City of Harbor Springs's DDA Meeting 5/8/24

Detailed briefing

DOWNTOWN DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY — May 8, 2024 ATTENDEES: Matt, Cora, Gail, Nikki, Jody and Sarah; Chuck was reported online but unable to vote. • The DDA approved a proposed agreement with Emmet County covering captured county tax revenue. The agreement calls for an equal split between the county and DDA beginning in 2025 and continuing through 2038. County-derived money could fund physical improvements listed in the DDA development plan, but not service programs. Unspent county money would be returned after 2038. City Council and county approval are still required. • The board also authorized Chair Gail to sign the agreement after city and county approval, with Vice Chair Cora attesting. Officials said the county would receive annual reports but would not approve or earmark individual projects already covered by the development plan. • The DDA approved $500 for the Chamber of Commerce sidewalk sale and $500 for the Harbor Springs Historical Society’s Blessing of the Fleet flags. The Historical Society reported that last year’s parade included 160 vessels and that the event is its largest fundraiser. • Proposed changes to the city sign ordinance remain under review. Discussion covered limits on window signage, real-estate listings, side-street frontage, multi-tenant buildings and second-floor businesses. A 15% window-coverage figure was described only as a placeholder, and several members considered it too restrictive. The Planning Commission’s subcommittee will continue reviewing options and community comparisons. • Merchants Walkway bids are due May 22 and are expected to come before the DDA in June. Work is scheduled to begin September 3, with substantial completion targeted for October 31 and final completion by November 7. The board supported temporary cedars and flowers to improve the site during summer, but watering arrangements still need to be settled. • No final placement plan was adopted for Third Street pedestrian lighting. Members questioned putting nearly all fixtures on one side of the street and adding lights in areas that may already be bright. Members discussed walking the street after dark and developing a broader placement plan before installation. Staff also reported that wayfinding-sign repairs could exceed $9,000 and is seeking a less expensive scope. Worth watching: 1. Whether City Council and Emmet County approve the tax-sharing agreement. 2. Merchants Walkway bid costs and the resulting budget amendment. 3. Final Third Street lighting locations and the wayfinding-repair funding source. Upcoming: Flower planting is May 19 at 10 a.m.; Merchants Walkway bids are due May 22; DDA training is May 30; the Michigan Downtown Association workshop is May 31. Why it matters: The meeting advanced a new downtown infrastructure funding source while leaving several spending, design and implementation decisions open.

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