DDA Meeting 11.8.23

Detailed briefing

DOWNTOWN DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY — November 8, 2023 ATTENDEES: Roll call recorded Cora and Gail absent; six members later voted yes on the 2024 budget, though the transcript does not clearly map every roll-call response. • The DDA approved minutes from both a special meeting and the October meeting. No opposition was recorded after the motion was made for both sets of minutes. • The board approved a 2024 budget by roll call. The recorded yes votes were Nikki, Amy, Rachel, Sarah, Mayor Matt, and Jody. The budget was described as using prior-year trends, with anticipated 2024 TIF capture of about $140,000 and $46,000 in another stated revenue line. It is to be provided to City Council for a first review on December 4. • Central business district snow removal prompted an extended discussion. Members cited city code requiring owners and occupants to remove snow or ice from adjoining sidewalks within 12 hours. If they do not, the city may remove it and bill the owner. The board said it was premature to contract immediately for downtown service and discussed sending the issue back to City Council for decisions on service levels, funding, billing, and enforcement. • Informal snow-removal figures discussed were roughly $30,000 annually from Keller's and about $24,000 through the general fund; speakers stressed that these were estimates. Members also discussed creating a reporting process to identify uncleared sidewalks and gather data on repeat problems. • Staff presented Third Street lighting options. One option from Bank Lawn Services was $4,700 initially to wrap tree trunks, followed by a $675 annual maintenance fee, with the contractor saying installation could occur before Thanksgiving. A motion was made in support of using Faith Lawn Services for the winter lighting recommendation, but two participants voiced opposition and the transcript does not state whether the motion passed. • Announcements included the Chamber's Ladies Night on Saturday, with 33 participating shops and restaurants, and a December 15 fundraiser for the eastern part of the boardwalk at the pier. The fundraiser was described as a $100 strolling supper from 6 to 10 p.m., with proceeds split 50/50. Worth watching: • Whether City Council sets a clearer policy for downtown sidewalk snow removal, enforcement, and funding. • Whether the DDA develops a process for reporting uncleared sidewalks and tracking repeat issues. • The unresolved recorded outcome of the Third Street winter-lighting motion. Upcoming: City Council's first review of the DDA's 2024 budget is expected December 4; the boardwalk fundraiser is December 15. Why it matters: The discussion centered on how to maintain safe, accessible downtown sidewalks and improve Third Street visibility without committing prematurely to long-term contracts.

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