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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2018-06-11 18-248 Order 06/11/201818-248 06/11/2018 18-248 Community & Economic Development Order N/A Title, Order Adopting Municipal Development Program and Financial Plan for the Bangor Center Development District PUBLIC HEARING Prior to voting on this Order, the Council is required to hold a Public Hearing on the Municipal Development Program and Financial Plan for the Bangor Center Development District. This order will approve a program to be implemented for the Bangor Center Development District. The program has been prepared by the Bangor Center Management Corporation/ Downtown Bangor Partnership and includes total revenues and expenditures of $86,438. Revenues are comprised of $63,438 from special assessments and $23,000 from sponsorships and carryover. Total expenditures are approximately $76,625 for the following purposes: Networking & Outreach $ 1,000 Beautification $ 3,000 Contract Services $ 33,625 General Administration $ 4,000 Public Safety Officer $ 10,000 Marketing $ 10,000 Events $ 15,000 Total $ 76,625 Net Income $ 9,813 Attachment: Municipal Development Program and Financial Plan New Business 06/11/201818-248 CITY OF BANGOR ORDER 06/11/2018 18-248 Davitt Adopting Municipal Development Program and Financial Plan for the Bangor Center Development District WHEREAS, by action of the City Council, a certain area in the downtown has been designated as a Municipal Development District, known as the Bangor Center Development District, in accordance with 30-A M.R.S.A. § 5223(1); and WHEREAS, 30-A M.R.S.A. § 5224(1) requires that the governing body of a Municipality adopt a development program for each development district; and WHEREAS, the purpose of the previously established Development District continues to exist and the District will contribute to the economic growth and well-being of the Municipality, to the betterment of the health, welfare, and safety of the City of Bangor; and WHEREAS, the Bangor Center Management Corporation/Downtown Bangor Partnership has recommended a proposed development program to be adopted by the City Council: Be it Ordered by the City Council of the City of Bangor that, in accordance with 30-A M.R.S.A. §§ 5223 and 5224, there is hereby adopted the “Bangor Center Development District, Municipal Development Program and Financial Plan, Fiscal Year 2019”, a copy of which is attached hereto as the development program for the Bangor Center Development District. 18-248 JUNE 11, 2018 Bangor Center Development District Municipal Development Program and Financial Plan Fiscal Year 2019 FY 2018 Summary and FY 2019 Work Plan The purpose of this document is to provide a comprehensive yet succinct look at the programs and projects the Downtown Bangor Partnership (DBP) undertook in FY2018 and to outline the plans and proposed budget for FY2019 so that the City Council may consider the DBP's contributions and essential functions in the Downtown District and look favorably on continuing its support. We commend the City Council's continuing initiatives to promote Downtown's economic vitality and cultural excellence, and we hope you agree that the Downtown Bangor Partnership has made a positive contribution to Downtown development over the past year. We are pleased to be involved with the transformation of Downtown Bangor to a more vibrant and engaged economic center and we are focused on maintaining this momentum. Executive Summar The fiscal year 2017-2018 was marked by a continued emphasis on Downtown Bangor's critical role in the future of the City at large. As a center for arts, culture, and commerce, as well as an exponentially growing residential hub, downtown is an influential microcosm of Bangor's rise as one of Maine's most dynamic urban environments. To this end, the Downtown Bangor Partnership helped usher in a year that saw downtown increase its reach and presence to an ever-expanding audience of stakeholders and investors. One of the DBP's major initiatives this year was the creation and roll-out of a new membership program, designed to further foster collaborations between stakeholders. The membership program, free to businesses and organizations located within the Downtown District, offers members easy access to the DBP's advocacy, promotional, and marketing efforts, and perhaps most importantly, keeps members informed on all initiatives, opportunities, and events. This membership program has brought a total of 71 official DBP members, who receive a set list of benefits including informational newsletters, diverse marketing opportunities and first -refusal on all collaborative DBP sponsored events. The evolution of Downtown Bangor's brand continued with a