City Council Regular Meeting

Detailed briefing

City Council Regular Meeting — May 20, 2024 • Council approved a tax-increment financing agreement between the city, Downtown Development Authority and county. From 2025 through 2038, the DDA may capture 50% of applicable county tax-increment revenue while the county retains 50%. The first-year county capture was estimated at $42,000 to $47,000. County-derived money is restricted to projects identified in the downtown development plan, and unused county funds must be returned when the agreement expires. • Council authorized the Harbor Master building renovation to go out for bids. The presented schedule calls for bid release May 22, a June 3 pre-bid tour, bids due June 21 and a possible conditional award July 15. Construction was presented as starting September 9 and requiring completion by May 15. No construction contract or final financing plan was approved. Officials said the project was expected to exceed the earlier $600,000 estimate. • The Harbor Master work would close the building and its restrooms during construction and make part of the parking lot inaccessible. City officials acknowledged that temporary restroom arrangements may be needed, particularly because these restrooms normally remain available when most others are closed for winter. • Council approved planned State Street closures for six Street Musique evenings. The motion also called for more activity near the State Street performance area and an attendance evaluation in the fall before planning the following year. Two council members recused themselves. The broader Street Musique season runs on most Thursdays from June 27 through August 22, from 6 to 8:30 p.m. • At Ford Park, Council approved striping the final trailer space as a 10-minute kayak loading and unloading area. It also authorized the Department of Public Works director to obtain cost estimates for widening the boat-launch approach by four, six or eight feet. No widening construction or funding was approved. • Council directed preparation of a temporary administrative ordinance allowing outdoor merchandise displays through October 31. The DDA and Planning Commission are expected to consider longer-term rules, including maintaining a six-foot pedestrian clearance. • Following extensive public comment, Council adopted the revised zoning code and Ordinance 439. Petition organizers reported 888 signatures opposing or seeking delay, including 320 city property-owner signatures said to represent 22% of city acreage; the transcript records no city verification of those figures. Other speakers supported adoption, calling the code clearer and easier to use. Worth watching: 1. Harbor Master bid prices, funding sources and temporary restroom plans. 2. Whether Street Musique organizers produce attendance information for the fall review. 3. Permanent outdoor-display rules before the October 31 temporary period ends. Upcoming: Jud Hill Road was expected to reopen within roughly a week, with June 1 identified as the project deadline; Street Musique begins June 27. Why it matters: Council advanced major downtown, waterfront and zoning decisions while leaving project costs, temporary facilities and several follow-up regulations unresolved.

Agenda items

• 3E · Proposed Zoning Code and Ordinance No. 439approved

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