Downtown Development Authority Meeting - 2020-08-13

Detailed briefing

Downtown Development Authority Meeting — August 13, 2020 ATTENDEES: Kathy Brightner, Matt Bughera, Tim Knapp, Josh Baker, Jody Eubank, Dana Mulder, Brian Badini, and Amy Gillard were recorded present; Nikki was absent. • The DDA approved the July 2 meeting minutes. During COVID-19 updates, it heard that street music had begun and was viewed as successful, with road closures and music distributed around downtown. Picnic tables were in place, concrete work was complete, and sail shades were expected to be installed the following night. • The Chamber canceled the sidewalk sale. Its representative said organizers could not assure safety or six-foot distancing when merchandise was moved onto sidewalks, particularly because masks were not required outdoors. The Chamber is instead collecting and publishing information on individual merchants' sales, including virtual sales. • A business survey drew generally positive feedback despite lower revenue and traffic than in prior years. Respondents reportedly said business was better than expected for 2020, workplaces and protective equipment were manageable, and customers generally felt comfortable indoors. Some businesses asked that temporary measures, including sandwich boards, remain available after the pandemic; the matter was to be raised with the Planning Commission. • Members discussed waterfront green-space improvements near Marina Park. They noted that work has been delayed by unresolved plans for the harbormaster building and parking-lot redesign. The group favored bringing the enhancement committee back together, reviewing existing plans, and incorporating public input through the city master-planning process before pursuing a piecemeal park design. • The tree-grate project remains under review. Quotes were being sought, while members considered phased construction, larger tree openings, and alternatives to underground electrical work for tree lighting. No final scope, contractor, or funding decision was made. • The board discussed whether Ice Fest could proceed under pandemic conditions, including an outdoor chili-cookoff option and sponsor availability. The promotions committee is expected to meet beginning in September to consider the path forward. • On finance, the DDA is awaiting county follow-up on its TIF request after supplying project and city-budget information. Members also discussed possible future revenue sources, including changes to the current assessment, a millage, grants, and parking-related options. The finance committee was asked to reconvene. Worth watching: • Whether county officials schedule the requested individual meetings on the DDA's TIF request. • Whether the finance committee develops a recommendation for new or increased DDA revenue. • Whether the enhancement committee advances a coordinated waterfront/park planning process. Upcoming: The regular September meeting was moved from September 3 to September 10, with a 7:30 a.m. bylaws review planned before the meeting. Why it matters: The DDA is balancing pandemic-era downtown support with unresolved capital projects and a need for more dependable funding.

No open public follow-ups are linked to this meeting yet.