Downtown Development Authority Meeting - 2024-11-13

Detailed briefing

Downtown Development Authority — November 13, 2024 • The board announced that Rocky had resigned from the DDA because of other work and commitments. A quorum was confirmed. The consent agenda was approved after a Promotions Committee minutes date was flagged for correction. Financial statements were not included because the staff member responsible for providing them had been out sick. • The board approved a change order for an existing project contract after the contractor reported that work could not begin as planned this year. The revised completion date is May 29, 2025. The amendment also clarifies contract language concerning whether a retaining wall will be repaired or replaced. Staff said there is no change in price. • The board approved a new orientation packet intended to give current and incoming members more context on DDA rules, responsibilities, projects and downtown history. Members requested typographical and factual corrections, suggested changing “job description” to “expectations,” and raised a question about whether agendas are always posted for special meetings. The packet is expected to be maintained electronically and updated over time. • The Promotions Committee plans to promote Small Business Saturday using a locally designed graphic incorporating the American Express and downtown logos. Distribution and promotion were expected to begin November 15. Plans for additional Santa visits during December were tabled because available dates did not fit, although Santa is expected during the existing tree-lighting activities. • A social media consultant is expected to begin January 1, when funding becomes available. The committee will first assess the consultant’s social media work before considering a broader website overhaul. It is also developing a 2025 promotional calendar and will discuss whether sidewalk sales should be held on the weekend of August 22 or August 29. • Downtown enhancement work remains in the planning stage. Ideas discussed included more consistent tree beds, future irrigation and electrical service, hanging flowers, durable planters, benches, trash cans, bicycle racks, improved lighting, screening utility equipment, murals and other public art. Facade grants are in the strategic plan but are not funded in the current budget. • The director will prepare the state-required DDA activity report for the December DDA meeting and City Council’s December 16 meeting. An economic development survey will also be sent to downtown merchants. Worth watching: 1. Whether the delayed contract work is completed by May 29, 2025. 2. Final selection of the 2025 sidewalk-sale weekend. 3. Costs and implementation priorities for downtown beautification proposals. Upcoming: Small Business Saturday promotion begins November 15; the social media consultant is expected to start January 1; the DDA report is planned for December. Why it matters: The decisions set deadlines and planning priorities for downtown projects, business promotion and public-space improvements.

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