marketing collaboration with WLBZ to produce and exclusively market a holiday commercial for Downtown Bangor. Expanding on its annual "Eat, Shop, Enjoy" holiday marketing campaign, the DBP commercial featured close to a dozen Downtown businesses and highlighted examples of "Eat, Shop, Enjoy" Downtown. This past year saw a continued influx of businesses into Downtown, including craft breweries, restaurants, and specialty and retail shops. An always -expanding diversity of opportunities and experiences is what has made Downtown Bangor unique for years, and the regular addition of new shops, organizations, and eateries ensure that evolution is constantly forward -moving. A continued source of outsider traffic into downtown was Cool Sounds Summer Concert Series, an annual eight-week free outdoor event. This year's event was staged in Pickering Square, and featured bands hailing all over Central Maine. A signature free, family friendly event, Cool Sounds celebrates Downtown vitality and diversity, and offers persuasive incentive for the community throughout the greater Bangor area to congregate in the heart of the Downtown District. Another popular draw, the Downtown Countdown New Year's Eve event, licensed to another downtown non-profit for a third consecutive year, allowed the DBP to focus on its myriad goals while inspiring creative and economic entities to get in on the action. The pride of the Downtown Bangor community continued to be exemplified by the DBP's Beautification Committee and its volunteer -fueled base. Events such as Downtown Clean -Up Day, Adopt -a -Garden, and the Big Dig helped keep downtown visually appealing and inviting to visitors. Adopt -a -Garden saw 114 plots "adopted" throughout the streets of Downtown, with an anticipated 200+ volunteer base. The Beautification Committee also had new trees planted by Public Works and began a new project displaying temporary Wheatpaste murals throughout Downtown, with hopes to debut this spring. We continued to see the friendly face of Officer George Spencer, Downtown's very own beat officer, whose salary is partially funded by the DBP. Officer Spencer has spent the last year getting to know all of the stakeholders in the district, and offers both a reassuring and welcoming presence. Work Plan — Lookin_g Forward to FY2019 In FY2019, the Downtown Bangor Partnership will welcome five new board members, all representing eclectic backgrounds and bringing a diverse set of skills to the table. New board members bring experience with advocacy and branding, transportation and walkability initiatives, business acumen, and community engagement. As the DBP continues to find its perfect balance of stakeholder advocacy and placemaking, the addition of fresh perspectives and talents only helps to hone that vision. The Marketing Committee plans to continue this year's project of the Downtown commercial by modifying its winter and holiday theme to show shots of spring shoppers, making the commercial relevant year-round. Next year's goal will be to collaborate with a variety of businesses and stakeholders including the Bangor Region Chamber of Commerce to produce a Downtown pamphlet which will include not only a map of the Downtown with business listings, but an overall map of Bangor as well. The scope of this project aims to connect with a much wider audience, both regionally and beyond. As with all of Marketing's efforts, this project will endorse Downtown Bangor as a viable and attractive work space, live space, and play space to future investors and stakeholders. The Networking & Outreach Committee will continue their efforts with the new membership campaign by going door-to-door to welcome new businesses to Downtown. Something as simple as a handshake and an in-person conversation can have a positive impact on community relations, and the DBP is consciously putting a face to the name. Networking & Outreach will also continue to hold meetings and public forums to engage stakeholders, as well as informational and educational sessions. We have seen a tremendous change in the perception of Downtown over the years, as well as the synergy between stakeholders. Ensuring feedback from those stakeholders, and providing platforms in which feedback can be delivered and heard, will be essential to our retention of residents, workers, and property owners, as well as our forward momentum. The Events Committee will stage the 13th annual Cool Sounds Summer Concert Series, this year in Pickering Square and featuring six consecutive Thursday evenings of local music and Page 2 of 3 food. Events Committee will also continue to seek out and support the many events already happening within the District, whether it is bringing additional entertainment and attraction to the