A Message from the SBD Chair

On behalf of the Special Business District Board of Directors, I want to thank everyone who participated in the recent online survey of the performance of the SBD Offices and its director, Carrie Gartner. We received excellent feedback. Your feedback was incorporated into the goals and objectives for the director in our 2009-2010 fiscal year.

It was clear from the survey results that, while there are issues to be addressed, you are positive about the direction of the organization and its director. I can assure you that the board wants to hear your thoughts and suggestions at any time. Every one of the board members is listed on The District website, which also includes our email addresses. We welcome your involvement in the organization.

There is no doubt that 2010 will be a critical year for the Special Business District as we pursue the new Community Improvement District. Everything we are working for is clearly explained in the SBD Strategic Plan, also located on the website. Please take the time to review the information so you can be a part of this next exciting phase.

As always, I welcome your comments and questions.

Mary Wilkerson
Chair

A Big Thanks

We had quite a week here in The District and on behalf of the SBD and CCA Boards and this office, I just wanted to thank all the businesses for their help, their support and their patience.

I know many of you gave over part of your restaurant for the "We Always Swing" Pub Crawl (not to mention all the free food), others agreed to a street closure so that Roots 'n Blues could throw a music festival right in the heart of downtown, and everyone dealt with parking and traffic issues. That deserves a big thank you.

I know that not everyone's bottom line benefited from these two events but I can say that The District as a whole benefits when people come into downtown for the first time and see such vitality and excitement. It's the kind of thing that draws them back again and again.

Downtown is a special place. You don't see outdoor music festivals, pub crawls, gallery walks or football pep rallies at the mall or in the parking lot of a big box store--and that's one of our biggest strengths. As long as downtown remains a public gathering place and a venue for these great events, we will always have an advantage over other retail and dining areas and, as a result, The District will continue to thrive.

Thanks again for all the support.

Temporary sidewalk closure on Broadway

The city of Columbia Public Works Department announces that on Monday, Oct. 5, Professional Contractors & Engineers Inc. will work on the Commerce Bank Building at 901 E. Broadway Street.

This will result in a temporary sidewalk closure in front of the bank building on Broadway Street from 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. weekdays. Work on the building should be completed by Nov. 20, weather permitting. Pedestrians are asked to use an alternate route.

We will do our best to let customers know that all the businesses are still open but recommend businesses in this area get creative.  Sidewalk chalk, sandwich boards, etc.

City of Columbia Press Release:

The city of Columbia is inviting the public to help keep our city looking good by reporting graffiti.

Recently, the city created a hotline for residents to report graffiti so staff, property owners and volunteers can aim toward a speedy removal. If the graffiti is on a private residence or business, callers are asked to leave the address, as well as the area of the property where it is located. If the graffiti is in the public right-of-way, such as a light post or traffic sign, as much information as possible should be left to assist the city in locating it—this includes the side of the street it is on, nearby intersections, etc.


Citizens may report graffiti by calling (573) 441-5485 or sending an e-mail to bpcantin@GoColumbiaMo.com.

National Spotlight on Columbia's Bike Program

Sunday's Parade Magazine highlighted Columbia as part of its "Reinventing America" series, focusing on our programs to encourage traveling by bike.  


The article highlights bike infrastructure, bicycling safety classes and new folks out on their bikes as a result of the program:

Among the new converts is Bonnie Trickey, a 66-year-old mortgage broker who had scarcely mounted a bike in three decades—and was afraid to brave Columbia’s streets. Trickey took a city-sponsored cycling-safety class and now rides through Columbia’s hillier neighborhoods for an hour most mornings. Likewise, Alvin Sweezer, 40, a school custodian, commutes 15 miles each way from his home. Sweezer’s journey begins at 5 a.m., in darkness, and wends up a couple of steep hills and over a potholed country bridge before passing a yard full of dogs who invariably greet him with bloodcurdling growls. Still, he says, “Even if it snows, I ride in. They plow the roads pretty good around here.

