City of Oak Creek

Common Council Report

Meeting Date:  August 6, 2007

Item No.: 13

Recommendation:  This is an informational item.

Background: One of the objectives identified in the 2007 budget for the Economic Development Fund (Fund 31) is the development of a framework for a comprehensive marketing plan for the City.  In August of last year, the Community Development Authority (CDA) formed a working group of 3 members to bring forward recommendations on the creation of a marketing plan for the City.

Since that time, the working group, which consists of Jim Ruetz, Terry Peterson and Sig Tomkalski, has met on several occasions.  Based on those preliminary meetings, this working group invited several planning and marketing firms to present their thoughts on the creation of a marketing plan for Oak Creek.

On July 18th the CDA took part in a presentation with Celtic, Inc.  This is the firm that was selected by the marketing working group.  More information on Celtic and their capabilities can be found in the attached document.

At that meeting, the CDA approved a motion recommending to the Common Council that the City of Oak Creek enter into negotiations with Celtic, Inc. to develop and implement a marketing plan for the City of Oak Creek.  This marketing plan will be independent of that which is currently occurring for the 27th Street corridor.  The working group, and the CDA feel that it is important that Oak Creek have its own brand and identity that is separate, but incorporating elements from, the joint 27th Street marketing with Franklin.

Jim Ruetz, a member of the CDA and the marketing working group will be present at this evening’s meeting to update you on the efforts of the CDA with respect to the development of marketing plans for the City.  No action is being proposed at this meeting.  It is the intention of the CDA that this item be brought back to the Council at their next meeting with a more definitive scope and budget for formal action.  This would give staff direction as we discuss the budgets for the remainder of 2007 and 2008.

The CDA recognizes the importance of this initiative, and has indicated that the City devote the budgetary resources necessary to complete this work.  In August of last year, the CDA passed a motion recommending to the Common Council that they consider the opportunities of growing the economic fund with any allocation that can be allotted or used from the WE Energies fund and or land sales.  This would provide a more stable funding source than that which currently exists.

Fiscal Impact:  Preliminary cost estimates for this marketing and public relations initiative are contained in the attached pages.  The 2007 budget for the Economic Development Fund (Fund 31) contains $20,000 for Advertising and Promotions, $20,000 for Economic Development and $20,000 for Consulting.  Please also keep in mind that the City is obligated to reimburse the City of Franklin $110,000 for the streetscape plan in 2008.  Keep in mind also that a similar marketing effort for the 27th Street corridor is being contemplated.  Even though this expense may be reimbursable through TIF #7, an initial funding source must be identified.

Prepared by:                                                   Respectfully Submitted,

Doug Seymour, AICP                                     Patrick DeGrave

Director of Community Development             City Administrator

Fiscal Review by:

Beverly A. Buretta, CMC

City Clerk