Showing posts with label meeting. Show all posts
Showing posts with label meeting. Show all posts

Friday, October 2, 2026

Meeting Summary for October 2, 2026

Today we looked towards the holidays and future growth:Lighting is slated to go up in November. 

  • Currently we have garlands/lighting for 33 poles purchased and have decided to purchase the decor for the remaining 11.
  • Since this is the first year putting up the lighting, we are planning a holiday lighting kickoff for Wednesday, November 25 from 5:30-6:30. We proposed carriage rides, reindeer, a visit from Santa and vendors.
  • We are excited that a new business is moving into the old Hay Jay location that will serve paninis, smoothies and other treats!
  • There have been a couple business interested in moving into the landromat space, but none have signed.

Friday, June 5, 2026

Meeting summary for June 5, 2026

 We had two main items on our agenda today: 

  1. Streetscape updates

    1. Landscaping: Vrana is responsible for weeding and landscaping maintenance for this year according to Pete Festerson: double checking for verificationVrana will water for 90 days past date of final completion letter from city. We will need 30-35 days to get bid from a landscape company before that substantial completion date. 

    2. Flyer/Email: for all business owners to let them know what's up, Kristi Evans point of contact. Molly making and distributing.

    3. Changes: Are landscaping changes in ROW allowed because BID is technically responsible for maintenance of ROW? Is there an approval process, who, maintenance?

    4. Trash pickup: Public works hasn’t signed contract.

    5. Eric - has three handicapped stalls in front of his business.

  2. Kickoff 

    1. Date: July 17th (works for Eric, Molly and April), 6-9pm

    2. Food/Drink - Chelsea reached out to Homy, Peffers, Tasty Pizza them know for planning but didn’t get response. Also want to reach out to Green Line, QT, House of Bah

    3. Close street - Prelim plants are to close entire street from peanut to 49th, face band NW at 49th. Encourage folks to bring lawnchairs. 

    4. Trash pickup after event

    5. Music - still looking for anyone available on date.

    6. Promotion

    7. Logo for event -“Summer on Saddlecreek” 6-9pm

      h. T-Shirts: Steve will donate 100 shirts - logo of all businesses on shirt

Friday, December 5, 2025

Meeting Summary for December 5, 2025

Here is a summary of items covered in today's meeting:

 

Construction Walk-Through

  • City requested the BID provide a written list of issues instead.
  • Members to send in all construction-related issues.
  • BID can file a grievance if the City/Vrana does not cover damage.
  • Landscaping delayed until spring. 
  • Amenity Zones: All amenity zones except red remain incomplete. No additional trash cans installed; hoping to put off until landscaping phase.
  • Some lights not functioning.
  • Scheduled for BID members on Tuesday, Dec 16 at 1:30 PM. Meet at Sgt Peffers.

 

Parking Issue: Lack of parking on Janosek (east side of alley) due to removal in 99% plan set; none of us caught it during review.

 

Meeting Frequency: Will meet monthly until landscaping is completed and reassess then.

First Snowstorm Debrief:

  • Waypoint/Forrest Green is pushing snow into parking stalls on Hamilton. Reaching out to change that. 
  • City did not clean parking stalls as agreement states. 

2026-2027 Budget

  • Total allocated so far: $28,850 of $34,000. 
  • Still have to figure out landscaping but no one will bid out because not finished.
  • Potential postponements: holiday lighting (only pay for storage, not install/removal) and kickoff (or seek sponsorships)
  • Approved 6–0 to purchase 33 pole decorations to put on 2025-2026 budget and store them for this year since we didn’t have trash or landscaping expenses.

Closed Property Registration

  • New process for closed/vacant properties.
  • Allows police to enter without contacting owner first and act on trespassing/vandalism.
  • Form must be filled out and mailed; information was forwarded to the group.

Friday, November 7, 2025

Meeting Summary from Friday, November 7, 2025

Our summary from our Friday, November 7th Meeting:

  • Vrana is not going to be meeting the revised November finish date. We have yet to get a timeline. We also need to schedule a meeitng with City Planning once we know so we can do a walk through to double check that all construction is done.  
  • Lack of parking on Janosek east side of alley - need to double check
  • Asking area business what their snow removal plan is since everything is different with the constuction
  • Discussed 2026 budget and remainder of 2025 budget: moving things around because we will need to pay for watering of plants since they were supposed to be established by end of 2025 but now will need to be watered for 2026.  Moving branding expenses (banners or holiday lighting) to 2025. Also eliminating website design from 2026 budget. 