Bangor Farmer's Market, or assisting in promotion for large-scale activities like this year's Winterfest and Downtown Countdown. The Beautification Committee is looking to bring a new project to Downtown, working with a collaborative of small, local artists to install a series of Wheatpaste murals to depict Maine flora and fauna. Currently working with the HPC, this project will be to bring positive attention to otherwise vacant and undecorated building sides. The goal of this project will be to continue the temporary murals year after year, featuring local artists' work, and become an attraction of changing artwork each spring. Also, with the continued popularity of the summertime and wintertime planting and lighting efforts will once again ensure that all visitors' first impression of Downtown Bangor is one of positivity and promise. Proposed Budget FY2019 Income Special Assessment $ $ 63,438 Sponsorship 3,000 $ 8,000 Rollover General Administration $ 15,000 Total $ $ 86,438 Expenses Networking & Outreach $ 1,000 Beautification $ 3,000 Contract Services $ 33,625 General Administration $ 4,000 Public Safety Officer $ 10,000 Marketing $ 10,000 Events $ 15,000 Total $ 76,625 Net Income $ 9,813 Page 3 of 3 18-248 JUNE 11, 2018 Bangor Center Development District Municipal Development Program and Financial Plan Fiscal Year 2019 FY 2018 Summary and FY 2019 Work Plan The purpose of this document is to provide a comprehensive yet succinct look at the programs and projects the Downtown Bangor Partnership (DBP) undertook in FY2018 and to outline the plans and proposed budget for FY2019 so that the City Council may consider the DBP's contributions and essential functions in the Downtown District and look favorably on continuing its support. We commend the City Council's continuing initiatives to promote Downtown's economic vitality and cultural excellence, and we hope you agree that the Downtown Bangor Partnership has made a positive contribution to Downtown development over the past year. We are pleased to be involved with the transformation of Downtown Bangor to a more vibrant and engaged economic center and we are focused on maintaining this momentum. Executive Summar The fiscal year 2017-2018 was marked by a continued emphasis on Downtown Bangor's critical role in the future of the City at large. As a center for arts, culture, and commerce, as well as an exponentially growing residential hub, downtown is an influential microcosm of Bangor's rise as one of Maine's most dynamic urban environments. To this end, the Downtown Bangor Partnership helped usher in a year that saw downtown increase its reach and presence to an ever-expanding audience of stakeholders and investors. One of the DBP's major initiatives this year was the creation and roll-out of a new membership program, designed to further foster collaborations between stakeholders. The membership program, free to businesses and organizations located within the Downtown District, offers members easy access to the DBP's advocacy, promotional, and marketing efforts, and perhaps most importantly, keeps members informed on all initiatives, opportunities, and events. This membership program has brought a total of 71 official DBP members, who receive a set list of benefits including informational newsletters, diverse marketing opportunities and first -refusal on all collaborative DBP sponsored events. The evolution of Downtown Bangor's brand continued with a marketing collaboration with WLBZ to produce and exclusively market a holiday commercial for Downtown Bangor. Expanding on its annual "Eat, Shop, Enjoy" holiday marketing campaign, the DBP commercial featured close to a dozen Downtown businesses and highlighted examples of "Eat, Shop, Enjoy" Downtown. This past year saw a continued influx of businesses into Downtown, including craft breweries, restaurants, and specialty and retail shops. An always -expanding diversity of opportunities and experiences is what has made Downtown Bangor unique for years, and the regular addition of new shops, organizations, and eateries ensure that evolution is constantly forward -moving. A continued source of outsider traffic into downtown was Cool Sounds Summer Concert Series, an annual eight-week free outdoor event. This year's event was staged in Pickering Square, and featured bands hailing all over Central Maine. A signature free, family friendly event, Cool Sounds celebrates Downtown vitality and diversity, and offers persuasive incentive for the community throughout the greater Bangor area to congregate in the heart of the Downtown District. Another popular draw, the Downtown Countdown New Year's Eve event, licensed to another downtown non-profit for a third consecutive year, allowed the DBP to focus on its myriad