City Council Meeting - 2023-08-21

Detailed briefing

Harbor Springs City Council Meeting — Aug. 21, 2023 • Council approved the consent agenda after roll-call votes were recorded in favor. • Council directed the Harbor Master Building renovation plan to move forward with four fixtures in each public restroom, rather than the three shown in the presented plan. The renovation would relocate public restrooms to the west side, convert existing restroom space to laundry and mechanical uses, add skylights, and make the building more suitable for four-season use. The plan still contemplates four washers and four dryers, although members discussed whether that number is needed and whether indoor sitting space could be accommodated. • Parking and access remained a central Harbor Master issue. The architect said restoring the fourth restroom fixture would extend the building by about three feet and could eliminate another nearby vehicle parking space. Police access to the harbor boat and DPW access for seasonal mooring work were discussed; DPW said moorings could instead be loaded at Ford Park if necessary. The revised plan is expected to go to Planning Commission before construction documents and bidding. • Council approved a GM Chevy commercial filming request for Friday, Aug. 25, from 5 to 10 a.m., with a $2,000 fee. The production said it had removed Third Street from its request and would move through locations rather than closing all requested streets at once. The fee was intended to cover city expenses, including police time and additional advance parking restrictions and signage. • The city manager reported that work on the electrical substation process and timeline was delayed because GRP had difficulty obtaining local subcontractor participation. GRP is expanding its search statewide, and staff hopes to return to council in September with a process, timeline, and cost estimates. • The Advocates for Zone Park accepted council’s donor-agreement requirements, and the agreement is to be signed. The playground is expected to be installed next spring. Staff also reported that skate park work is expected to begin soon, with completion hoped for this fall, and that a state-supported rain garden presentation and installation activity is planned Friday at the Ottawa Stadium parking lot. Worth watching: • Harbor Master project costs, funding sources, Planning Commission review, bidding, and the final construction schedule remain unresolved. • Council will need the promised substation timeline, process, and cost estimates after GRP identifies project partners. • The city’s handling of the large film-shoot request may inform a future fee process for similar private, high-impact events. Upcoming: GM Chevy filming is scheduled Friday, Aug. 25; the next council meeting was announced for Sept. 18. Why it matters: Council advanced downtown waterfront facilities and a short-term commercial use while leaving major project costs and implementation details for follow-up.

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