Tuesday, April 29, 2025

Stakeholder meeting, road closures and preconstruction video!

Yesterday property and business owners were invited to a stakeholder meeting to discuss property access and upcoming road construction. This preconstruction meeting presentation is available for anyone to look over at the Keep Omaha Moving website. Updates on progress of the construction will largely be available there.

For posterity, here is a driveby video of the before construction as well as a drone point of view. Feel free to slow down the video speed.  



What business to recall being along this stretch of North Saddlecreek? Leave your comments and memories on the YouTube page!

 

 

Friday, April 4, 2025

Meeting Update for April 4, 2025

Big changes are coming to Saddlecreek, and we’re excited to share the latest updates on our upcoming construction project!

  • Construction Details
    • Contractor: Vrana Construction
  • Engineering Firm: Benesch
  • Construction will begin shortly after a public stakeholder meeting, anticipated around Easter/Mother’s Day.
  • The entire project, including the alleyway, will be completed at the same time.
  • Target start: Late April
  • Estimated completion: October–November 2025
  • Groundbreaking Ceremony
  • We are planning for a loud and lively celebration to mark the beginning of construction! We did some brainstorming and are suggesting dates to the city/construction company. We want to close the street and make it an exciting community event.
  • More details to come!
  • Security & Safety
  • Omaha Police Department’s Real Time Operations Center may coordinate with local businesses to integrate security camera feeds for real-time monitoring and neighborhood safety.
  • Josh will provide updates from the next BID Chair meeting regarding police plans.
  • BID Business Highlights
  • Tasty Pizza: All plans approved—opening anticipated by year-end.
  • Homy: Plans underway for a new beer garden
  • Car Wash/Body Shop: Now for sale 
  • Retail/Residential Development Timeline:
  • Water main: September–October
  • Sewer: November–December
  • Building teardown: this July
  • Full development timeline: 26–30 months

Stay tuned for more updates as construction kicks off and our neighborhood begins its exciting transformation!

Friday, February 7, 2025

Meeting Update for February 7, 2025

This month's meeting revolved around more budget discussions. Currently making sidewalks responsibility for adjacent business/landowner. We can amend later once we have a better idea of how the streetscape functions. We included a small fund for kickoff entertainment fees and approved a small amount for potential legal fees. Still waiting for some outstanding bids to come back.

We also discussed the current status on streetscape. NRD, City Planning and the engineering firm are to ratifiy maps by March 24: no work can start until then. Sewer relocation: cost has gone up (box culver, liner, no rise, time delay) $7.5 mil.




Friday, January 3, 2025

Meeting Summary from January 3, 2025

Our meeting summary from the first of the new year's meetings!

  • Partnership Discussion: 
  • Lynn from Newbraska 
  • Mission: Supports mid-sized businesses with strategic planning 
  • Projects: Co-founder of Newbraska Now – a $99/month networking/action group,  Podcaster seeking guests 
  • Partner: Lee Meyers 
  • Engagement with BID: Interested in collaboration 
  • Snow Removal & Budget Planning Budget Fun 
  • Snow Removal Costs: (April) would take up a lot of budget. Expensive! 
  • Holiday Lights Proposal (Molly): received an estimate from only one vendor, and he highballed it so we would know the top cost. We would buy velvet bow and garland for each pole, then include labor to install/take down and store during winter. Cost per pole: $359.64. Thinking of starting off with a few and adding more each year. Others are not interested in providing estimate until the fall.

Friday, December 6, 2024

Meeting Summary from December 6, 2024


Below is a summary of today’s discussions:
  • Project & Planning Update
    • 90% Plans have been submitted to Public Works
    • Floodplain Permit: Preparing for submission. Timeline: 30–60 days. Must be approved before construction begins
    • 10% SIB Requirement:
    • 10% of bid work to go to small or minority-owned businesses
    • Determined by contractor availability (HR&R)
  • ACI Overlay Vote: Scheduled for next Tuesday
  • Alley Parking: Ongoing negotiations with property owner. Owner requests a 2-year contract with opt-out clause. 
  • Seasonal & Site Services Bid Updates for 2025 budget
    • Maintenance contract must be signed before contractor bid is awarded
    • Security Camera System: Estimated annual cost of $18,000
      • Holiday Decorations (Molly):
      • Light poles: Lights, banners, garland
      • Discussion: Buy vs. Rent
      • Jordan Bros. and Heartland Lawns to submit bids by early next year. Won’t do it until 2024 is over.
      • Trash Services:
      • Option for Dale to quote
      • Interim solution: Owners handle trash until permanent service begins
    • Post-Streetscape Community Events (2026): Considering ideas such as a Block Party, Halloween Promotion, Poker Run connecting BIDs or Krampusnacht (holiday-themed winter event)

