s work to recruit mixed income residential uses into downtown.
COMMENTS FROM Jon Jenkins
Discussed traveling events, community festivals and the need to reduce the fees associated with festivals (e.g. cost of police and public works for street closures). Also commented on the importance of a Vision for Downtown and the goal of quality placemaking and pride of place for the community.
COMMENTS FROM Peter Kobak
Discussed the need for flexible/programmable space. Examples are Gateway Building for use of events that draw eventgoers to downtown, Riverfront space along river as an additional space where events can be planned. Additionally, discussion focused on the relationship of the spaces and the business community.
COMMENTS FROM Staff Liaison
Kevin Evans provided update on proposed projects for New Street in the 800 block thru 1100 block to move utilities from front to rear of buildings to stimulate further development in Warehouse District. This would also provide additional alternative parking options. Update on proposal to relocate Post Office if suitable property could be identified.
Discussion included how do we align with the current priorities of the City, given the changing forces impacting budget and other priorities.
DISCUSSION:
It was agreed that the previously developed Top 5 are still relevant and important.
Due to the announced $15MM grant, it was decided that the Riverfront Master Plan would be moved up to the number one priority.
Public Works update on projects impacting downtown, starting with riverfront development.
Obtain the narrative on PowerPoint on Riverfront Master Plan and get to commissioners prior to next meeting.
Next meeting on 13 August 2020 to focus on “internal” discussion of the background and current status of the Riverfront Master Plan. It was agreed that, due to COVID‐19, it was not advisable at this time to get a large number of people to attend DAC meetings in person. It was also decided that virtual input and attendance is not as effective to gather input in this case. Input from certain stakeholders can be obtained via emails prior to DAC meetings.
NEW BUSINESS & PUBLIC COMMENT
NO NEW BUSINESS/ NO MEMBERS OF PUBLIC PRESENT
MOTION TO ADJOURN BY RAY LEES, SECOND BY KIM MCGHEE. APPROVED UNANIMOUSLY
ADJOURNMENT
http://www.peoriagov.org/content/uploads/2020/03/DAC-July-2020-Minutes_1598287969_add.pdf
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