Columbia's efforts are compared to those of the now famous bike city--Portland, Oregon:

Columbia is still far from equaling Portland’s gold standard, but Mia Birk, once Bicycle Program Manager for Portland and now a principal in a transit-planning firm there, notes: “There’s no overnight magic wand you can wave. It takes a generation to change an ingrained habit like driving, but Columbia is on its way.” From 2007 to 2008, the number of cyclists riding midweek increased by 71%. There are now about 10,000 people riding Columbia’s streets. 

And yes, it does feature a photo of Mayor Hindman, on a bike, wearing a suit and tie.


Read the entire article at: http://www.parade.com/news/2009/09/27-a-free-wheeling-city.html

Roots 'n Blues Emergency Contact Info

From the Department of Public Safety Joint Communications:

With thousands expected to converge on Columbia this weekend for the annual Roots ‘N Blues and Barbecue Festival, the Columbia/ Boone County Department of Public Safety Joint Communications (PSJC) reminds those who may need 911 services that they can assist our operators in dispatching critical services in a timely fashion.

“With the magnitude of the crowd anticipated in the downtown area on Friday and Saturday, we expect to receive a high number of calls for emergency services,” says acting interim PSJC Director Donna Hargis. “Just as we always ask those who call 911, we are requesting that those who must call from the festival to make themselves aware of their surroundings, and know the location from where they are calling. We also ask that callers remain calm, speak clearly, follow the operator’s directions, explain the incident, and stay on the line until the dispatcher tells you to hang up. That can help the victim get the assistance he or she needs in a timely manner.”

Those attending the Roots ‘N Blues and Barbecue Festival and associated activities such as the half-marathon are reminded that 911 should be called for public safety and life-threatening situations. For non-emergency situations, you are encouraged to call the non-emergency number at the Operations Center (573-442-6131), the non-emergency line for the Columbia Police Department (573-874-7652), or find one of the many officers and security personnel who will be working in the downtown area during the two-day event.

Downtown traffic and parking for Roots ‘N Blues

From the City of Columbia:

As the community welcomes residents and visitors for this weekend’s “Roots ‘N Blues ‘N BBQ Festival,” city officials offer advice for those coming to or passing through the downtown area. The patience of citizens and business owners is appreciated.

Closed Streets
The following streets will be closed starting at 9 a.m. on Friday, Sept. 25, through 4 a.m. on Sunday, Sept. 27.
• Fourth, Fifth and Sixth streets between Broadway and Locust Street
• Seventh Street between Cherry and Elm streets
• Locust Street between Sixth and Eighth streets
• Elm Street between Sixth and Eighth streets

Barricades
Streets with barricades will be manned by volunteers to assist visitors.

Parking
During Festival hours, free parking will be available on a first-come, first-served basis in all city garages, lots and at parking meters on open streets. Festival hours run from 5:15 -11 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 25, and from 11 a.m. - 11 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 26. Those who hold city parking permits are not guaranteed a space during the Festival.

Parking is available at the University’s north campus garages.
New Belgium Beer and Shakespeare’s Pizza are providing a complimentary bike valet at the corner of Ninth and Elm streets.

Visitors are encouraged to use the FREE shuttles running from the University of Missouri Reactor Field on Providence Road to the Columbia Convention & Visitor’s Bureau at Providence Road and Elm Street. Shuttle hours are: 4 -11:45 p.m. Friday and 10 a.m.-11:45 p.m. Saturday. More information on parking shuttles can be found in the “FAQ” section on the festival’s Web site, www.rootsnbluesnbbq.com.

Vehicles will be subject to towing and city parking enforcement under the following conditions: when it’s a matter of public safety, fire safety or hazardous conditions, such as blocking an entrance or exit; when a street is closed; or when a “no parking” notice is posted on meters or other areas.

Contacts:

Tara Hart, Public Relations Manager - (816) 616-7065, thart@woodruffsweitzer.com

Lt. Krista Shouse-Jones, Columbia Police Department - (573) 874-7525

Ninth Street Repairs

The city of Columbia Public Works Department announces that beginning Tuesday, Sept. 22, at 8 a.m., weather permitting, the Street Division will begin repairs along South Ninth Street between Elm Street and University Avenue. This work will result in temporary lane restrictions and limited parking availability while repairs are being made.