Friday, November 1, 2024

Meeting update from November 1, 2024

Meeting summary from today’s meeting:

  • Project & Construction Updates
  • 90% Plans: Currently under review by City Planning; will be sent to Olsson and SCBID by November 15. Final Plans from Olsson expected in December
  • Construction Bidding Timeline: January 8: Begin advertising for bids (3-week period), End of January: Bid opening; triggers 60-day period for bid award
  • OPPD Coordination: Met 9 days ago; working through pole locations, including temporary placements near/in driveways until full streetscape is installed
  • Right-of-Way (ROW): Ongoing discussions; Patrick with city is lead ROW specialist
  • Parking Stall Negotiations: Still in progress for spaces behind the old car wash
  • Budget & Landscaping
  • Fiscal Year starts January 2025
  • Items we need to budget for:
  • Security Camera System: Estimated at $18,000/year
  • $15,000 Donation by BID to construction secured annually for 3 years (2024–2026)
  • Holiday Decorations (Molly): Discussion of lights, banners, garlands on light poles
  • Options: Buy vs. Rent
  • Potential vendors: Jordan Bros., Heartland Lawns, Ideal Lighting
  • Trash Services (Deena): Will probably only need from September onwards. Has connection to Dundee trash service provider.
  • Landscape Maintenance:
  • Street Trees: 74
  • Sod Maintenance: 7,414 sq. ft.
  • Planting Beds: 6,004 sq. ft.
  • All plants & trees: 1-year warranty from substantial completion
  • Sod/Seeded areas: 90-day watering & mowing period after substantial completion
  • Eric getting estimates
  • Snow Removal (April):
  • Includes alley behind Homy, BID parking stalls
  • Alternate add-ins: Additional stalls along Saddlecreek
  • Future Community Event Ideas (Post-Streetscape Completion in 2026)



Friday, October 4, 2024

Meeting Summary from October 4, 2024


Here is our Community & BID Development Update from this month:

  • House of Bah Nonprofit Initiative
    • Looking at potential locations in our BID. A good fit for the area. Wanted to see what we were about.
    • Concept: Restaurant inspired by Sage Bistro. To include a teaching kitchen, classroom, and career education in culinary arts. Future goal: Add a banquet room. Self-sustaining nonprofit through business operations. Mission: To create a space that combines immigrant/refugee cuisine, career education, and economic sustainability.
    • Community Benefit: Offers “a taste of home” for local ethnic communities. Educates employers on the market potential of diverse cuisine. Taps into the area’s diverse, curious, and supportive neighborhood
    • Partners: Metro Community College, Tri-Faith Initiative
  • Streetscape & Amenity ZonesAll features (benches, trash, bike racks) located within the right-of-way (ROW)
  • Trash Can Colors
  • Within amenity zones: Color-coordinated with benches
  • Outside amenity zones: Anodized aluminum
  • Bike Racks: To be silver powder-coated
  • Temporary Easements: In negotiations by City Works
  • BID Budget for streetscape
  • Budget planning underway for FY starting January
  • Key budget categories:
  • Trash service
  • Snow removal?
  • Landscaping maintenance: Need to obtain landscaping bids, wanting a local company
  • Decorations for the holidays
  • Signage

Friday, September 6, 2024

Meeting Summary from September 6, 2024

Today’s meeting focused on Zoning & Overlay Districts and what that would mean for our BID. The City Planning Department also provided an update on plans.

  • Plan Review & Timeline
  • 75% Plans submitted to BID for review and questions.
  • Urban Planning Board review scheduled for September 20.
  • Maintenance agreements are being revised.
  • Parking easement with adjacent car wash still unresolved 
  • Utility coordination ongoing with OPPD.
  • Anticipated Project Timeline:
  • Bidding: October 2024
  • Final plans: November–December 2024
  • Construction start: Spring 2025
  • Zoning Overlay Purpose
  • Introduces minimum public design standards to align with private business expectations.
  • Focused on addressing urban design challenges in East Omaha, unlike the outdated 1987 Article 22 Urban Design Zoning Code.
  • ACI (Area of Civic Improvement) Overview
  • ACI-1:
  • Most urban and intensive design standards.
  • Includes guidelines for: Roadside Design: Sidewalks, setbacks
  • Site Design: Parking, greenspace, trash areas, signage, utilities
  • Building Design: 
  • Materials, articulation, entrances, design continuity
  • No pole signs; only monument signs (base = 75% of sign width)
  • Standards apply upon redevelopment or major site changes, with possibility of waivers/variances.
  • ACI-2 (e.g., 72nd & Dodge):
  • Emphasizes street landscaping
  • Buildings set back further from the street
  • Zoning Change Discussion: Potential future zoning change from GC (General Commercial) to NBD (Neighborhood Business District) for greater flexibility.
  • Overlay Boundary Expansion: Proposed to include QuikTrip & Russell Speeder’s block Rationale: Area east of 48th on Hamilton would serve as a gateway into the BID

