City Council Meeting - 2023-01-16

Detailed briefing

City Council Meeting — January 16, 2023 ATTENDEES: Roll call recorded Matt O'Gara, Jamie Melke, John Leo, Nancy Rondell and John Copps. • Council approved the consent agenda after correcting the Parks bylaws quorum from three to four, reflecting the board’s change from five to seven members. Staff also corrected prior meeting minutes for a typo and outdated upcoming-meeting dates. • Council approved removal of trees on the north side of M-119 between Park and Hoy streets, including in front of Bay Bluffs and the skate park. Staff cited tall trees, falling branches and near misses involving the city’s primary power line and other infrastructure. The selected low bid was described as about $40,000 with stump removal included. Work was anticipated by March 31 or April 1, with a temporary M-119 closure and detour required while trees are felled toward the roadway. • The Tree Board is still considering replacement-tree species, number and spacing. Staff said the project had been budgeted at about $50,000, leaving an estimated $10,000 for planting, and said fundraising and tree donations may be sought if needed. There is no current plan to bury the power line, although staff said it could be considered in the future. • Council authorized staff to pursue professional plans for a renovation of the existing Harbormaster building. The concept would turn the current north-side public bathrooms into boater laundry and mechanical space, while adding public bathrooms on the west side facing Marina Park. Staff said the proposal could reduce pedestrian movement through the parking lot and potentially eliminate a need for another bathroom building in the park. Parking impacts remain unknown until a site plan is prepared. • Council approved Ford Park launch-permit changes: daily permits remain unchanged, while seasonal permit holders must obtain stickers for trailers used to launch boats. Staff said enforcement will be part-time and partly honor-system based. A public commenter said Ford Park’s mix of vehicles, trailers, boats, dogs, paddleboards and other uses creates safety and circulation problems, and urged a broader site redesign. Council members described the permit change as limited rather than a full solution. • Staff announced TextMyGov is expected within the next month or so, offering automated text responses and public notifications. The boardwalk replacement project was out to bid, with review anticipated February 6 if bids are received. The noise survey had about 300 responses. Worth watching: • Whether M-119 replacement-tree planning and fundraising stay within the stated project budget. • Whether professional Harbormaster plans affect Marina Park parking or park space. • Whether the city advances a broader Ford Park safety, circulation and use review. Upcoming: Boardwalk bids may be reviewed February 6; the Noise Committee is scheduled to review survey responses February 7. Why it matters: The actions advance near-term infrastructure work while leaving major design, safety and funding follow-through unresolved.

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