The work should be completed and the road fully reopened Friday, Sept. 25, at 4:30 p.m., weather permitting. Motorists and pedestrians are urged to exercise extreme caution when in the construction area and use an alternate route whenever possible.

Contact: Public Works Department - (573) 874-7250

Free ticket opportunities for Roots ‘N Blues

The Voluntary Action Center (VAC) still has some complimentary tickets to this weekend’s Roots ‘N Blues ‘N BBQ Festival for distribution to individuals and families in the community. The festival is set for Sept. 25-26 in downtown Columbia.

According to Public Communications Director Toni Messina, VAC continues to “partner” with the community to reach people who have economic challenges. “Since VAC is a known resource, it makes sense to rely on Executive Director Cindy Mustard and her staff as a ticketing center,” Messina said. According to Messina, there will be a limit of four tickets per household for each festival day. Interested persons should contact VAC at 874-2273 or visit the VAC office at 800 N. Providence, Suite 220.

Messina also said that Thumper Productions LLC, the event organizer, will provide free day passes to those who volunteer in various positions during the festival. Interested persons should contact Thumper Productions at (573) 442-5862 or online at

http://rootsnbluesnbbq.com/festival-info/volunteers/.

Planned Power Outage in Parking Garage, City Offices

Contact: Public Works Department - (573) 874-7250


On Tuesday, Sept. 29, starting at 6 p.m., contractors for the City Hall construction project will be completing a power switch-over. All electric power to the Daniel Boone building at 701 E. Broadway and the parking garage between Seventh and Eighth streets on Walnut will be shut off. The process will take about five hours to complete.

• The Parking Plaza elevator will shut off at 5:30 p.m. and reopen on Wednesday morning.

• "Arms" at the Parking Plaza will be up to allow cars to exit.

• There will be no lights, elevator or electric power during this time at the Daniel Boone Building or the parking garage between Seventh and Eighth streets on Walnut.

• City Channel will be off the air during the outage.

We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause. Please feel free to contact the Public Works Department at (573) 874-7250 if you have questions.

Roots 'n Blues Festival Information

The Roots 'n Blues 'n BBQ Festival is this weekend and runs from 5:15 to 10:30 pm on Friday, September 25 and 11 am to 11 pm on Saturday, September 26.

A festival map is available at http://www.rootsnbluesnbbq.com/festival-info/map/.

The Columbia Daily Tribune has a great festival overview at http://www.columbiatribune.com/news/specialsections/roots-n-blues2009/.

Below is important information for all District businesses.

Street Closures
The following streets will be closed from Friday, September 25, 2009 at 9:00 a.m. to September 27, 2009 at 4:00 p.m.:

• Fourth Street, between Broadway and Locust Street
• Fifth Street, between Broadway and Locust Street
• Sixth Street, between Broadway and Locust Street
• Seventh Street, between Cherry Street and Elm Street
• Cherry Street, between Fourth Street and Seventh Street
• Locust Street, between Sixth Street and Eighth Street
• Elm Street, between Sixth Street and Eighth Street

Deliveries
No deliveries are allowed in the festival area after 10:00 am on Friday and Saturday. Please make alternate arrangements with your drivers for those two days.

Parking
Two garages are located within the festival footprint. The 8th & Cherry garage will be open to the public for both entry and exit. The 6th & Cherry garage will be open to the public on the Locust Street side only. The 6th St. entrance will be closed. Garages on 8th & Walnut and 10th and Cherry will operate as usual.

City parking will not be enforcing meters or garages during the festival, meaning that visitors may park for the duration of the festival at no charge. Illegal parking—double parking, alley parking and parking in emergency areas—will still be enforced.

There will be two shuttles providing transportation from Reactor Field on Providence Road to the Columbia Convention and Visitors Bureau at Providence Road and Elm Street.

Please discuss parking options for your employees.