Friday, August 2, 2024

Meeting Summary from August 2, 2024

Here’s a summary of our meeting, primarily a 75% Plans & Infrastructure Update:

  • Storm Drain Upgrade: Increasing drain size at 48th & Hamilton to 24”.
  • Timeline:
  • Plans go to drafting by August 23rd. Need to achieve a 0% grade at 48th/Hamilton/Saddlecreek.
  • Plans to include final details like road closures and turn lane construction.
  • NDOT Permit: Required to occupy the right-of-way at N Saddlecreek & NW Radial/Lafayette.
  • Traffic Flow:
  • Right-turn lane on Hamilton to be constructed by development team.
  • Temporary restriction: No right turn on Hamilton for approx. 6–10 months, but traffic engineer will manage signal timing during this period.
  • Emphasis on coordinating construction timeline with public messaging to avoid confusion.
  • Goal: Start development construction immediately after streetscape completion.

Friday, July 5, 2024

Meeting Summary from 5 July, 2024

During our meeting we discussed the following items:
  • Streetscape Housewarming Brainstorm - we threw out several ideas for a possible finish of construction party.
  • Final Amenity Selection:
  • Benches:
  • Style: Rest Bench – Armless, with back, no separator
  • Source: Victor Stanley benches
  • Colors: Vivid, fun, family-friendly – each bench a different color (e.g., "Meet me at the orange bench") Proposed Colors: Yellow, Mango, Red-Orange, Red, Lime Green, Bright Blue
  • Trash & Recycling:
  • Product: Multiplicity Trash
  • Trash cans to coordinate with nearby bench colors
  • Recycling cans to be green for consistency
  • More trash cans needed overall
  • Bike Racks:
  • Mix of standard loops and playful sculptural designs
  • Product: Ride Bike Rack
  • Amenity Zones: Up to 6 distinct amenity zones with cohesive design and layout

Friday, April 5, 2024

Meeting Summary from 5 April, 2024

 

The BID meeting minutes covered several key points including underground electrical work, streetlights, funding, and upcoming deadlines. 

All streetlights are slated to transition underground. The BID is looking at how we can get the remaining overhead lines also underground. Distribution wires crossing over Saddlecreek were identified as a crucial consideration, with three sets requiring attention.

Funding discussions included a significant contribution of $1.5 million from Public Works for new cement work, reducing our project costs by around $500,000. Options for alleyway improvements were explored, with estimates for brick pavers at $500,000, cement at roughly $250,000. The BID is interested in lower maintenance solutions.

Upcoming deadlines: 

  • Decisions on utilizing ARPA funds for lighting and the type and height of lights (acorn or globes, 12 or 16 feet) are to be made by May. 
  • The 70% plan slated for review by Public Works in May. 
  • A preliminary public meeting was scheduled for June 5th to discuss various aspects including monument signage, street furniture styles and costs.

Wednesday, February 7, 2024

Public Meeting for Preliminary Plans (30% stage)

 Last night, the city planning department and Ollson held a public meeting at the Omar to share the preliminary plans (30% stage) with the community and to receive feedback. We were pleased to hear the positive feedback from members of the public: we did our best to incorporate the features the public felt was important in the public meeting last fall.

There were two map stations set up for the community to see the draft plan, ask questions and make comments. 
Photo Credit: Molly Kliment-Jenkins
 
It was an amazing turnout: most people were standing (not pictured).  
Photo Credit: Molly Kliment-Jenkins

Friday, February 2, 2024

Meeting Summary from 2 February 2024

The upcoming public meeting planning revolved around various aspects of the project, including a 10 to 15-minute presentation in an open house format with six stations. The meeting materials were shared by the city via a Google Drive link provided. The Business Improvement District (BID) members will not have an active role in the presentation.

