DDA Meeting 7.27.2023

Detailed briefing

DOWNTOWN DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY MEETING — July 27, 2023 ATTENDEES: Roll call listed Mayor Matt, Nikki Law, Amy Gillard, Cora Smith, Rocky Madun, Sarah Eschelbrenner and Gail Brown as present; Rachel Morford was absent. A quorum was confirmed. • The DDA approved moving forward with a full survey of the Merchants Walkway area at a stated cost of $3,800. No opposition was voiced after the vote. Staff said the prior Benchmark work was a boundary survey for lot lines and easements, not the full site survey needed for design. • Staff explained that OHM needs survey points tied to physical features on the ground, in a 3D format, plus AutoCAD-compatible information, before it can complete design work. The previously approved OHM agreement stated that the city would provide the survey. • Board members raised concern that the project could generate change orders and costs beyond the available budget. Staff said any work outside the already approved scope would need to return to the DDA for discussion and approval. One member urged considering a more limited cosmetic repair rather than a larger project, while others said prior attempts at simpler repairs had drawn neighborhood objections. • Members discussed the walkway’s condition and use. Some described it as unsafe, dilapidated and difficult in winter; others questioned whether a costly redesign was warranted given limited use and budget constraints. The board noted that it is still determining the cost of the approved walkway work before proceeding further. • In response to a letter from neighboring property owners alleging unsafe conditions and potential liability, DPW had visited the walkway the day before the meeting. Staff said DPW added caution signage and barricades and trimmed vegetation near stairs. The city attorney was expected to respond to the letter with photos and explain that the DDA is pursuing a permanent fix. • The board received a hiring update: interviews for the DDA director position had been narrowed to one person. Information on the candidate was to be sent to the board before the August 9 meeting, when the matter would be brought forward. Worth watching: • Whether the full survey identifies additional work or costs outside the approved design scope. • Whether the DDA can reconcile a permanent walkway plan with its budget and neighborhood concerns. • The city attorney’s response to the neighbors’ safety letter and whether temporary measures remain sufficient. Upcoming: The DDA director candidate is expected to be presented at the August 9 meeting. Why it matters: The survey is a required next step for walkway design, but the project’s final cost, scope and community support remain unsettled.

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