Open Container Waiver
The open container ordinance shall not apply to the following streets and parking lot on Friday, September 25, 2009 between the hours of 5:00 p.m. and 10:30 p.m. and Saturday,
September 26, 2009 between the hours of 11:00 a.m. and 10:30 p.m.:

• Elm Street from Sixth Street to Eighth Street;
• Seventh Street from Cherry Street to Elm Street;
• Locust Street from 55-feet west of Seventh Street to Eighth Street;
• Those portions of Fourth Street, Fifth Street, Sixth Street, Cherry Street and the municipal parking lot on Fifth Street between Cherry Street and Locust Street that are assigned to BBQ contestants.

Marathon
A 10K and ½ marathon will be held this year on Saturday at 7 am, with Flat Branch Park as the staging area. The race is early and only takes place in a small section of The District. However, complete course information is available at: http://www.ultramaxtri.com/races/RootsNBlues/PDF/10K_Roots_N_Blues_09.pdf and http://www.ultramaxtri.com/races/RootsNBlues/PDF/Half_Roots_N_Blues09.pdf.

For additional information contact:

Nicole Thieret
General Manager, Live Music Division
910 East Broadway, Suite 10
Columbia, MO 65201
W: 573-442-8642
C : 573-513-5015
F : 573-874-7979
nthieret@thumperentertainment.com

Flu Shots

Annual flu shots will be provided by WELLAWARE on October 16, from 8:00 am to 11:00 am at Boone Tavern. The cost is $25, and payment can be made by cash or check at the time of service. To arrange for a group payment, contact Erin at WELLAWARE 815-6466.

H1N1 shots will NOT be available - as they are only providing the vaccine to high-risk patents at area hospitals.

Why fight the game day traffic?

We've got another home game Saturday at 1:00 pm as the University of Missouri faces off against Furman University. You can spend your day hiking up and down Providence or you can park in The District and hop on the Mizzou Shuttle. Make it a day and meet your friends for dinner in The District after the game.

The route is the same as last week. The Mizzou Shuttle Bus begins at Wabash Station and stops at the Armory Parking Lot,Boone Tavern/8th St. Parking Garage, Harpo's, Addison's, Bengals, Flat Branch Pub, and Shiloh. The final stop is Maryland & Hospital Drive, a short walk to the stadium.

The buses start at the Wabash Station on 10th & Ash at 11:00 am and will depart every 15 minutes until the final bus departures at 12:45 pm. After the game, final shuttle will leave Maryland & Hospital Drive 30 minutes after the final gun. The fare is only $1 each way.

Parking is available at any of the four garages on 8th & Walnut, 8th & Cherry, 10th & Cherry or 6th & Cherry. For more District parking options check out www.parkinthedistrict.com.

Broadway Street Repairs

The city of Columbia Public Works Department announces that on Wednesday, Sept. 16, at 8 a.m., weather permitting, the Street Division will begin repairs on westbound Broadway between Seventh Street and Providence Road. This work will result in temporary lane restrictions on westbound Broadway.

The work should be completed and the road fully reopened Friday, Sept. 18, at 4:30 p.m., weather permitting. Motorists and pedestrians are urged to exercise extreme caution when in the construction zone and use an alternative route whenever possible.

Tour Bus Alert

This Monday, September 14th at the Missouri Theatre, Carl Hurley and Jeanne Robertson are performing at 2:00 PM. There will be approximately 10-12 motor coaches bringing groups to see the show.

The CVB is coordinating the unloading/loading of these coaches with the assistance of the Columbia Police Department. The meters on the south side of Locust between 9th and 10th hooded, and will be used to unload the coaches. After the show, the coaches will park on Locust as tightly as possible to load them back up. There will be officers directing traffic through the intersection to minimize congestion as much as possible. Depending on the number of coaches, Locust will be blocked from either 9th to 10th or 8th to 10th. If at all possible, we will try to keep the coaches on the block of Locust from 9th to 10th.

In the past, they have been able to load the coaches completely within 15-20 minutes. The goal of the CVB and the Missouri Theatre is to minimize any disruption to the surrounding businesses as much as possible while maintaining the safety of the passengers- mostly elderly- as they move into and out of the theatre. This performance does provide a boost of business for the District, as quite a few of the groups are eating downtown, and/or shopping prior to or after the show.

Mizzou Shuttle

The University of Missouri kicks off against Bowling Green this Saturday at 6:00 pm. You can fight the crowds and walk to the stadium from somewhere up on Providence or you can take our suggestion--spend the afternoon in one of our restaurants and take the Mizzou Shuttle in.