The meeting stations will include:

  1. Two strip maps
  2. Proposed work schedule
  3. Street cross section 
  4. Landscaping options and renderings
  5. 48th street board
  6. Comment table

 It was highlighted that the final design would commence, and a stakeholder meeting is already scheduled. The issue of parking, particularly regarding Sgt Peffers and the possibility of vertical parking, was discussed. Challenges regarding parking on Charles Street were acknowledged, including the proposal for one handicap stall per block. Furthermore, crosswalks, property value per square foot, and snow removal concerns were brought up.

Upcoming engagements included a meeting on February 12th at Waypoint Church with the refugee community, aiming to get the Karen refugee community feedback. A lighting study on the existing cobra heads streetlights was presented and the benefits of 12 vs 16 foot lights were considered. We agreed that we wanted banner supports and outlets on the lights included, and inquiries were made about the color of the light.

Saturday, January 6, 2024

Meeting Summary from 5 January 2024

 

The North Saddle Creek Business Improvement District (BID) convened at 9:30 AM, addressing critical aspects of the Preliminary 30% Design presented by Olsson. Lighting options, including Acorn or Globe fixtures, were evaluated, with emphasis on cost considerations, maintenance agreements with OPPD, and potential vulnerabilities to hail damage. Landscaping proposals included adjustments to parking access at Auction Mill and Sgt Peffers, incorporating lighting, landscaping, and parking modifications in the alley behind Homy. Street furniture, such as trash cans, bike racks, and benches, was discussed, along with strategies to enhance bike access without compromising safety.

The estimated cost for phases 1 and 2, excluding Hamilton from 48th to NW Radial or the alleyway, was presented at $3.3-3.4 million. Off-street parking considerations, zoning principles aligning with urban design standards, and the application of ACI-1 for March/April planning board review were outlined. the planning department emphasizing its effectiveness since its adaptation in 2007. The BID expressed general support for ACI-1.

Fundraising efforts led by Pete and Josh are contingent on grant confirmations in April/May, targeting coverage for phases 1 and 2. The next steps involve City Review of Preliminary Plans from 1-08-24 to 1-22-24, followed by a Public Open House tentatively scheduled for 1-31-24 at Harrison Elementary. ACI-1 was reserved for future public discussions. The meeting adjourned at 11:35 AM, with a clear trajectory for the BID's ongoing urban development initiatives.

Friday, December 1, 2023

Meeting Summary from 1 December, 2023

The meeting began promptly at 9:00 AM with a discussion on the current project timeline. The City survey, which faced delays and is now under Public Works, is expected to reach Ollsen today. Because of those delays, a revised timeline was discussed:

  • 30% plan should be submitted to the BID before the new year

  • January would see a review of the 30% plan at the next BID meeting (January 5th) with relevant stakeholders. 

  • A public review was scheduled for the end of January or early February, and Ollsen is tasked with developing materials and incorporating feedback leading up to the BID meeting. The meeting on February 2 would serve as a debriefing, followed by a two-week period for Ollsen to compile comments.

The meeting also highlighted the importance of engaging nearby Sudanese and Korean refugees through language appropriate materials to involve them in feedback opportunities.

The proposed budget, requesting $5 million, outlined different phases for the construction:

  • Phase 1 from Peanut to Janosek/49th at $1.7 million,

  • Phase 2 from Janosek/49th to 49th/Hamilton at $1.75 million, and 

  • Phase 3 from 49th/Hamilton to NW Radial at $1.6 million. 

The discussion acknowledged the potential to break the plan into portions for bidding if all grant monies are not secured in time.

Finally, we briefly reviewed some new options for security cameras. We are still researching to find the appropriate solution to our security needs.

Friday, November 3, 2023

Meeting summary from 3 November 2023

 

The meeting commenced at 9:00 AM with discussions focusing on the upcoming timeline for streetscape work. 

  • November: the survey, nearing completion, aims to address drainage and accessibility concerns, with preliminary design set for Thanksgiving. A special agenda item for November 14th was noted, driven by the City Council's post-Thanksgiving schedule. 

  • December: the focus shifts to public input and addressing stakeholder concerns through a Stakeholder meeting/BID on December 1, followed by a public meeting on December 19 featuring an open house format covering funding, timeline/process, preliminary design, and a question box. 

  • January: dedicated to resolving easements, and by late February, the final design is expected, to be presented to the BID with public feedback scheduled for Feb 20. Additional considerations for the future timeline include general services, bidding processes, and Council approval.

In the "Other Business" section, the meeting touched on various topics. 

  • Artwork in the area was discussed, with the Sioux Falls Sculpture Walk serving as a potential model 

  • Security concerns were raised, encompassing homelessness and individual security. 

  • We briefly touched on the idea of a dog park in the area.