goals while inspiring creative and economic entities to get in on the action. The pride of the Downtown Bangor community continued to be exemplified by the DBP's Beautification Committee and its volunteer -fueled base. Events such as Downtown Clean -Up Day, Adopt -a -Garden, and the Big Dig helped keep downtown visually appealing and inviting to visitors. Adopt -a -Garden saw 114 plots "adopted" throughout the streets of Downtown, with an anticipated 200+ volunteer base. The Beautification Committee also had new trees planted by Public Works and began a new project displaying temporary Wheatpaste murals throughout Downtown, with hopes to debut this spring. We continued to see the friendly face of Officer George Spencer, Downtown's very own beat officer, whose salary is partially funded by the DBP. Officer Spencer has spent the last year getting to know all of the stakeholders in the district, and offers both a reassuring and welcoming presence. Work Plan — Lookin_g Forward to FY2019 In FY2019, the Downtown Bangor Partnership will welcome five new board members, all representing eclectic backgrounds and bringing a diverse set of skills to the table. New board members bring experience with advocacy and branding, transportation and walkability initiatives, business acumen, and community engagement. As the DBP continues to find its perfect balance of stakeholder advocacy and placemaking, the addition of fresh perspectives and talents only helps to hone that vision. The Marketing Committee plans to continue this year's project of the Downtown commercial by modifying its winter and holiday theme to show shots of spring shoppers, making the commercial relevant year-round. Next year's goal will be to collaborate with a variety of businesses and stakeholders including the Bangor Region Chamber of Commerce to produce a Downtown pamphlet which will include not only a map of the Downtown with business listings, but an overall map of Bangor as well. The scope of this project aims to connect with a much wider audience, both regionally and beyond. As with all of Marketing's efforts, this project will endorse Downtown Bangor as a viable and attractive work space, live space, and play space to future investors and stakeholders. The Networking & Outreach Committee will continue their efforts with the new membership campaign by going door-to-door to welcome new businesses to Downtown. Something as simple as a handshake and an in-person conversation can have a positive impact on community relations, and the DBP is consciously putting a face to the name. Networking & Outreach will also continue to hold meetings and public forums to engage stakeholders, as well as informational and educational sessions. We have seen a tremendous change in the perception of Downtown over the years, as well as the synergy between stakeholders. Ensuring feedback from those stakeholders, and providing platforms in which feedback can be delivered and heard, will be essential to our retention of residents, workers, and property owners, as well as our forward momentum. The Events Committee will stage the 13th annual Cool Sounds Summer Concert Series, this year in Pickering Square and featuring six consecutive Thursday evenings of local music and Page 2 of 3 food. Events Committee will also continue to seek out and support the many events already happening within the District, whether it is bringing additional entertainment and attraction to the Bangor Farmer's Market, or assisting in promotion for large-scale activities like this year's Winterfest and Downtown Countdown. The Beautification Committee is looking to bring a new project to Downtown, working with a collaborative of small, local artists to install a series of Wheatpaste murals to depict Maine flora and fauna. Currently working with the HPC, this project will be to bring positive attention to otherwise vacant and undecorated building sides. The goal of this project will be to continue the temporary murals year after year, featuring local artists' work, and become an attraction of changing artwork each spring. Also, with the continued popularity of the summertime and wintertime planting and lighting efforts will once again ensure that all visitors' first impression of Downtown Bangor is one of positivity and promise. Proposed Budget FY2019 Income Special Assessment $ $ 63,438 Sponsorship 3,000 $ 8,000 Rollover General Administration $ 15,000 Total $ $ 86,438 Expenses Networking & Outreach $ 1,000 Beautification $ 3,000 Contract Services $ 33,625 General Administration $ 4,000 Public Safety Officer $ 10,000 Marketing $ 10,000 Events $ 15,000 Total $ 76,625 Net Income $ 9,813 Page 3 of 3 IN CITY COUNCIL JUNE 11, 2018 CO 18-248 MOTION MADE AND SECONDED FOR PASSAGE PASSED 4-„, CITY CLERK