The Mizzou Shuttle Bus route begins at Wabash Station and stops at the Armory Parking Lot,Boone Tavern/8th St. Parking Garage, Harpo's, Addison's, Bengals, Flat Branch Pub, and Shiloh. The final stop is Maryland & Hospital Drive, a short walk to the stadium.

The buses start at the Wabash Station on 10th & Ash at 4:00 pm and will depart every 15 minutes until the final bus departures at 5:45 pm. After the game, final shuttle will leave Maryland & Hospital Drive 30 minutes after the final gun. The fare is only $1 each way.

Parking is available at any of the four garages on 8th & Walnut, 8th & Cherry, 10th & Cherry or 6th & Cherry.

CID Applications Due Today

In anticipation of a Downtown Community Improvement District (CID) petition, the CID Steering Committee is seeking nominations for a CID Advisory Board as well as for Economic Development, Operations or Marketing Committee members. Board and committee members must fulfill a number of statutory requirements so be sure to check the guidelines if you are interested. Guidelines, applications and the CID Plan are available at www.downtown.org or by calling 442-6816. You may also direct questions to Mike Vangel, Chair of the CID Steering Committee.

Applications must be received in The District office at 11 S. Tenth St. by Tuesday, September 15 at 5:00 pm.

Solid Waste District Committee Agenda

Solid Waste District Committee

of the Columbia Special Business District

September 8, 2009 at 3 p.m.

11 South Tenth Street

Call to Order

New Business

Wagner Request

Saturday Trash Pick Up

Guitar Building Compactor

Adjournment

SBD Agenda

Columbia Special Business District

Board of Directors Meeting

September 8, 2009 at 4 p.m.

11 South Tenth Street

Call to Order

Approval of the August Minutes

Financial Report

Approval of August Financials

Police Report

Committee Reports

Solid Waste District – Timberlake

Downtown Leadership Council – Wilkerson

Nominating Committee

Old Business

Proposed Ninth St. bike parking – Ted Curtis, GetAbout

New Business

Elm Street Parking Meter Proposal

SBD Member Outreach Task

Remind members about the CID application deadline of 5 pm, 9/15

Director’s Report

New Business Update

CID Update

International Downtown Association Conference

City Update

Public Comment

Executive Session

Adjournment

2009 Moo-Dah Parade - Call for Entries

The 2009 Occasional Annual Moo Dah Parade is set to awe spectators in The District at 2:01 p.m. on Saturday, October 3, 2009. The Moo Dah Parade, a humorous, family -oriented event, is all about having fun, getting silly, showing of off your sense of humor and generally making a fool of yourself!

Past entries have included: The BBQ Q Grill Team; The Dewey Decimators Drill Team; The CoMo Derby Dames; the Meadow Muffins and the Toastmaster Fan Dancers, so clear out your cranial cobwebs and sign up. It’s only $3.99 for a non profit, family or individual entry and $96.99 for a business entry. Entrants can register online http://moodahparade.com/ or by picking up an entry form at the Walton Building at 300 South Providence. All proceeds from the parade will benefit the Heart of Missouri Chapter of the United Way.

Of course, you don’t have to march in the parade to be a part of the magic of Moo Dah. Line the streets of The District to cheer on your favorite entry and even bribe the judges for the people’s choice award. The parade is scheduled to leave Flat Branch Park at 2:01 p.m., move east on Elm Street, north on Ninth Street, west on Broadway to Fourth and then back to Flat Branch Park. It’s definitely not a site to be missed!

Temporary closure of Walnut Street Sept. 10-11

The Public Works Department announces a temporary street closure Sept. 10-11 on Walnut Street between Fifth and Sixth streets. This closure is due to work by Graham Construction on the new parking garage. Signs will be posted to detour traffic around the construction zone.

The sidewalk in front of the post office and parking lot on the east side of the post office will remain open. Parking lot traffic will only be able to exit to the east. The work should be completed and the road fully reopened Sept. 12, weather permitting. Motorists are advised to take an alternate route during these dates.